Golf training aid

Abstract

A golf training aid for practicing and learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing. The training aid comprises a ground mounting base which inserts and secures to the natural ground, or an alternative mounting base which allows the golf training aid to be secured to, and be used with, a conventional golf practice mat, an adjustable telescopic tube assembly which fastens to the ground mounting base, and a head rest which attaches to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly. In use, the golf training aid is inserted into the ground at an angle in front of the golfer or is secured beneath a conventional golf training mat. The golfer adjusts the training aid to the appropriate height to allow their forehead to gently rest upon the cushioned head rest. The golfer commences to make practice swings. During the swing, any lateral or upward head movement is quickly detected, allowing the golfer to train themselves in correcting the unwanted head movement, and, further allowing the golfer to learn to maintain a steady head and keep their head down during the golf swing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/280,686, Nov. 9, 2009.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to golf swing training aids, in particular, training aids which allow a user, commonly referred to as a golfer, to learn to maintain a steady head and keep the head down while making a golf swing with a golf club.

2. Description of the Prior Art

A desire of many golfers is to improve one's golf skills and therefore lower the number of golf shots it takes to complete a round of golf. In an effort to improve one's golf skills, many golfers seek training aids, which assist them in practicing and developing techniques, which train their bodies in improving their golf skills. In response to the desire to improve one's skills, a number of golf training aids have been developed and are commonly used by golfers. Many golf courses have driving ranges and other practice facilities to allow golfers a location to use such training aids as they seek to improve their golf skills. Many golfers prefer to transport a training aid, in a convenient manner, by placing it in a conventional golf club bag and transporting the training aid, along with their golf clubs, to their desired golf training facility.

In the act of playing golf, and the desire to improve one's golf skills, it is important for the golfer to maintain a steady head and to keep the head down while completing the golf swing. It is commonly recognized that a golfer has a tendency to lift their head while performing a golf swing. This is due to the natural desire for the golfer to quickly look up to see where the golf ball was hit. If the golfer looks up, prior to the golf club coming in contact with the golf ball, then an inaccurate golf shot often results. If the head is maintained in a steady position, and is not lifted during the golf swing, up until the time the golf club comes in contact with the golf ball, then the accuracy and consistency of the golf shot can be improved.

Inaccurate golf shots, as a result of lifting of the golfer's head, are referred to by golfers and golf trainers as hitting the golf ball thin, or also sometimes referred to as, the golf ball being bladed. A thin or bladed golf shot results when the golfer's head is lifted, resulting in the golfer's upper body lifting, and subsequently, the golf club being lifted prior to the golf club coming in contact with the golf ball. This results in the bottom edge, also referred to as the blade, of the golf club coming in contact too high on the golf ball. This prevents the golf ball from becoming properly elevated when struck by the golf club and therefore results in a thin, or bladed, inaccurate golf shot.

A number of devices have been disclosed for maintaining a steady head throughout the golf swing including ones shown in Shull, U.S. Pat. No. 4,302,014; Arnold Jr., U.S. Pat. No. 7,568,979; Straus, U.S. Pat. No. 3,770,280; Olcott, U.S. Pat. No. 1,636,753; Taylor, U.S. Pat. No. 3,712,625; Empie, U.S. Pat. No. 4,513,972; Hara, U.S. Pat. No. 2,611,610; and Stahl, U.S. Pat. No. 3,397,892. Each of these devices has an apparatus which comes in direct contact with the golfer's head through various adjustable methods, as a means to restrict full movement of the head, or restrict lateral movement of the head. Due to the momentum created during the golf swing, any apparatus connecting directly to the head, and restricting head movement, has the potential of causing a head or neck injury during the golf swing. A shortcoming of these devices is that they are designed to restrict movement of the golfer's head and neck, and therefore create the potential for the golfer to sustain a head or neck injury during the golf practice swing. A second shortcoming of these devices is that they can't be height adjusted, with one hand, while holding a golf club in the other hand. A third shortcoming of these devices is that they are not compact in design and can't be easily transported via a golf club bag to a golf training facility.

Bellagamba, U.S. Pat. No. 5,634,858 discloses a device which also provides for various methods to maintain a steady head through attachments, such as a cap or visor, which comes in contact with, and restricts, the golfer's head. One feature of this device is an attachment to an apparatus which allows for the golfer's head to come in direct contact with the device through the use of a bendable arm and does not require a restrictive component to be attached to the golfer's head. However, a shortcoming of this device is that the bendable arm, used to hold the attachment apparatus in place, can move during the golf swing, and will not provide the necessary stability to maintain a steady head during the golf swing. An additional shortcoming of this device is the size and bulkiness of the device does not allow it to be easily transported though the use of a conventional golf club bag. A third shortcoming of this device is that an outrigger, or liquid filled base, is required for stabilizing the device, requiring a large area for set up, or the need for a readily available liquid filler. A fourth shortcoming of this device is that it can't be height adjusted, with one hand, while holding a golf club in the other hand.

Jenkins, U.S. Pat. No. 7,275,998 discloses a device which provides a means to maintain the golfer's head in a generally invariant position while swinging the golf club through the use of a non-restrictive forehead contact. This device also calls for a battery operated generator which provides an audible signal when the golfer's head is not maintained in a steady position. It appears this device can be used with or without the audible signal generator. This device also calls for three, loose, ground spikes which are required to secure the device to the ground prior to use. A noted shortcoming of this device is the need for three, loose, detached ground spikes in order to secure this device to the ground prior to use. In order to secure the device for use, the golfer must have a hammering tool available in order to drive the spikes in the ground. The need for a hammering tool creates an inconvenience to the golfer by requiring additional equipment to be transported to the golf training facility. An additional shortcoming of this device is that it can't be height adjusted, with one hand, while holding a golf club in the other hand.

Pope, U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,641 discloses a device which provides for proper head-to-body alignment through the use of a moveable arm which comes in contact with the dorsal surface of the golfer's neck. A shortcoming of this device is the potential for injury as a result of the device coming in direct contact with the golfer's neck during the golf swing. A second shortcoming of this device is that it can't be height adjusted, with one hand, while holding a golf club in the other hand. A third shortcoming of this device is that it is not compact in design and can't be easily transported via a golf club bag to a golf training facility.

Boyd, U.S. Pat. No. 7,572,192 discloses a device which is intended to keep a golfer's head in the proper position throughout the golf swing. This is accomplished through the use of a telescopic tube which, at one end, encompasses a C shaped head rest which comes in contact with the golfer's head, and at the other end encompasses a round end. The round end of the telescopic tube freely and insecurely fits into a base plate, which provides a means of contact with the ground. The golfer positions the C shaped head rest about their head and also positions the opposite round end of the telescopic tube into the base plate and commences to practice the golf swing. If the golf swing is completed correctly the telescopic tube remains secured between the base plate and the golfer's head. If the golf swing is completed with significant head or body movement, then the telescopic tube and attached C shaped head rest is allowed to fall to the ground. A shortcoming of this device is the potential for injury when the telescopic tube and attached C shaped head rest is allowed to fall to the ground. The falling device has the potential of coming in contact with the body while falling and therefore creating an injury. A second shortcoming of this device is the difficulty for the golfer to successfully position the telescopic tube into the base plate while also holding a golf club in preparation for using the device. A third shortcoming of this device is that the unsecured telescopic tube and attached C shaped head rest allows the golfers head to move laterally, or in other directions, without providing an original reference point for the golfer's head. This prevents the golfer from determining in what direction, or to what degree, head movement is occurring. A fourth shortcoming of this device pertains to the free and insecure mounting of the telescopic tube to the base plate, which results in the need to use both hands to adjust the telescopic tubes to the appropriate height of the golfer, therefore not allowing the device to be height adjusted, with one hand, while holding a golf club in the other hand.

Accordingly, there is a demand for a safe and functional device which can assist a golfer in learning how to maintain a steady head and keep the head down during the golf swing, and therefore improving their golf skills. There is also a demand for such a device which provides a physical reference point for maintaining a steady head and keeping the head down, but does not restrict upward or lateral head movement, preventing the potential for head or neck injury. There is also demand for such a device which is easily and securely fastened to the natural ground, will remain free standing when attached to the natural ground, and is easily unfastened from the natural ground. There is also demand for such a device that can be used when practicing golf swings on a conventional golf practice mat. There is also demand for such a device which can be height adjusted, with one hand, to allow the golfer to adjust the device to an appropriate height while also holding a golf club in the opposite hand. There is also demand for such a device which is compact in design and is easily transportable via a conventional golf club bag.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One general object of this invention is to provide an improved golf training aid for learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing. A second general object of this invention is to provide an improved golf training aid which provides a physical reference point for the golfer's head, while not providing any lateral resistance on the golfer's head or neck during the golf swing. A third general object of this invention is to provide an improved golf training aid which is easily and quickly secured to the natural ground. A fourth general object of the invention is to provide an improved golf training aid that can be used when practicing golf swings on a conventional golf practice mat. A fifth general object of this invention is to provide an improved golf training aid which can be height adjusted with one hand. A sixth general object of this invention is to provide an improve golf training aid which is compact in design and can be easily transported via a conventional golf club bag.

I have invented a golf training aid for learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing. Broadly defined, the golf training aid comprises: (a) a ground mounting base adapted for holding an adjustable telescopic tube assembly at a certain angle relative to the natural ground; (b) an adjustable telescopic tube assembly attached to the ground mounting base and extending upward; and (c) a cushioned head rest attached to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly.

I have also invented a golf training aid which does not provide any lateral resistance on the head or neck during the golf swing comprised of: (a) a cushioned head rest, convex in shape, attached to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly, providing a reference point for the golfer's head, while not restricting the golfer's head.

I have further invented a golf training aid which easily secures to the natural ground at an angle relative to the ground through the use of a ground mounting base. The ground mounting base is comprised of: (a) a base plate; (b) a tubular sleeve attached to the top of the base plate an at angular position, providing a means to fasten the adjustable telescopic tube assembly to the ground mounting base; and (c) a spear, of a specific diameter and length, attached to the bottom of the base plate, at an angular position, similar to that of said tubular sleeve, protruding in a direction opposite that of said tubular sleeve. An additional embodiment of this invention is a mounting base adapted to allow for the golf training aid to be secured to, and used with, a conventional golf practice mat, as an alternative to being secured to the natural ground.

In addition, I have invented a golf training aid which can be height adjusted by the golfer, with one hand, comprised of: (a) an adjustable telescopic tube assembly with a lower stationary tube and an upper adjustable tube; (b) a conventional twist-lock device, which provides a means for the telescopic tube assembly to be telescopically adjusted and locked into variable positions, at any desired length, up to the total length of both lower and upper tubes when fully extended; (c) an upper adjustable tube which is easily turned by one hand, unlocked, and telescopically adjusted to various heights; and (d) said upper adjustable tube which can be turned, by one hand, in the opposite direction and relocked at various heights.

And finally, I have invented a golf training aid which is compact in design comprised of: (a) an adjustable telescopic tube assembly having an upper tube which is allowed to telescope inside the lower tube, and be locked into place by twisting the upper tube in a rightward or leftward position; (b) a retracted golf training aid which is similar in length to that of a standard golf club; (c) a retracted golf training aid which is easily removed from the natural ground by pulling in an upward direction; and (d) a retracted golf training aid which attaches to, or can be placed within, a conventional golf club bag.

The present invention allows a golfer to transport the golf training aid via a conventional golf club bag. Once at a golf training facility, or the like, the golfer is enabled to easily secure the golf training aid to the natural ground, or to a conventional golf practice mat, at an angle respective to the natural ground, whereas the upper end of the golf training aid is closer to the golfer, and the lower end of the training aid is further from the golfer. The golfer is then allowed to adjust the golf training aid, with one hand, to a height whereas the cushioned head rest is at the approximate height of the golfer's forehead. The golfer is then allowed to gently rest their forehead against the cushioned head rest providing a physical reference point and a steadying of the golfer's head. The golfer can then commence, in a safe method, to make golf practice swings while maintaining a steady head and keeping their head down. The present invention provides the golfer with a physical reference point during the golf swing, providing immediate feedback to the golfer, if their head moves laterally or upward during the golf swing. The present invention will further enable the golfer to learn to maintain a steady head and keep their head down during the golf swing resulting in improved golf skills.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side elevation of a preferred embodiment of the golf training aid invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded side elevation view of a section of the golf training aid from FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the ground mounting base shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative mounting base adapted for securing the golf training aid to a conventional golf practice mat.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative mounting base from FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a side elevation view of the golf training aid, in a retracted position, shown alongside a conventional golf club bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is best understood by references to the drawings. Referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of the golf training aid 10 of this invention comprises a ground mounting base 2 adapted for holding an adjustable cylindrical telescopic tube assembly 6 at a certain angle relative to the natural ground, whereas the upper end of the golf training aid is closer to the golfer 14 and the lower end of the golf training aid is further from the golfer 14. The adjustable cylindrical telescopic tube assembly 6 comprises a lower stationary tube 3 and an upper adjustable tube 4 and a conventional twist-lock device 16. A cushioned head rest 5 is attached to the upper adjustable tube 4.

The adjustable cylindrical telescopic tube assembly 6 attaches to the ground mounting base 2 and is secured in place with a conventional fastener 11. The upper adjustable tube 4 is of a diameter slightly less than that of the lower stationary tube 3, allowing for the upper adjustable tube 4 to insert and slide within the lower stationary tube 3, providing for a telescoping action. The upper adjustable tube 4 is allowed to be telescopically adjusted, and locked at a certain height, through the use of a conventional twist-lock device 16. The conventional twist-lock device 16, provides a means for the upper adjustable tube to be unlocked, by turning the upper adjustable tube in a leftward direction and deactivating the twist-lock device 16. Upon turning the upper adjustable tube 4 in a leftward direction, and deactivating the twist-lock device 16, the upper adjustable tube 4 is allowed to freely telescope within the lower stationary tube 3. The twist-lock device 16, also provides a means for the upper adjustable tube 4 to be relocked, at a desired height, by turning the upper adjustable tube 4 in a rightward direction activating the twist-lock device 16. The cushioned head rest 5 is comprised of a convex shaped rubber, or rubber-like material, about two to four inches in diameter. The cushioned head rest 5 attaches to the upper adjustable tube 4 by insertion of the upper adjustable tube 4 directly into the approximate center of the cushioned head rest 5, providing a secure resistance fit, or through other means of fastening.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the ground mounting base 2 is constructed of a metal or a rigid plastic material and comprises a tubular sleeve 7 which provides a means for attachment of the ground mounting base 2 to the lower stationary tube 3 through the use of a conventional fastener 11. The tubular sleeve 7 attaches to, or is molded as a part of the base plate 8, at an approximate 70 degree angle. The base plate 8 is about two to four inches in width and about three to five inches in length. The spear 9, is about two to four inches in length, and attaches to the bottom of the base plate 8 by welding, or through other methods of securing the spear 9 to the base plate 8. The spear 9 is attached to the base plate 8 in an angular position similar to that of the tubular sleeve 7. The rear section of the base plate 8 provides a stabilizing base when the ground mounting base 2 is inserted into the natural ground allowing the golf training aid to remain free standing at an angular position. The rear section of the base plate 8 also provides a means for the golfer to place their foot upon the base plate 8, to assist with insertion of the golf training aid into the natural ground, when the golf training aid is used during dry ground conditions.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the ground mounting base 2 comprising a tubular sleeve 7 attached to the top of the base plate 8 in an angular position, and a spear 9 attached to the bottom of the base plate 8 in an angular position and aligned at an approximate concentric position to said tubular sleeve 7.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf training aid 10 showing an alternative mounting base 25 adapted to allow the golf training aid 10 to be used with a conventional golf practice mat 21 whereas said mounting base 25, when partially slid beneath the conventional golf practice mat 21, provides a means for the golf training aid 10 to be secured to, and used with, a conventional golf practice mat 21.

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the alternative mounting base 25 comprising a tubular sleeve 7 attached to, or molded as a part of, the base plate 22 at an approximate 70 degree angle. The base plate 22 is constructed of a metal or rigid plastic material, and is about two to four inches in width and four to ten inches in length which allows the golf training aid to remain free standing at an angular position when the base plate 22 is slid beneath a conventional golf practice mat, as shown in FIG. 4. The weight of the conventional golf practice mat upon the base plate 22, provides a downward pressure upon said base plate, allowing the golf training aid to remain in a free standing position while golf practice swings are completed.

FIG. 6 shows the golf training aid 10 in a retracted position, alongside a conventional golf club bag 15. The approximate height of the retracted golf training aid 10 is similar to the height of conventional golf clubs 20.

The use of the golf training aid can now be considered. The golf training aid is designed to be transported in, or attached to, a conventional golf club bag. Once the golfer is at a golf training facility or other golf practice locations, the golfer can quickly insert and secure the golf training aid into the natural ground, or to a conventional golf training mat, at an angle whereas the lower end of the golf training aid is further from the golfer and the upper end of the golf training aid is closer to the golfer. The golfer is then allowed to adjust the golf training aid by turning the upper adjustable tube, with one hand, while holding a golf club in the opposite hand. This is an important and convenient object of the invention as the height of the training aid will need to be adjusted according to the height of the golfer. Several test golf swings and subsequent adjustments of the golf training aid may be required in order to achieve the proper height for the golfer to make practice golf swings. The ability to hold the golf club in one hand, while making height adjustments with the other hand, is an improvement over other similar inventions. Once the cushioned head rest is properly adjusted, the golfer positions themselves in a manner whereas they are facing the golf training aid and the golf training aid is centered between the golfer's feet. The golfer is then allowed to gently rest their forehead against the cushioned head rest providing a steadying of the golfer's head. The golfer can then commence, in a safe method, to make golf practice swings while maintaining a steady head and keeping their head down. The present invention provides the golfer with a physical reference point during the golf swing, providing immediate feedback to the golfer, if their head moves laterally or upward during the golf swing. The present invention will further enable the golfer to learn to maintain a steady head and keep their head down during the golf swing resulting in improved golf skills.

Claims

1. A training aid for use by a golfer for practicing and learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing; the training aid comprising:

a. a ground mounting base comprising: i. a base plate ii. a spear attached to the bottom of the base plate at an angle for inserting and securing the ground mounting base in the natural ground iii. a tubular sleeve attached to the top of the base plate at an angle

b. an adjustable telescopic tube assembly fastened to the ground mounting base and extending upward

c. a convex head rest attached to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly.

2. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said ground mounting base is comprised of rigid materials.

3. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said spear is of a certain diameter and length to allow insertion of the training aid into the natural ground.

4. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said spear is of a certain diameter and length to allow the training aid to remain free standing when inserted into the natural ground.

5. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said base plate is of certain width and length to allow the training aid to remain stable and free standing when inserted into the natural ground.

6. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said adjustable telescopic tube assembly attaches to said ground mounting base through a fastening means.

7. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said adjustable telescopic tube assembly comprises a lower stationary tube attached to said ground mounting base, and an upper adjustable tube.

8. The training aid of claim 7, wherein the upper adjustable tube is of a slightly less diameter than the lower stationary tube, and inserts inside the lower stationary tube allowing for a telescoping action, whereas the upper adjustable tube can slide within the lower stationary tube.

9. The training aid of claim 7, wherein said adjustable telescopic tube assembly comprises a conventional twist-lock device, as part of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly, whereas the upper adjustable tube can be raised or lowered, and locked into place, by turning with one hand, the upper adjustable tube in a rightward or leftward direction and activating the conventional twist-lock device, while the lower adjustable tube remains stationary through the means of attachment to said ground mounting base, when said ground mounting base is inserted into the natural ground.

10. The training aid of claim 9, wherein said conventional twist-lock device is attached at the lower end of the upper adjustable tube and allows the upper adjustable tube to telescope within the lower stationary tube, until such time when the upper adjustable tube is turned in a rightward or leftward direction, activating the conventional twist-lock device, and securing or locking the upper adjustable tube to the lower stationary tube at a desired height.

11. The training aid of claim 1, wherein said head rest is comprised of a rubber-like material, and of a convex or spherical shape.

12. The training aid of claim 1, wherein the training aid, when retracted, and the upper adjustable tube is inserted within the lower stationary tube, the total length of the training aid is similar to that of the height of a conventional golf club.

13. The training aid of claim 1, wherein the training aid, when retracted, can be attached to or placed within a conventional golf club bag for ease of transport.

14. A training aid for use by a golfer for practicing and learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing, the training aid comprising:

a. a base plate for securing the golf training aid to a conventional golf practice mat

b. a tubular sleeve attached to the top of the base plate at an angle

c. an adjustable telescopic tube assembly fastened to the base plate and extending upward

d. a convex head rest attached to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly.

15. A method of using a training aid of claim 1 for practicing and learning to maintain a steady head and keeping the head down during the golf swing; the method comprising:

a. grasping in one hand the training aid, the training aid comprising: i. a ground mounting base ii. an adjustable telescopic tube assembly fastened to the ground mounting base and extending upward at an angle iii. a convex head rest attached to the upper end of the adjustable telescopic tube assembly

b. inserting the golf training aid into the natural ground by holding the golf training aid in one hand and placing one's foot on the rear section of the ground mounting base, and exerting pressure upon the golf training aid, with one's foot, and inserting the golf training aid into the natural ground

c. adjusting the golf training aid, with one hand, to a height whereas the convex head rest is at a similar height as the golfer's forehead

d. positioning of the golfer in a normal golf stance whereas the golfer is facing the golf training aid and said golf training aid is approximately centered between the golfer's feet, at a distance of two to four feet in front of the golfer, whereas the lower end of the golf training aid is further from the golfer, and the upper end of the golf training aid is closer to the golfer

e. placing of the golfer's forehead in contact with the convex head rest, providing a physical reference point and a steadying of the golfer's head

f. commencing of a golf swing by a golfer whereas the golfer maintains contact between the golfer's forehead and the convex head rest up to the point where the golfer's golf club comes in contact with the golf ball, at which time the golfer's forehead is allowed to naturally release from contact with the convex head rest, with no lateral resistance exerted upon the golfer's head, as the golfer completes the golf swing.