Golf training aid having tension strap

Abstract

A golf training aid is provided that includes a shoulder strap located at a forward shoulder of a golfer when addressing a golf ball. A stirrup is located at a forward foot of the golfer when addressing the golf ball. A tension strap is located between the shoulder strap and the stirrup and is extended during a backswing of the golfer.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/468711 filed on Mar. 29, 2011 titled “Golf training aid that encourages a fast, powerful and complete follow through of the golf swing.” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/468711 is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf training aids. More particularly, the present application involves a golf training aid with a tension strap connected to a shoulder strap that includes a stirrup and is worn by the golfer when swinging a golf club in order to improve swing mechanics.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a recreational and professional activity enjoyed by millions. In order to be successful or to enjoy the sport, the swing of the golfer must be capable of delivering long, accurate and consistent shots. To achieve this goal, numerous golf training aids have been developed to help assist the golfer in developing a proper swing. One such golf training aid is a foldable base onto which a golf tee and ball can be placed. The foldable base includes a pair of arms and indicia that can be appropriately set by the golfer to aid the golfer in properly aligning his or her shot. Although helpful with shot alignment, such golf training aids do not address other features of the golf swing that may result in errant shots.

An additional golf training aid exists in a trapezoid-shaped member that is located between the arms of the golfer and that has half-cylindrical sides on either end to receive the arms of the golfer. The golfer places his or her arms into the device while holding and swinging a golf club to strike a golf ball. The device teaches the user the correct swing posture. Another known golf training aid includes an adjustable arching arm that is attached to the end of the golf club and is in alignment with the club face. The adjustable arm can be adjusted to contact the inside forearm for certain shots, and to contact the outside of the forearm for other shots. The adjustable arm is used as a guide by the golfer to make sure his or her hands are in the correct position when taking a golf shot.

A further swing training aid resides in a rail and carriage system into which the golfer stands. The golf club is attached to the rail and carriage system and the backswing of the user causes the swing path of the golf club to be restrained by the system. The golf club thus rides on the circular path afforded by the rail and carriage system and is restrained from moving outside of this arc. Although capable of constraining the golfer's swing to a predetermined path, the rail and carriage system cannot be used by a golfer on the golf course and does not address other facets of the golfer's swing such as his or her body placement during the swing. Although capable of assisting golfers in certain aspects of their swing, current golf training aids are ineffective in helping golfer's achieve a swing that results in improved golf shots. As such, there remains room for variation and improvement within the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended Figs. in which:

FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf training aid in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a portion of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 that includes an adjustment strap clip.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 that includes a shoulder strap.

FIG. 4 is a top view of a leg brace in accordance with one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of the leg brace of FIG. 4 that includes a D-ring.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a portion of the leg brace of FIG. 4 that includes first and second body sections that are detached.

FIG. 7 is a top view of a tension strap in an extended state.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a shoulder strap attached to and located at a forward shoulder of a golfer.

FIG. 9 is a front side view of a golfer addressing a golf ball with the golf training aid located on the golfer.

FIG. 10 is a behind side view of the view of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a front side view of a golfer at the top of a backswing with the golf training aid located on the golfer.

FIG. 12 is a behind side view of the view of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a back side view of the view of FIG. 11 with the leg brace 56 detached from the stirrup.

FIG. 14 is a front side view of a golfer in the downswing after the backswing and striking a golf ball.

FIG. 15 is a front side view of a golfer at the end of a follow through with the golf training aid located on the golfer.

FIG. 16 is a close-up front side view of a golfer in the addressing position showing the leg brace.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF REPRESENTATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not meant as a limitation of the invention. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield still a third embodiment. It is intended that the present invention include these and other modifications and variations.

It is to be understood that the ranges mentioned herein include all ranges located within the prescribed range. As such, all ranges mentioned herein include all sub-ranges included in the mentioned ranges. For instance, a range from 100-200 also includes ranges from 110-150, 170-190, and 153-162. Further, all limits mentioned herein include all other limits included in the mentioned limits. For instance, a limit of up to 7 also includes a limit of up to 5, up to 3, and up to 4.5.

The present invention provides for a golf training aid 10 that encourages a fast, powerful and complete golf swing that may improve distance and accuracy of the shots taken by the golfer 80. The golf training aid 10 includes a tension strap 10, that may include an elastomeric member 118 such as elastic tubing surrounded by nylon webbing 114, that stretches when the golfer 80 initiates a golf swing by moving into a top 102 of a backswing 96. The tension strap 10 is attached to the body of the golfer 10 by way of a shoulder strap 12 and a stirrup 20. The tension strap 10 is biased to a non-extended state 18 and thus creates tension across the back, shoulders and rearward hip 116 of the golfer 80 when extended into an extended state 18 at the top 102 of the backswing 96. Once the golfer 80 transitions from the backswing 96 to the downswing 98, the potential energy in the stretched tension strap 10 releases and imparts a force on the golfer 10 that assists in promoting and encouraging a more proper downswing 98 and follow through 100 to result in shots with greater accuracy and distance.

One exemplary embodiment of the golf training aid 10 is illustrated with reference to FIG. 1 in which a shoulder strap 12 is shown. The shoulder strap 12 may include a body 44 made of a material such as elastic webbing, fabric, or a rubber-type material. The body 44 may be from 3 to 4 inches in width and may be from 1/32 inches to 1/64 inches in thickness. The length of the body 44 may be from 3 to 4 feet which may be measured by its extension distance from a connection point 50 back to the connection point 50. The body 44 is thus attached to itself at the connection point 50 and this connection may be made via glue, stitching, integral formation, mechanical fasteners or by any other means in accordance with different embodiments. The body 44 has an outer surface 46 and an inner surface 48. With reference now to FIG. 3, the body 44 is shown as being twisted approximately half-way along its length. In this regard, the outer surface 46 twists onto itself to become inwardly oriented, and the inner surface 48 of the body 44 twists to become outwardly oriented. As such, at some point along its length the outer surface 46 turns so as to become the inner surface, and the inner surface 48 likewise turns to become the outer surface at some point along its length. A portion 52 of the outer surface 46 actually engages a portion 54 of the inner surface 48 at the connection point 50. In accordance with other exemplary embodiments, the portion 52 of the outer surface 46 does not engage the portion 54 of the inner surface 48 and no portion of the outer surface 46 engages the inner surface 48. In addition, the body 44 may be arranged in other versions such that the twist does not occur so that the inner surface 48 is always oriented on the inside of the body 44 and so that the outer surface 46 is always oriented on the outside of body 44.

FIG. 8 shows the shoulder strap 12 located on the user 80. The shoulder strap 12 is located on a forward shoulder 92 which is the left shoulder if the golfer 80 hits shots right handed. If the golfer 80 hits shots left handed, the forward shoulder 92 is the right shoulder. The forward shoulder 92 is thus the shoulder that is closer to the direction of travel of the golf ball 90 after being struck. The body 44 wraps around the forward shoulder 92 and the connection point 50 is located at the back of the user 80. Due to the twisting of the body 44, the outer surface 46 and inner surface 48 are both visible when worn by the user 80. The twisting area of the body 44 may be located at the armpit of the user 80. The material making up the body 44 and potentially other portions of the shoulder strap 12 may be made out of a flexible material so that they exhibit some amount of stretching when the golfer 80 twists and turns. Alternatively, the material making up the body 44 or other portions of the shoulder strap 12 may be made of non-flexible material so that it does not stretch during all portions of the golf swing.

With reference back to FIG. 1, a second hook 40 and second ring 42 are used to attach the shoulder strap 12 to the tensions strap 14. The second ring 42 is attached to the shoulder strap 12 such that the shoulder strap 12 cannot be disengaged from the second ring 42. The second ring 42 may be located at the connection point 50 or may be located at a distance from the connection point 50 in certain arrangements. A piece of fabric may extend from the shoulder strap 12 and move through the second ring 42 and be sewn or otherwise attached to itself in order to effect connection of the second ring 42. The second hook 40 may be attached to a second end 38 of the tension strap 14. The second hook 40 may be non-removably attached to the end 38 so that the second hook 40 cannot be disengaged from the tension strap 14. Nylon webbing 114 of the tension strap 14 can extend through the second hook 40 and be attached to itself or to another component of the tension strap 14 to effect this attachment. A rubber guard of the tensions trap 14 may be located over a portion of the second hook 40 and may be used to both provide a better feel of the tension strap 14 during use and to help contain and attach certain parts of the tension strap 14 such as the nylon webbing 114 or elastic tubing. The second hook 40 and second ring 42 may be made of metal or plastic.

The second hook 40 can open so as to be capable of being disengaged from the second ring 42. In other arrangements, the second hook 40 and second ring 42 are non-removably attached to one another. In still further embodiments, the second hook 40 and second ring 42 are not present. Instead, the tension strap 14 can be connected to the shoulder strap 12 through some other connection or these two components may be integrally formed with one another.

With reference back to FIG. 1, tension strap 14 is connected to the shoulder strap 12 and can pivot some amount thereto by way of the second hook 40 and second ring 42 connection. The tension strap 14 is illustrated in a non-extended state 16. In this regard, there is no force acting on the tension strap 14 to cause the tension strap 14 to be elongated. The tension strap 14 is biased to the non-extended state 16 and thus will be in the non-extended state 16 if force is not applied to the tension strap 14. The tension strap 14 may include nylon webbing 114 that surrounds an elastomeric member 118. The nylon webbing 114 bunches up when the tension strap 14 is in the non-extended state 16. Application of force to either or both ends 36 and/or 38 will cause the elastomeric member 118 to stretch. The tension strap 114 is shown in an extended state 18 in FIG. 7. Here, force is applied to end 36 while no force is applied to end 38 but end 38 is held stationary. The force applied is sufficient to stretch the elastomeric member 118 its fully extended length. The nylon webbing 114 that covers the elastomeric member 118 is likewise pulled and the various bunches along its length are straightened out such that no bunching is present on the nylon webbing 114 when the tension strap 14 is in the extended state 18. Release of the force on the end 36 will cause the elastomeric member 118, and hence the tension strap 14, to release the stored potential energy and spring back into the non-extended state 16 shown in FIG. 1.

The elastomeric member 118 may be an elastic tube that is turned back on either end and crimped or otherwise secured at this location. The elastomeric member 118 may extend from the first end 36 to the second end 38 and can be connected to the two ends 36 and 38. Any connecting mechanism may be used to attach the opposite ends of the elastomeric member 118 to other portions of the tension strap 14 such as the ends 36 or 38, and/or the nylon webbing 114. The elastomeric member 118 when made out of elastic tubing may have a circumference in the non-extended state 16 of ⅜ inches and may have a length in the non-extended state 16 that is from 2 to 5 feet. The elastic tubing may be of different sizes so that thicker and larger circumferences will yield a stronger resistance to stretching. As mentioned, the elastomeric member 118 need not be made out of an elastic tube in other arrangements. The elastomeric member 118 may be made out of any material and in any shape that allows it to be extended when force is applied. As such, it is to be understood that the tension strap 14 need only be capable of being extended by the application of force. The tension strap 14 will be biased back towards the non-extended state 16 due to its material make-up and/or construction. The use of nylon webbing 114 and an elastomeric member 118 is only exemplary and other constructions of the tension strap 14 to allow it to expand/lengthen upon the application of force while having the urge to move back to the non-extended state 16 are possible in other exemplary embodiments. As an additional example, the elastomeric member 118 may be elastic webbing and the nylon webbing 114 need not be present. In this regard, the tension strap 14 is made out of elastic webbing and may or may not include the ends 36 and 38 in accordance with various exemplary embodiments.

A first hook 32 is attached to the first end 36 of the tension strap 14. The nylon webbing 114 may be looped through the first hook 32 and then sewn back or otherwise attached to itself to effect this connection. Any other attachment mechanism such as welding, adhesion, or mechanical fasteners may be used to attach the first end 36 to the first hook 32. The first hook 32 is non-removably attached to the first end 36. The first hook 32 can be opened to receive a first ring 34 that is non-removably attached to the adjustment strap 22. The first hook 32 can be opened and closed to release and capture the first ring 34 as desired. The first hook 32 and first ring 34 may be made of metal or plastic, and allow the end 36 to be capable of pivoting to some degree with the adjustment strap 22. Although the golf training aid 10 uses the first hook 32 and the first ring 34 to attach the tension strap 14 to the adjustment strap 22, these two components need not be present in other arrangements. For instance, the tension strap 14 may be attached to the adjustment strap 22 through the use of sewing, adhesion, or mechanical fasteners, or these two parts may be integrally formed with one another in accordance with other exemplary embodiments. It is therefore the case that the hooks 32 and 40, and the rings 34 and 42 are simply exemplary ways of attaching components to the tension strap 14 and that other mechanisms of attachment are possible in other embodiments that may provide a pivotal attachment or a rigid and hence non-pivotal attachment in other exemplary embodiments.

The golf training aid 10 may include the adjustment strap 22 in some embodiments. The adjustment strap 22 may have a width that is from ¾ inch to 1 inch, and may be made out of polypropylene in some arrangements. The adjustment strap 22 is non-removably connected to the first ring 34. In this regard, a portion of the adjustment strap 22 may loop through the first ring 34 and be sewn or otherwise attached to itself to create a non-removable connection. The adjustment strap 22 is located between the tension strap 14 and the stirrup 20 and can be adjusted in length in order to accommodate golfers 80 of different heights. Further, the length of the adjustment strap 22 can be modified to cause the golf training aid 10 to be more of a comfortable fit for the golfer 80 or for it to impart more or less tension on the golfer's 80 swing when using the aid 10.

A length 26 of the adjustment strap 22 extends from the connection with the tension strap 14, in this case the ring 34 at the terminal end of the adjustment strap 22, to an adjustment strap clip 24. The length 26 is the portion 88 of the adjustment strap 22 onto which force F is applied during use of the golf training aid 10 when the user 80 is swinging. The length 26 can be adjusted so as to be made longer or shorter. FIG. 2 is a close-up view of the adjustment strap clip 24 which can be made out of metal or plastic in accordance with different exemplary embodiments. The adjustment strap 22 is looped through a restraining member of the adjustment strap clip 24 and pulled tight to cause the length 26 to be fixed. The user 80 may loosen this portion of the adjustment strap 22 from the restraining member and elongate or shorten the length 26 as desired. The adjustment strap 22 moves through the adjustment strap clip 24 to a terminal end of the adjustment strap 22 to result in a second length 28 of the adjustment strap 22 being present. The second length 28 does not have any force applied thereto during the swing of the golfer 80. As such, tension applied by the tension strap 14 or other forces of the golf training aid 10 that assist in the swing of the user 80 are not transferred through or into the second length 28. Although shown as being adjustable, it is to be understood that the adjustment strap 22 may be a fixed length in other arrangements and need not have an adjustable length. The portion 88 of the adjustment strap 22 is a segment of the adjustment strap 22 that determines the maximum distance between the stirrup 20 and the end 36 of the tension strap 14.

With reference back to FIG. 1, the golf training aid 10 also includes a stirrup 20 into which a forward foot 94 of the user 80 is located during use of the golf training aid 10. The stirrup 20 may be non-elastic in certain embodiments and may be made of polypropylene or fabric. An end of the stirrup 20 extends through a loop of the adjustment strap clip 24 and is attached to itself so that the stirrup 20 is non-removably attached to the adjustment strap clip 24. This attachment may be by sewing the stirrup 20 onto itself or by mechanical fasteners in other arrangements. The stirrup 20 is looped back onto itself and attached to itself by sewing, welding, mechanical fasteners, integral formation, or other forms of attachment to form the loop/opening disclosed. The material making up the stirrup 20 may be the same as that making up the adjustment strap 22 in certain exemplary embodiments, and these two components 20 and 22 may be integrally formed in some arrangements.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the golf training aid 10 may include a leg brace 56. The leg brace 56 can be an optional component and need not be a part of the golf training aid 10 in other versions in which the user 80 can use the tension strap 14, shoulder strap 12, and stirrup 20 without the leg brace 56. With reference now to FIGS. 4-6, the leg brace 56 may include a first body section 64 and a second body section 66 that can be made out of a soft material. The body sections 64 and 66 will engage either the user's 80 skin or clothing of the user 80 and should be made of a comfortable material. A hook and loop type fastener 68 is carried by the body sections 64 and 66 to allow the body sections 64 and 66 to be attached to one another and then to be detached from one another. With particular reference to FIG. 6, the hooks of the hook and loop type fastener 68 are visible on the second body section 66, and the loops of the hook and loop type fastener 68 are on the first body section 64 but are not visible but are instead located underneath the side illustrated. In other arrangements, the various portions of the hook and loop type fastener 68 can be located on any of the sides of the first and second body sections 64 and 66 to cause these sections 64 and 66 to be attached to and detached from one another at this location. The hook and loop type fastener 68 may be made out of a material that includes nylon in certain exemplary embodiments, and in other arrangements may be made out of other materials.

The opposite ends of the first and second body sections 64 and 66 are non-removably attached to one another and in fact the sections 64 and 66 may be a single integrally formed piece. An attachment section 70 is non-removably attached to the first and second body sections 66 and 68 by sewing, integral formation, mechanical fasteners or other means. The attachment section 70 is looped through a D-ring 72 and in turn attaches the D-ring 72 to the body sections 64 and 66 so that it cannot be removed therefrom. The D-ring 72 may be made of plastic or metal in certain arrangements and has a convex outer surface 74.

A first attachment strap 58 is attached to the D-ring 72. The first attachment strap 58 may be looped through the D-ring 72 and can be attached to itself so as to be non-removably attached to the D-ring 72. The first attachment strap 58 may be made of polypropylene or fabric in certain exemplary embodiments and may be made of the same material as other portions of the golf training aid 10 such as the adjustment strap 22 or stirrup 20.

The first attachment strap 58 has a first portion 82 that engages and extends from the D-ring 72. A first attachment strap clip 86 is located along the length of the first attachment strap 58. Clip 86 may be made of plastic and can be configured in a manner similar to the adjustment strap clip 24 previously described. The user 80 can adjust the position of the first attachment strap clip 86 to lengthen or shorten the operative length of the first attachment strap 58 when using the leg brace 56. Adjustment of the operative length of the first attachment strap 58 will cause the body sections 64 and 66 along with the D-ring 72 to be moved closer to or farther from the buckle 62. Although described as employing a D-ring 72, it is to be understood that the sections 64 and 66 can be attached to the first portion 82 in a variety of manners in accordance with other exemplary embodiments and that the use of the D-ring 72 is but one example. The first portion 82 may be pivotally attached to the sections 64 and 66 such that it can pivot some degree thereto, or that the first portion 82 may be rigidly attached to the sections 64 and 66 such that a pivotal connection between these components is not attained.

The first attachment strap 58 also includes a second portion 84 that is non-removably attached to the first attachment strap clip 86. An end of the second portion 84 can be looped through a member of the first attachment strap clip 86 and connected to itself via either sewing, adhesion, or mechanical fasteners. The second portion 84 is not adjustable with respect to the first attachment strap clip 86. The second portion 84 is thus a separate component from the first portion 84 and these two are connected to one another via the first attachment strap clip 86. The opposite end of the second portion 84 is looped through a member of a buckle 62. In the embodiment shown, the male portion of the buckle 62 has a member through which the second portion 84 is looped and attached to itself so that the male portion of the buckle 62 and the second portion 84 are non-removably attached to one another. The length of the second portion 84 is thus fixed and the operative length of the second portion remains the same during use of the leg brace 56.

With reference back to FIG. 1, a second attachment strap 60 is non-removably attached to the stirrup 20. The second attachment strap 60 can be made of the same material as the stirrup 20 and may be attached to the stirrup 20 through sewing or some other connection so as to be non-removably attached. An end of the second attachment strap 60 is looped through a member of a female portion of the buckle 62 and is attached to itself so that the second attachment strap 60 is non-removably attached to the female portion of the buckle 62. The male portion of the buckle 62 on the second portion 84 can be snapped into the female portion of the buckle 62 on the second attachment strap 60. Attachment of the male and female portions of the buckle 62 cause the second attachment strap 60 to be attached to the first attachment strap 58. In this regard, the stirrup 20 will be attached to the leg brace 56 such that all of the components of the golf training aid 10 are attached to one another from the leg brace 56 to the stirrup 20 to the adjustment strap 22 to the tension strap 14 to the shoulder strap 12. When the buckle 62 is released so that the male and female portions are unsnapped from one another, the first and second attachment straps 58 and 60 are disengaged from one another and the leg brace 56 can be removed from the stirrup 20. The buckle 62 is thus a simple male/female snapping arrangement in which the male portions flex upon engagement, and pressure applied to the male portion when engaged will cause it to deflect to allow it to be removed from the female portion.

Various portions of the golf training aid 10 such as the shoulder strap 12, the adjustment strap 22, the stirrup 20, the leg brace 56, and the second attachment strap 60 can be made out of soft material and may be attached to the various members described through sewing or adhesion. The buckle 62, adjustment strap clip 24, and first attachment strap clip 86, first ring 34, and second ring 42 may be attached or installed during the sewing process.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a golfer 80 wearing the golf training aid 10 and addressing 104 a golf ball 90. The shoulder strap 12 is located at the forward shoulder 92 of the golfer 80 as previously discussed. The forward shoulder 92 is the shoulder that is closer to the direction of travel of the golf ball 90 when addressing 104 the golf ball 90. For a right handed golfer 80, the forward shoulder 92 is the left shoulder. The tension strap 14 wraps around the back of the golfer 80 and is located at the rearward hip 116 and extends some amount down in front of the golfer 80. The tension strap 14 may be extended some amount from the non-extended state 16 in the addressing position 104. The user 80 can adjust the adjustment strap 22 as previously discussed in order to increase or decrease the amount of tension the tension strap 14 is subjected to when in the addressing position 104. The adjustment strap 22 extends down either between the legs of the golfer 80 or may be located at some location on the forward leg of the golfer 80 when in the addressing position 104. Adjustment of the length 26 of the adjustment strap 22 can be made to accommodate the golfer's 80 height, girth, and desired tension/resistance of the shoulder strap 12 and tension strap 14. The stirrup 20 is located around the forward foot 94 of the golfer 80 when in the addressing position 104. The forward foot 94 is the foot that is closer to the direction of travel of the golf ball 90 after being struck. In the case of a right handed golfer 80, the forward foot 94 is the left foot. The stirrup 20 surround the forward foot 94 and the forward foot 94 traps a portion of the stirrup 20 between it and the ground 76 so that the stirrup 20 is firmly anchored to the ground 76. As such, the stirrup 20 does not move from the ground 76 and remains in the same position during all phases of the golf swing.

Force F is shown as acting on the tension strap 14 to pull the tension strap 14 to an extended state 18. It is to be understood that as used herein, the term “extended state” may mean full extension of the tension strap 14 or may mean less than full extension of the tension strap 14 but some amount of tension applied thereto in relation to the non-extended state 16 so that the tension strap 14 exhibits some degree of elongation in length greater than that present simply in the non-extended state 16.

In the addressing position 104 the tension strap 14 may be either in the non-extended state 16 or may be tensioned some amount so as to be stretched some distance from the non-extended state 16. In the drawings, the force F applied through anchoring of the stirrup 20 and placement of the shoulder strap 12 on the forward shoulder 92 does in fact cause force F to be imparted to stretch the tension strap 14 from the non-extended state 16. The user 80 will initiate a backswing 96 from the addressing position 104 and the backswing 96 will reach a top 102 of the backswing 96 at which point the backswing 96 will end and the golfer 80 will then initiate a downswing 98. The backswing 96 and specifically the top 102 of the backswing 96 is illustrated with reference to FIGS. 11-13. Initiation of the backswing 96 causes the forward shoulder 92 to rotate and as the stirrup 20 is firmly anchored to the ground 76 via the forward foot 94, the backswing 96 causes the tension strap 14 to extend from its length in the addressing position 104. As such, the force F is greater at the top 102 than at the addressing position 104. The tension strap 14 may be stretched into the extended state 18 at the top 102 of the backswing 96 or may not be completely extended to the extended state 18 at the top 102 to some lesser degree. However, the tension strap 14 will be stretched to a greater degree at the top 102 than at the addressing position 104. The backswing 96 thus builds up tension in the tension strap 14 and stores energy in the tension strap 14. In FIGS. 11 and 12 the leg brace 56 is attached to the stirrup 20 as the buckle 62 is connected, but FIG. 13 shows the buckle 62 unconnected and the leg brace 56 unattached to the stirrup 20.

The golfer's downswing 98 takes place right after the top 102 of the backswing 96 and is the portion of the swing in which the golfer 80 swings down and contacts the golf ball 90. The downswing 98 is shown with reference to FIG. 14. As the golfer 80 begins the downswing 98 tension stored in the stretched tension strap 14, and shoulder strap 12 if it flexed and tensioned during the backswing 96 as well, is released and this stored energy creates a “sling shot” effect on the golfer's 80 body. This stored energy may be transferred into the contact the golfer 80 makes with the golf ball 90 thus causing it to travel farther. Further, the golf training aid 10 may allow for the backswing 96 and the downswing 98 to be more compact, focused, and powerful in style and execution thus resulting in an improved golf swing and better striking of the golf ball 90. Tension in the stretched tension strap 14 is released during the downswing 98 and the tension strap 14 shortens in length from the top 102 of the backswing 96 into the downswing 98.

At contact with the golf ball 90, all of the tension in the tension strap 14 may have been released, or only some of the tension in the tension strap 14 may have been released. The tension strap 14 may be in the non-extended state 16 at the contact with the golf ball 90, or may have some amount of tension and energy still stored within upon contact with the golf ball 90. As the downswing 98 continues after contact with the golf ball 90, remaining tension in the tension strap 14 and potentially the shoulder strap 12 will continue to sling shot the golfer's 80 body and arms to a high, full finish where the golf club rests above the shoulders of the golfer 90. The follow through 100 is shown with reference to FIG. 15. At the end of the follow through 100 all of the tension in the tension strap 14 and potentially the shoulder strap 12 if it is likewise elastic may be released and the tension strap 14 may be in the non-extended state 16. In other arrangements, the tension strap 14 may have some amount of tension on it at the end of the follow through 100.

Tension may be present at all times on the tension strap 14 at all phases of the golf swing such that the tension strap 14 never is at the non-extended state 16 during the golf swing. This may help to make the golfer's 80 swing “short.” Tension may be greatest at the top 102, less during the downswing 98, and less at the follow through 100 after hitting the golf ball 90 than at the top 102 and in some cases less at the follow through 100 than at the downswing 98.

The leg brace 56 is an optional component that may be added to the golf training aid 10 if so desired by the user 80. The user 80 may detach the hook and loop type fastener 68 and position the first and second body sections 64 and 66 around the rearward leg 106 of the user 80. The rearward leg 106 is the leg that is farthest from the direction of travel of the golf ball 90 upon being struck. The rearward leg 106 is the right leg of the user 80 when the user 80 is hitting the golf ball 90 right handed. The first and second body sections 64 and 66 can be wrapped around the portion of the rearward leg 106 that is between the calf 108 and knee 110 of the rearward leg 106. The hook and loop fastener 68 can be engaged in order to retain the first and second body sections 64 and 66 onto this portion of the rearward leg 106. The leg brace 56 is thus attached to the user 80.

The user 80 may then fasten the buckle 62 together in order to connect the second portion 84 to the second attachment strap 60 and hence the leg brace 56 to the stirrup 20. The first adjustment strap clip 86 can be adjusted in order to adjust the first portion 82 so as to be at the proper length for the golfer 80. The convex outer surface 74 of the D-ring 72 is oriented towards the ground 76. An angle 78 between the ground 76 and the convex outer surface 74 is shown with reference to FIG. 16. The angle 78 may be from 5° to 20°, 30° to 80°, from 35° to 50°, 45° , or up to 85°. The angle 78 can be the angle that extends from the ground 76 up to the convex outer surface 74. The leg brace 56 helps prevent the knee 110 from swaying back and away from the golf ball 90 during the backswing 96 by keeping it at the proper distance from the golfer's other knee during the backswing 96. The leg brace 56, however, subsequently helps pull the back knee 110 through the golf shot due to the momentum created by the golf training aid 10 thus allowing for proper weight shift required for a good follow through 100.

During the downswing 98, the attached leg brace 56 helps pull the inside hip 116 around and forward through the swing and to a point facing down the target line. The sling shot effect of the tension strap 14 during the follow through 100 allows the leg brace 56 to pull the inside knee 110 properly towards the golf ball 90 and down the target line further allowing the golfer 80 to fully and properly turn completely down the target line and into a high finish.

The golf training aid 10 helps the golfer 80 solve the problem of not completely finishing his or her golf swing. When a golfer 80 does not properly complete the follow through 100 or other portions of the golf swing properly, errant shots, inferior distances, and inconsistent accuracy result. The golf training aid 10 helps the golfer 80 feel and perform a complete finish of the golf swing thus improving the results. The golf training aid 10 may help the golfer 80 establish a controlled backswing 96, give a sensation of how a proper “coil” should feel, help generate a powerful downswing 98, prompt proper weight shift, prevent swaying, help clear the hips, enable a more solid strike on the golf ball 90, build core muscles, and help promote muscle memory. The golf training aid 10 can be used by a golfer 90 that is right handed or left handed. Although shown in the drawings as being used by a right handed golfer 80, the various components can be switched as described so that a left handed golfer 80 can use the device 10. As such, there are no additional components that are needed for the golf training aid 10 when used by a left handed golfer 80.

The golf training aid 10 may be used as a practice device at a driving range or other location. However, the golf training aid 10 may also be used during the playing of a round of golf or during certain shots during the round of golf. The golf training aid 10 may be used to improve and build core muscles around the midsection of the user 80. As such, the golf training aid 10 need not be used in conjunction with hitting a golf ball 90 or practicing to hit a golf ball 90 but may instead be used as an exercise device.

While the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the subject matter encompassed by way of the present invention is not to be limited to those specific embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended for the subject matter of the invention to include all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf training aid, comprising:

a shoulder strap;

a tension strap carried by the shoulder strap, wherein the tension strap is biased to a non-extended state, wherein force applied to the tension strap causes the tension strap to be extended to an extended state; and

a stirrup carried by the tension strap.

2. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

an adjustment strap located between the tension strap and the stirrup; and

an adjustment strap clip that engages the stirrup and the adjustment strap, wherein the adjustment strap clip is adjustable along the adjustment strap in order to vary a length of the adjustment strap onto which force is applied when force is applied to the tension strap to cause the tension strap to be extended to the extended state.

3. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 2, further comprising a first hook and a first ring, wherein the first ring engages an end of the adjustment strap and wherein the first hook is attached to a first end of the tension strap, wherein the first hook and the first ring engage one another and cause the tension strap to be connected to the adjustment strap.

4. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a second hook and a second ring, wherein the second ring engages the shoulder strap and wherein the second hook is attached to a second end of the tension strap, wherein the second hook and the second ring engage one another and cause the tension strap to be connected to the shoulder strap.

5. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the shoulder strap has a body with an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the body is connected to itself at a connection point, and wherein the body extends from the connection point and then returns to the connection point such that a portion of the outer surface of the body engages a portion of the inner surface of the body.

6. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 1, wherein the tension strap has elastic tubing that is biased to the non-extended state, wherein the tension strap has nylon webbing that surrounds the elastic tubing.

7. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:

a leg brace;

a first attachment strap carried by the leg brace;

a second attachment strap that engages the stirrup; and

a buckle that engages the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap and is connectable and releasable in order to connect and disconnect the first and second attachment straps from one another.

8. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 7, wherein the leg brace has a first body section and a second body section, wherein the leg brace has a hook and loop type fastener that allows a portion of the first body section and a portion of the second body section to be connected to and disconnected from one another.

9. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 8, wherein the first and second body sections are connected to a D-ring by an attachment member that engages both the first and second body sections, wherein the D-ring has a convex outer surface that is oriented at an angle towards the ground when the leg brace is located on a user.

10. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 7, wherein the first attachment strap is made of a first portion and a second portion, and further comprising a first attachment strap clip that engages both the first portion and the second portion, wherein the first attachment strap clip is adjustable along the length of the first portion.

11. A golf training aid, comprising:

a shoulder strap located at a forward shoulder of a golfer when addressing a golf ball;

a stirrup located at a forward foot of the golfer when addressing the golf ball; and

a tension strap located between the shoulder strap and the stirrup, wherein the tension strap is extended during a backswing of the golfer.

12. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 11, wherein the tension strap begins moving towards a non-extended state when the golfer's swing moves from the backswing to a downswing.

13. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 11, wherein the tension strap is biased to a non-extended state, and wherein the tension strap is in an extended state when the golfer's swing is at a top of the backswing.

14. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 11, further comprising a leg brace located at a rearward leg of the golfer when addressing the golf ball, wherein the leg brace is connected to the stirrup, wherein the leg brace is located between a calf and a knee of the rearward leg of the golfer.

15. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 14, wherein the leg brace has an attachment member connected to a D-ring that has a convex outer surface that is oriented at an angle towards the ground when the golfer addresses the golf ball, wherein the D-ring engages a first attachment strap.

16. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 15, further comprising:

a second attachment strap that engages the stirrup; and

a buckle that engages the first attachment strap and the second attachment strap and is connectable and releasable in order to connect and disconnect the first and second attachment straps from one another.

17. A golf training aid, comprising:

a shoulder strap;

a tension strap that is extendable from a non-extended state to an extended state;

an adjustment strap;

a first hook and a first ring that connect the tension strap to the adjustment strap;

a second hook and a second ring that connect the tension strap to the shoulder strap;

a stirrup; and

an adjustment strap clip that engages the stirrup and the adjustment strap, wherein the adjustment strap clip is adjustable along the adjustment strap in order to vary a length of a portion of the adjustment strap that determines a distance between the stirrup and the tension strap.

18. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 17, wherein the tension strap is biased to the non-extended state, wherein force applied to the tension strap causes the tension strap to be extended to the extended state.

19. The golf training aid as set forth in claim 17, wherein the shoulder strap has a body with an outer surface and an inner surface, wherein the body is connected to itself at a connection point, and wherein the body extends from the connection point and then returns to the connection point such that a portion of the outer surface of the body engages a portion of the inner surface of the body.