Passive Golf Hip Training Aid and Method

Abstract

The embodiment (FIG. 5), being reversible, comprises an easily and quickly placed and removed hip coiling golf training device and method for promoting hip coiling during the back swing (FIGS. 2A-2D) or the forward swing (FIGS. 3A-3D) when a single unit is used, and for promoting hip coiling in the back swing and forward swing (FIGS. 4A-4D) when two units are used simultaneously. The embodiment restricts lateral sway and promotes hip coiling via a non-stretch strap placed behind a golfer's leg, which is connected at one end to an easily placed, removed, and adjustable hip clip that hooks on a golfer's belt, and at other end to a loose-fitting foot stirrup. The embodiment may be used for training and practice at home, at a golf practice facility, and during a practice round of golf on a golf course.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not applicable

BACKGROUND

Prior Art

The following is a tabulation of some prior art that presently appears relevant:

	US PATENT NO.	ISSUE DATE	PATENTEE
	5,303,927	Apr. 19, 1994	Perry
	5,308,074	May 3, 1994	Dorotinsky/Lesson
	2,893,736	Nov. 22, 1957	Tesi
	5,924,933	Jul. 20, 1999	Pacheco
	3,940,144	Nov. 27, 1972	Dickie
	5,803,822	Sep. 8, 1998	Pursell
	5,358,250	Oct. 25, 1994	Spencer

A product manufactured by a foreign country, as viewed via internet on the following referenced web link, is also prior art that presently appears relevant:

Power Hip Rotator, www.powerofgolf.co.uk

SUMMARY

Most amateur golfers are somewhat successful at hitting a golf ball off a tee peg, such as on the first shot of the 18 playing holes, and at putting on a golf putting green. However, when playing golf shots off a fairway or other turf with irons, most golfers struggle to make quality shots due to poor ball contact as result of inadequate swing techniques. The high average score of golfers (men: 97, women: 114) is evidence of this. It is this part of the game, mainly iron shots, where proper swing techniques are mandatory for having some success in the game of golf. Improvement on this portion of the golf swing will also improve the overall performance of a player with the other portions of the game: driving, fairway wood play, and pitching.

In golf lessons provided by instructors it is necessary to break down the golf swing motion into individual parts and subsequently a student must mentally interpret those instructions and put them into action. While most golf terms used by instructors are useful and clear, there are a few commonly used golf swing terms that are frequently misinterpreted to the detriment of an apprentice golfer, as follows:

• • A. Weight transfer: Refers to shifting of body weight from front foot to back foot on backswing and from back foot to front foot on downswing.
  • B. Keep head still: Refers to maintaining head in a constant position during the swing.
  • C. Hit down on the ball: Refers to hitting golf ball with an active downstroke. Problems created by items A, B and C above are as follows:
  • 1. A golfer improperly shifts or sways (instead of coiling) their body weight and hips behind the ball during the back swing and is unsuccessful at adequately returning to a proper body position for the downswing motion (commonly known as ‘sway and stay’).
  • 2. By trying to keep the head perfectly still (that has actually been pulled back as result of the weight shift), a golfer then attempts to strike the ball from behind the ball, which then more than likely will result in hitting the turf (hitting fat) or hitting thin/topping (contacting belly of ball with club's leading edge). These conditions are the result of the clubhead's circular travel path reaching its lowest point behind and before contacting the golf ball.
  • 3. Hitting down on the ball also compounds the two previous problems because a golfer has a mental focus of striking down on a ball instead of swinging through the stroke. The golfer prematurely hits with arms and hands ahead and out of sequence with the body, with poor results.

The embodiment in this application proposes to aid a golfer in learning a proper back swing and forward swing hip coiling motion and position to overcome the deficiencies described above. It proposes a contrasting premise with Prior Art for training a golfer relative to proper hip motion by encouraging and promoting hip rotation/coiling. Prior Art attempts to aid a golfer by providing devices and straps for restricting back swing hip rotation/coiling.

REFERENCED PRIOR ART DIFFERENCES

The following are brief descriptions of the referenced Prior Art, with added comments illustrating their differences from this embodiment application. The most relevant prior art samples are illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1C.

Perry (FIG. 1A): Strap is elastic, allowing lateral swaying and raising of body via a stretchable cord attached via a stirrup to foot; it provides resistance to hip coil. An elastic cord is attached to a belt which is part of the embodiment. The golf ball can be played as it lies, that is, golfers set themselves to the actual golf ball location and position without moving it.

Dorotinsky/Lesson (FIG. 1B): Same comments as Perry, with strap anchored to ground with a stake, limiting flexibility of use and location of use; ball must be set to golfer, that is, ball must be moved by golfer to desired strike location.

Power Hip Rotator (FIG. 1C): Combined comments of Perry and Dorotinsky. The embodiment incorporates cumbersome hip belt device and leg straps making placing and adjustability difficult. Ball must be set to golfer.

Tesi: A front cord provides resistance to back swing and forward swing hip coil, is tied to pant loops, and is anchored to a floor board, restricting its location use; it has adjustability limitations and ball must be set to golfer.

Pacheco: A front strap with spring provides resistance to back-swing hip coil; side strap resists forward-swing hip turn. Straps are attached to a belt and a floor board and ball must be set to golfer.

Dickie: A non-stretch strap clipped to belt to maintain leg bend and foot spacing while allowing but not controlling weight shift during golf swing. Ball can be played as it lies.

Pursell: A cumbersome belt with a pair of elastic straps which encourage forward motion in the swing while resisting back-swing hip coil. Anchoring of two straps to ground limits location of practice and requires additional person's assistance for setting up; ball must be set to golfer.

Spencer: Combined comments of Perry and Dorotinsky, where strap is anchored to a ground-mountable frame; ball must be set to golfer.

SUMMARY CONCLUSION

Some Prior Art, as seen in the above examples and others not shown herein, are unsightly, heavy, cumbersome, and uncomfortable. Some would only be used within a golf training school and others require the assistance of another person for installation and use. Some are anchored to a supporting structure or to the ground which limits golfers flexibility as the where to practice and some do not allow the golfer to ‘play the ball as it lies’.

Prior Art addresses hip rotation basically in two ways. First, by providing devices and straps over the front of a golfer's body that restricts hip rotation/coiling in the back swing as if hip rotation was undesirable. Second, by providing stretching straps or springs that require the development of body strength for pulling the hip back, as if the back swing required strength, and then actively pulling them into the forward swing.

The embodiment submitted in this application proposes a primary contrasting premise with Prior Art for training a golfer relative to the hip motion.

Golfers need more flexibility, not strength, in their back swing in order to properly coil to preset their body for the correct forward motion, without lateral swaying. It is in the forward swing that golfers need to develop strength and speed that is, in turn, transferred to the golf ball through the golf club. The embodiment with the strap placed behind a golfer's leg does just that: it promotes and encourages hip rotation/coiling. From there, a golfer uncoils towards the forward swing.

For the back swing (FIGS. 2A-2D), the embodiment limits shifting of body weight, promotes proper coiling of hip, and restricts raising of body during the swing in order for the body to be in right position for making a correct forward body motion/uncoiling of hips and a descending clubhead strike on the golf ball. By reversing the location of the embodiment, a golfer is now aided in the forward swing (FIGS. 3A-3D) by promoting a proper forward coiling of the hips, once again, to be in the proper position to make a proper descending ball contact. Two separate embodiments can be used (FIGS. 4A-4D) to simultaneously accomplish the sum of back swing and forward swing training

The reader can easily test the embodiment premise by tying any small rope, cord, or pet leash on their pants or skirt belt loop and tying the opposite end to the ball of the opposite foot (following pre-set tension procedures described in ‘embodiment placement’ hereafter). As a contrast, first place the rope, cord, or leash on top of the leg (as in Prior Art) and make a simulated golf swing; then place it behind the leg (as per this embodiment) and repeat the simulated golf swing. The promoted hip coiling action of the proposed embodiment will be immediately felt.

The embodiment (FIG. 5) comprises a hip clip which is connected to a non-stretch flexible tension strap that is connected to a non-stretch flexible foot stirrup. The clip portion (FIG. 6) is small (approximately 12.5 cm.×6.25 cm. (5″×2½″) overall, and is inconspicuous, lightweight, and attractive and, together with the strap and foot stirrup, can be made of a variety of attractive materials and colors. Sizes of any or all of the components can also vary. The clip can remain in place on the hip, and the strap and foot stirrup can be rolled up and placed in a golfer's back pocket (or tucked under the belt) while walking around and while playing a practice round of golf on a golf course. The tension strap portion of the embodiment is placed behind a golfer's leg to promote hip coiling. The foot stirrup is to be placed on ball of foot and is oversized to allow easy placement and removal for repeated on and off practice.

The embodiment can be used for training and practice indoors and outdoors, at home, at an open field, at a golf practice facility and on a golf course. It is easy to put on and remove and is reversible for left and right handed players. It is easily adjustable for use by adults and children and persons of different body builds, both in waist girth and overall body heights. A person can place, remove, and adjust the embodiment without another person's assistance and a player can set up to the ball and ‘play it as it lies’.

Other Benefits:

The embodiment also aids in curing the improper swing motion known as ‘reverse pivot’ where the hip slides back and forth during the swing with almost no hip coiling.

Alternatively, if a golfer has excessive hip rotation, usually greater than 45 degrees, the embodiment can also be used similar to Prior Art, were the hip clip can be placed on back of golfer's hip, with strap placed over front of leg, to limit hip coil.

For golfers who advocate the ‘stack and tilt’ method, where body weight is placed on leading foot (left for right handed golfer, right for a left handed golfer) and is kept there throughout the swing, the embodiment will help maintain their weight on the leading foot while promoting hip coil.

Since proper hip coiling is essential in a golf swing, improvement on this portion of the golf swing will also improve the overall performance of a player with the other portions of the game: driving, fairway wood play, and pitching. The required hip rotation will range from a maximum amount to a minimum amount depending on the desired force of the golf swing stroke.

DRAWINGS

Figures

FIGS. 1A-1C: Prior Art (Illustration of 3 relevant Prior Art examples)

• • FIG. 1A: Perry
  • FIG. 1B: Dorotinsky/Lesson
  • FIG. 1C: Power Hip Rotator

FIGS. 2A-2D: Back Swing Training (Illustration of the four basic golf swing positions)

• • FIG. 2A: Address
  • FIG. 2B: Back Swing
  • FIG. 2C: Down Swing
  • FIG. 2D: Follow Through

FIGS. 3A-3D: Forward Swing Training (Illustration of the four basic golf swing positions)

• • FIG. 3A: Address
  • FIG. 3B: Back Swing
  • FIG. 3C: Down Swing
  • FIG. 3D: Follow Through

FIGS. 4A-4D: Combined Back Swing/Forward Swing Training (Illustration of the four basic golf swing positions)

• • FIG. 4A: Address
  • FIG. 4B: Back Swing
  • FIG. 4C: Down Swing
  • FIG. 4D: Follow Through

FIG. 5: Hip Clip, Tension Strap, Foot Stirrup Assembly (Illustration of embodiment assembly)

FIG. 6: Hip Clip Assembly (Illustration of hip clip portion of embodiment)

FIG. 7: Hip Clip Side View (Illustration of side view of hip clip portion of embodiment)

FIG. 8: Exploded View (Illustration showing exploded view separating individual components)

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Embodiment Parts

• • 10: Belt Hook (front view) hooking on golfer's belt.
  • 10-A: Belt Hook 10 (back view).
  • 11: Front plate with recessed surface for product labeling.
  • 12: Side slot for hooking on belt.
  • 13: Hinged bottom.
  • 14: Golfer's belt.
  • 20: Strap Clamp Support (front view), connected to hinged bottom 13 of belt hook 10 with hinge pin 61.
  • 20-A: Strap Clamp Support 20 (back view)
  • 21: Strap slot for strap 40
  • 22: Hinged top for connection to belt hook 10.
  • 23: Hinge pin hole for hinge pin 62.
  • 24: Sloped top
  • 30: Strap Clamp (front view), connected to strap clamp support 20 with hinge pin 62.
  • 30-A: Strap Clamp 30 (back view).
  • 31: Thumb plate with recessed surface for product labeling.
  • 32: Hinged bottom.
  • 33: Friction teeth for securing tension strap 40.
  • 40: Tension Strap—non-stretch flat fabric.
  • 41: Adjusting strap loop.
  • 50: Foot stirrup—non-stretch flat fabric.
  • 51: Rectangular strap loop, for connecting foot stirrup 50 to tension strap 40.
  • 52. Multi-layer fabric at base of stirrup.
  • 61: Hinge Pin.
  • 62: Hinge Pin.

Swing Symbols

• • 80: Swing zone
  • 81: Lateral sway restraint.
  • 82: Vertical body raising restraint.
  • 83: Back swing hip coil.
  • 84: Down swing hip un-coil.
  • 85: Tension maintained by strap 40.
  • 86: Body-position-points (stars).
  • 87: Body-position-points-at-impact reference line.
  • 88: Descending swing stroke.
  • 89: Forward hip coil.
  • 90: Golf club
  • 91: Golf ball

Embodiment

Detail Description

The embodiment comprises a hip attaching device (hereafter called a hip clip), which is connected to a tension element (hereafter called a tension strap) that is connected to a foot attaching element (hereafter called a foot stirrup). FIG. 5 illustrates an overall assembly of the hip clip, tension strap, and foot stirrup. FIG. 6 illustrates the isolated assembly of the hip clip. FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of the hip clip. FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded view separating the individual components of the embodiment. Primary components are identified with tenth's numerals (10, 20, . . . , 50). Additional parts, accessories, and features are identified with intermediate numerals (11, 23, . . . , 62). Back side view of a same part is shown with the same part number followed by a letter suffix (10-A, 20-A, 30-A).

A Hip Clip (shown on FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and on FIG. 8 exploded view) is composed of three primary parts (10, 20, 30) all of which are preferably made of plastic material that can be easily molded and made in any color. Alternative materials, such as non-ferrous metals, can be used. The illustrated cosmetic shapes can be circular, triangular, rectangular, or other. Many other cosmetic shapes and patterns may be used. Sizes of any or all of the components can also vary.

• • Belt Hook 10 (shown on FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and separately on FIG. 8 exploded view) is a hooking piece that is to be slipped under and hooked onto a golfer's belt 14 (a stiff and wide belt is recommended), for which a side slot 12 (FIGS. 7 and 8) has been provided. Belt hook back side 10-A (FIG. 8) is smooth and rounded for comfort. Front plate 11 is shaped for gripping of belt and has a recessed surface for placing of product label. Hinged bottom 13 facilitates placing of hip clip on belt and allows bending of device when a golfer bends (as in picking up a golf ball) or sits (as on a golf cart). The belt hook is connected with a hinge pin 61 to strap clamp support 20.
  • Strap Clamp Support 20 (shown on FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and separately on FIG. 8 exploded view) is a component to which tension strap 40 is attached. Strap clamp support 20 is connected to belt hook 10 with hinged top 22 and hinge pin 61. The sloped top 24 facilitates the lifting of strap clamp 30 and removal of hip clip from belt. It has hinge pin hole 23 for hinge pin 62 which supports strap clamp 30, and it has a strap slot 21 for strap 40 extension slide. Back side 20-A (FIG. 8) is smooth and rounded for comfort.
  • Strap Clamp 30 (shown on FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and separately on FIG. 8 exploded view) is a quick thumb-action pressure clamp with pressure maintained by tension applied to strap 40 by golfer's foot on opposite side of body from where the hip clip (FIG. 6) is placed. A top thumb plate 31 has a recessed surface for product labeling. A hinged bottom 32 and hinge pin 62 connects it to strap clamp support 20. Back side 30-A (FIG. 8) illustrates friction teeth that are placed on a curve that is slightly eccentric to the hinge pin which will cause pinching and gripping of tension strap 40. Strap clamp 30 will enable minor and quick on-the-spot adjustments to tension strap 40 required when a golfer sets up to a golf ball.

Tension Strap 40 (shown on FIG. 5, and separately on FIG. 8 exploded view) is a non-stretch flexible strap, primarily made of a synthetic fabric such as polypropylene or nylon, which can be provided in many colors. Tension strap 40 will have a metal or plastic adjusting loop 41 for major strap length adjusting to accommodate various golfer sizes. The strap will be pinched in place by strap clamp 30 and will have open end extended through strap slot 21. The closed strap end with adjusting loop 41 will attach to rectangular loop 51 of foot stirrup 50. Illustrated is a 2.5 cm. (1″) flat strap, but other non-stretch flexible materials, profiles (flat strap, round cord) and sizes can be used with some modifications to impacted components.

Foot Stirrup 50 (shown on FIG. 5, and separately on FIG. 8: exploded view) is preferably, but not necessarily, made of same material, profile, size, and color as tension strap 40. Foot stirrup 50 will have a metal or plastic rectangular strap loop 51 and a reinforced multi-layer fabric base 52. Illustrated is a 2.5 cm. (1″) flat strap, but other non-stretch flexible materials, profiles (flat strap, round cord) and sizes can be used with some modifications to impacted components. The foot stirrup is to be purposely oversized to fit loosely around a golfer's shoe for easy and repeated placing and removal.

Embodiment

Placement

The placement of the embodiment (FIG. 5) is illustrated on FIG. 2A (address), FIG. 3A (address), and FIG. 4A (address), and are based on a right handed person. For left handed persons, all references are to be reversed. Clock positions referenced hereafter are based on 12:00 being the front center of a person's body at a centered belt buckle.

Hip clip assembly (FIG. 6) is placed with belt hook 10 slipped under and hooked on to a golfer's belt. Major adjustments to accommodate body height and waist girth should be pre-set on tension strap 40 with adjusting strap loop 41 such that only a few centimeters (or inches) of strap extend beyond strap slot 21, as shown on FIG. 5.

For the Back Swing (FIG. 2A), hip clip (FIG. 6) is placed on the belt at around the 1:00-2:00 o'clock position (over the right leg). Tension strap 40 runs from hip clip down and behind the upper right leg thigh, down to foot stirrup 50. Foot stirrup is placed on the ball of the left foot. The golfer, adopting an address stance position, places the hip clip on right hip, pulls loose tension strap's open end under strap clamp 30 and through strap slot 21, and, without moving feet, slides body and hip to left side until left leg is vertically straight over left foot. The tension strap is then pulled relatively taught and clamped in place with strap clamp 30. The golfer then slides back into stance/address position (FIG. 2A) whereby tension is applied and preset on the tension strap. Sufficient tension exists when the golfer, in address position, feels a definite resistance to a lateral sway and when a pulling up of ball of left foot is felt. If needed or desired, the golfer at this point can decrease or increase the tension by doing minor adjustments at the strap clamp.

For the Forward Swing (FIG. 3A), hip clip (FIG. 6) is placed on the belt at around the 10:00-11:00 o'clock position (over the left leg). Tension strap 40 runs from hip clip down and behind the upper left leg thigh, down to foot stirrup 50. Foot stirrup is placed on the ball of the right foot. Repeating and reversed: the golfer, adopting an address stance position, places the hip clip on left hip, pulls loose tension strap's open end under strap clamp 30 and through strap slot 21, and, without moving feet, slides body and hip to right side until right leg is vertically straight over right foot. The tension strap is then pulled relatively taught and clamped in place with strap clamp 30. The golfer then slides back into stance/address position (FIG. 3A) whereby tension is applied and preset on the tension strap. Sufficient tension exists when the golfer, in address position, feels a definite resistance to a lateral sway and when a pulling up of ball of right foot is felt. If needed or desired, the golfer at this point can decrease or increase the tension by doing minor adjustments at the strap clamp.

For the Combined Back Swing/Forward Swing (FIG. 4A), which uses two embodiments in combination, placements of each are as previously described for the back swing and forward swing.

Embodiment

Use

The use of the embodiment (FIG. 5) is illustrated on FIGS. 2A-2D when applied to back swing hip coiling training, FIGS. 3A-3D when applied to forward swing hip coiling training, and FIGS. 4A-4D when applied in combination for back swing and forward swing hip coiling training. Each set of figures include illustrations of the golf swing at four positions: address, back swing, down swing, and follow through. Swing symbols 80-91 are provided to assist in the description of use.

Back Swing (FIGS. 2A-2D):

The embodiment (FIG. 5) in the back swing position is for training the proper back swing hip coiling, which is essential for setting up the swing in the correct position for starting the subsequent forward swing. The golfer can practice full swings hitting a golf ball, but should start at slow swing speeds until the proper motion is learned.

With the embodiment placed in the back swing position, preset with tension (as previously described) between hip and static foot and the golfer set in the address position (FIG. 2A), tension strap 40 is under tension 85. This restricts lateral sway 81 and vertical body raising 82 (maintaining bend in legs) and maintains a golfer's body substantially centered over golf ball and within swing zone 80. Upon performing a back swing (FIG. 2B), tension 85 will maintain lateral sway restraint 81 and vertical body height 82 and will promote a back turning/coiling of the hip 83 while maintaining golfer within swing zone 80, which is essential for being in the correct position to initiate the down swing. From there, the down swing (FIG. 2C) starts from the correct position with uncoiling of hips 84 and upper body into the forward swing which will result with the body position points 86 (stars) and reference line 87 ahead of golf ball 91 at the moment of clubhead/ball impact. This will create the correct descending strike 88 with golf club 90 on golf ball 91.

The forward swing should start as one simultaneous motion of the uncoiling of the hips and upper body and the down-swinging of the arms and hands, with mental concentration focused on coiling of hips. Since the hips have a shorter travel length, they will reach the ball impact zone first; the upper body will follow, and last the arms and hands, with the greatest travel distance. At impact, the hands will be slightly ahead of the golf ball and the hips and shoulders will be slightly angled out (open). This will result in the golf term known as ‘late hit’ where the body, arms and hands are ahead of the ball at impact. Additionally, a golfer should not obsess on trying to keep the head still but should strive to maintain a uniform shoulder height during the swing. The head should remain passive, not rigidly fixed in place, and should be allowed to turn with the forward swing so as to not inhibit a proper forward body turn.

FIG. 2D illustrates a completed swing where the body is within swing zone 80. Tension strap 40 has slack on the downswing and follow through since its purpose is related to the back swing motion.

Forward Swing (FIGS. 3A-3D):

The embodiment (FIG. 5) in the forward swing is for training the proper forward swing hip coiling and is to be used after a golfer is familiar with and incorporates the proper hip motion and position learned with the embodiment in back swing motion position. The golfer can practice full swings hitting a golf ball, but should start at slow swing speeds until the proper motion is learned.

With the embodiment placed in the forward swing position, preset with tension (as previously described) between hip and static foot and the golfer set in the address position (FIG. 3A), tension strap 40 is under tension 85 and lateral sway 81 and vertical body raising restraint 82 is set. During the back swing (FIG. 3B), additional tension 85 is stored up in tension strap 40 and lateral sway 81 and vertical body raising restraint 82 is maintained, while keeping golfer's body within swing zone 80. The golfer then is promoted by tension strap 40 from the back swing hip/body uncoiling into a hip/body forward coiling motion during the downswing. In the down swing (FIG. 3C), tension strap 85 will restrain lateral sway 81 and vertical body raising 82 and will promote hip coiling 89 while keeping golfer's body within swing zone 80. This will result with the body position points 86 (stars) and reference line 87 ahead of golf ball 91 at the moment of clubhead/ball impact, which will create the correct descending strike 88 with golf club 90 on golf ball 91.

Repeating: The forward swing should start as one simultaneous motion of the uncoiling of the hips and upper body and the down-swinging of the arms and hands, with mental concentration focused on coiling of hips. Since the hips have a shorter travel length, they will reach the ball impact zone first; the upper body will follow, and last the arms and hands, with the greatest travel distance. At impact, the hands will be slightly ahead of the golf ball and the hips and shoulders will be slightly angled out (open). This will result in the golf term known as ‘late hit’ where the body, arms and hands are ahead of the ball at impact. Additionally, a golfer should not obsess on trying to keep the head still but should strive to maintain a uniform shoulder height during the swing. The head should remain passive, not rigidly fixed in place, and should be allowed to turn with the forward swing so as to not inhibit a proper forward body turn.

FIG. 3D illustrates a completed swing where the body is within swing zone 80. Tension strap 40 maintains tension in follow through which maintains golfer's body within swing zone 80 with hips and body facing the target; it also aids in learning balance.

Combined Back Swing/Forward Swing (FIGS. 4A-4D):

Two embodiments (FIG. 5) can be used simultaneously for training the back swing and forward swing hip coiling, as respectively described above. It is, however, preferable that each portion is first practiced separately, prior to being used in combination, so that there is a better understanding of each portion of the golf swing. The golfer should practice with very slow swing speeds until the correct combined moves are learned. Since a strap is attached to both feet, the golfer should only practice the combined use of the embodiment if they are in good physical condition, with good balance and a good control of their legs and arms.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate swing positions and the combined embodiment positions omitting the graphic swing symbols since they are individually described in previous paragraphs and figures. The total training and results obtained are the sum of the parts.

Passive Golf Hip Training Aid

The embodiment is called a ‘passive’ golf hip training aid because, while the embodiment promotes the correct hip coiling during the swing, it is up to the golfer to purposely and actively cooperate in coiling of the hips. The golfer must also attempt to execute the swing in the proper sequence. The embodiment does not swing for the golfer, it merely provides a guide. The better or closer the golfer is (or is becoming through improvement) to an ideal golf swing, the less intrusive the device will feel during the swing. Conversely, the more deviation there is from the ideal, the more intrusive it will feel, telling the golfer that improvement is needed.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

In conclusion, the reader will see that, according to the embodiment (FIG. 5) of the invention, I have provided a device and method that enables apprentice, amateur and even advanced golfers learn, train, and/or fine tune their golf swing by improving the fundamental hip coiling motion within a golf swing, both in the back swing and the forward swing. Apprentice golfers can individually, or through golf instructors, more quickly learn the correct motions of the golf swing. Amateurs can improve current swing skills and free it of bad habits, and advanced golfers can fine tune their swing and maintain it at a high performance level required in formal competition.

The embodiment can be easily used, placed, removed, and adjusted by the individual without assistance from another person. It can by used anywhere, even on a golf course during a practice round, without slowing down play since, once the embodiment length is set, it virtually does not need further adjustments for normal golf swing situations. A golfer simply kicks off the loose foot stirrup and tucks it with the tension strap into back pocket. (Exception to this might be when a golfer is on a steep hill, in a bad location, in a sand bunker, or in other situations where non-standard or unusual stances are required).

The embodiment is suitable for use by men, women, and children of almost any age, assuming that they are physically and mentally fit and healthy to play the game of golf.

The embodiment can be used for training the proper hip motion in the back swing as well as the forward swing by switching its placement. Two embodiments can be used simultaneously to train for both portions of the swing. The tension strap placed under the leg thigh promotes, rather than restricts, hip coiling/rotation, while restricting sway. It trains golfers to make the essential descending clubhead contact into the golf ball.

The hip clip portion (FIG. 6) of the embodiment is made up of three parts (belt hook 10, strap clamp support 20, strap clamp 30). Belt hook 10 and strap clamp support 20 have a hinged connection for easy placing on belt. The embodiment is reversible and allows for use on left or right hip and is usable by right and left handed golfers. Strap clamp 30 allows for quick on-the-spot adjusting. Tension strap 40 is adjustable for varying body height and girth. Foot stirrup 50 is purposely made loose for easy and repeated placing and removing. Although illustrated as separate parts to facilitate adjustability, the tension strap and foot stirrup can be made as one piece since, even as two pieces, they work as one unit to provide tension.

The embodiment is small, attractive, lightweight, minimally intrusive, and inconspicuous. FIG. 5 illustrates particular shapes and design, but the embodiment may have many configurations, profiles, textures, and cosmetic elements to make it visually attractive while maintaining its functionality. Color, graphics, and labels also can be added to the hip clip and the strap portions to enhance the product. Bright and neon colors can be used for extroverted people; light or even transparent materials and clear colors can be used for persons who prefer to be inconspicuous, especially when they are novices.

Although the preferable material for the hip clip and tension strap/foot stirrup is plastic and fabric respectively, other materials can be used. The hip clip can be of various plastic materials such as, but not limited to, HDPE (high density polyethylene), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), acrylic, and of metals such as, but not limited to, non-ferrous metals (aluminum, brass, copper). The straps can be PVC, polypropylene, vinyl, nylon, non-stretch rubber, or other. Also, the various accessory parts within the embodiment can be of different materials. Sizes of any or all of the components can also vary.

Being a small and simple product, it is easy to manufacture and easy to display in a colorful blister package, and can be made and sold in various color schemes to suit individual tastes. Being a simple product to use, it is sellable to anyone, not just to golf school/training facilities. And it can be sold at an affordable price, as opposed to expensive, complicated, and cumbersome contrivances that exist in the golf training equipment environment.

While the above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the embodiment, but as exemplifications of various possible embodiments thereof.

Thus, the scope should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not by the examples illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A golf training aid for promoting hip coiling, comprising a connecting element between a golfer's hip and opposite foot, placed behind a golfer's leg.

2. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein a hip attaching device, being the upper portion of said connecting element and preferably made of rigid plastic, is placed on a golfer's hip and hooked to a pants or skirt belt, and comprises a belt hook for hooking on said belt, and a strap clamp support and strap clamp with a gripping surface for securing a tension element.

3. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein said tension element, being the intermediate portion of said connecting element, comprises a tension strap, preferably made of non-stretch flexible synthetic fabric, that is connected to said hip attaching device.

4. The tension strap of claim 3 wherein said tension strap is preset in tension during the golfer's address stance, is secured in place by said strap clamp of said hip attaching device, and is placed behind said golfer's leg promoting hip coiling, resisting lateral sway, and maintaining knee bend and a constant body height during a golf swing.

5. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein a foot attaching element, being the lower portion of said connecting element and preferably being made of the same material as said tension strap, comprises a loose-fitted foot stirrup that is placed on ball of foot at opposite side of golfer's body where said hip attaching device is placed.

6. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein said golf training aid is easily placed and removed without assistance by another person, and having said hip attaching device remain in place while having said foot attaching element repeatedly and easily placed and removed for on and off training, and also being useable for training indoors, outdoors, at a golf practice facility, and on a golf course.

7. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein said golf training aid, being easily adjustable, is usable by adults and children, by persons of varying body heights and girths, and, being reversible, is usable by both left and right handed golfers.

8. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein said golf training aid, being reversible, can used as a single unit for hip coiling training during the back swing or the forward swing, and when used in plurality, can be used for the simultaneous hip coiling training during the back swing and the forward swing.

9. The golf training aid of claim 1 wherein said golf training aid is small and lightweight, can be made in many profiles, shapes, sizes, textures, and colors (opaque and transparent), making said golf training aid attractive and inconspicuous. Whereas said golf training aid of claim 1 promotes hip coiling training for the back swing and forward swing separately or simultaneously, and is simple to use, simple to manufacture, easy to package, and is sellable at an affordable price.