GOLF TRAINING APPARATUS
A golf training apparatus for providing fundamentals for making a proper shoulder turn while executing a golf swing. The apparatus includes a garment with at least one pocket secured to the garment. The at least one pocket has a plurality of openings, and a rod that can be inserted into the openings of the at least one pocket.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/037,349, filed on 10 Jun. 2020. The co-pending provisional application is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety and is made a part hereof, including but not limited to those portions which specifically appear hereinafter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the InventionThe invention relates to golf training apparatus for providing fundamentals for proper body alignment while executing a golf swing.
Description of Prior ArtVarious training devices related to proper techniques while golfing are known. The use of alignment sticks in golf is a fundamental training tool where slender sticks may be placed on the ground to aid the golfer in proper body alignment and aim. When executing a golf swing, proper aim of a golf club to hit a golf ball in a certain direction and/or at a certain distance, requires specific movements and positioning of various parts of the body. Such movements and positioning include proper alignment of the feet, hips, chest, shoulders, head and neck in relation to the golf club and golf ball; and maintaining the proper form while moving the body through and executing a golf swing.
Known uses of alignment sticks can help with proper initial alignment, however, proper execution of a golf swing relies heavily on maintaining alignment while moving through the swing, which is difficult to monitor with a stationary alignment stick (often on the ground). As such, additional alignment tools are desired to provide more accurate corrections and maintenance of proper golf wings, as various parts of the body move through a golf swing motion.
The golf training apparatus according to the present invention allows a golfer to make a full shoulder turn without having to hold an alignment stick in place with their hands, or place it on the ground. This allows a golfer to continuously hit golf balls while practicing proper alignments and movements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe golf training apparel apparatus of the invention provides the fundamentals for making proper body placements while completing a golf swing. The general object of the invention can be attained, at least in part, through a golf training apparatus that includes a garment, at least one pocket secured to the garment, a plurality of openings on the at least one pocket, a channel adjacent to the plurality of openings, and a removeable rod inserted into the channel.
A first opening of the plurality of openings is on a first end of the at least one pocket. A second opening of the plurality of openings is on a second end of the at least one pocket. The second end is opposite the first end. The removeable rod is inserted into the channel through the first opening or the second opening. The removeable rod protrudes through an opening opposite the first opening or the second opening. The channel extends from the first opening to the second opening, and any space between therethrough. The rod has a diameter ranging from ⅛″ to 4″. A surface area of an interior space of the channel is slightly larger than the diameter of the rod. The garment also includes a sensor and a sensor attachment. The sensor transfers data from a wearer of the golf training apparatus, to an application.
The garment includes a piece of clothing for covering a torso of a human body. The piece of clothing includes t-shirts, polo shirts, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and jerseys. In one embodiment of the invention, the garment is a shirt. The channel extends in a lateral direction across a chest area of the shirt. A length of the rod extends past the chest area of the shirt in at least one direction. The rod has a length ranging from 1 inch to 50 inches.
In one embodiment of the invention, the garment includes a piece of clothing for covering a lower body. The piece of clothing includes shorts, pants, and capris. In one embodiment of the invention, the garment includes a hat.
A general object of the invention can also be attained through a golf training apparatus that includes a garment that is a piece of clothing worn on a torso of a human body. The apparatus includes at least one channel secured to an inside of the garment. The at least one channel has at least one section. The apparatus also includes a plurality of openings on at least one end of the channel. The plurality of openings provide access to the at least one channel from an outside of the garment. The apparatus also includes a rod that fits inside the at least one channel.
The at least one channel extends laterally across a chest section of the garment. The rod includes a length. The length is greater than a lateral width of the at least one channel. The rod extends laterally across the chest section of the garment through the at least one channel. The rod protrudes from at least one opening of the at least one channel.
The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention will be better understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein:
The apparatus of the claimed invention includes an alignment stick or rod inserted into a garment. The rod provides visual feedback to a golfer as he or she is making a turn throughout a golf swing. The alignment stick/rod provides visual indicators that a proper golf turn is being accomplished by allowing a golfer to properly practice positions of backswing (left shoulder under chin), impact (shoulders parallel to the ground) and follow through or finish (left shoulder point left of target), among others.
When making a proper shoulder turn during a golf swing, an end of the rod points at the golf ball the golfer is aiming to make contact with. The end of the rod may also point slightly past the ball depending on the specific golfer's flexibility level. Visual cues provided by the golf training apparatus deliver immediate feedback that can be used by the golfer with or without a golf club, or while hitting golf balls.
While utilizing the golf training apparel apparatus, a golfer is able to feel how the upper body (the shoulders and chest) should properly turn in relation to the lower body (hips, legs and feet) to create proper resistance for a successful golf swing. The golf training apparatus allows the golfer to feel the proper torque needed to generate an increase in club head speed using the muscles of the golfer's torso. The muscles of the lower body, head and neck, are also important and can be monitored by the apparatus as well.
The garment 102 includes a plurality of openings 106 across a chest area 128 of the torso 150. The plurality of openings 106 provide access point(s) on the garment 102 through which the rod 108 can be inserted. A length 140 of the rod 108 protrudes through openings 106a and 106b, so that the length 140 of the rod 108 extends past shoulders of a wearer. A portion of the rod 108 sits inside a channel 110 on the garment 102. The channel 110 holds the rod 108 in place when the apparatus is in use by a golfer. The rod 108 may vary in length depending on the size of the golfer and subsequent garment 102. The rod 108 acts as an alignment stick that may be inserted into the channel 110 to maintain a rigid appearance across the chest of the golfer wearing the golf training apparatus 100.
The length of the accompanying rod can range anywhere between 1 inch and 50 inches, preferably 6 inches to 48 inches in length. The rod may be even greater in length depending upon the specific sport and training exercise the apparatus is being used for. For example, a longer rod may be desired to interact with a user's shoulders when making a full (long drive) golf swing. A shorter rod may be used for shorter game practice (such as putting or chipping). For shorter game practice, a shorter rod may be placed in the garment and may not protrude all the way through the channel. In such a case, a rod can be desirably placed on only the right of left side of the channel. Additionally, the rod is preferably cylindrical, although other shapes such as triangular, rectangular, or oval may be used. In additional embodiments, the apparatus may include more than one rod at variable lengths, diameters, and shapes.
A garment with multiple sections can mean certain embodiments of the apparatus can include multiple rods, channels, and pockets and/or different length rods and orientations. For example, a singular, one-piece channel may be used for a shirt with no separation across the chest area or neckline (such as a standard t-shirt). A channel with two sections may be used for a shirt, such as a polo, that has buttons, hook and loop closure, or zipper portions across the chest area of the shirt. A channel with two sections may have two uneven sections, such as quarter, half or ¾-sized sections in relation to the overall garment. Certain garments will require specific size and locations of sections of channels depending on training requirements and apparel logistics.
The overall fit of the garment 102 on the golfer is preferably a snug, tapered fit with minimum free-flowing movement of the garment fabric. This insures that the rod 108 will stay relatively in place when the golfer utilizes it for proper alignment techniques (as opposed to more loosely fitted clothing). However, the overall fit of the garment 102 may vary in size, fit, and also in fabric such as cotton, polyester, wool, elastane, spandex and any combination thereof. Likewise, the material of the at least one pocket 104 may be designed to further aid in holding the rod 108 securely in place while the golfer practices swinging or hitting golf balls. Such an example includes using a fabric with a higher elastic or elastane content for both the pocket(s) and/or channel(s).
The placement and size of channel(s) and/or pocket(s) can vary based upon apparel type, and the diameter and length of the accompanied rod(s). The channel pockets can also vary based on a weight of rod(s), the technological advancement of (or use of) an additional general alignment stick (as known in the art, discussed above), and positioning made relative to a specific sport (such as sports other than golf). For example, different weights, placements, and alignments can be attained for jerseys or other uniforms for sports like football, baseball, basketball, tennis and soccer (among others). The apparatus can provide trainers and athletes alike from any number of sports or activities with fundamental teachings for making a proper body rotation, turn, or move, ultimately resulting in effective athletic movements.
When using the apparatus 100 in conjunction with an additional alignment stick, a first alignment stick may be placed on the ground and run parallel to a golfer's feet so that the feet are in a straight line. When the alignment stick on the ground and the golf training apparatus are aligned, there can be an indicator or signal that the player's feet and shoulders are aligned parallel to a target.
The materials that can be used to create the channels and pockets can vary and be of any type of fabric such as: cloth, spandex, and neoprene material, among others. The material used should be best suited to provide maximum training performance for the desired activity or sport, while maintaining ease of use and feel for the wearer. Regardless of the materials used, the garment preferably includes a dual-layer construction. As such, the materials used to attach the pockets/channels to the inside of the garment are separate pieces from the overall materials to make the whole garment. Therefore, the openings do not protrude through the entire garment—this keeps the overall garment intact, and does not require the rod to make contact with a user's skin or the inside of the garment.
The garment may include other aesthetic features such as buttons 160 as shown in
A rotational swing, such as used in golf, also relates to other sports. The training apparatus according to embodiments of this invention can therefore also provide instructions to create effective swing releases and proper torque in various activities and movements. A rotation by a user can provide feedback to the user on making a greater rotational turn to increase torque and swing speed. The data may also measure a ball spin rate to increase travel distance and launch angles.
Algorithms stored within a website and/or user applications can use the information provided by the sensor, collected and communicated by the CPU, and calculate various swing metrics for reporting to the user. The website or application can then report instant feedback to the user such as, but not limited to: symmetry and alignment score, actual rotational angles and speed of swing. The application may feature a “beep” response, if the user chooses to use it, where there is a quick feedback sound that indicates a level of success (or correction needed) at each phase of a swing.
Ultimately, the application may store historical metrics and allow for a user to share these metrics and progress directly with a coach for review. Live sessions may also be available for real-time training and coaching sessions as an extended service offered to a subscribed network of certified professionals, school teams and other professional coaches.
Applications of this invention include, but are not limited to: shirts, vests, sweatshirts, jackets, pullovers, hoodies, pants, shorts, socks, shoes, belts, hats, caps, sports equipment bags and backpacks.
One or more rods according to the claimed invention can be stored or transferred in a storage sleeve or a sheath. The storage sleeve or sheath can attach externally or fit internally into a golf bag or other carrier/tote, including: backpacks, softball or baseball carry totes, or any other sports or leisure related carrier or tote.
The storage sleeve is preferably made of material that protects and secures the rod while being transferred and can include storage for other alignment/rotation stick accessories (such as sensors). The design of the storage sleeve or sheath can provide ease of access while practicing or training as well as provide ease of storage.
While in the foregoing specification this invention has been described in relation to certain preferred embodiments thereof, and many details have been set forth for purpose of illustration, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the device and placard are susceptible to additional embodiments and that certain of the details described herein can be varied considerably without departing from the basic principles of the invention.
Claims
1. A golf training apparatus comprising:
- a garment;
- at least one pocket secured to the garment, the pocket having at least two openings;
- a channel formed between the at least two openings; and
- a removeable rod inserted into the channel.
2. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a first opening of the at least two openings on a first end of the at least one pocket.
3. The golf training apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a second opening of the at least two openings on a second end of the at least one pocket, wherein the second end is opposite the first end.
4. The golf training apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the removeable rod is inserted into the channel through the first opening or the second opening, and wherein the removeable rod protrudes through an opening opposite the first opening or the second opening.
5. The golf training apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the channel extends from the first opening to the second opening, and any space between therethrough.
6. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rod has a diameter ranging from ⅛″ to 4″.
7. The golf training apparatus according to claim 6 wherein a surface area of an interior space of the channel is slightly larger than the diameter of the rod.
8. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the garment further comprises a sensor and a sensor attachment, wherein the sensor is configured to transfer data from a wearer of the golf training apparatus, to an application.
9. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garment comprises a piece of clothing for covering a torso of a human body.
10. The golf training apparatus according to claim 9 wherein the piece of clothing is selected from the group consisting of t-shirts, polo shirts, shirts, sweaters, jackets, and jerseys.
11. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garment is a shirt.
12. The golf training apparatus according to claim 11 wherein the channel extends in a lateral direction across a chest area of the shirt.
13. The golf training apparatus according to claim 12 wherein a length of the rod extends beyond the chest area of the shirt in at least one direction.
14. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the rod has a length ranging from 1 inch to 50 inches.
15. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garment comprises a piece of clothing for covering a lower body.
16. The golf training apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the piece of clothing is selected from the group consisting of shorts, pants, and capris.
17. The golf training apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the garment comprises a hat.
18. A golf training apparatus comprising:
- a garment, wherein the garment is a piece of clothing configured to be worn on a torso of a human body;
- at least one channel secured to an inside of the garment, wherein the at least one channel comprises at least one section;
- a plurality of openings on at least one end of the channel, wherein the plurality of openings provide access to the at least one channel from an outside of the garment; and
- a rod configured to fit inside the at least one channel.
19. The golf training apparatus according to claim 18 wherein the at least one channel extends laterally across a chest section of the garment.
20. The golf training apparatus according to claim 19 wherein the rod comprises a length, wherein the length is greater than a lateral width of the at least one channel, and wherein the rod extends laterally across the chest section of the garment through the at least one channel, configured to protrude from at least one opening of the at least one channel.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 10, 2021
Publication Date: Jan 13, 2022
Inventors: Lyle WEISSINGER (Webster, NY), Scott R. KING (Penfield, NY)
Application Number: 17/344,606