Practice Device Attachable To Body Patents (Class 473/207)
  • Patent number: 7214139
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provided herein may include a method and system for indicating to a user when the user has performed an improper golf swing, including a positioning portion, and an indicating portion coupled to the positioning portion, where the indicating portion is selectively positional via the positioning portion, adjacent a user to provide an indication when the user performs an improper swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2007
    Inventors: H. Lindsey Parris, Chris Ries, Andrew Viglucci
  • Patent number: 7207896
    Abstract: A training aid for practicing a golf swing. Two laser pointers are mounted at opposite ends of a bar that is affixed to a hat. The laser pointers are horizontally and vertically adjustable and are adjusted such that the laser beams from the two laser pointers cross at a desired point in front of the user. While maintaining the proper stance for a golf swing, the beams are adjusted to intersect each other a short distance above the golf ball. Any movement of the head will cause the beams to shift. This provides immediate feedback to the user and is useful in training the user to execute a golf swing while keeping the head in a certain position and motionless.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Mark S. Sudol
  • Patent number: 7156748
    Abstract: The golf training device comprises an arm band for attachment on the lead arm, above the elbow, and a resilient cord securable at one end to the arm band and having means at the other end for selectively attaching the cord on a golf club below the grip. A general method aspect of the invention comprises attaching an arm band to the golfer's leading arm above the elbow, connecting a resilient cord from the arm band to an attachment means on the club below the grip, assuming a stance by holding the grip of the club with both hands so that the club shaft extends in front and between legs of the golfer, and extending the hands to stretch the cord between the arm band and the shaft until the club head is in a desired position. The golfer maintains the stretch in the cord while moving the club back and forth in either a short or full swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: James Burke
  • Patent number: 7137902
    Abstract: An apparatus and methodology are provided for determining the proper set-up for a golfer. The methodology and apparatus set a golfer's hips parallel to his intended ball roll or flight line (target line) based upon his right or left hip rotation and shoulder width to determine his individualized stance address position to a golf ball. To this end, the apparatus includes a template “mat” placed on the ground which measures the width of a golfer's stance and rotation of a golfer's hips from the proposed path of the golf ball, also referred to as the “target line”, and an elongate bar affixed to a golfer's hips for visually indicating the golfer's hip rotation relative to the target line. The mat preferably includes a plurality of markings for measuring the width of a golfer's stance and for measuring the rotation of a golfer's hips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Inventor: David F. Wright
  • Patent number: 7128658
    Abstract: A ball hitting training device has a ball hitting implement such as a baseball bat or golf club, a shoulder harness or anchoring device for wearing on a player's leading shoulder when taking a swing with the hitting implement, and an elongate tether of flexible, non-extensible material having a first end secured to the shoulder harness and a second end secured to a location at or adjacent the ball striking end of the hitting implement. By maintaining the tether taut during a practice swing, the player can establish a so-called magic triangle between the hands, the ball hitting end of the hitting implement, and the leading shoulder, and can maintain this triangular relationship throughout the swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Inventor: Dave A. DuFour
  • Patent number: 7101287
    Abstract: A sports training apparatus for sports in which a ball or the like are played with a racket or the like, comprising a programmable microcomputer, an acoustic device and at least one input device, wherein the microcomputer can be controlled by the input device to output acoustic signals indicating specific motions by means of acoustic output devices and for changing the duration, interval and quality of said signals. The invention aims at providing a sports training device which is lasting and practical to use, e.g., small, lightweight and relatively easy and simple to use and offering mental support for practicing said sport. To this end, the microcomputer, the acoustic device and at least part of the input device are located in a casing having the form of a wrist-watch. The acoustic device comprises a voice generator for generating at least two different words.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Inventor: Herrmann Wagner
  • Patent number: 7074139
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Inventor: Christopher A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 7066825
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a body adapted for attachment to a waist of a golfer. A wand-form pointer is secured to the body and has a starting position extending outwardly from the body. The pointer is adapted to encroach into an inside downward swing path of the golfer. The pointer is capable of omni-directional movement, such that it deflects if struck. The pointer is biased to the starting position, such that, when struck, the pointer always returns to the starting position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Inside Touch Inc.
    Inventor: Jesse Moussa
  • Patent number: 6843730
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus has a frame having a base and an upright frame portion having a cross frame member. A back support is attached to the upright frame portion and positioned to support the back of a golfer making practice swings and includes a Velcro fastener portion attached thereto. A belt for attaching around a golfer has a VELCRO fastener portion positioned in the back thereof and aligned for attachment to the back support fastener portion to thereby removably hold a golfer making practice swings to the golf training apparatus. The golf training apparatus includes a pair of knee brace members for holding a golfer's knees in position during a practice swing and an elongated arm with a head support yoke on the end thereof for supporting a golfer's head during practice swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Miro D. Bellagamba
  • Patent number: 6832960
    Abstract: A chest belt for encircling the back and chest of a trainee at a level above the waist, an arm strap for accommodating the upper arm portion of the trainee's leading arm, a shoulder strap for overlying the shoulder of the leading arm, a thigh strap forming a loop for encircling that thigh of the trainee opposite the leading arm, and connecting straps coupling the thigh straps to the chest strap and extending diagonally across the front and back of the trainee. The construction is such that the trainee's shoulders and hips partake of coordinated movements during the execution of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: VIB Line Establishment
    Inventor: Franz Thöny
  • Patent number: 6827654
    Abstract: A device (10) for training a sequence of movements for ball hitting implements (18), especially golf clubs and baseball bats, permits monitoring the observance of the correct sequence of movements. The monitoring device acts upon the implement (18) and the user. The device permits the individual user to be in a position to check whether a sequence of movement is being correctly performed, while he or she is executing the sequence of movements and to correct it if necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2004
    Inventor: Ingo Meyer
  • Publication number: 20040198525
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus increases the efficiency of the training process for a desired golf swing. Multiple training apparatus are mounted on a support base to define the proper golf swing path and corresponding body movement. The golfer strikes a barrier when the golf swing is performed in an undesirable manner, thus providing negative feedback in the training of the desired swing yet positive results. The apparatus allows a golfer to practice a selected swing without restraints to facilitate muscle memory of an optimal golf swing and with optimal body movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventor: Michael E. Bender
  • Patent number: 6767290
    Abstract: A golf training aid for developing a golf swing of a golfer is described. The golf training aid has a shoulder strap adapted to be worn by the golfer around the shoulder of one arm, and an elbow member adapted to be worn above the elbow of the opposite arm. When worm a portion of the shoulder strap passes in front of the golfer where a coupling structure couples the shoulder strap to the elbow member such that the arms are positioned in front of the golfer's body. The golf training aid is adapted to maintain a substantially constant distance between the shoulder and the opposite elbow of the golfer during a golf swing, thus facilitating synchronization of proper arm position with rotation of the body throughout the golf swing. Typically, the shoulder strap and elbow member are adjustable, and the coupling structure permits decoupling of the shoulder strap from the elbow member to promote efficient use of the present invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Christopher K. Tan
  • Patent number: 6692369
    Abstract: A training method for the game of golf is disclosed. More specifically, the method comprises engaging a golfer's leg above the golfer's knee, engaging a golfer's leg below the golfer's knee, selecting an optimum knee flexion angle, locking the knee at the selected angle, approaching the ball in preparation for a golf swing, and swinging the club through all phases of the golf swing (e.g., take-away, impact, and follow-through). The method further comprises unlocking the knee to permit unrestricted ambulation for walking to the next swing position then selecting an additional knee flexion angle (that may be the same or different as the first depending on the attributes of the golfer and environmental conditions), locking the knee at the selected angle, and swinging the club through all phases of a golf swing. Improvements in the swing mechanics of a golfer can be realized with the training method of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventor: Brian P. McKeon
  • Patent number: 6672972
    Abstract: A small laser pointer is connected to a gripping member by a free-swinging connection member so that when the gripping member is attached to a golfer's cap, golf visor or sunglasses, the laser pointer plumbs straight down under the influence of the gravitational force. Because of the free-swinging connection member, the laser pointer can swing as a pendulum through the full 360° of motion in a horizontal plane. The point of light that is projected by the laser pointer onto the ground provides the golfer with instant feed back if the golfer's head moves during the putting stroke, as the point of light created by the laser will also move when the head moves. The point of light from the laser also provides a point of reference that allows the golfer to set the golfer's eyes directly over the ball. At this location, the golfer is ensured of seeing the line of the putt better and is able to line up the putter head more precisely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Inventor: Robert Allen Stone
  • Patent number: 6656055
    Abstract: The invention is a machine for learning the bodily position and motion known as a swing in the game of golf to form correct golf posture based on a player's height, and more specifically the player's distance from the hips to the ground and from the shoulders to the hips and by the motions during the golf swing. The machine learns the bodily position and motions of the golf player in hitting the ball. The machine includes two plates arranged so that they can move on a column, one at the height of the player's hips and the other at the height of the shoulders, the latter with arms leaving said plate and ending in a hinged belt for holding the hips and the other having a lower arm and upper arm terminating in a shoulder bar for holding the player's shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Antonio Foncillas Marro
  • Patent number: 6612845
    Abstract: An apparatus for training body movements in athletics includes a waist strap configured for attachment around the torso of a wearer and having a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto, and a shoulder strap configured for attachment around the wearer's shoulders and having two cooperating ends. The shoulder strap is configured to extend around the wearer's shoulders and under the wearer's arms such that the cooperating ends are connectable together at a point located substantially between the wearer's shoulder blades. The shoulder strap further includes a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto. The apparatus may further include leg straps configured for attachment around the wearer's legs and arm straps configured for attachment around the wearer's arms. The leg and arm straps may each include a plurality of attachment rings connected detachably thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Inventors: Mark A. Macri, Lew Wright
  • Patent number: 6585611
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for training a trainee to achieve or maintain proper throwing technique by attaining proper form, position, and movement of the legs, hips, torso, and shoulders of the trainee and without the use of the throwing arm of the trainee. An apparatus in accordance with the present invention includes a harness to be worn about the torso of the trainee, wherein the harness is configured to releasably support thereon a training projectile which is configured to be launched from is supported position on the harness as a result of a training maneuver which does not involve the throwing arm of trainee. A method in accordance with the present invention includes providing a training projectile, releasably supporting the projectile proximate a throwing shoulder of the trainee, executing a training maneuver and launching the projectile as a result of the execution of the training maneuver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Inventor: Christopher A. Vogel
  • Patent number: 6582318
    Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synchronization, the training device provides feedback to the user. The training aid device basically comprises a strap that secure a sheet to the rearward leg of the user. A trapezoid shaped panel is mounted to the sheet, which provides the user with a reference as to the proper positioning of a user's hands and the shaft of the golf club during address, and which provides a tactile feedback signal to the user, if the user's backswing is improper or if the user's hip rotation and movement of the user's hands are out of synchronization, by making contact with at least one of the user's hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ronald C Halfacre
  • Publication number: 20020187860
    Abstract: A method of analyzing and practicing golf strokes, such as putting strokes, is provided. A surface is provided, wherein a golfer can practice one or more strokes in an environment simulating components of a golf course, such as a green. A club movement detector embedded in the surface and comprising a plurality of photodetectors and associated circuitry determines the position and velocity of the club face. A head movement sensor detects rotational movement of the golfer's head during the golf stroke. An eye movement sensor detects movement of the eyes of the golfer during the golf stroke. A processor connected to the club movement sensor, eye movement sensor, and head movements sensor gathers movement data during the golf stroke and produces measurements corresponding to the golf stroke, such as eye, head, and club movement of the golfer. The measurements can be compared with those of professional golfers to determine the efficiency and accuracy of the putting stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: George K. Shoane
  • Patent number: 6471598
    Abstract: A golf swing training device which is designed while attaching importance to natural physical motion of a golfer and which assures that the club draws a straight trajectory. The training device has an extensible restraining rod whose top end is attached to one arm of the golfer. The bottom end of the training device is attached to a side of the head of the shaft of a golf club. The restraining rod can be stretched and compressed and thus the length can be adjusted. A holding belt is loosely mounted to a side of the restraining rod that is attached to the golfer's arm. A flexible coupling forms the end of the restraining rod that is mounted to the club shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Shinichi Takase
  • Patent number: 6458036
    Abstract: A golf training device, worn by golfers to improve their golf swings, is disclosed herein. The invention provides a golf training device that may include a belt and a flexible strap. The first end of the strap attaches to the belt at a position proximal to a golfer's leading hip, and the second end of the strap attaches to a distal part of the golfer's leading arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Robert Gutierrez
  • Patent number: 6428421
    Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synch, the training device provides feedback to the user. Device basically comprises a belt and strap that secure a sheet to the right leg of the user. A pair of panels is mounted to the sheet. Pair of panels contacts a user's hands if the hip rotation and the movement of the user's hands are out of synch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald C. Halfacre
  • Patent number: 6375582
    Abstract: A training device worn by a golfer includes a first shoe retainer that is secured to a first shoe of the golfer and a second shoe retainer that is secured to a second shoe of the golfer. In a first embodiment, a housing is pivotally mounted to a toe end of the first retainer and a post is mounted to the toe end of the second retainer. An axle is rotatably mounted in the housing and a first tape measure is coiled about the axle and has a first end secured to the axle. A second tape measure is coiled about the axle and has a first end secured to the axle in diametrically opposed relation to the first end of the first tape measure. The axle is biased so that both tape measures are coiled about it when in repose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventor: George P. Harris
  • Patent number: 6375581
    Abstract: An instructional swing device for teaching the proper swing for baseball, golf or the like. The instructional swing device comprises a vest or harness arrangement which positions an adjustable, stretchable strap across the torso of the user from one shoulder to the opposite hip. Attached to the strap is an audible indicating mechanism, such as a buzzer, which is activated by proper movement of the user through stretching of the strap. In operation, the audible indicating mechanism identifies a proper swing during use to provide feedback to the user that the user is performing the desired hip movement in advance of the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Inventors: James Michael Urban, Robert Joseph Dailey
  • Patent number: 6371863
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf swing training device that guides and coordinates a user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement when executing a golf swing relative to a target line extending horizontally in the direction of an intended target from a predetermined point at which the user would strike a golf ball with a golf club. The golf swing training device according to the present invention includes a yoke, a rotatable member, and a guide assembly. The yoke engages the upper torso of the user. The rotatable member is connected to the yoke. The guide assembly maintains the orientation of the rotatable member while it simultaneously rotates and moves laterally and vertically as the user executes a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas F. Moran
  • Patent number: 6361448
    Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer is disclosed. More specifically, an apparatus for and method of stabilizing the right knee (the left knee for left handed golfers) of a golfer such that a critical knee flexion angle is maintained throughout the golf swing, the weight of the golfer is properly transferred, and the right hand side (left hand side for left handed golfers) is properly loaded for a reliable, consistent, controlled, and safe golf swing. The apparatus for controlling and stabilizing the swing mechanics of a golfer comprises upper and lower leg support members and an adjustable hinge about the knee flexion axis and that will accommodate variable degrees of flexion depending on golfer specific conditions (e.g. height, arm and leg length, weight, etc.) and environmental conditions (course conditions, ball lie, playing hazards, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Inventor: Brian P. McKeon
  • Patent number: 6332845
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid (10), to be fitted between a player's knees, has an elongate, telescopic body (11), with foam pads (16, 18) on respetive cross-heads (17, 19) at each end of the body (11). A flexible strap (20) releasably secures one cross-head (17) to one of the player's knees and the other cross-head (17) rests against the other knee. The knees are held stable on the backswing and first half of the downswing of the club, but the aid (10) releases the knees as the swing is completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Inventor: Richard Andrew Priestley
  • Patent number: 6322462
    Abstract: An improved elbow brace adapted for teaching baseball throwing with three stays enclosed by cloth and attached with two circumferential cloth straps. Two or more pads 21 sit between the ends of stays and the inner surface of the brace which adjoins the skin when worn. Stitched seams 15 are placed very close to the edges of the primary stays 3 and the third stay 9 to carefully hold them in proper alignment, allowing less than three-eighths of an inch of lateral movement and preferable less than one-eighth of an inch. The span between the primary stays 3 narrows toward the top of the brace 11. The middle stay is stiffer than the other two.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Throwright LLC
    Inventor: Timothy J. Kafer
  • Publication number: 20010041623
    Abstract: An external reference system, which allows a golfer to aim and control his body and swing alignment. The preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a self contained, independent device that may be removably affixed to the golfer at various points of his body, the particular location corresponding to the area the golfer wishes to focus on with respect to proper alignment, such as the golfer's feet, legs or back. The external referencing system, generated by an emitted laser beam, allows the golfer to achieve proper body alignment with reference to a target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Matteo J. Rosselli
  • Patent number: 6270430
    Abstract: A sports training device which consists of a body belt which can be secured around the body, an elastic cord and an implement holder. The elastic cord is attached to an adjustable length strap on the belt so that the end of the elastic cord can be drawn snug against the body or eased off. The elastic cord passes through a slide ring. The implement holder, which can be secured around a sports implement or stick, is attached at the free end of the elastic cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Nicoloff
  • Patent number: 6206787
    Abstract: The invention is a training device to enable a golfer to develop a smooth and consistent swing. It comprises a harness with a chest encircling band and shoulder straps, somewhat similar to a brassiere. A rigid bar is attached transversely and retained in the rear portion of the shoulder straps. The bar is of a sufficient length and positioned so that in use it is essentially horizontal across the shoulders and not visible to a golfer addressing a ball. However, one end becomes visible directly in front of the golfer at the peak of a correct back swing and the other end becomes visible in front of the golfer at the end of a proper follow through. Golf professionals will find the device useful as a teaching aid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Inventor: Arthur L. Kleppen
  • Patent number: 6196931
    Abstract: An apparatus for developing a consistent and working golf swing in the classic form, by constraining the movement of the wearer's trail arm in relation to the wearer's torso from the set-up, through striking of the ball, while allowing for unrestricted movement for the swing follow through. The apparatus comprises a resilient arm band formed in an arm loop that is partially self adjusting, being worn by a golfer on the trailing arm just above the elbow. The arm band connects to an adjustable strap assembly which comprises an inelastic strap which adjustably loops through a manually adjustable strap buckle. The adjustable strap assembly connects to a belt line anchor through an “O”-ring connector. The belt line anchor is attached to the wearer's waist or belt at a point on the waist or belt, above the hip of the wearer on the wearer's pants or belt, opposite the trailing arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Inventor: David B. Wilt
  • Patent number: 5890968
    Abstract: A golf swing training device for guiding the shoulder turn of a golfer from the address position to the apex of the back swing, through the forward swing until contact with a ball, and follow-through. In a preferred embodiment it comprises: an elongated rigid the shaft (10). A plurality of first fastening sides of a fastening pair (20) are affixed to one side of the shaft (10). A plurality of second fastening sides of said fastening pair (30) are affixed to the front of a shirt like garment (40) along a horizontal axis running through the mid-sections of the garment's (40) shoulder areas and under the clavicle area. The shaft (10) is then connected to the garment (40) by the engagement of the first sides of the fastening pairs (20) to the second sides of the fastening pairs (30). A flat based marker (50) is located and affixed to a front area of each of the shoulder areas of the garment (40) above the attached shaft (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventor: Michael L. Mingo
  • Patent number: 5860872
    Abstract: A training device for preventing a batter from overstriding and causing a batter to feel an attempt to overstride is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes a length of material, one-half of the length of which is approximately equal to a maximum desired stride length for a batter. The ends of the material are joined at a central location, so that the material forms a loop. A pair of adjustable sliding rings are provided along the material, and each adjustment member cooperates with a portion of material to form respective, separate ankle loops. The adjustment members are slid along the material toward the central location to define relatively large ankle loops through which a user may pass his or her feet, and thereafter, the adjustment members are slid toward the respective ankles to snugly fit around the user's ankles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: Kevin Vitale
  • Patent number: 5800371
    Abstract: A brace applied to the back of the knee for inducing a golf or baseball player to assume a correct swinging stance comprises a rigid, padded, oblong plate folded outwardly to an obtuse angle about a near-media transversal line, and secured to the thigh, lower knee and calf of the player by series of three straps securable at an infinity of positions along the backside of the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Kevin Robbins
    Inventor: Michael R. Winn
  • Patent number: 5607361
    Abstract: A device for positioning on the back of a golfer's hand to provide the golfer with an audible signal when the golfer's wrist has a selected angular orientation during critical portions of the swing of a golf club. The device includes a pair of multicontact orientation sensitive switches, with separate or joint connection provided, such that internal electrical connections are made only when the desired angular orientation of the wrist is achieved. When such connection is made, the circuit of the device provides an audible signal that is heard by the golfer. This proper wrist orientation, and the electrical connection, must be maintained during the golf swing in order to continue the audible signal. A change in the signal indicates that the preferred orientation is not maintained. The orientation switches are disk mercury switch units having twelve internal contacts positioned at thirty degree intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Assignee: Back Swing Management, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Mastandrea, Donald R. Curtis
  • Patent number: 5586761
    Abstract: A golf swing training device includes an indicator rod mounted adjacent the golfer's shoulders by a shoulder mount and extends a predetermined distance from the golfer substantially perpendicular to an axis defined by the golfer's spine. The indicator rod is adapted to be guided by a guide member or structure supported adjacent the golfer so that as the golfer performs a golf swing the indicator rod engages and follows, but is not constrained by, the guide member or structure throughout the swing. The guide member or structure is effective to urge the indicator rod and thus the body movement of the golf in a preferred motion and to provide information regarding deviations from the desired swing. The information is provided by visual observation of the indicator rod and sound as the indicator rod movingly engages the guide member or structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1996
    Inventors: James H. Brock, Robert P. Foster
  • Patent number: 5558585
    Abstract: A device for detecting head movement of an individual during an activity of the individual is provided. The device includes a weighted wheel for establishing a reference with respect to an initial position of the individual's head, and a first angular encoder and second angular encoder for detecting angular movement of the head with respect to the reference. The detected head movement is processed by a controller and the output is provided by a display and a speaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Assignee: Muscle Memory, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Nolan, Jr.