GOLF SWING TRAINING CLUB

Abstract

A golf swing training club consisting of a club head, a length adjustable shaft, and a grip. A light source housed inside the grip projects, when illuminated, a highly focused beam of light outward from the top of the grip to track the player's swing plane. The light source, typically a diode laser module with power source, is removably secured within the grip by means of a collar and plug connector. Formed into the grip is a pressure sensitive switch which controls the light source. The light source is turned on whenever the grip is grasped and is turned off once the grip is released. A means for removably mounting training weights along the length of the shaft is also described.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to the sport of golf. More particularly, this invention describes apparatus used to enhance a golfer's skill level through an improved golf swing.

[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art

[0004] Golf, a game that has long been enjoyed by persons around the world, is ever increasing in popularity. With increased popularity comes increased interest in enhancing the quality of the game and its performance levels. Not surprisingly, therefore, an abundance of prior art can be found which teach techniques and apparatus to improve the individual golfer's skill and game quality.

[0005] The golf swing is central to the game, and much attention has been given to assisting golfers achieve the optimal swing. The location and continuity of the “swing plane”, and the velocity with which the club is swung, dictate the direction and distance a hit golf ball will travel and the success of any drive. Proper execution of the swing plane is achieved through a unitary movement of the hands, arms and body through the swing phases known as setup, back-swing, down-swing and follow-through.

[0006] Traditionally golfers were limited in their ability to obtain information about the correctness of their golf swings to observing the results of their swing and receiving oral feedback from coaches and colleagues. More recently, training clubs have been developed which emit beams of light while swung. These light beam emitting training clubs provide the golfer with immediate visual information about his or her golf swing. Such devices allow golfers to adjust their swing, during the swing, in order to achieve the correct “swing plane”.

[0007] By repeatedly practicing the correct swing with the aid of the light beam emitting training devices, golfers develop important “muscle memory” that allow the golfer to obtain the same correct swing plane results, without the training aids, while on the golf course and during competition.

[0008] To the extent described in the prior art, the light emitting training clubs differ one from the other considerably. The prior art describes light emitting training clubs which differ in the manner and direction in which they emit light, overall configuration, methods of construction, and means for light activation. Some include obtrusive components which can interfere with the gripping and swinging of the club. Others appear difficult or expensive to construct, are high maintenance, or awkward to use.

[0009] Golf clubs are not of uniform length and club length varies within each set. Putters and clubs used for short distance shots, such as 8 and 9 irons, have shorter shafts compared with clubs used for long distance shots, such as 1 and 2 irons and woods. It is not enough, therefore, to develop muscle memory in relation to a club of a given length, and golfers typically practice with all the different sized clubs within their club set. Golf clubs are also sized for users of different ages and heights. Although length adjustable golf clubs have been described, none of the prior art length adjustable golf clubs also provide the golfer with immediate visual feedback concerning his or her golf swing.

[0010] It has long been known that weight training can promote skill level and performance in a wide variety of athletic activities. Weights selectively strengthen those muscles most needed and used in play and competition. It is generally appreciated, for example, that placing donut shaped weights around one's ankles while jogging serves to strengthen leg muscles and enhance the user's running ability. Use of weights in conjunction with practicing golf swings selectively strengthen the muscles used in the golf swing. Accessories for attaching weights to golf shafts have been described for training as well as to balance golf clubs for everyday and competitive use. Golf weight accessories have not previously been described in conjunction with length adjustable golf swing training devices capable of providing the golfer with simultaneous visual information about his or her golf swing.

[0011] 3. Objects of the Invention

[0012] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a golf swing training club which emits a focused light beam to provide golfers with immediate and simultaneous visual information regarding their golf swing, which can be used indoors and out, which is simple in its construction, inexpensive to build and maintain, easy to assemble, and convenient to use.

[0013] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a light emitting golf course training club wherein the light source can be removably inserted and quickly secured into the club grip.

[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a light emitting golf swing training club having a means to illuminate the light source when the club grip is grasped and to extinguish the light when the club grip is released, which means is unobtrusive and which does not interfere with or distract the golfer when the training club is in use.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf swing training club that provides immediate visual feedback having an adjustable length to accommodate players of different ages and heights and to simulate the variable lengths of the different types of clubs within a set of golf clubs.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a training weight accessory that can be removably mounted anywhere along the length of the shaft of the training club to selectively strengthen a player's golf swing and to simulate golf clubs with heavy heads or grips.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0017] These and other objects are accomplished in the present invention, a golf swing training club comprised of a golf club head, shaft and grip. The grip includes a hollow core accessible from the top to receive and house a light source. The light source, typically a diode laser module, projects a very focused beam of light out the top of the grip in a direction co-linear with the golf shaft. A male plug connector molded into a collar encircling the light source plugs into a female plug connector built into the top of the grip to removably secure the light source within the grip. The light source is sized to fit snugly within the grip and so as not to extend beyond, or much beyond, the top of the grip. The light source may be removed from the grip for storage, maintenance or replacement.

[0018] In its preferred embodiment, the golf swing training club includes a pressure sensitive activation means formed into the length of the grip that turns the light source on and off. Grasping the grip depresses the activation means illuminating the light beam, while releasing the grip releases the means and extinguishes the light beam. The activation means is comfortably recessed within the grip, protruding slightly therefrom, so as not to be uncomfortable or distracting to the golfer. The activation means is positioned along a substantial section of the length of the grip such that, no matter how the golfer places his hands along the grip, gripping the club will cause the activation means to become depressed. When not grasped, the activation means resumes its original configuration. According to one embodiment, the pressure sensitive activation means connects to the light source through the plug connector.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, the light emitting training club has a length adjustable shaft to accommodate players of different ages and height and to simulate the different club sizes in a club set. The length adjustable shaft is comprised of telescoped tubing which locks, one to the other, by means of spring loaded clips mounted on one section of tubing which are received by holes formed at appropriate intervals along the length of an adjacent section of tubing. The holes formed along the length of the adjacent tubing also allow for rotation of the club head relative to the club grip. This feature permits the user to position the pressure sensitive activation means within the grip in a manner the user finds most convenient or comfortable.

[0020] According to another preferred embodiment, donut shaped weight accessories are placed at different positions along the length of the club shaft. The weights serve to selectively strengthen muscles used in the golf swing, and to simulate the varying balance found among different styles of golf clubs, at the same time as the focused light beam provides the visual feedback to allow the user to develop muscle memory in relation to the correct swing plane.

[0021] Further objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and ensuing description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The details of typical, but not limiting, embodiments of the present invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0023] FIG. 1 is a right side view of the golf swing training club with adjustable shaft and weight accessory.

[0024] FIG. 2 is a perspective diagram showing use of the golf swing training club with focused light beam tracking the player's swing plane.

[0025] FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing the grip and light source insert, male and female plug connectors, and pressure sensitive activation means.

[0026] FIG. 3B is a sectional view showing the light source fully inserted within the grip housing.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a sectional view showing details of the length adjustable golf club shaft.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing details of the training weight accessory and method of wrapping the same.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a sectional view of the light source within the grip housing and details of the pressure sensitive activation means.

[0030] FIG. 7 is an electrical schematic of the activation means depicted in FIG. 6.

[0031] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the grip portion of a further preferred embodiment of the golf swing training club having alternative activation means and the power source housed directly within the grip instead of within the light source unit.

[0032] FIG. 9 is an electrical schematic of the alternative activation means depicted in FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] The golf swing training club of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A club head 10 is permanently attached to one end of a shaft 20. The other end of shaft 20 is formed into a grip 30. Extending from the top end of grip 30, but housed within grip 30, is a light source 32.

[0034] According to the embodiment of the present invention depicted in FIG. 1, a training weight accessory 40 is secured around the lower portion of shaft 20. Weight accessory 40 is removably attached and held in place on shaft 20 by means of a velcro tongue 42.

[0035] Although weight accessory 40 is shown in FIG. 1 as attached to the bottom portion of shaft 20, weight accessory 40 can be attached anywhere along the length of shaft 20. Locating weight accessory 40 low on shaft 20 simulates a club having a heavy head section and requires more swinging strength. Locating weight accessory 40 high on shaft 20 simulates a club having a heavy grip section and requires the golfer to demonstrate greater control strength.

[0036] Also according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, shaft 20 is length adjustable and is comprised of two sections of tubing 22, with an inner section 22a telescoped inside an outer section 22b. A plurality of hole sets 24 formed at regular intervals along outer tubing 22b are located to receive two spring loaded clips 26 which protrude from opposing sides of inner tubing 22a. Hole sets 24 are composed of four holes, one opposed to the other and 90 degrees radially from the adjacent hole. Positioning the holes of hole sets 24 at 90 degrees relative to one another allows the golfer to rotate and lock club head 10 in four positions relative to grip 30, each position being 90 degrees from the adjacent position. Forming hole sets 24 at regular intervals along the length of outer tubing 22b permits shaft 20 to be extended, and locked, at a variety of lengths for golfers of different ages and heights. The training club with length adjustable shaft 20 can also be used by golfers to simulate the different club types within a club set.

[0037] The golf swing training club illustrated in FIG. 1 demonstrates length adjustable shaft 20 comprised of two sections of telescoped tubing 22. It will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that three or more sections of tubing, with inside tubing sections 22 having both hole sets 24 and clips 26, can be employed in shaft 20 without departing from the scope or essential nature of the present invention. It will be similarly appreciated that a length adjustable shaft 20 can be constructed with hole sets 24 comprised of two or three holes, equally spaced or at 90 degree intervals, and/or having one, as opposed to two, spring loaded clips 26.

[0038] FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which a golfer uses the golf swing training club of the present invention to obtain simultaneous information about the form and consistency of the his or her golf swing. The practicing golfer grasps grip 30 and, in the so-called set up position (not shown), squares to a ball 12 using appropriate stance and posture. Light source 32, which is illuminated, projects a focused beam 14 from the top end of grip 30. While the golfer engages in the initial back-swing phase of the golf swing, beam 14 appears within the golfer's view field and traces the swing plane of the golfer's back swing along a line A. Beam 14 retraces the same swing plane, again line A, during the down-swing portion of the golf swing until club head 10 meets ball 12, at which time beam 14 projects upwards and is no longer visible to the golfer. Beam 14 reappears within the golfer's view field during the follow-through phase of the golf swing (not shown), this time tracing a new line that will be roughly parallel to the swing plane reflected by line A.

[0039] Swings that hook, slice or fail to achieve the desired swing plane will become obvious when observing line A drawn by beam 14 relative to the golfer and ball 12. A correct swing is demonstrated when beam 14 draws line A exactly perpendicular to the golfer's stance and precisely bisecting ball 12. A correct swing is also illustrated by beam 14 retracing line A in each of the back-swing and down-swing phases of the golf swing. Because the major portion of line A traced during each of the three phases of the golf swing are within the golfer's view field while the golfer maintains correct posture and stance, the golfer is afforded immediate and simultaneous visual feedback regarding the positioning and consistency of the golf stroke before, during and after actually hitting ball 12.

[0040] Details of light source 32 and grip 30 are depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B. Referring first to FIG. 3A, the bottom end of grip 30 is permanently affixed to the top end of shaft 20. Grip 30 is hollow and opens at the top to receive light source 32 which is sized to fit snugly inside the hollow core of grip 30. A collar 35 having an outside diameter to coincide with the outside diameter of grip 30 encircles the top portion of light source 32. Extending down from the underside of collar 35 is a male plug connector 34 which can be removably inserted into a female plug connector 36 that is molded into the wall of grip 30.

[0041] FIG. 3B illustrates light source 32 fully inserted into hollow grip 30. Male plug connector 34, when inserted into female plug connector 36, removably secures light source 32 inside the core of grip 30 while collar 35 caps the top of grip 30. Light source 32 may be removed from grip 30 for storage, maintenance or replacement.

[0042] Also shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B is a pressure sensitive activating means 50 formed into grip 30. Activation means 50 traverses a substantial portion of the length of grip 30 such that, irrespective of where on grip 30 the golfer grasps, the golfer's hands will press down upon some portion of means 50. Activation means 50 is recessed into grip 30 while protruding slightly therefrom. When grip 30 is grasped, light pressure on means 50 depresses means 50 to a point that it becomes flush with the surface of grip 30. When grip 30 is released, means 50 resumes its original configuration.

[0043] The light source 32 depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B is an inexpensive, commercially available laser pointer comprising a diode laser module powered by small camera batteries which has been modified for use in the present invention. Laser pointers which are longer and narrower, and which utilize triple A sized batteries, can be modified for use with clubs having smaller diameter grips 30, as for example youth clubs. Also, while diode laser moadules which produce red colored laser beams are adequate for indoor practice and practice in shady or overcast conditions, somewhat more expensive laser modules which produce green colored beams can be used for outside training in sunny conditions.

[0044] Use of a laser powered light source 32 will generally be preferred to achieve the highly focused light beam that is required to adequately visualize the golf strokes. Alternatively, it is possible to employ in light source 32 other known and commercially available technologies that produce highly focused beams of light.

[0045] FIG. 4 illustrates the method of varying the length of shaft 20. Hole sets 24 appear at regular intervals along the length of outer tubing 22b, while clips 26 protrude from within inner tubing 22a in opposing directions. To adjust the length of shaft 20, clips 26 are pressed inwards allowing inner tubing 22a to be slid relative to outer tubing 22b. Sliding inner tubing 22a away from outer tubing 22b lengthens shaft 20, while sliding inner tubing 22a farther inside outer tubing 22b shortens shaft 20.

[0046] To rotate club 10 relative to grip 30 (shown in FIG. 1), clips 26 are pressed inwards and inner tubing 22a is rotated relative to outer tubing 22b until spring loaded clips 26 emerge through the radially adjacent holes of a given hole set 24. Rotation of club 10 relative to grip 30 may be useful, for example, in order to position pressure sensitive activation means 50 (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B) relative to a golfer's grip for maximum comfort and convenience.

[0047] Details of training weight accessory 40, and the manner of attaching weight accessory 40 to shaft 20, are shown in FIG. 5. Weight accessory 40 is comprised of an envelope 44, rectangular in shape, fabricated of elastic material and filled with heavy material such as lead (not shown). One surface 44a of envelope 44 is covered with non-slip material such as rubber. The opposing surface 44b of envelope 44 is covered with velcro. Velcro tongue 42 extends from one end of envelope 44.

[0048] Weight accessory 40 is removably secured to a section of shaft 20 by wrapping envelope 44 tightly around shaft 20 with non-slip surface 44a facing inward against shaft 20 and velcro surface 44b facing outward away from shaft 20. Being fabricated from elastic material, envelope 44 can be stretched while being wrapped. Velcro tongue 42 then wraps around and over surface 44b and is secured to surface 44b by means of the opposing velcro covered surfaces.

[0049] Non-slip surface 44a, pressed firmly against the surface of shaft 20, prevents weight accessory 40 from sliding up and down on shaft 20 when the training club is swung. Although weight accessory 40 depicted in FIG. 5 is removably secured by means of velcro, similar results can be achieved by employing other known methods of removably securing components formed of fabric, as for example snaps or hook and eye connectors.

[0050] Details of pressure sensitive activation means 50 are illustrated in FIG. 6, the electrical schematic of which is depicted in FIG. 7. Grip 30 is formed around the end of shaft 20. Light source 32 is secured inside the hollow core of grip 30 by means of male plug connector 34 and female plug connector 36.

[0051] Activation means 50 is formed into the wall of grip 30. The underside 52 of activation means 50 is composed of conductive material. Two springs 54 are mounted one on either end of underside 52. Two opposing electrical leads 56+ and 56− respectively, emanating from batteries (not shown) housed within light source 32, follow separate but parallel paths through collar 35, male plug connector 34 and female plug connector 36 to positions within grip 30 directly below conductive underside 52.

[0052] Springs 54 cause means 50 to be pressed outward relative to light source 32 and prevent underside 52 from contacting leads 56+ and 56−. When grip 30 is grasped, means 50 is depressed towards light source 32, and underside 52 contacts leads 56+ and 56− and completes the electric circuit to illuminate light source 32. When grip 30 is released, springs 54 press underside 52 outward away from leads 56+ and 56−, opening the electric circuit and extinguishing light source 32.

[0053] FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a further preferred embodiment of the golf course training club of the present invention. According to this alternative embodiment, one or more batteries are housed directly within the hollow core of shaft 20 and grip 30 as opposed to within the light source. Light source 32, removably secured to grip 30 through male plug connector 34 and female plug connector 36, caps the top of grip 30 and secures the batteries within grip 30. The batteries can be accessed, and replaced, by removal of light source 32.

[0054] The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 8 and 9 also includes an alternative activation means 50a formed within grip 30. One end of activation means 50a is supported by a single spring 34 (not shown). Grasping grip 30 depresses means 50a and closes the electric circuit depicted in schematic in FIG. 9 to illuminate light source 32. Releasing grip 30 opens the electric circuit of FIG. 9 and extinguishes light source 32.

[0055] Although the activation means of the present invention is described in terms of a pressure sensitive switch, alternative activation means, including for example on/off switches, may be substituted without changing the essential character of the claimed invention.

SUMMARY AND SCOPE

[0056] Accordingly it will be readily appreciated that the golf swing training club of the present invention provides an apparatus and method by which golfers can immediately and significantly improve their golf swing and, through repeated practice with the training club, develop the consistency and important muscle memory to demonstrate improved skill level and performance on the golf course.

[0057] Visualization of the focused light beam emitted from the top of the training club permits the golfer to accurately track how the club is trailing up and down the swing plane at the time the club is swung. Being length adjustable, a single training club can be used by golfers of different heights and ages and can be used to simulate the different sized clubs of a set of clubs. Use of the weight accessory removably attached to different points along the club shaft allows the golfer to selectively strengthen those muscles most important to a strong and consistent golf swing while building muscle memory that will promote a correct, reliable and powerful golf swing.

[0058] Because the light beam is emitted only when the club grip is grasped for play, the training club conserves energy and avoids the beam being directed in an uncontrolled manner or in a manner to cause others distraction or discomfort. Molding the club grip to house commercially available modified laser pointers provides a golf swing training club that is easy and inexpensive to construct.

[0059] Although the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of this invention. For example instead of a male/female plug connector, an adaptor ring could be used to removably secure the light source within the grip housing. Similarly, activation means other than those specifically described above could be employed without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0060] Thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

Claims

1. A golf swing training club, comprising:

a shaft;

a club head attached to one end of said shaft;

a grip formed around the other end of said shaft;

a light source housed within said grip that projects when illuminated a highly focused beam of light outward from the top of said grip in a direction co-linear with said shaft;

a pressure sensitive means to illuminate said light beam when said grip is grasped and extinguish said beam when said grasp is released;

whereby said focused beam serves to track the golf club's swing plane when said training club is grasped and swung.

2. The golf swing training club of

claim 1 wherein said light source is a diode laser module with power source.

3. The golf swing training club of

claim 1 wherein said light source is a modified laser pointer.

4. The golf swing training club of

claim 1 wherein said light source is removably secured within said grip by means of a coupling device.

5. The golf swing training club of

claim 4 wherein said coupling device comprises:

a collar which encircles the light emitting end of said light source;

a male plug connector which extends from the underside of said collar;

a female plug connector formed into the top of said grip to receive said mail plug connector and removably lock said light source within said grip.

6. The golf swing training club of

claim 1 wherein said pressure sensitive means for illuminating and extinguishing said light beam is a depressable switch formed longitudinally within said grip.

7. The golf swing training club of

claim 1 wherein said shaft is length adjustable.

8. The golf swing training club of

claim 7 wherein said length adjustable shaft is comprised of a plurality of telescoped tubing having a locking means that releasably locks said tubing one within the other.

9. The golf swing training club of

claim 8 wherein said locking means is comprised of holes formed in an outer section of said tubing which receive spring-loaded depressable clips that protrude from an inner section of said tubing.

10. The golf swing training club of

claim 7 wherein said length adjustable shaft is comprised of an outer telescoped tube and an inner telescoped tube, two spring loaded depressable clips that protrude from opposing sides of said inner telescoped tube, and a plurality of hole sets of four holes each positioned radially 90 degrees relative to one another, said hole sets formed at regular intervals along the length of said outer telescoped tube to receive said depressable clips and lock the outer and inner tube relative to one another.

11. The golf swing training club of

claim 1 further comprising a means and method for removably attaching training weights to said shaft.

12. The golf swing training club of

claim 11 wherein said means and method for removably attaching training weights to said shaft comprises:

a rectangular shaped elastic envelope having one non-slip outside surface;

a means for attaching one end of said envelope to the other outside surface of said envelope;

a plurality of training weights sized to fit inside said tubular envelope;

wherein said training weights are inserted inside said envelope, said envelope is wrapped tightly around said club shaft with the non-slip surface facing said shaft, and the envelope is secured to itself by said attaching means.

13. The golf swing training club of

claim 12 wherein said attaching means is velcro.

14. A golf swing training club, comprising:

a length adjustable shaft;

a club head attached to one end of said shaft;

a grip formed around the other end of said shaft;

a light source housed within said grip that projects when illuminated a highly focused beam of light outward from the top of said grip in a direction co-linear with said shaft;

a light source illumination means;

whereby said focused beam serves to track the golf club's swing plane when said light source is illuminated and said training club is swung.

15. The golf swing training club of

claim 14 wherein said length adjustable shaft is comprised of a plurality of telescoped tubing having a locking means that releasably locks said tubing one to the other.

16. The golf swing training club of

claim 14 further comprising a means for removably attaching training weights to said shaft.

17. A golf swing training club comprising:

a shaft;

a club head attached to one end of said shaft;

a grip formed around the other end of said shaft;

a means and method for removably attaching training weights to said shaft;

a light source housed within said grip that projects when illuminated a highly focused beam of light outward from the top of said grip in a direction co-linear with said shaft;

a light source activating means;

whereby said focused beam serves to track the golf club's swing plane when said light source is illuminated and said training club is swung.

18. The golf swing training club of

claim 17 wherein said means and method for removably attaching training weight to said shaft comprises:

a rectangular shaped elastic envelope having one non-slip outside surface;

a means for attaching one end of said envelope to the other outside surface of said envelope;

a plurality of training weights sized to fit inside said tubular envelope;

wherein said training weights are inserted inside said envelope and said envelope is wrapped tightly around said club shaft with the non-slip surface facing said shaft and wherein said envelope is secured to itself by said attaching means.