GOLF SWING TRAINING AID

Abstract

A golf swing training aid includes an armband coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club, the resilient member providing feedback during a backswing through the armband. A method for using the training aid is provided.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 37 CFR §1.53(b) and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) to previously filed U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.: 60/773,221, filed Feb. 14, 2006, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a training aid for improving a golf swing.

2. Brief Description of Prior Developments

A well known problem that affects aspiring golfers is the ability to maintain control and discipline of training during a swing of a golf club. The requirements for control and discipline call for certain physical form. For example, a golfer should swing “on a plane” and maintain proper positioning of their wrist.

It is easy for a golfer to forget their teachings when swinging a golf club. Unfortunately, to date, no training aids are known that provide for assisting with the proper positioning of the golf club and the wrist during the dynamic phase of swinging the golf club.

What is needed is a training aid that provides feedback to a golfer attempting to improve the quality of their swing.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a golf swing training aid that includes an armband coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club, the resilient member providing feedback during a backswing through the armband.

Also disclosed is a method for training a golf swing, that includes selecting a golf swing training aid, the training aid including an armband coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club; coupling the armband to an arm of a user; coupling the anchor to a portion of the golf club; and maintaining an appropriate tension in the resilient member during a backswing of the golf club.

Further disclosed is a golf swing training aid that includes an armband including a hook-and-hoop type fastener coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor including a clamp for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club, the resilient member including one of a rubber tube and a bungy cord providing feedback during a backswing through the armband; wherein one of the armband and the anchor includes a feature for adjusting a length of the resilient member.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects of the present invention are explained in the following Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a golfer using the training aid and “teeing up” for a swing;

FIG. 2 depicts the golfer in a middle of a back swing; and,

FIG. 3 depicts the golfer at the height of the back swing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is a golfer using a golf swing training aid 10. In typical embodiments, the golf swing training aid 10 includes an armband 2, a resilient member 4, and a clamp 6.

The armband 2 is typically fabricated from materials as are known in the art and provide for secure mounting and retention during physical activity. Non-limiting examples include hook-and-hoop type fasteners (VELCRO™ brand fasteners being one example); as well as combinations of hoops, adjustable clasps (various examples being in use for ski-boot systems), and others. Typically, the armband provides a secure coupling of the resilient member to the upper arm of the golfer. However, this is non-limiting. For example, in some embodiments, such as for training to eliminate certain habits, it may be considered advantageous to secure the armband 2 over the forearm.

The resilient member 4 provides for communication of physical movement between the head of the golf club and the golfers upper arm. When a swing is properly aligned, a substantially constant tension is typically realized throughout the backswing of the golfer. Accordingly, the resilient member 4 is typically fabricated from materials such as rubber tubing, a light strength “bungy cord” (e.g., a plurality of elastic members stranded together, and typically including an outer covering) and other similar materials.

The clamp 6 typically is designed to accommodate use with any golf club. Typically, the clamp 6 is fabricated from plastic, however, other materials and devices as deemed suitable for anchoring the resilient member 4 may be used. In fact, the term “clamp” as used herein is but one example of an anchoring system and therefore not limiting of the invention. For example, in other embodiments, the clamp 6 makes use of hook-and-hoop fasteners (one common example being marketed as VELCRO™). Typically, the clamp 6 attaches to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of the golf club (the portion of the club at the base end of the shaft and coupling a head to the shaft). However, in general, it is considered that the clamp 6 couples the resilient member 4 to the lower terminal end of the golf club.

Referring to FIG. 2 the golfer is depicted in the middle of a backswing. In FIG. 2, the resilient member 4 is taught and provides for limited movement of (and therefore control over) the golf club. FIG. 3 depicts the golf swing training aid 10 at the height (termination) of the backswing. In FIG. 3, the golf swing training aid 10 provides continuing feedback as the resilient member 4 remains taught. Typically, a constant tension is maintained on the resilient member 4. When the golfer is mindful of maintaining proper tension, the golf swing training aid 10 greatly assists the golfer with achieving proper form for the golf swing.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the golf swing training aid 10 provides a number of advantages and desirable features. For example, the golf swing training aid 10 is simple to manufacture and requires a minimal amount of materials, therefore the golf swing training aid 10 is generally inexpensive. The golf swing training aid 10 may be adjusted in a variety of ways to fit the needs of the golfer. For example, the resilient member 4 may have a variable length (by use of an adjustable coupling to the armband 2—and possibly to at least one of the hossle and the shaft of the club), or be cut to a custom length. The armband 2 may be adjusted easily (as well as the clamp 6) so the golf swing training aid 10 may be used progressively by multiple users with success. Of course, the golf swing training aid 10 may be fabricated with ornamental designs as desired.

Further, in some embodiments, tension monitoring devices, as are known in the art, are included. These devices may include at least one of electrical, electro-mechanical, and mechanical devices. In typical use, the tension monitoring monitors tension (such as a maximum tension) and provides users with an objective assessment of tension in the resilient member during the backswing.

Accordingly, disclosed herein is the golf swing training aid 10 that provides user feedback during the golf swing. The feedback teaches the user to get extension from their body, and encourages golfers to properly set their wrist and swing on a plane during a cocking phase (also referred to as the “backswing”).

While the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf swing training aid comprising:

an armband coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club, the resilient member providing feedback during a backswing through the armband.

2. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, wherein the anchor comprises a clamp.

3. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, wherein at least one of the armband and the anchor comprises a hook and hoop type fastener.

4. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a rubber tube.

5. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, wherein the resilient member comprises a bungy cord.

6. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, wherein the armband comprises a feature for adjusting a length of the resilient member.

7. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, wherein the anchor comprises a feature for adjusting a length of the resilient member.

8. The golf swing training aid as in claim 1, further comprising a tension monitoring device.

9. A method for training a golf swing, the method comprising:

selecting a golf swing training aid, the training aid comprising an armband coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club;

coupling the armband to an arm of a user;

coupling the anchor to a portion of the golf club; and

maintaining an appropriate tension in the resilient member during a backswing of the golf club.

10. The method for training a gold swing as in claim 9, wherein coupling at least one of the armband and the anchor comprises adjusting a length of the resilient member.

11. The method for training a gold swing as in claim 9, wherein coupling at least one of the armband and the anchor comprises adjusting a fastener to ensure firm contact.

12. A golf swing training aid comprising:

an armband comprising a hook-and-hoop type fastener coupled to a resilient member, the resilient member having at an opposite terminal end an anchor comprising a clamp for anchoring the resilient member to at least one of a hossle and a shaft of a golf club, the resilient member comprising one of a rubber tube and a bungy cord providing feedback during a backswing through the armband; wherein one of the armband and the anchor comprises a feature for adjusting a length of the resilient member.