Golf exercise apparatus

Abstract

An apparatus for use as an exercise tool for at least one of golfers, tennis players, racket ball players and baseball players for increasing flexibility, balance and strength. The apparatus comprises an elongated tubular member having a predetermined length, a predetermined weight, and is formed of a first predetermined material, such predetermined weight being at least twice as heavy as a conventional standard golf club. A grip member is disposed on each end of the elongated tubular member.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is closely related to and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/866,647 filed Nov. 21, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a golf exercise apparatus game, and, more particularly, the present invention relates to a weighted swing stick for use by a golfer to improve flexibility, strength, balance and swing speed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is probably one of the most popular sports for the general public since it can be played by the young and also senior members. It is a very enjoyable outdoor activity, but, as is the case in most sports the participant must adequately prepare for the effort exerted on the body. Too many golfers approach the first tee without having even taking one swing. The first bit of movement done by many golfers is a practice swing on the first tee as he/she addresses the ball in preparation to begin his/her round. Unfortunately this is why many golfers end up taking a mulligan on the first hole. They just are not loosened up and flexible.

An improper or non-existent warm up can leave a golfer sore or even injured. In addition, stiffness in the golf swing restricts movement, accuracy and hitting distance. Novice golfers can find that they need to practice appropriate grip, alignment and swing movements in order to improve their game. While weighted clubs exist, they do not necessarily accommodate user differences and can feature unconventional grip designs and require the user to align the golf club head for use.

Thus, it would be advantageous if there were an exercise club that has a design similar to that of an actual golf club.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides an apparatus for use as an exercise tool for at least one of golfers, tennis players, racket ball players and baseball players for increasing flexibility, balance and strength. The apparatus comprises an elongated tubular member having a predetermined length, a predetermined weight, and is formed of a first predetermined material, such predetermined weight being at least twice as heavy as a conventional standard golf club. A grip member is disposed on each end of the elongated tubular member.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, one of the primary objects of the present invention to provide a weighted exercise tool that will increase flexibility, balance, strength of all golf specific muscles.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a weighted exercise tool that has an elongated tubular member with a grip disposed on both ends of the tubular member.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a weighted exercise tool that is easy to use.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a weighted exercise tool that can be made with different weights so as to be applicable for users that have different strength, ages and sex.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a weighted exercise tool that has an elongated tubular member that can be made in different lengths.

In addition to the various objects and advantages of the invention which have been described in some specific detail above it should be noted that various other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those persons who are skilled in the relevant art from the following more detailed description, particularly when such description is taken in conjunction with the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with an additional weight disposed at the center of the elongated tubular member.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user using such apparatus shown in FIG. 1 to perform a flexibility exercise.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the apparatus being used to practice golf swings.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the apparatus being used in a wrist strengthening exercise.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENTLY PREFERRED AND VARIOUS ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Prior to proceeding with the more detailed description of the present invention it should be noted that, for the sake of clarity, identical components which have identical functions have been designated by identical reference numerals throughout the several views illustrated in the drawings.

In a first aspect the present invention provides an apparatus, generally designated 10, for use as an exercise tool for at least one of golfers, tennis players, racket ball players and baseball players for increasing flexibility, balance and strength. The apparatus 10 comprises an elongated tubular member 2 having a predetermined length, a predetermined weight, and being formed of a first predetermined material, such predetermined weight being at least twice as heavy as a conventional standard golf club. A grip member 4 is disposed on each end of the elongated tubular member 2.

Such predetermined material is selected from one of metal and plastic and it is presently preferred that such material is metal and even more preferred that such metal is stainless steel.

Such elongated tubular member 2 is designed so as to have substantially a same diameter along an entire length of said elongated tubular member 2.

Such tubular member 2 is one of solid and hollow. The hollow tubular member 2 can be filled with a second predetermined material. When such tubular member is filled, it is preferred that such second predetermined material is sand. It is preferred that such material used to fill such hollow tubular member 2 does not shift inside the tubular member 2 as such apparatus is being used.

In general the predetermined weight is determined by such first predetermined material that is used to form the elongated tubular member 2 and by the predetermined length of the elongated tubular member 2. Thus, basically the weight of the apparatus can be adjusted by using heavier material or longer material to make the elongated tubular member and also whether the tubular member is solid or hollow. Obviously, if the same material is used the solid tubular member 2 will be heavier than the hollow tubular member 2. It is presently preferred that such predetermined weight is between about two to about five times as heavy as a conventional golf club.

It is also preferred that the predetermined length of such elongated tubular member 2 is between about 22 inches and about 50 inches. The wide difference in length is dependant on whether such apparatus is designed for juniors, women or men. Just as the weight difference is dependant upon the eventual users age, sex and strength.

If any additional weight is desired to make the apparatus 10 heavier it is accomplished by a weight being added as a clamp on attachment 6 to an exterior surface of the elongated tubular member 2 at substantially a midpoint thereof as is seen in FIG. 2. By having the additional weight disposed in the center ensures that the apparatus 10 swings smoothly.

It is also presently preferred that such grip members 4 disposed on each end of the tubular member 2 be conventional golf grips as are commonly used with golf clubs. In this way, the golfer can get grips that match those of his golf clubs or the putter which may have a different grip. The apparatus 10 can be carried in the golf bag and it will match the other clubs.

Thus, the present invention provides an exercise tool that can aid both novice and professional golfers as it increases flexibility, strength, balance and swing speed. It can be used for youths just beginning to play golf, women or men. As the design is similar to a conventional golf club, the weighted exercise tool feels natural to use. Construction will vary in order to provide an apparatus that will provide users with a variety of weight options that will match their individual needs and abilities. As the length and the materials used in forming the apparatus determine the overall weight of the exercise tool. The length can be anywhere between 22 and 50 inches long depending on the users age, sex and size. The weighted apparatus can be solid, hollow or hollow filled. The thickness of the shaft (elongated tubular member) is comparable to that of standard golf clubs. If any additional weight is needed, such weight will be a clamp on weight that is attached to the exterior surface of the elongated tubular member at substantially a midpoint thereof. Having the weight located at the center ensures that the apparatus will swing smoothly when the user swings the apparatus as he/she would with a conventional club.

The weight of the apparatus can be between 2 and 5 times the weight of a conventional golf club. The difference being dependent primarily on the end user. The elongated tubular member has a grip disposed on each end of the tubular member. The grips are standard golf grips and can be matched to the golf grips of the golfer's golf set. With this weighted exercise tool the user can perform a variety of necessary exercises and practice swings. The drawing figures show a few of the exercises that can be performed with this exercise tool. Such a tool can also aid persons in other sports such as tennis, racket ball, or baseball, where swing speed and wrist strength are important. One additional advantage of the exercise tool over the use of conventional golf clubs to perform practice swings is that the exercise tool will not create divots or dig into the ground, as happens when swinging with conventional clubs, and that will be welcomed by most golf courses. The weighted tool can be used as walking stick and also with a golf grip disposed on each end it provides added protection to the surroundings when the tool is used indoors. The elongated tubular member, as stated previously, being metal and preferably stainless steel is quite strong and it can be also be used as a brace for some individuals for use in yoga exercises. Having grips on each end also prevents damage to areas where the exercise takes place. While weighted golf clubs already are in existence, they do not accommodate user differences and many of these clubs feature unconventional grips that require the user to align the golf club head for use.

While a presently preferred embodiment and alternate embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, it should be understood that various other adaptations and/or modifications of the invention can be made by those persons who are particularly skilled in the art without departing from either the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for use as an exercise tool for at least one of golfers, tennis players, racket ball players and baseball players for increasing flexibility, balance and strength, said apparatus comprising:

(a) an elongated tubular member having a predetermined length, a predetermined weight, and a formed of a first predetermined material, said predetermined weight being at least twice as heavy as a conventional standard golf club; and

(b) a grip member disposed on each end of said elongated tubular member.

2. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined material is selected from one of metal and plastic.

3. The apparatus, according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined material is metal.

4. The apparatus, according to claim 3, wherein said metal is stainless steel.

5. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said elongated tubular member has substantially a same diameter along an entire length of said elongated tubular member.

6. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said elongated tubular member is one of solid and hollow.

7. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said hollow tubular member is filled with a second predetermined material.

8. The apparatus, according to claim 6, wherein said second predetermined material is sand.

9. The apparatus, according to claim 7, wherein said second predetermined material used to fill said tubular member does not shift inside said tubular member as said apparatus is used.

10. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined weight is determined by said first predetermined material used to form said elongated tubular member and said predetermined length of said elongated tubular member.

11. The apparatus, according to claim 10, wherein any additional weight for said apparatus is added as a clamp on attachment to an exterior surface of said elongated tubular member substantially at a midpoint thereof.

12. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined length is between about 22 inches and about 50 inches, depending on an end user of such apparatus.

13. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined weight is between about two and about five times a weight of a conventional golf club.

14. The apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein said grip members are conventional grips used on golf clubs.