Golf Training Apparatuses and Methods

A golf training apparatus may include a substantially planar member having a top surface, a plurality of left foot profiles on the top surface, and a plurality of right foot profiles on the top surface. Each of the plurality of left foot profiles may have a different size, and each of the right foot profiles may have a different size. The right foot profiles may be spaced a distance from the left foot profiles. Each of the right foot profiles may substantially correspond in size with one of the left foot profiles. The left and right foot profiles increase in size as the distance between the substantially same-sized left and right foot profiles increases.

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Description
TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to golf training apparatuses and methods for assisting a golfer in developing a proper golf swing. More particularly, the invention relates to golf training apparatuses and methods in which the golfer stands on a board that pivots in response to the weight shift of a golfer during a golf swing.

BACKGROUND

Numerous devices have been developed and produced to assist a golfer in improving his or her golf game. Some devices are intended to be used or worn by the golfer during actual play to improve, control and develop a golf swing, which is one of the most important skills to be developed in becoming a better golfer. Such devices, however, are not permitted to be used or worn during tournament play under most professional and amateur rules. As such, these devices are actually instructional aids that can be used in practice to train a golf swing for application in competition.

Other golf instructional devices are not suited for use during actual play, but are instead designed to be used at a practice range, in a backyard, in a home, etc. Many such instructional devices pertain to the correct positioning and gripping of the club and/or positioning of the feet by a golfer during a golf swing. However, it is also important for a golfer to maintain balance during setup (or address) and swinging of the golf club. Perfect balance is achieved when the golfer's center of mass is consistently positioned directly over the center of the golfer's base of support.

It may be desirable to provide golf training apparatuses and methods that aid in achieving perfect balance. It may be desirable to provide golf training apparatuses and methods that provide instant feedback to aid golfers in training their body to maintain balance throughout setup and swinging of a golf club. It may be desirable to provide golf training apparatuses and methods that increase strength and endurance of a golfer, which in turn may help to reduce the risk of injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to various aspects of the disclosure, a golf training apparatus may comprise a substantially planar member having a top surface, a plurality of left foot profiles on the top surface, and a plurality of right foot profiles on the top surface. Each of the plurality of left foot profiles may have a different size, and each of the right foot profiles may have a different size. The right foot profiles may be spaced a distance from the left foot profiles. Each of the right foot profiles may substantially correspond in size with one of the left foot profiles. The left and right foot profiles increase in size as the distance between the substantially same-sized left and right foot profiles increases.

In accordance with some aspects of the disclosure, a golf training apparatus may comprise a substantially planar member having a top surface, at least one left foot profile on the top surface of the planar member, and at least one right foot profile on the top surface of the planar member. Each of the at least one right foot profile may be spaced a distance from the at least one left foot profile, and one left foot profile may be substantially the same size as one right foot profile. A first alignment marking may be substantially centrally located between the same-size right and left foot profiles. A pair of additional alignment markings may each be located in opposite directions from the first alignment marking. The same-size right and left foot profiles may cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and the same-size right and left foot profiles may cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, a golf training apparatus may comprise a substantially planar member having a top surface, a length, and a width. The apparatus may include at least one left foot profile on the top surface of the planar member, and at least one right foot profile on the top surface of the planar member. Each of the at least one right foot profile being spaced a distance from the at least one left foot profile in a direction of the length of the planar member, and one left foot profile being substantially the same size as one right foot profile. The apparatus may comprise first and second pivot members removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member. The first pivot member may be attachable across the width of the planar member and may be substantially centered along the length of the planar member. A second pivot member may be attachable along the length of the planar member and may be substantially centered across the width of the planar member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more particular description of the invention briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of an exemplary golf training apparatus in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the exemplary golf training apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the exemplary golf training apparatus of FIG. 1, including a first attachment, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the exemplary golf training apparatus of FIG. 1, including a second attachment, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a golf training kit, including the golf training apparatus of FIG. 1 and a plurality of attachments, in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure.

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An exemplary embodiment of a golf training apparatus 100 is illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. The golf training apparatus 100 may comprise a substantially planar member 102, such as for example a board. The board may be constructed of wood, plywood, plastic, fiberglass, or the like. The material may be selected according to a manufacturer's cost and design objectives. However, the board should be sufficiently rigid so as to substantially not deflect about a pivot axis under the weight of a user, which includes any human child or adult, male or female.

According to various aspects of the disclosure, the substantially planar member 102 may have a rectangular shape when viewed from a top view, as shown in FIG. 1. However, it should be appreciated that the planar member 102 may be shaped as a square, a circle, an oval, or any other desired shape. According to some aspects, the planar member 102 may have a length L of about 25 in., a width W of about 13 in., and a thickness T (or depth) of about 1 in. or less. For example, the planar member 102 may have a length of about 24.875 in., a width of about 13.25 in., and a thickness of about 0.75 in. It should be appreciated that other dimensions of the planar member 102 may be used as desired.

The planar member 102 may include a top surface 104. According to various aspects, the top surface 104 may comprise a non-slip surface. For example, the top surface 104 may comprise a plastic, non-slip material. In some aspects, the material may comprise an adhesive-backed sheet adhered to the planar member 102. In some aspects, the material may include a coating applied to the planar member 102.

The top surface 104 of the substantially planer member 104 includes a set of left foot profiles 106 and a set of right foot profiles 108. Each set 106, 108 includes the same number of profiles, which are arranged in a number of matching pairs spaced substantially equally from a longitudinally-centered axis 110 (i.e., extending transverse to the length L and centered along the length L) of the planar member 102. For example, the set of left foot profiles 106 includes a first left foot profile 111 that substantially matches the size of first right foot profile 121. Referring to FIG. 1, each of the first thru seventh left foot profiles 111-117 substantially matches the size of the first through seventh right foot profiles 121-127, respectively. These seven matching sets (e.g., 111-121, 112-122, etc.) form seven pairs of left/right foot profiles. Although FIG. 1 illustrates seven pairs of left/right foot profiles, it should be appreciated that the planar member 102 may include more or fewer pairs of profiles, as desired.

According to various aspects, the matching set of foot profiles may be color-coded, numbered, or otherwise labeled to simplify use. For example, the first right and left foot profiles 111, 121 may be the same color, which color may differ at least from the next most proximate pair of profiles 112, 122, so as to be easily identified. Alternatively, or additionally, a prominent boundary line may be used delineate the boundary between adjacent pairs.

Along a first side 130 of the substantially planar member 102, the top surface 104 may include a series of alignment markings 132. The markings 132 may include a first alignment marking 134 that is substantially centered between the set of left foot profiles 106 and the set of right foot profiles 108 at the longitudinal center axis 110 of the planar member. That is, the first marking 134 is substantially centered between the first right and left foot profiles 111, 121, and thus between each and every pair of left and right foot profiles.

The series of alignment markings 132 may include a second left alignment marking 136 and a second right alignment marking 138. The second left and right alignment markings 136, 138 are spaced substantially the same distance from the first marking 134. The second left marking 136 is spaced to the left and the second right marking 138 is spaced to the right as viewed from the top of the planar member 102, as shown in FIG. 1.

The series of markings 132 may also include a third left alignment marking 140 and a third right alignment marking 142. The third left and right alignment markings 140, 142 are spaced substantially the same distance from the first marking 134. The third left marking 140 is spaced to the left and the third right marking 142 is spaced to the right as viewed from the top of the planar member 102, as shown in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in accordance with various aspects, an exemplary golf training apparatus 300 may comprise the substantially planar member 102 and a removably detachable pivot member 350. The pivot member 350 extends across the width W of the planar member 102 at a location substantially centered between first and second longitudinal ends 144, 146 of the planar member 102. According to some aspects, the pivot member 350 may have a length LP (FIG. 5) that substantially matches the width W of the planar member 102.

The pivot member 350 may have a width WP and a thickness TP (or depth) sized and arranged to allow the planar member 102 to pivot about the pivot member 350 when a user's weight is applied to the top surface 104 of the planar member 102 disproportionately toward one of the ends 144, 146. According to various aspects, the pivot member 350 may have a width WP of about 2 in. or less and a thickness TP of about 1.5 in. For example, in some aspects, the pivot member 350 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section with a width WP of about 2 in. and a thickness TP of about 1.5 in. In some aspects, the pivot member 350 may have a substantially square-cross-section a width WP of about 1.5 in. and a thickness TP of about 1.5 in. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the pivot member 350 can be modified to provide different balance sensitivities relative to the planer member 102. Such sensitivities may also be dependent on the dimensions and/or weight of the planar member 102 and/or the user.

The pivot member 350 may be constructed of wood, plywood, plastic, fiberglass, or the like. The material may be selected according to a manufacturer's cost and design objectives; however, the pivot member 350 should be sufficiently rigid so as to avoid collapse and/or compression under the weight of a user, which includes any human child or adult, male or female.

According to some aspects, the pivot member 350 may be attached to the planar member 102 via one or more nuts and bolts. The pivot member 350 and/or the planar member 102 may include pre-drilled holes and/or counter-sunk bores configured to receive and/or recess the nut and/or bolt. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary locations for pre-drilled holes and bores 352. It should be appreciated that the use of two or more pairs of nuts and bolts helps to prevent relative rotation between the planar member 102 and the pivot member 350. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot member 350 may be attached to the planer member 102 via hook-and-loop-type fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) or any other known fastener.

Referring now to FIG. 4, in accordance with various aspects, an exemplary golf training apparatus 400 may comprise the substantially planar member 102 and a removably detachable pivot member 450. The pivot member 450 extends along the length L of the planar member 102 at a location substantially centered between the first side 130 and a second side 148 of the planar member 102. According to some aspects, the pivot member 450 may have a length LP2 (FIG. 5) that substantially matches the length of the planar member 102.

The pivot member 450 may have a width WP2 and a thickness TP2 (or depth) sized and arranged to allow the planar member 102 to pivot about the pivot member 450 when a user's weight is applied to the top surface 104 of the planar member 102 disproportionately toward one of the sides 130, 148. According to various aspects, the pivot member 450 may have a width WP2 of about 2 in. or less and a thickness TP2 of about 1.5 in. For example, in some aspects, the pivot member 450 may have a substantially rectangular cross-section with a width WP2 of about 2 in. and a thickness TP2 of about 1.5 in. In some aspects, a pivot member 450 may have a substantially square-cross-section a width WP2 of about 1.5 in. and a thickness TP2 of about 1.5 in. It should be appreciated that the dimensions of the pivot member 450 can be modified to provide different balance sensitivities relative to the planer member 102. Such sensitivities may also be dependent on the dimensions and/or weight of the planar member 102 and/or the user.

The pivot member 450 may be constructed of wood, plywood, plastic, fiberglass, or the like. The material may be selected according to a manufacturer's cost and design objectives; however, the pivot member 450 should be sufficiently rigid so as to avoid collapse and/or compression under the weight of a user, which includes any human child or adult, male or female.

According to some aspects, the pivot member 450 may be attached to the planar member 102 via one or more nuts and bolts. The pivot member 450 and/or the planar member 102 may include pre-drilled holes and/or counter-sunk bores configured to receive and/or recess the nut and/or bolt. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary locations for pre-drilled holes and bores 452. It should be appreciated that the use of two or more pairs of nuts and bolts helps to prevent relative rotation between the planar member 102 and the pivot member 450. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot member 450 may be attached to the planer member 102 via hook-and-loop-type fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) or any other known fastener.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an exemplary golf training apparatus 500 may comprise the substantially planar member 102 and a plurality of removably attachable pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451. It should be appreciated that the apparatus 500 may include more or less than the four pivot members shown in FIG. 5. It should also be appreciated that other dimensions of the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may be used as desired.

As illustrated, pivot members 350, 351 may have the same length and thickness, but different widths. Similarly, pivot members 450, 451 may have the same length and thickness, but different widths. It should be appreciated that the lengths, widths, and/or thicknesses of the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may be varied to provide various level of difficulty to the user. It should be appreciated that the apparatus 500 may include at least one pivot member 350 or 351 and at least one pivot member 450 or 451 or it may include a plurality of pivot members 350, 351 and no pivot members 450, 451 or it may include a plurality of pivot members 450, 451 and no pivot members 350, 351.

As described above, the one or more pivot members 350, 351 may be configured to extend across the width W of the planar member 102 at a location substantially centered between first and second longitudinal ends 144, 146 of the planar member 102. The one or more other pivot members 450, 451 may be configured to extend along the length L of the planar member 102 at a location substantially centered between the first side 130 and a second side 148 of the planar member 102.

According to some aspects, the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may be removably attached to the planar member 102 via one or more nuts and bolts. The pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 and/or the planar member 102 may include pre-drilled holes and/or counter-sunk bores configured to receive and/or recess the nut and/or bolt. FIG. 1 depicts exemplary locations for pre-drilled holes and bores 352, 452. It should be appreciated that the use of two or more pairs of nuts and bolts helps to prevent relative rotation between the planar member 102 and the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451. Alternatively or additionally, the pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may be attached to the planer member 102 via hook-and-loop-type fasteners (e.g., Velcro™) or any other known fastener.

In operation, the golf training apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 may include up to three varying levels of difficulty for use in training the body in two different planes. For example, the first level of difficulty (beginner) may comprise the planar member 102 with no pivot member, the second level of difficulty (intermediate) may comprise the planar member 102 with a relatively wide pivot member 350, 450, and the third level of difficulty (advanced) may comprise the planar member 102 with a relatively narrow pivot member 351, 451. The planar member 102 and pivot members 350, 351, 450, 451 may be used to train the body in two different planes. First is the anterior/posterior (or heel and toe) plane, which is accomplished with the planar member 102 by itself or in combination with the pivot members 450, 451. Second is the lateral (or left and right) plane, which is accomplished with the planar member 102 by itself or in combination with the pivot members 350, 351.

The golf training apparatus 300, 400, 500 may also include one or more pairs of bolts and nuts for attaching the various pivot members to the planar member 102. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus 300, 400, 500 may include Velcro™, or any other known attachment mechanism. Attaching the various pivot members to the planar member and working on balance in these two different planes will indicate the golfer's tendencies and also provide the valuable feedback necessary to improve.

The sets of left and right foot profiles 106, 108 on the top surface 104 of the planar member 102 may instruct a golfer where to place his or her feet. The golfer finds the pair of left-right foot profiles 111-121, 112-122, etc. that most closely matches the size of his or her feet. The sizes of the foot profiles 111-117, 121-127 relate to shoulder widths of various golfers, depending on height, age, sex, or the like. The foot profiles 111-117, 121-127 are sized and spaced so as to create a stance where a golfer's left and right feet are substantially shoulder-width apart. As shown in FIG. 1, the right and left foot profiles 111-117, 121-127 get progressively larger as the distance between them increases, which reflects the fact that a person's shoulders typically get wider as he or she grows.

A shoulder-width stance may create the strongest and most balanced state of a golfer's body. Also, as can be seen in FIG. 1, the amount of foot flare (i.e., toes turned out) of the left and right foot profiles 111-117, 121-127 is minimal, which may allow sufficient rotation of the lower body during the golf swing while promoting better balance in an anterior/posterior plane. This foot placement may also aid the golfer in placing weight upon the balls of the feet.

The series of marking 132 along the first side 130 of the planar member 102 may instruct a golfer where to position a golf club opposite the stance at the time of set-up (or address). A golfer uses a variety of golf clubs that come in different lengths and designs and require a different angle of attack with the clubhead. By varying the positioning of these clubs opposite the stance and the planar member, the golfer will produce the desired angle of attack upon the ball with the clubhead.

As set forth above, the first alignment marking 134 is substantially centered between the sets of right and left foot profiles 106, 108. As such, the first alignment marking 134 instructs a golfer where to align putters and wedges. As this first marking 134 is substantially centered, this marking instructs both right- and left-handed golfers as to where to align these clubs.

The second alignment markings 136, 138 instruct a golfer as to where to align irons, hybrid irons, and fairway woods, while the third alignment markings 140, 142 instruct a golfer as to where to align a driver. Second markings 136, 138 are substantially equidistant from the first alignment marking 134, as are markings 140, 142. As such, the second and third markings 136, 140 instruct a right-handed golfer where to align the clubs, while the second and third markings 138, 142 instruct a left-handed golfer where to align the clubs.

It should be appreciated that the club head is not aligned directly with the first side 130 of the planar member 102. Instead, the club head will the aligned with the respective alignment marking 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, but spaced from the planar member 102 a distance that is determined by the user's height, arm length, posture, golf club length, and the like. Also, the golf training apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 may provide feedback as to the appropriate distance of the club head from the planar member 102.

The golf training apparatus 100, 300, 400, 500 may be packaged with a comprehensive instructional DVD that provides instruction on how to use the apparatus correctly and how to customize its use for the player individually. The DVD may also demonstrate various drills for testing the golfer and improving their set up and swing and contain a program of exercises that are fitness related yet relevant to the golf swing.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the devices and methods of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. (canceled)

3. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the matching foot profile pairs provide foot placement and spacing instructions for users having various shoulder widths based on a comparison between foot size of a user, which substantially corresponds to a shoulder width of the user, and the sizes of the matching foot profile pairs.

4. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a first alignment marking on the top surface of the planar member, the first alignment marking being substantially centrally located between the same-size right and left foot profiles; and
a pair of additional alignment markings on the top surface of the planar member, each of said additional markings being located in opposite directions from the first alignment marking,
wherein the matching foot profile pairs cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and the matching foot profile pairs cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising:

a second pair of additional alignment markings on the top surface of the planar member, each of said second pair of additional markings being located in opposite directions from the first alignment marking, the second pair of additional alignment markings being further from the first alignment marking that the pair of alignment markings,
wherein the matching foot profile pairs cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of said second pair of additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and the matching foot profile pairs cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of said second pair of additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.

6. A golf training apparatus, comprising:

a substantially planar member having a top surface;
a plurality of left foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of the left foot profiles having a different size;
a plurality of right foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of the right foot profiles having a different size, the right foot profiles being spaced a distance from the left foot profiles, each of the right foot profiles substantially corresponding in size with one of the left foot profiles, the left and right foot profiles increasing in size as the distance between the substantially same-sized left and right foot profiles increases, each pair of the substantially same-sized left and right foot profiles comprising a matching foot profile pair;
a first pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the first pivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member and substantially centered along the length of the planar member and between the matching foot profile pairs; and
a second pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the second pivot member being attachable along the length of the planar member and substantially centered across the width of the planar member.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first pivot member has a length substantially equal to the width of the planar member, and the second pivot member has a length substantially equal to the length of the planar member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, further comprising:

a third pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the third pivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member and substantially centered along the length of the planar member and between the matching foot profile pairs, the third pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a length and depth of the first pivot member, the third pivot member having a width equal to about half of the width of the first pivot member; and
a fourth pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the fourth pivot member being attachable along the length of the planar member and substantially centered across the width of the planar member, the fourth pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a length and depth of the second pivot member, the fourth pivot member having a width equal to about half of the width of the second pivot member.

9. A golf training apparatus, comprising:

a substantially planar member having a top surface;
a left foot profile on the top surface of the planar member;
a right foot profile on the top surface of the planar member, the right foot profile being spaced a distance from the left foot profile, the left foot profile being substantially the same size as the right foot profile, the same-sized right and left foot profiles comprising a matching foot profile pair;
a first alignment marking substantially centrally located between the same-sized right and left foot profiles; and
a pair of additional alignment markings, each of said additional markings being located in opposite directions from the first alignment marking,
wherein the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising a second pair of additional alignment markings on the top surface of the planar member, each of said second pair of additional markings being located in opposite directions from the first alignment marking, the second pair of additional alignment markings being further from the first alignment marking that the pair of alignment markings,

wherein the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of said second pair of additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of said second pair of additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising:

a plurality of additional left foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of the additional left foot profiles having a different size; and
a plurality of additional right foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of the additional right foot profiles having a different size, the additional right foot profiles being spaced a distance from the additional left foot profiles, each of the additional right foot profiles substantially corresponding in size with one of the additional left foot profiles, the additional left and right foot profiles increasing in size as the distance between the substantially same-sized additional left and right foot profiles increases.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the pairs of the substantially same-sized additional left and right foot profiles comprise additional matching foot profile pairs, the matching foot profile pairs providing foot placement and spacing instructions for users having various shoulder widths based on a comparison between foot size of a user, which substantially corresponds to a shoulder width of the user, and the sizes of the matching foot profile pairs.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising:

a first pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the first pivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member and substantially centered along the length of the planar member and between the matching foot profile pairs; and
a second pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the second pivot member being attachable along the length of the planar member and substantially centered across the width of the planar member, and
wherein the first pivot member has a length substantially equal to the width of the planar member, and the second pivot member has a length substantially equal to the length of the planar member.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising:

a third pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the third pivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member and substantially centered along the length of the planar member and between the matching foot profile pairs, the third pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a length and depth of the first pivot member, the third pivot member having a width equal to about half of the width of the first pivot member; and
a fourth pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the fourth pivot member being attachable along the length of the planar member and substantially centered across the width of the planar member, the fourth pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a length and depth of the second pivot member, the fourth pivot member having a width equal to about half of the width of the second pivot member.

15. A golf training apparatus, comprising:

a substantially planar member having a top surface, a length, and a width;
a left foot profile on the top surface of the planar member;
a right foot profile on the top surface of the planar member, the right foot profile being spaced a distance from the left foot profile in a direction of the length of the planar member, the left foot profile being substantially the same size as the right foot profile, the same-sized right and left foot profiles comprising a matching foot profile pair;
a first pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the first pivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member and being substantially centered along the length of the planar member; and
a second pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the second pivot member being attachable along the length of the planar member and being substantially centered across the width of the planar member.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first pivot member has a length substantially equal to the width of the planar member, and the second pivot member has a length substantially equal to the length of the planar member.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising:

a third pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the third pivot member being attachable across the width of the planar member and substantially centered along the length of the planar member and between the foot profile pair, the third pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a length and depth of the first pivot member, the third pivot member having a width equal to about half of the width of the first pivot member; and
a fourth pivot member removably attachable to a bottom surface of the planar member, the fourth pivot member being attachable along the length of the planar member and substantially centered across the width of the planar member, the fourth pivot member having a length and depth substantially matching a length and depth of the second pivot member, the fourth pivot member having a width equal to about half of the width of the second pivot member.

18. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising

a plurality of additional left foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of the additional left foot profiles having a different size; and
a plurality of additional right foot profiles on the top surface of the planar member, each of the additional right foot profiles having a different size, the additional right foot profiles being spaced a distance from the additional left foot profiles, each of the additional right foot profiles substantially corresponding in size with one of the additional left foot profiles, the additional left and right foot profiles increasing in size as the distance between the substantially same-sized additional left and right foot profiles increases.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the pairs of the substantially same-sized additional left and right foot profiles comprise additional matching foot profile pairs, the matching foot profile pairs providing foot placement and spacing instructions for users having various shoulder widths based on a comparison between foot size of a user, which substantially corresponds to a shoulder width of the user, and the sizes of the matching foot profile pairs.

20. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising:

a first alignment marking on the top surface of the planar member, the first alignment marking being substantially centrally located between the same-size right and left foot profiles; and
a pair of additional alignment markings on the top surface of the planar member, each of said additional markings being located in opposite directions from the first alignment marking,
wherein the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a first one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a right-handed user, and the same-size right and left foot profiles cooperate with the first alignment marking and a second one of said additional alignment markings to provide alignment instructions for a left-handed user.
Patent History
Publication number: 20090029789
Type: Application
Filed: Jul 25, 2007
Publication Date: Jan 29, 2009
Inventor: Scott J. Davies (Stillwater, OK)
Application Number: 11/828,340
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: Foot Positioning Aid And Indicator Associated With Swingable Implement (473/218)
International Classification: A63B 69/36 (20060101);