Golf Swing Training Apparatus And Method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a golf swing apparatus that includes, a planar photoluminescent sheet (11) having an upper surface (14) and a lower surface (17), and a golf club (29) that includes a club head (32). The club head (32) includes a sole (35) and an actinic light source (38) that directs a beam of actinic light (41) downward past the sole (35). The upper surface (14) of the planar photoluminescent sheet (11) is adapted to generate an observable photoluminescent line (60) as the beam of actinic light (41) passes over the upper surface (14) as the golf club (29) is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of the upper surface (14). The observable photoluminescent line (60) corresponds to at least a portion of the golf swing motion, such as the follow-through of the golf swing motion.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATION

The present patent application is entitled and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/565,604, filed Dec. 1, 2011, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf swing training apparatus that includes a photoluminescent sheet and a golf club that includes a source of actinic light that results in the formation of an observable photoluminescent line on the upper surface of the photoluminescent sheet as the golf club is swung thereover.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When hitting a golf ball with a golf club, controlling the swing of the club is critical with regard to controlling the direction and path that the golf ball takes after being struck by the golf club. The path that the golf club takes just before and after striking the golf ball can be critical. For example, the path that the golf club takes in the follow-through of the golf swing motion (or golf stroke) can be particularly critical with regard to controlling the direction and path that the golf ball takes after being struck by the golf club. If the golf club follows an incorrect path in the follow-through, the golf ball will likely follow an undesirable direction and path, such as slicing, after being struck by the golf club. Determining or visualizing the path that the golf club takes in the golf swing motion, such as the follow-through, can be difficult because the golf swing or stroke is typically fast in the case of driving, or short in the case of putting. Correspondingly, making proper corrections to a golf swing motion can be difficult.

It would be desirable to develop new apparatuses and methods that allow for an accurate determination and visualization of the path that the golf club takes in the golf swing motion, such as the follow-through, so that a golfer can make appropriate adjustments and corrections to their golf swing, if necessary, or maintain their present golf swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a golf swing training apparatus that comprises: (a) a planar photoluminescent sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface; and (b) a golf club comprising a club head, the club head comprises a sole and an actinic light source that directs a beam of actinic light downward past the sole. The upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate an observable photoluminescent line as the beam of actinic light passes over the upper surface as the golf club is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of the upper surface. The observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of the golf swing motion.

In further accordance with the present invention, there is provided a golf swing training apparatus comprising: (a) a horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface; (b) a vertical planar photoluminescent sheet having a forward surface and a rear surface; and (c) a golf club comprising a club head, the club head comprising a sole and an actinic light source that directs a beam of actinic light downward past the sole. The forward surface of the vertical planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate a first observable photoluminescent line as the beam of actinic light passes over the forward surface as the golf club is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of the forward surface, the first observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of a first portion of the golf swing motion. The upper surface of the horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate a second observable photoluminescent line as the beam of actinic light passes over the upper surface as the golf club is swung in the golf swing motion over at least a portion of the upper surface, the second observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of a second portion of the golf swing motion.

In accordance with the present invention, there is further provided a golf swing training method comprising: (a) providing a golf swing training apparatus as described above; (b) swinging the golf club in the golf swing motion over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet (and optionally the forward surface of the vertical planar photoluminescent sheet) (c) observing the observable photoluminescent line (which can be the first and/or second observable photoluminescent line); (d) determining whether the golf swing motion is acceptable based on observance of the observable photoluminescent line; and (e) optionally repeating steps (b), (c) and (d).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A) is a representative top plan view of a planar photoluminescent sheet of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 1(B) is a representative side elevational view of the planar photoluminescent sheet of FIG. 1(A) with a golf club according to the present invention being swung thereover;

FIG. 2 is a representative exploded side perspective view of a planar photoluminescent sheet of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention, that includes a cover sheet and a base sheet;

FIG. 3(A) is a representative perspective view of a club head of a golf club of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 3(B) is a representative front elevational view of the toe (or leading) edge of the club head of the golf club of FIG. 3(A);

FIG. 4(A) is a representative side elevational view of an actinic light source assembly, that includes an actinic light source, that can be used with the golf club of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 4(B) is a representative partially exploded rear perspective view of the actinic light source assembly of FIG. 4(A);

FIG. 4(C) is a representative front elevational view of the actinic light source assembly of FIG. 4(A);

FIG. 5 is a representative perspective view of a golf swing apparatus of the present invention that includes a horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet and a vertical planar photoluminescent sheet;

FIG. 6 is a representative perspective view of a golf club of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention, in which the actinic light source is reversibly attached to the face of the golf club head; and

FIG. 7 is a representative perspective view of a golf club of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention, in which the actinic light source is reversibly attached to the back side of the golf club head.

In FIGS. 1(A) through 7, like reference numerals designate the same components and structural features, unless otherwise indicated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “actinic light” and similar terms such as actinic radiation, means electromagnetic radiation that is capable of causing a response in a material, such as, but not limited to, causing the formation of an observable photoluminescent response, emission or line in a photoluminescent material such as a photoluminescent sheet.

As used herein, the term “photoluminescent” and related terms, such as “photoluminescence” means the re-radiation (or emission) of photons by a material after exposure of the material to photons. With some embodiments of the present invention, examples of photoluminescence include, but are not limited to, phosphorescence and fluorescence.

As used herein, the term “phosphorescence” and similar terms, such as “phosphorescent” means photoluminescence in which the re-radiation (or emission) cycle occurs relatively slowly, such as more slowly than fluorescence.

As used herein, the term “fluorescence” and similar terms, such as “fluorescent” means photoluminescence in which the re-radiation (or emission) cycle occurs relatively quickly, such as more quickly than phosphorescence.

As used herein, the term “sheet” means a pre-formed film having a generally uniform thickness and which can be capable of self-support.

Unless otherwise indicated, all ranges or ratios disclosed herein are to be understood to encompass any and all subranges or subratios subsumed therein. For example, a stated range or ratio of “1 to 10” should be considered to include any and all subranges between (and inclusive of) the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges or subratios beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less, such as but not limited to, 1 to 6.1, 3.5 to 7.8, and 5.5 to 10.

As used herein, the term “follow-through” and related terms such as “finish” means the continuation of the golf swing motion (or golf stoke) after the bottom of the swing and impact area.

As used herein, the term “draw back” and related terms such as “back swing” means that portion of the golf swing motion in which the club head is drawn backward from the impact area, and which occurs prior to the follow-through.

As used herein, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless otherwise expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent.

As used herein, spatial or directional terms, such as “left”, “right”, “inner”, “outer”, “above”, “below”, and the like, relate to the invention as it is depicted in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such terms are not to be considered as limiting.

With reference to FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the golf swing apparatus 1 includes a planar photoluminescent sheet 11 having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 17. Planar photoluminescent sheet 11 also has a forward edge 20 and a rear edge 23. With some embodiments, the feet 26 of a golfer are proximate to and face rear edge 23 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11.

With reference to FIG. 1(B), FIG. 3(A), and FIG. 3(B), the golf swing apparatus of the present invention also includes a golf club 29 that includes a club head 32. Club head 32 includes a sole 35 and an actinic light source 38 that directs a beam of actinic light 41 downward past the sole 35. Club head 32 also includes a back side 44 and a face 47. Golf club 29 also includes a toe (or leading) edge 54, and a shaft 50 that extends upwardly from the club head 32, such as upwardly from the hosel 53 of the club head 32.

Upper surface 14 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11 is adapted to generate an observable photoluminescent line as the beam of actinic light 41 passes over upper surface 14 as golf club 29 is swung in a golf swing motion (depicted by arrow 57—FIG. 1(B)) over at least a portion of upper surface 14. The observable photoluminescent line 60 (FIG. 1(A)) corresponds to at least a portion of the golf swing motion. The distance between the actinic light source and the upper surface of the photoluminescent sheet is typically selected such that as the beam of actinic light 41 passes over upper surface 14, an observable photoluminescent line is generated or formed in the planar photoluminescent sheet. The distance between the actinic light source and the upper surface of the photoluminescent sheet is, with some embodiments, greater than or equal to 1 mm and less than or equal to 2 cm, such as from 2 mm to 1 cm.

With some embodiments, the observable photoluminescent line corresponds to a follow-through of the golf swing motion. With reference to FIG. 1(A), observable photoluminescent line 60 as depicted is representative of and corresponds substantially to a follow-through of a golf swing motion.

In accordance with some embodiments, the observable photoluminescent line is a temporary observable photoluminescent line. By temporary is meant the observable photoluminescent line is not permanent, fades and becomes unobservable within a limited amount of time after being formed. With some embodiments, the temporary observable photoluminescent line is observable for a period of time that is at least 1 second and less than or equal to 5 minutes, such as from 5 seconds to 3 minutes, or from 10 seconds to 2 minutes, or from 12 seconds to 1 minute, inclusive of the recited values. With some embodiments, the temporary observable photoluminescent line is observable for a period of time that is from 5 seconds to 30 seconds.

The planar photoluminescent sheet, with some embodiments, is rigid and self-supporting. The photoluminescent sheet, in accordance with some additional embodiments, has phosphorescent and/or fluorescent properties. The photoluminescent sheet, in accordance with some further embodiments, is a phosphorescent sheet. The photoluminescent sheet of the golf swing apparatus of the present invention can be obtained commercially from suppliers of photoluminescent boards, phosphorescent boards, fluorescent boards, and boards that are phosphorescent and fluorescent. The photoluminescent sheet can, with some embodiments, generate the observable photoluminescent line, as the beam of actinic light passes over the upper surface thereof, under conditions of: direct sunlight; artificial lighting, such as under fluorescent and/or incandescent lighting; and in the substantial absence of ambient lighting, such as in the dark. With some embodiments the photoluminescent sheet is a day/night glow sheet.

The upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet can, with some embodiments, include at least one swing plane line. With reference to FIG. 1(A) upper surface 14 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11 includes a plurality of swing plane lines 63 and 64. Swing plane lines 64 are in the form of dashed lines. The swing plane lines can be formed by any suitable method or methods, such as a stenciling, ink applications, tape application, and combinations thereof. With some embodiments, one or more of the swing plane lines are transparent to the beam of actinic light and the observable photoluminescent line. With some further embodiments, one or more of the swing plane lines are not transparent to (and are opaque to) the beam of actinic light and the observable photoluminescent line. With some embodiments, one or more of the swing plane lines changes color when exposed from underneath to the observable photoluminescent line. With some embodiments, the color change of the swing plane line(s) can be due to combinational (or combinatorial) color change, in which the combination of two colors results in the observance of a third different color, such as yellow plus green resulting in the observance of blue.

In accordance with some additional embodiments, the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet can include, additionally or alternatively to swing plane lines, optional markings, such as, but not limited to, indicia, designs or patterns, and/or graphics. Examples of such optional markings include, but are not limited to, numbers, letters, one-dimensional bar codes, two-dimensional bar codes, trademarks, camouflage patterns, pictorial representations, and photographs. For purposes of non-limiting illustration and with reference to FIG. 1(A), planar photoluminescent sheet 11 includes additional markings, such as a representation of cross-hairs 118 residing within concentric circles 121, and indicia 124. With some embodiments, the intersection 127 of cross-hairs indicates the center of the planar photoluminescent sheet where, for example, a golf ball can be placed.

In accordance with some embodiments, a cover sheet is provided and resides over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet. The cover sheet is transparent to the beam of actinic light and to the observable photoluminescent line. With reference to FIG. 2, a cover sheet 66 is provided and resides over upper surface 14 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11. Cover sheet 66 has a first surface 69 and a second surface 72. Cover sheet 66 can be laminated to upper surface 14 by art-recognized methods such as clamps (not shown) and/or one or more adhesive layers (not shown) interposed between upper surface 14 and first surface 69. The cover sheet can be fabricated from any suitable material such as: glass; plastic, such as, but not limited to, polyacrylics, polycarbonates, and/or polyesters; ceramics; and combinations thereof.

When a cover sheet is present over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet, the swing plane lines and optional markings can each independently be: interposed between upper surface 14 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11 and first surface 69 of cover sheet 66; and/or reside on second surface 72 and/or on first surface 69 of cover sheet 66.

With some further embodiments, a base sheet is provided and resides beneath the lower surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet. With reference to FIG. 2, a base sheet 75 is provided and resides under or beneath lower surface 17 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11. Base sheet 75 has a first surface 78 and a second surface 81. Base sheet 75 can be laminated to lower surface 17 by art-recognized methods such as clamps (not shown) and/or one or more adhesive layers (not shown) interposed between lower surface 17 and second surface 81. With some embodiments, the base sheet is transparent to actinic light, such as the beam of actinic light, and/or transparent to the observable photoluminescent line. With some further embodiments, the base sheet is not transparent to actinic radiation, and with additional embodiments is substantially opaque. The base sheet can be fabricated from any suitable material such as: glass; plastic, such as, but not limited to, polyacrylics, polycarbonates, and/or polyesters; ceramics; metal; wood, and combinations thereof.

The planar photoluminescent sheet, with some embodiments, resides in a substantially horizontal position at the feet of a golfer who swings the golf club over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet. With reference to FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), planar photoluminescent sheet 11 is positioned and resides at feet 26 of a golfer (not shown) who swings club 29 over upper surface 14 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11. With some embodiments, planar photoluminescent sheet 11 is positioned substantially horizontally at the feet of a golfer who swings the golf club over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet. The feet 26 of the golfer are typically positioned proximate to and facing rear edge 23 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11.

The planar photoluminescent sheet, according to some embodiments, includes a forward edge and a rear edge, in which: the forward edge is an arcuate forward edge; and/or the rear edge is an arcuate rear edge. With reference to FIG. 1(A), forward edge 20 is an arcuate forward edge 20, and rear edge 23 is an arcuate rear edge. Forward edge 20 is a substantially straight edge with some embodiments. Arcuate rear edge 23 is with some embodiments a concave arcuate rear edge, as depicted, or a convex arcuate rear edge (not depicted). Arcuate forward edge 20 is with some embodiments a concave arcuate forward edge, as depicted, or a convex arcuate forward edge (not depicted). With some embodiments, forward edge 20 and rear edge 23 can each independently be selected from (or each can independently be defined by) a substantially straight edge (not depicted).

The planar photoluminescent sheet can, with some embodiments, reside in a substantially horizontal position at the feet of a golfer who swings the golf club over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet, and the feet of the golfer are proximate to and face the arcuate rear edge (such as the concave arcuate rear edge). With further reference to FIG. 1(A), planar photoluminescent sheet 11 resides in a substantially horizontal position at the feet 26 of a golfer (not shown) who swings the golf club (not shown) over the upper surface 14 of the planar photoluminescent sheet 11. The feet 26 of the golfer are proximate to and face the arcuate rear edge 23 of planar photoluminescent sheet 11.

The planar photoluminescent sheet can have any suitable dimensions, provided it is dimensioned so as to provide an observable photoluminescent line that corresponds to at least a portion of the golf swing motion. With some embodiments, the planar photoluminescent sheet has an elongated shape, for example, as depicted with regard to planar photoluminescent sheet 11 of FIG. 1(A). The planar photoluminescent sheet can, with some embodiments, have a length, such as from point 130 to point 133, of from 2 feet to 10 feet (0.61 meters to 3.1 meters), and a width, such as from point 136 to 139, of 1 foot to 5 feet (0.31 meters to 1.5 meters). The planar photoluminescent sheet, with some embodiments, is dimensioned such that the feet of the golfer reside on the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet (not shown).

The actinic light source is, in accordance with some embodiments, positioned on a back side of the club head and/or a face of the club head. With reference to FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B), actinic light source 38 is positioned on face 47 of club head 32. Alternatively, or in addition to being positioned on face 47, actinic light source 38 can be positioned on back side 44 of club head 32, as depicted with reference to FIG. 7. With some embodiments, the actinic light source is positioned in a sweet spot on the face of the club head. The sweet spot is that portion of the face of the club head where accuracy and distance are typically maximized when hitting a golf ball. The sweet spot is typically located at or near the center of the face of the club head.

The actinic light source, with some embodiments, is positioned in a hole or recess on the sole of the club head. The hole can extend from the top edge of the club head to the sole of the club head. The actinic light source can be fully recessed or partially recessed in the hole or recess on the sole of the club head.

With some embodiments, the electric source for the actinic light source is a battery, which can reside in a housing with which the actinic light source is integral. With some embodiments, the battery is remote from the actinic light source, and the battery and actinic light source are connected together by an extended wire. The battery can be selected from art-recognized batteries, such as, but not limited to, button cell batteries and watch batteries.

The actinic light source, with some embodiments, is removable. The actinic light source can be reversibly attached to the club head by attachment means selected from, but not limited to, fasteners, clamps, attachment brackets, and/or adhesives, such as one or more adhesive layers.

The actinic light source, with some embodiments, includes a reversible attachment article that reversibly attaches the actinic light source to a portion of the club head. The attachment article is, with some embodiments, selected from an adhesive layer and/or an attachment bracket. With reference to FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C), actinic light source 38 is integral with a housing 91. Housing 91 has a back surface 97. At least a portion of back surface 97, with some embodiments: has an adhesive layer 94 thereon (see FIG. 4(A)); and/or has an attachment bracket 142 that extends outward from the back surface. With some further embodiments, attachment bracket 142 can include an adhesive layer on at least a portion of at least one surface thereof Adhesive layer 94 can be an art-recognizable releasable adhesive layer, with some embodiments. The assembly of actinic light source 38, housing 91, and attachment article, such as adhesive layer 94 and/or attachment bracket 142, can be referred to as an actinic light source assembly (or actinic light assembly) 100.

Housing 91 can, with some embodiments, include a battery (not shown), such as a button cell battery or a watch battery. Actinic light source assembly 100 can also include an on/off switch or button 145. The on/off switch or button, with some embodiments, is positioned on a front surface 148 of housing 91.

The actinic light source can be reversibly attached to the back side or the face of the club head by the attachment article, such as the adhesive layer. For purposes of non-limiting illustration and with reference to FIG. 3(B), actinic light source 38 as part of actinic light assembly 100 is reversibly attached to face 47 of club head 32 by adhesive layer 94 (which is not visible in FIG. 3(B)).

Alternatively, or in addition to an adhesive layer, the actinic light assembly includes, with some embodiments, an attachment bracket that extends outward from the back surface of the housing thereof. With reference to FIGS. 4(A), 4(B), and 4(C), attachment bracket 142 extends outward from back surface 97 of housing 91. Attachment bracket 142 optionally includes an adhesive layer 152 on a first surface 155 and/or an adhesive layer 158 on second surface 161 of attachment bracket 142, as shown in FIG. 4(A).

Alternatively, or additionally to including an adhesive layer, attachment bracket 142 is, with some embodiments, fabricated from a malleable material, such as a malleable metal and/or a malleable plastic. When fabricated from a malleable material, the attachment bracket can be wrapped at least partially around a portion of the club head. With reference to FIG. 6, actinic light assembly 100 is reversibly attached to club head 32 by attachment bracket 142 being wrapped around (or over) upper edge 164 of club head 32.

In accordance with some further embodiments, attachment bracket 142 of housing 91 of actinic light assembly 100 is substantially rigid. With reference to FIG. 7, actinic light assembly 100 is attached to back side 44 of club head 32 by attachment bracket 142. With some further embodiments, attachment bracket 142 is fabricated from a rigid material, extends laterally outward from rear surface 97 of housing 91, and is reversibly and adhesively attached to a shelf 167 of back side 44 of club head 32. See FIG. 7.

The attachment bracket, with some embodiments, is reversibly and vertically positionable along the back surface of the housing of the actinic light source assembly. For purposes of nonlimiting illustration, and with reference to FIG. 4(B), rear surface 97 of housing 91 includes an elongated recess 170 that extends from the top 173 to the bottom 176 of housing 91. Elongated recess 170 is dimensioned to receive an attachment bracket assembly 179 therein, as depicted by representative alignment line 182. Attachment bracket assembly 179 includes attachment bracket 142 (which can be referred to as a first attachment bracket 142 with some embodiments) and a second attachment bracket 185. The first 142 and second 185 attachment brackets can be positioned at any suitable angle 188 relative to each other, such as from greater than 0° to less than 180°, such as from 30° to 120°, or from 45° to 100°. As depicted in FIG. 4(B) the first 142 and second 185 attachment brackets are positioned relative to each other at an angle of substantially 90°.

With some embodiments, second attachment bracket 185 is slidingly received within elongated slot 170, and first attachment bracket 142 extends laterally outward from rear surface 97 of housing 91. With some further embodiments, first attachment bracket 142 is slidingly received within elongated slot 170, and second attachment bracket 185 extends laterally outward from rear surface 97 of housing 91 (not depicted).

The actinic light source can be selected from any actinic light source that results in the formation of an observable photoluminescent line that corresponds to a portion of the golf swing when passed over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet. With some embodiments, the actinic light source is an ultraviolet light source, or the emitted electromagnetic radiation of the actinic light source includes an ultraviolet light component. The actinic light source, with some embodiments, is an ultraviolet light source and the beam of actinic light is a beam of ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light emitted by the actinic light source can include long wave ultraviolet light (UVA), medium wave ultraviolet light (UVB), and/or short wave ultraviolet light (UVC). In accordance with some embodiments, the ultraviolet light emitted by the actinic light is substantially medium wave ultraviolet light (UVB). The actinic light source, in accordance with some further embodiments, is a light emitting diode.

In accordance with some embodiments, the actinic light source is selected from a diffuse actinic light source, a substantially coherent actinic light source (such as a laser light source), and combinations thereof. The substantially coherent actinic light source, with some embodiments, is a laser light source having any suitable wavelength, which can be selected from, but not limited to, infrared wavelengths, visible wavelengths, and/or ultraviolet wavelengths. With some further embodiments, the actinic light source is a laser light source selected from, but not limited to, infrared laser light sources, visible laser light sources, ultraviolet laser light sources, and combinations of two or more such laser light sources. The actinic light source is, with some embodiments, a laser light source, and the beam of actinic light is a beam of laser light. In accordance with some further embodiments, the actinic light source is selected from a visible green laser light source, a visible red laser light source, and combinations thereof.

If more than one actinic light source is present, the actinic light assembly, such as actinic light assembly 100, can include two or more actinic light sources (not shown in the drawings).

The golf swing motion that the apparatuses and methods of the present invention provide observable measurement of any golf swing motion. With some embodiments, the golf swing motion is selected from a putting motion, a chipping motion, and a driving motion. The golf club of the apparatuses and methods of the present invention can be selected from any golf club. With some embodiments, the golf club of the apparatuses and methods of the present invention is selected from a putter, an iron, a driver, and a fairway wood.

In accordance with some embodiments, the golf swing apparatus includes a horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet and a vertical photoluminescent sheet. The horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet and a vertical photoluminescent sheet can each be as described previously herein, such as with regard to the planar photoluminescent sheet 11. With reference to FIG. 5, the golf swing apparatus 3 includes horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet 11 having an upper surface 14 and a lower surface 17. Golf swing apparatus 3 also includes a vertical planar photoluminescent sheet 103 having a forward surface 106 and a rear surface 109. Golf swing apparatus 3 includes a golf club (not shown) which is as described previously herein.

The forward surface 106 of vertical planar photoluminescent sheet 103 is adapted to generate a first observable photoluminescent line 112 as the beam of actinic light passes over forward surface 106 as the golf club is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of forward surface 106. The first observable photoluminescent line 112 corresponds to at least a portion of a first portion of the golf swing motion. The first portion of the golf swing motion, with some embodiments, includes that portion of the golf swing motion as the club is swung from or around the shoulder of the golfer and prior to the club head reaching or aligning with the feet of the golfer. The forward surface 106 of vertical planar photoluminescent sheet 103 can, with some embodiments, be provided with one or more swing plane lines (not shown).

The upper surface 14 of the horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet 11 is adapted to generate a second observable photoluminescent line 60 as the beam of actinic light passes over upper surface 14 as the golf club is swung in the golf swing motion over at least a portion of upper surface 14. The second observable photoluminescent line 60 corresponds to at least a portion of a second portion of the golf swing motion. The second portion of the golf swing motion, with some embodiments, includes the follow-through of the golf swing motion.

The horizontal and vertical planar photoluminescent sheets (11, 103) can be connected or abutting, for example, as depicted in FIG. 5. With some embodiments, the horizontal and vertical planar photoluminescent sheets can be separated from each other (not shown).

The vertical planar photoluminescent sheet can be positioned at any suitable angle with regard to the horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet. With reference to FIG. 5, vertical planar photoluminescent sheet 103 is positioned at an angle 115 relative to horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet 11. Angle 115 can, with some embodiments, be substantially 90°. With some further embodiments, angle 115 is at least 90° and less than 180°, such as from 90° to 135°, inclusive of the recited values.

The present invention also relates to a golf swing training method which includes providing the golf swing training apparatus of the present invention, as described previously herein. The golf swing training apparatus can include the planar photoluminescent sheet alone positioned in a horizontal manner (e.g., planar photoluminescent sheet 11 or 11′), or a combination of the vertical and horizontal planar photoluminescent sheets as described previously herein. The method involves swinging the golf club in a golf swing motion over the upper surface of the planar photoluminescent sheet, or with some embodiments over the forward surface of the vertical planar photoluminescent sheet and the upper surface of the horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet. The observable photoluminescent line is observed, typically visually and/or with the aid of one or more photographs. With some embodiments, the first and second observable photoluminescent lines are observed. Based on observance of the one or more observable photoluminescent lines, it is determined whether the golf swing motion is acceptable. An acceptable golf swing motion typically results in the golf ball following a desirable direction and path after being hit with the club head. An unacceptable golf swing motion typically results in the golf ball following an undesirable direction and path after being hit with the club head. The golf club swinging, observing, and determining steps can optionally be repeated, in the recited sequence, at least one additional time. With each repetition of the swinging, observing, and determining steps, the golfer can modify their golf swing motion (e.g., if the golf swing motion is unacceptable) or keep their golf swing motion the same (e.g., if the golf swing motion is acceptable).

The present invention has been described with reference to specific details of particular embodiments thereof. It is not intended that such details be regarded as limitations upon the scope of the invention except insofar as and to the extent that they are included in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A golf swing training apparatus comprising:

(a) a planar photoluminescent sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface; and

(b) a golf club comprising a club head, said club head comprising a sole and an actinic light source that directs a beam of actinic light downward past said sole,

wherein said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate an observable photoluminescent line as said beam of actinic light passes over said upper surface as said golf club is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of said upper surface, said observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of said golf swing motion.

2. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said observable photoluminescent line corresponds to a follow-through of said golf swing motion.

3. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said observable photoluminescent line is a temporary observable photoluminescent line.

4. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar photoluminescent sheet is rigid and self-supporting.

5. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said photoluminescent sheet is a phosphorescent sheet.

6. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet comprises at least one swing plane line.

7. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a cover sheet resides over said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet, said cover sheet being transparent to said beam of actinic light and to said observable photoluminescent line.

8. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 7, wherein a base sheet resides beneath said lower surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet.

9. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar photoluminescent sheet resides in a substantially horizontal position at the feet of a golfer who swings said golf club over said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet.

10. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said planar photoluminescent sheet comprises a forward edge and a rear edge, said rear edge being an arcuate rear edge.

11. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 10, wherein said planar photoluminescent sheet resides in a substantially horizontal position at the feet of a golfer who swings said golf club over said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet, and the feet of said golfer are proximate to and face said arcuate rear edge.

12. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actinic light source is positioned on one of a back side of said club head and a face of said club head.

13. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actinic light source is removable.

14. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 13, wherein said actinic light source comprises an adhesive layer that reversibly attaches said actinic light source to a portion of said club head.

15. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 14, wherein said actinic light source is reversibly attached to one of a back side of said club head and a face of said club head.

16. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actinic light source is an ultraviolet light source and said beam of actinic light is a beam of ultraviolet light.

17. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said actinic light source is a laser light source, and said beam of actinic light is a beam of laser light.

18. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 1, wherein said golf swing motion is selected from a putting motion, a chipping motion, and a driving motion.

19. A golf swing training apparatus comprising:

(a) a horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface;

(b) a vertical planar photoluminescent sheet having a forward surface and a rear surface; and

(c) a golf club comprising a club head, said club head comprising a sole and an actinic light source that directs a beam of actinic light downward past said sole,

wherein said forward surface of said vertical planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate a first observable photoluminescent line as said beam of actinic light passes over said forward surface as said golf club is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of said forward surface, said first observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of a first portion of said golf swing motion, and

wherein said upper surface of said horizontal planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate a second observable photoluminescent line as said beam of actinic light passes over said upper surface as said golf club is swung in said golf swing motion over at least a portion of said upper surface, said second observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of a second portion of said golf swing motion.

20. A golf swing training method comprising:

(a) providing a golf swing training apparatus comprising: a planar photoluminescent sheet having an upper surface and a lower surface; (ii) a golf club comprising a club head, said club head comprising a sole and an actinic light source that directs a beam of actinic light downward past said sole,

wherein said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet is adapted to generate an observable photoluminescent line as said beam of actinic light passes over said upper surface as said golf club is swung in a golf swing motion over at least a portion of said upper surface, said observable photoluminescent line corresponds to at least a portion of said golf swing motion;

(b) swinging said golf club in said golf swing motion over said upper surface of said planar photoluminescent sheet;

(c) observing said observable photoluminescent line;

(d) determining whether said golf swing motion is acceptable based on observance of said observable photoluminescent line; and

(e) optionally repeating steps (b), (c), and (d).