GOLF SWING TRAINING DEVICE AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

A golf swing training device including a belt configured to be worn by a user, a clip member configured to attach to a golf club shaft and a resilient band configured to fixedly attach at one end to the clip member and movably attach at a second end to the belt. Resilient bands having different resistances and lengths may be interchanged to accommodate different types of golf shots, swings and clubs. The device may also be used with a baseball or softball bat.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES

This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/891,228 filed on Aug. 23, 2019 and which is incorporated herein for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a device for teaching a golf swing including club and hand position throughout a golf swing (i.e., the device causes the club to shallow onto a powerful plane inspiring a body rotation for an inside out ball strike).

BACKGROUND

Golf is played by millions of people around the world. Despite its popularity, golf is an extremely frustrating exercise. Even for those who play golf for a living, finding a good, repeatable golf swing can be a daunting task. This is evidenced by the sheer number of golf swing training devices on the market. Such devices purport to teach all types of golf swing attributes. Some of the devices on the market undoubtedly work while others undoubtedly do not.

It would be advantageous to develop a simple, inexpensive device and method of using the same for teaching players the proper club position throughout a golf swing. Moreover, the device assists players with body rotation throughout the golf swing.

SUMMARY

One embodiment of the present invention is directed to a device comprising: a belt configured to be worn by a user, said belt including a guide; a clip member configured to fixedly attach to a golf club shaft; and a resilient band configured to attach at one end to said clip member and slidably attach at a second end to said guide.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a device comprising: a golf club; a belt worn by a user, said belt including a guide; a clip member fixedly attached to a golf club shaft of said golf club; and a resilient band extending between attachment to said clip member at a first end and slidable attachment to said guide at a second end.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method comprising: attaching a belt to one's waist, said belt including a guide; attaching a clip member to a golf club shaft club; attaching a resilient band at one end to said clip member and a second end to said guide; and practicing golf swings such that said resilient band is able to move about said second end while providing resistance to maintain said golf club in a proper position throughout said golf swings.

Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method comprising: providing a belt configured to fit around one's waist, said belt including a guide; providing a clip member configured to attach to a golf club shaft; providing a resilient band configured to attach at a first end to said clip member and at a second end to said guide; and instructing a user to: attach said belt to one's waist; attach said clip member to said golf club shaft; attach said resilient band at said one end to said clip member and at said second end to said guide; and practice golf swings such that said resilient band is able to move about said guide while providing resistance to maintain said golf club in a proper position throughout said golf swings.

In one embodiment, a plurality of resilient bands having different resistances and lengths may be used to accommodate different golf swings, shots and clubs.

Other variations, embodiments and features of the present invention will become evident from the following detailed description, drawings and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a belt, clip member and resilient band attached to said belt and clip member according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the belt and individual resilient bands configured for attachment to the belt and golf club shaft according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates the belt, resilient band and clip member functionality according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a golfer wearing the device according to the embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A through 5F illustrate a golfer wearing the device during various points throughout a golf swing according to the embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart detailing a protocol for using the device according to the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles in accordance with the embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications of the inventive feature illustrated herein, and any additional applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein, which would normally occur to one skilled in the relevant art and having possession of this disclosure, are to be considered within the scope of the invention claimed.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that the components of the golf swing training device according to the embodiments of the present invention may be fabricated of any suitable materials. For example, the clip member may be fabricated of plastics, alloys, metals, composites, rubber, etc., whereas the resilient bands may be fabricated of elastic, rubber, nylon or other resilient materials.

In broadest form, the embodiments of the present invention comprise a device including a belt configured to be worn by a user, a clip member configured to attach to a golf club shaft and a resilient band configured to fixedly attach at one end to said clip member and movably attach at a second end to said belt. When the golfer swings, the second end of the resilient band is able to traverse along a guide on said belt. The device teaches a player to shallow the club onto a powerful plane inspiring a body rotation for an inside out ball strike.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the device 100 of the embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the device 100 includes a belt 110, clip member 120 and resilient band 130. The resilient band 130 is attached to said belt 110 and clip member 120. The clip member 120 is configured to attach to a golf club shaft 140.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the belt 110 and individual resilient bands 130-1 through 130-3 configured for attachment to the belt 110 and golf club shaft 140. In one embodiment, resilient band 130-1 has moderate resistance designed for less than full swings and is ideal for developing discipline and skill in a golfer's takeaway and follow through; resilient band 130-2 has moderate resistance designed for full swings and building muscle and muscle memory faster to help golfers develop a long smooth backswing that shallows coming into contact; and resilient band 130-3 has intense resistance designed for avid and professional golfers looking for that next level of resistance and development.

FIG. 3 shows the belt 110, resilient band 130 and clip member 120 functionality according to the embodiments of the present invention. The belt 110 includes loops 111-1 and 111-2 for adjustability. Hook and loop fasteners, buttons, zippers, snaps and other connecting means may also be used to adjust the belt 110. As shown, the guide 150 comprises a rail positioned on an outer surface of the belt 110. When worn by a right-handed golfer, the guide 150 is positioned adjacent to the golfer's right hip (i.e., trail edge of body) and adjacent the golfer's left hip for left-handed golfers. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the guide 150 may take on other forms suitable to allow the resilient band 130 attached thereto to move or slide with the action of the golf swing. As shown, the resilient band 130 has a large hook 131 and small hook 132 at opposite ends. The large hook 131 attaches slidably or movably to the guide 150 while the small hook 132 attaches to clip member 120 which attaches to the golf club shaft. Depending on the golf club and shot being practiced, the clip member 120 may be attached to different locations 121-1, 121-2 along the golf club shaft 140. In one embodiment, the resilient member 130 has an integral clip member 120 connected at one end thereof. In such an embodiment, the resilient member 130 and clip member 120 form one article. In another embodiment, the resilient member 130 has an integral clip member 120 connected at a first end thereof and is permanently connected at a second end thereof to the guide 150. In such an embodiment, the resilient member 130, clip member 120 and belt 110 form a single article.

FIG. 4 shows the device 100 being worn by a golfer. FIGS. 5A through 5F illustrate a golfer wearing the device 100 during various points throughout a golf swing according to the embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 5A shows the golfer at the address position, FIG. 5B shows the golfer during the early backswing, FIG. 5C shows the golfer during the top of the backswing, FIG. 5D after ball contact on the front swing and FIGS. 5E and 5F show the golfer during the follow through. The device 100 provides a feeling of a professional golfer's takeaway and transition. By adopting the sense of resisting the resilient band 130 early in the backswing, the golfer's body is trained to take the golf club back properly. Then, by relaxing his or her arms and wrists when the tension starts to build, the golf club tends to shallow into a powerful plane inspiring a body rotation for an inside out ball strike.

FIG. 6 illustrates a flow chart 200 detailing a 7-day protocol for using the device 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention. At 205, a swing structure is built using the short resilient band. At 210, the golfer practices one arm shots using both arms and the short resilient band. In one embodiment, the golfer practices with each arm 30 times. At 215, the golfer practices rotation and relocation of the golf club with the short resilient band. The process involves moving the golf club into the backswing to a parallel position so that the resilient band is fully extended to create some resistance. The player pauses at this position and then follows through with a short swing making sure to not allow his or her trail arm does not muscle over the top of the lead hand. Increased resistance by the resilient band indicates such an improper swing. In one embodiment, the golfer practices this process 30 times. At 220, the golfer's finishing form from short back swing to complete follow through with the short resilient band is practiced. In one embodiment, the golfer practices this process 30 times. At 225, the golfer practices mid-range shots requiring a full backswing. In one embodiment, the golfer practices the mid-range shots with the short resilient band 30 times. At 230, the golfer practices shots including ground reactions. In one embodiment, the golfer practices the mid-range shots with the short resilient band 30 times. At 235, the previous 6 days are reviewed and practiced.

While the device 100 is shown being used with a golf club, it may also accommodate a baseball or softball bat. In such an embodiment, the device 100 operates in the same matter with the device 100 connected at one end (e.g., via a clip member) to the baseball or softball bat.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to several embodiments, additional variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf swing training device comprising:

a belt configured to be worn by a user, said belt including a guide;

a clip member configured to fixedly attach to a golf club shaft, baseball bat or softball bat; and

one or more resilient bands configured to attach at a first end to said clip member and slidably attach at a second end to said guide.

2. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein said belt is adjustable to accommodate different-sized users.

3. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein each of said one or more resilient bands are different lengths and/or resistances.

4. The golf swing training device of claim 1 wherein said guide comprises an elevated tubular member along which said one or more resilient bands may slide when attached thereto.

5. A golf swing training device system comprising:

a golf club;

a belt worn by a user, said belt including a guide;

a clip member fixedly attached to a golf club shaft of said golf club; and

a resilient band extending between attachment to said clip member at a first end and slidable attachment to said guide at a second end.

6. The golf swing training device system of claim 5 wherein said belt is adjustable to accommodate different-sized users.

7. The golf swing training device system of claim 5 further including one or more additional resilient bands of different lengths and/or resistances.

8. The golf swing training device of claim 5 wherein said guide comprises an elevated tubular member along which said resilient band may slide when attached thereto.

9. A method of training a golf swing comprising:

attaching a belt to one's waist, said belt including a guide;

attaching a clip member to a golf club shaft;

attaching a resilient band at a first end to said clip member and at a second end to said guide; and

practicing golf swings such that said resilient band is able to move about said guide while providing resistance to maintain said golf club in a proper position throughout said golf swings.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein said belt is adjustable to accommodate different-sized users.

11. The method of claim 9 further comprising utilizing one or more resilient bands of different lengths and/or resistances.

12. The method of claim 9 wherein said guide comprises an elevated tubular member along which said one or more resilient bands may slide when attached thereto.

13. A method of training a golf swing comprising:

providing a belt configured to fit around one's waist, said belt including a guide;

providing a clip member configured to attach to a golf club shaft;

providing a resilient band configured to attach at a first end to said clip member and at a second end to said guide; and

instructing a user to: attach said belt to one's waist; attach said clip member to said golf club shaft; attach said resilient band at said one end to said clip member and at said second end to said guide; and practice golf swings such that said resilient band is able to move about said guide while providing resistance to maintain said golf club in a proper position throughout said golf swings.

14. The golf swing training device of claim 13 wherein said belt is adjustable to accommodate different-sized users.

15. The golf swing training device of claim 13 wherein each of said one or more resilient bands are different lengths and/or resistances.

16. The golf swing training device of claim 13 wherein said guide comprises an elevated tubular member along which said one or more resilient bands may slide when attached thereto.