Foot Positioning Aid And Indicator Associated With Swingable Implement Patents (Class 473/218)
  • Publication number: 20080146364
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for correcting golf swing posture. The device includes a footboard which is formed so that a foot is seated and supported thereon, and has a pair of facing locking brackets and a foot support part for supporting a foot. A support cuff is provided at an end of the footboard to support a leg, a lower surface of the support cuff, which contacts the footboard, being formed to be convex such that the support cuff rotates within a range of swing motion, the support cuff having locking recesses which are coupled to the locking brackets and a leg support part for supporting the leg. A fastening means detachably fastens the locking brackets of the footboard to the locking recesses of the support cuff. Thereby, the support cuff rotates about the fastening means at a predetermined angle as swing motion is conducted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Buhm Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 7241228
    Abstract: Devices and methods for aligning an individual's golf swing have been developed. The devices and methods help a golfer to properly position a golf ball and to properly execute a swing, increasing the likelihood of an accurately hit golf shot. Golf swing alignment devices of the invention are collapsible such that they can be stored within a golf bag when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2007
    Inventor: Dale A. Bruschi
  • Patent number: 7186184
    Abstract: A golf teaching aid is disclosed. The beneficial golf mat and instructional pattern provide for precise, reproducible foot positioning and alignment, and a wide selection of precise, reproducible ball position options. The pattern may be variously displayed, for instance, on the playing surface of a golf mat or on the turf.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Practice With The Pros, Inc.
    Inventor: Darin R. Buck
  • Patent number: 7131910
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a golf swing training device having a graphic design that illustrates a plurality of golf swing variables, including a club path indicator and a club face angle guide. The template is designed so that golfers may practice swinging a golf club over the top of the template to determine whether their swing follows a desired path. A swing reference guide is included and correlates shot selection, ball path, club path, and club face angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Inventor: Marshall O. Townsend, II
  • Patent number: 7112145
    Abstract: A golf training device that assists a golfer in sighting the direction to hit, and in the proper alignment of his body with respect to the golf ball. The device has a housing for mounting at least two lasers having a vertical element that provides vertical support for the lasers, a base element that enables at least a portion of the housing to be oriented to a desired sighting, and a spike for stabilizing the housing. Each of the lasers has a diffraction optical element that converts a laser beam into a planar arc of light which when projected onto a surface, such as the ground, produces a laser line. The diffraction optical elements are oriented orthogonal to each other and the resulting lines produced by the lasers are orthogonal. One of the laser lines provides feet alignment and the other provides a feet to ball laser reference line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Gaddy
  • Patent number: 7112144
    Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers, a club positioning marker and a mirror are placed. The markers and mirror are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when attached to the mat at the proper location, the user can observe their eyes while swinging the golf club. A wedge is also provided to be positioned underneath a portion of the user's rearward foot to train the user to maintain a near stationary rear leg during the backswing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Richard B. Mindlin
  • Patent number: 7063624
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus and a method of using the same are disclosed. In one form, a golf training apparatus includes a substrate with a lower portion and a hooded upper portion and a guide extension coupled to the lower portion. The guide extension includes a straight portion positioned substantially parallel to an edge of the lower portion and an angled portion provided at an angle relative to the edge of the lower portion. The guide extension is coupled to the lower portion at a distance away from the hooded upper portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Travis Baldwin, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7063627
    Abstract: A golf instructional system and method is provided for learning proper setup for swinging a golf club, such a system being customizable for an individual golfer by a professional golf instructor. Various embodiments utilize positioning markers, a mirror, an arm wedge, a wand, and an instruction manual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: Richard B. Mindlin
  • Patent number: 6958018
    Abstract: A golf club practice swing mat for improving a golfer's backstroke and power stroke includes a grass mat on which a practice ball is mounted. An anchoring mat is mounted on the same ground surface as the grass mat and fixed with respect to the ground surface. An elastic band connects the grass mat to the anchoring mat in such a manner that when a user engages the grass mat with a golf club, the grass mat moves in the direction of the golf club swing, and then returns to its initial position. The two mats are folded together for transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Inventor: Raymond J. Florian
  • Patent number: 6949029
    Abstract: A golf swing path training device for visually guiding a golfer through a proper swing path and properly align the golfer's stance includes an arm path member and a body path member. The arm path member and the body path member are preferably integrally formed such that a central portion of the arm path member is connected to a central portion of the body path member. The central portion of the arm path member is substantially straight, whereas the central portion of the body path member is substantially arcuate. During a swing, the arm path member visually directs the golfer to maintain a substantially straight or vertical arm path during the back swing. Conversely, the body path member, visually directs the golfer to maneuver his or her body in a rotating fashion throughout the golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Paul J. Strande
  • Patent number: 6945875
    Abstract: The golf training device includes a foot alignment strip generally in the form of an arrow that can be pointed towards a target. A ball alignment marker extends perpendicularly from an intermediate position along the foot alignment strip and can be pointed towards the golf ball. A hand alignment guide defines an arc that extends from the ball alignment marker to provide a visible cue that identifies a preferred path of movement of the hand through a golf swing. The shaft alignment line extend transversely across the hand alignment marker to identify preferred shaft positions at various points during a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Richard Gauer
  • Patent number: 6926625
    Abstract: A batter stance training device is place beside the batting plate to train young batters the proper position of feet, and the proper step forward position during batting. A first strip of material is placed along side a batting plate. On the strip of material are three foot position devices that are movably attached to the strip of material to indicate the batter's feet position during batting. Additional strips of material may be attached to the first strip of material to form a batting box in which the batter stands during batting. The first strip may have indicia thereon so that the positioning of strips of material to indicate the batter's feet position may be noted for each batter. The strips and foot placement devices may be made of flexible material, for example, heavy cloth, canvas, and various plastic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Inventor: Eric R. Fruechting
  • Patent number: 6906627
    Abstract: A foot positioning training device with a mat having a transmitter and receiver to establish an electric eye. The electric eye is tied to an alarm that indicates when a batter has taken an improper stride while swinging the bat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Inventor: David L. Principe
  • Patent number: 6821210
    Abstract: The present invention provides an L-shaped golf training mat for improving a golfer's aiming and alignment skills. The mat comprises positioning-aiming markings, which markings are longitudinally and latitudinally aligned on the superior mat surface for enabling the golfer to visualize an effective ball-placement-zone distally removed from the L-shaped mat and defined by distally extending and laterally extending zone lines collinear with the positioning-aiming markings. Further, the present invention provides an auxiliary alignment blade removably attachable to the mat for enabling the golfer to align and aim golf shots for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories. The blade comprises reference markings which function in cooperative association with positioning-aiming markings on the superior mat surface for enabling a golfer to align and aim for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard G. Kallage, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040185954
    Abstract: The present invention provides an L-shaped golf training mat for improving a golfer's aiming and alignment skills. The mat comprises positioning-aiming markings, which markings are longitudinally and latitudinally aligned on the superior mat surface for enabling the golfer to visualize an effective ball-placement-zone distally removed from the L-shaped mat and defined by distally extending and laterally extending zone lines collinear with the positioning-aiming markings. Further, the present invention provides an auxiliary alignment blade removably attachable to the mat for enabling the golfer to align and aim golf shots for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories. The blade comprises reference markings which function in cooperative association with positioning-aiming markings on the superior mat surface for enabling a golfer to align and aim for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2003
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard G. Kallage
  • Patent number: 6743111
    Abstract: A golf instructional device is provided for designating proper setup positioning for swinging a golf club and for monitoring the location of a user's eyes while swinging the club, such a mat being customized for an individual golfer. The device comprises a mat for providing a playing surface upon which foot positioning markers and a club positioning marker are placed. A mirror is coupled to the mat and is preferably located adjacent to the mat surface. The markers are designed to be removably attached to the mat surface. The markers are adjustable to allow a golf instructor to indicate proper location and angle for the user to position themselves and the club which they are swinging. The mirror is of a chosen size such that when properly angled by the instructor, the user can essentially only observe his or her eyes while swinging the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Richard B. Mindlin
  • Patent number: 6616544
    Abstract: An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, or for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, includes inserts (1, 6, 10, 22) which are adapted and which can be located in use to provide a tactile indication to the user that a predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from. In the case of golf, the device is particularly adapted such that when not swinging, no such tactile indication to the golfer is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Kenneth Robert Kimmorley
  • Patent number: 6616556
    Abstract: An apparatus to measure leg drive of a pitcher as the pitcher as delivering a pitch is presented. The device comprises a pressure gauge integrated into a pitching rubber to provide a pressure profile of the leg drive utilized by the pitcher during delivery of a pitch. This device would be useful in evaluating pitchers, in determining if a pitcher has recovered from injury, to determine if a pitcher is tiring during a game, and to provide a general indication of the pitchers ability to throw hard. The device could also be used a training device, and used to coach pitchers into developing a strong leg drive. The device may further be used in conjunction with additional sensors to determine the turnover ratio of a pitcher, the time from when the front foot hits the front of the mound to when the back foot comes off the pitching rubber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Alan Osmudsen
  • Patent number: 6592376
    Abstract: The invention is a golf training aid and a method of using the golf training aid. The face of the golf training aid is mirrored and permanently etched with several reference markings illustrating proper ball position, proper setup position, and proper club and body position at several points during the swing. The aid is marked for use with woods, irons, and the putter. In one embodiment of the invention, the reference markings include several lines and textual prompts. In another embodiment of the invention, the textual prompts and some of the lines are replaced by icons. The back of the golf training aid is flat, allowing it to sit flush on a practice surface, thus allowing the golfer to practice a golf swing with head down and eyes on the ball while simultaneously viewing his own image juxtaposed with markings for a proper swing. The aid is used by placing it on the practice surface along the target line and optionally securing it in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Inventor: Terry Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6500078
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a baseball pitcher training device for training a pitcher in controlling his lower and upper body portions during the pitch preparation phase as well as the delivery and follow-through phase. The device comprises a portable balance beam and a simulated pitching “rubber” mounted thereon from which the pitcher initiates his pre-pitch movements. The balance beam provides a limited width foot landing area after pitch delivery to limit lower and upper body movement and ensure alignment with the plate to improve pitch accuracy. This embodiment is used primarily for pitch delivery from the stretch position. A second embodiment includes an enlarged mound platform area which is removably placed over the end of the balance beam/rubber area of the first embodiment to provide a more stable pitching area and is used for delivery from the full wind-up position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Inventors: Eric A. Williams, Mark F. Williams
  • Patent number: 6500075
    Abstract: A golf training system which utilizes a pair of hinged panels which are placed on the practice surface at a selected angularity in an inverted “V” to provide a reference for club path, stance and ball position to teach the student a repeatable proper swing. Preferably one of the sides of the panels carry grid-like indicia and the opposite sides only a ball position marked. The teaching method employs the panels and the position and angularity of the panels may be varied in accordance with the type of golf shot and physical characteristics of the golf student. For more advanced student, the panels are reversed so the sides substantially devoid of marking are displayed. The system may be used to teach virtually all golf shots including putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: GDP, LLC
    Inventor: Charles J. McDevitt
  • Publication number: 20020173369
    Abstract: An indication device for instructing a predetermined golf swing action, or for instructing a predetermined stance during skiing, includes inserts 1, 6, 10, 22 which are adapted and which can be located in use to provide a tactile indication to the user that a predetermined stance has been maintained or deviated from. In the case of golf, the device is particularly adapted such that when not swinging, no such tactile indication to the golfer is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Publication date: November 21, 2002
    Applicant: kimmorley
    Inventor: Kenneth Robert Kimmorley
  • Patent number: 6440004
    Abstract: A golf positioning and alignment device having a housing unit, guidance strips and spring loaded wound strip dispensers. More specifically, the present invention is a golf positioning and alignment device having three independently retractable guidance strips all contained within and mounted at the apexes of a substantially triangular housing unit. Each guidance strip is capable of being manually extended to a user-specified position and selectably locked or secured therein. The guidance strips are pulled through apertures or slits in the housing unit, wherein two opposing strips are pulled perpendicular to the golfer's stance and wherein the third strip is pulled forward and secured proximal the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Inventor: Ozzy Rodriguez
  • Patent number: 6422872
    Abstract: A balance platform for teaching a batter a desired shift in weight associated with the act of swinging a bat. The platform includes a calibrated support surface, a pivot leg connected to an underside of the support surface, and a support leg connected to the underside of the support surface at a rearward end thereof. When used to teach a batter to shift body weight an appropriate amount to achieve a predetermined weight distribution during the stride phase associated with a batting swing, the stance distance and average stride length of the batter is measured and is utilized to determine the desired positioning of the batter on the balance platform. The batter is thereafter positioned atop the balance platform such that a rear foot of the batter is positioned a predetermined distance behind the center of mass of the platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Inventor: James F. Outlaw
  • Patent number: 6402632
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a support structure for supporting the golf swing training apparatus in a support plane, and a telescopic swing training arm connected to the support structure and further connectable to a golf club shaft. The telescopic swing training arm is biased toward a predetermined length, whereby the swing training arm is urged toward the predetermined length in response to axial movement thereof in either first or second directions away from the predetermined length. The predetermined length is such as to accommodate a preferred path of travel for a golf club through a portion of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Swing Shaper, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Hope, Charles E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6396041
    Abstract: The invention provides a golf feedback system. A mat is used to determine player foot position, and a 3D golf tracking system tracks golf balls hit from the mat to determine (a) a ground ball track and (b) a player orientation axis, based on the foot position and relative to the mat. The system further determines information indicative of how well the ground ball track correlated to the orientation axis. Preferably, a golfer using the system is led through a plurality of pin target locations in a simulated golf game. The system evaluates and stores information such as slice and hook, accuracy, player orientation axis and ball carry distance such that the player can evaluate his/her game individually or against one or more other players.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventors: Curtis A. Vock, Kevin J. Grealish, Robert D. Frey, George Nauck, Charles M. Marshall
  • Patent number: 6346050
    Abstract: A golf swing training device and method that is designed to improve a golfer's swing plane, alignment, balance, swing tempo and ball placement skills. The device includes an alignment shaft to act as an aid in aligning the golfer relative to the target and to develop proper balance and ball placement skills, and a template shaft and template for helping a golfer to swing at a desired angle and thus to improve the plane of the golfer's swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Inventor: Blair Larson
  • Publication number: 20010004612
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a support structure for supporting the golf swing training apparatus in a support plane, and a telescopic swing training arm connected to the support structure and further connectable to a golf club shaft. The telescopic swing training arm is biased toward a predetermined length, whereby the swing training arm is urged toward the predetermined length in response to axial movement thereof in either first or second directions away from the predetermined length. The predetermined length is such as to accommodate a preferred path of travel for a golf club through a portion of a golf swing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Lee A. Hope, Charles E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6196933
    Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training apparatus that provides a telescopic swing training arm for teaching a proper golf swing and indicating errors in a golf swing. The telescopic swing arm is magnetically biased toward a predetermined length and may expand and contract to indicate to a golfer that the golfer's swing is in or out of the swing plane. The adjustable golf swing training apparatus also provides an apparatus for repeatedly aligning a golfer in a two-dimensional stance plane in order to consistently utilize the golf swing training apparatus. Indicia are provided for recording the distance of the golfer and the ball from a support plane. In addition, indicia are provided for indicating the spacing between a golfer's feet wherein the distance between the golfer's feet correlate with an indicia that indicates lateral positioning of the golfer with regard to a vertical support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Swing Shaper, Inc.
    Inventors: Lee A. Hope, Charles E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 6142883
    Abstract: The golf alignment device of this invention is an adjustable frame, comprising a first side of said frame marked with indicia for positioning the forward foot of the golfer and being marked with indicia for placement of the rear foot according to the club to be used; a slotted second side of the frame extending from the end of the first side of the frame nearest the forward foot, which second side bears indicia for placement of the golf ball; a slotted third side extending from the other end of the first side; a fourth side joined to the ends of the second and third sides to form a frame; a first ball marker arm extending from the second side and within the frame, which arm is perpendicular to the second side and a pivotal second marker arm extending within the frame from the first side, the second marker arm being disposed such that an imaginary line extending from the center of its terminal end within the frame intersects a point just beyond the terminal end of the first marker arm situated within the frame
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Ferrara
  • Patent number: 6106408
    Abstract: A golf stance training device comprises an elongated base strip and foot guide means extending rearwardly from said base strip and adapted to guide the placement of the front foot of a golfer. A lateral strip has one end adjustably pivotally connected to the front end of the base strip and extends laterally forwardly therefrom. A forwardly outwardly inclined diagonal strip is connected the other end of said lateral strip, with the lateral strip being adjustably moveable along said diagonal strip. A ball positioning strip, when in use, is fixed to the front end of said diagonal strip at a predetermined angle and extends rearwardly to establish a ball placement position. The lateral strip is adjustable with respect to the base strip and the diagonal strip so as to adjust the device for use by golfers of different heights. The ball positioning strip is substantially parallel to the base strip for all adjusted positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Inventor: Leonard W. Roman
  • Patent number: 6093110
    Abstract: A golf training kit for helping a golfer improve his or her overall game by helping improve alignment, putting stroke, pitching and chipping, and ball position. The inventive device includes a circular target, a line and putting guide, a putter trainer guide, a golf hole backstop that is positionable within a golf hole, an alignment guide that is adapted for illustrating proper ball placement for various shots, and an indoor putting ring adapted for securement to a carpeted surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Robert Q. Jones
  • Patent number: 6086483
    Abstract: Firstly and foremost, the invention is novel and non-obvious because no entity or person known to the inventor as of the filing date is marketing any system, product or series of products that links or integrates a set up instrument to custom fitted golf clubs. The inventor believes that to a very significant degree, the golfers set up predetermines the motion. A golfer may set up to the ball perfectly and swing perfectly but if the golf clubs don't fit the golfer, the flight of the ball will definitely be compromised in a variety of ways. Or, a golfer may obtain custom fitted golf clubs but if he or she doesn't have a way to duplicate and reproduce the set up, which predisposes the swing, the golfer's swing will probably change, primarily, because the set up changed. The invention herein is much needed for golf game improvement because it systematically controls the most critical variables in golf. The inventor believes the SET UP and CUSTOM FITTED CLUBS go hand in hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Inventor: Philip J. Brown
  • Patent number: 6077168
    Abstract: A swing-practicing device for golf, comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft, a fourth shaft, a fifth shaft and a ball mount. Those shafts and ball mount are pivotally connected by bolt and clamping holes thereon. Whereby user can find a precise standing point and the golf ball can be positioned at a precise position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2000
    Inventor: Huei Yueh Huang
  • Patent number: 6059668
    Abstract: A golf swing trainer, and more particularly a kinesthetic golf swing plane training device and a method for golfers to train and perfect their swinging of a golf club is provided. The golf swing training device includes a training light adapted to be attachable to a shaft of a golf club. The training light is directed to project a head beam of light and a grip beam of light. The head beam of light projects parallel to the shaft of the golf club, toward the head of the golf club and the grip beam of light projects parallel to the golf club shaft, toward the grip of the golf club. The golf swing training device also includes a swing platform that includes a ground positioned pair of parallel tracks. An optically reflective means for reflecting the head beam of light as projected by the training light, and for reflecting the grip beam of light as projected by the training light is provided on the swing platform. The swing platform is preferably adjustable to suit various club lengths and club types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventor: David E. Marley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6004223
    Abstract: An alignment aid for golfers consisting of a rigid hemispherically shaped body having two intersecting slits therein for making a mark on a golf ball which indicates the intended path of the golf ball and the preferred orientation of the club face for obtaining the intended path of the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventor: Nelson F. Newcomb
  • Patent number: 5951409
    Abstract: A golf swing training aid which has a base bar to align and position a user's feet in the proper position. A pair of bars are slidably attached to the base bar which allows the user to position the ball properly between his/her feet, to position his/her feet the proper distance apart on every swing, and a vertically telescoping assembly allows the golfer to position the golf ball the proper distance away from the user's body. The pair of bars and the vertically telescoping assembly have indicia thereon viewable through apertures in the base bar so the user will know exactly where to position his/her feet and the ball as well as aligning the clubface properly to the intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventor: Nicholas O. Calley
  • Patent number: 5947833
    Abstract: A new Foot Position Teaching Apparatus for Batting Practice for assisting in the education of an individual for an effective batting stance for baseball or softball. The inventive device includes a stance mat having a batters box border and a feet separating line, and a plate mat connectable to the stance mat having a home plate indicia. The inventive device alternatively includes a left and a right foot placement indicia on opposing sides of the feet separating line which is traverse to ball projectory from a pitcher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventor: Christopher T. L. Alward
  • Patent number: 5947834
    Abstract: An adjustable golf swing training apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus comprising a support structure for supporting the golf swing training apparatus in a support plane, and a telescopic swing training arm connected to the support structure and further connectable to a golf club shaft. The telescopic swing training arm is magnetically biased toward a predetermined length, whereby the swing training arm is urged toward the predetermined length in response to axial movement thereof in either first or second directions away from the predetermined length. The predetermined length is such as to accommodate a preferred path of travel for a golf club through a portion of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Inventors: Lee A. Hope, Charles E. Rhodes
  • Patent number: 5944613
    Abstract: A horizontal tube 1 having a mark 6 for the left foot position, and having a sequence of preferably three marks 3-5 for the right foot position for three ranges of club numbers. A shaft 10 is inserted transversely through the tube via one of three horizontal transverse holes 7-9 corresponding to the ranges of clubs indicated for the right foot. The shaft is tapered from end to end, and stops in a transverse hole at a position depending on the diameter of the hole. This position is designed such that the shaft extends forward a distance appropriate for ball placement for the given range of clubs. For adjustment, the user need only move the shaft to one of three holes. This configures the device for both the lateral and longitudinal placement of the feet relative to the ball, with minimal distraction and concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 31, 1999
    Inventor: Enrique Dubois
  • Patent number: 5897442
    Abstract: A golf practice and training guide to assist a golfer in identifying and replicating a preferred ball position. The golf practice and training device includes a first and second alignment guides pivotally mounted on the ground and spaced apart such that the alignment guides are capable of pivoting towards each other and intersecting at a point proximate a preferred ball position. The invention also includes a method for determining a golfer's preferred ball position and capturing that ball position for future practice sessions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Norman J. Honderd
  • Patent number: 5893805
    Abstract: A golf swing training device is described which provides visual and audible indicators to guide the golfer's visual focus thereby enhancing hand-eye coordination and providing audible feedback as the accuracy of the golf swing. This invention solves the outside-in and inside-out golf swing training problem with device and method which lightweight, easy to set up, adjustable, durable, that is capable of withstanding a direct club hit and requires no attachment to the golfer. This invention operates on the principle of training the golfer's eyes to focus on the intended swing path rather than merely providing a golf stance trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Vision Golf Products, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Blair C. Douglass
  • Patent number: 5860871
    Abstract: A golf swing trainer, and more particularly a kinesthetic golf swing plane training device and a method for golfers to train and perfect their swinging of a golf club is provided. The golf swing training device includes a training light adapted to be attachable to a shaft of a golf club. The training light is directed to project a head beam of light and a grip beam of light. The head beam of light projects parallel to the shaft of the golf club, toward the head of the golf club and the grip beam of light projects parallel to the golf club shaft, toward the grip of the golf club. The golf swing training device also includes a swing platform that includes a ground positioned pair of parallel tracks. An optically reflective means for reflecting the head beam of light as projected by the training light, and for reflecting the grip beam of light as projected by the training light is provided on the swing platform. The swing platform is preferably adjustable to suit various club lengths and club types.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Inventor: David E. Marley, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5839968
    Abstract: A method for swing training particularly suitable to golf and sports employing a similar power swing is disclosed wherein preferably pliable body spacer objects such as balls of varying sizes, weights, and pliability are placed between a limb and another body surface to restrict movement of said limb wherein specific muscles groups are stretched and trained while imitating swing motion to induce muscle memory. A lightweight ball of at least 25 cm. diameter is placed between the thighs and a smaller ball, e.g. a medicine ball of about 10-25 cm. diameter is gripped between the elbows. Also a ball or other object may be gripped under an armpit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: TheraGolf, Ltd.
    Inventor: Frank A. Latella
  • Patent number: 5818036
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for practicing golf involve the use of a projected laser light beam that acts as a fixed guide to the hole or target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: John Daly
  • Patent number: 5730659
    Abstract: A golf stance correcting device includes a ball flying direction indicator, a ball positioning indicator pivotedly joined with the direction indicator, and a setting mechanism provided on the joined portion of the indicators. The mechanism allows the positioning indicator to rotate with respect to the direction indicator between a position wherein the positioning indicator crosses the direction indicator at right angles and a position wherein the positioning indicator longitudinally fits within the direction indicator. The mechanism includes rivets provided on the direction indicator and selectively associated grooves provided on the positioning indicator. Selective fitting of rivets and grooves makes the indicators cross at right angles or fit longitudinally each other. The mechanism may include a pivotal screw and protrusions on a lower surface of the positioning indicator, which fit into dents on the direction indicator. The mechanism may alternately include an elastic coupler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Inventor: Teruo Morita
  • Patent number: 5611738
    Abstract: A golf swing alignment device for aligning a golfer's left foot and right foot with respect to an intended flight path of a golf ball comprises a substantially flat main body having a ball placement calibration means for calibrating a position of the ball in the golfer's stance in a direction parallel to the intended flight path, oppositely located tapered ends defining a line collinear with the intended flight path, and a cutout space for placing the golf ball; and calibrated left and right legs detachably mounted to the main body so that the left leg projects from a leftmost portion of the ball placement calibration means perpendicular to the intended flight path and the right leg projects from a rightmost portion of the ball placement calibration means perpendicular to the intended flight path, the left and right legs together defining a space in which the golfer places his feet when addressing the golf ball and each leg having calibrating indicia spaced in equal units of length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 18, 1997
    Inventor: Thomas R. Lundquist
  • Patent number: 5599240
    Abstract: The invention relates to a golf training device including a base element (1) resting on the ground, which is directed toward the target hole, a guide rod (2) fastened thereon at an angle by an intermediate element (3), also resting on the ground, a barrier in the form of a resilient rod (5) attached to the guide rod (2) by a tensible bearing element (4). The guide rod (2) can be positioned at right angles with the base element (1) by the intermediate element (3). The tensible bearing element (4) includes a portion (6) which can be connected with the resilient rod (5) and the bearing element (4) can be fixed in place on the guide rod (2) at different angles in respect to the base element (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Inventor: Toni Feldmeier
  • Patent number: 5590882
    Abstract: Apparatus for determining a golfer's stance with respect to a turf simulating surface and for determining the direction of lateral forces applied during the golfer's swing by observing the lateral movement of a shiftable member with said turf simulating surface thereon and engaged upon a base member for free lateral displacement from a target line on the base member, the stance of the golfer being determined by a placement line on the base member and positioned relative to the target line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Inventor: John M. Todd
  • Patent number: 5588653
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for use with golf clubs in order to provide an assembly of clubs on the ground to assist a golfer in practicing his/her golf stance and swing. The device is of plastic material and includes a plate with one or more clip-like connector elements on each face of the plate whereby two clubs may be secured at least in a cross-like formation. Additional clip-like connector elements on the faces of the plate enable two of the devices to be used whereby three and four clubs can be assembled in selected formation to provide a grid on the ground for visual assistance not only on the stance of the golfer, but also in the position of the club being swung at the major checkpoints in the swing. The devices are easily carried by the golfer in his/her bag and can be used with clubs in the bag to assist in practicing the stance and swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Inventor: Gary G. Robinson