Air Resistance Device (e.g., Airfoil, Etc.) Patents (Class 473/228)
  • Patent number: 11395946
    Abstract: A sport exercise device; for use with a sport stick, the sport stick having a head and a shaft. The device comprises a face, edge and attachment means. In one approach, the edge is adapted and arranged to surround the stick's head. The attachment means allows attachment of the device's face to hold an independently provided weight with respect to the head. The attachment means may allow attachment of the device's face to close the stick's net sufficient to prevent out-passage of a ball within the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Inventor: Gregory Harold Webster
  • Patent number: 10850151
    Abstract: An aerodynamic drag component for removably placing on a swung athletic implement may comprise a hollow thin-walled body having an outer profile with a width less than its height and a plurality of spaced-apart perforations with concave lips shaped to scoop air from outside the hollow thin-walled body, through the perforations, and into the hollow thin-walled body to increase aerodynamic drag in a first direction, and convex surfaces opposite the concave lips that are shaped to divert air outside the hollow thin-walled body away from the perforations, to reduce airflow into the hollow thin-walled body to reduce aerodynamic drag in a second direction opposite the first direction, to provide varying aerodynamic drag resistance during a swing. The aerodynamic drag component may freely rotate or freely translate or both on a longitudinally-extending portion of the swung athletic implement. Multiple aerodynamic drag components may be used at once.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Inventor: William John Orosz
  • Patent number: 10549163
    Abstract: A sport exercise device; for use with a sport stick, the sport stick having a head and a shaft. The device comprises a face, edge and attachment means. In one approach, the edge is adapted and arranged to surround the stick's head. The attachment means allows attachment of the device's face to hold an independently provided weight with respect to the head. The attachment means may allow attachment of the device's face to close the stick's net sufficient to prevent out-passage of a ball within the net.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Inventor: Gregory Harold Webster
  • Patent number: 10471292
    Abstract: A training apparatus for use with a bat is provided. The training apparatus has a fastening portion releasably securable to a barrel of the bat and a resistance portion attached to the fastening portion such that the resistance portion extends past a barrel end of the bat when the training apparatus is secured to the barrel. The resistance portion is a flexible material configured to add resistance throughout a bat swing, thus increasing the strength and torque of the athlete for that motion. The training apparatus can be used with the bat for training and released for normal bat use when not training, thus using the athletes regular bat for training.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: EXIT SPEED INC.
    Inventors: Brett Jeffery Lonny Keough, Jeffery Reginald Leroy Ellsworth
  • Patent number: 10426988
    Abstract: A resistance exercise device includes: an elongated handle having first and second handle ends; an elongated element having first and second ends defining a longitudinal axis, at least part of the elongated element being flexible; a coupling connecting the elongated element near the first end to the elongated handle near the first handle end; and resistance fins attached to the elongated element, disposed around and along part of the elongated element, and oriented outwardly from the longitudinal axis, the elongated element and attached resistance fins being at least generally symmetrical along the longitudinal axis, whereby when whirled, the elongated element and the attached resistance fins prevent rotation about the longitudinal axis and produce a substantially continuous resistance exercise. A method of exercising includes: providing the resistance exercise device; holding the elongated handle by a user; and whirling the elongated element and attached fins about the elongated handle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2019
    Inventor: Phillip Davies
  • Patent number: 10213675
    Abstract: A golf training aid 20 that provides to the user unmistakable positive feedback how to use the hands, wrists and forearms in the golf swing to affect what has been popularly called ‘Ben Hogan's Secret Move,’ particularly during the transition of the golf swing. Golf training aid 20 also provides the golfer unmistakable feedback as to whether they have executed the correct movement that Hogan explained in his 1955 Life magazine article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Inventor: John Michael Novosel, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10201725
    Abstract: A sport swinging resistance exercise device is described that is designed for providing air resistance when swinging elongated sports equipment. An athlete can change the amount of air resistance by either using a different air resistance vane, or a resistance vane with variable opening features. An alignment marker for a right-handed athlete and second alignment marker one for a left-handed athlete is used to orient the sports swinging exercise device to operate optimally. The sports swinging exercise device is made mainly from durable, light-weight materials such as rip-stop nylon, for lightness and air blocking capabilities. When not in use the sports swinging exercise device and other optional air resistance devices can be stored in a small storage bag to keep them together and for easy transportation and accessibility in an equipment bag such as a batting bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2019
    Inventor: Steven J. Shiozaki
  • Patent number: 10155147
    Abstract: A sports training device attached to the shaft of a swinging sports apparatus, such as a baseball bat. The device includes a drag chute disposed between two rigid members, a support rod disposed between the two rigid members along the longitudinal axis of the chute, and a plurality of coupling elements connected to the support rod. Each coupling element includes an annular opening for positioning of the sports apparatus therethrough. One coupling element has a stationary component that secures the device to the sports apparatus and a rotating component that rotates 360° around the sports apparatus. As such, the entirety of the device, with exception to this stationary component, can substantially freely rotate 360° around the sports apparatus. Resistance during a swing can be adjusted by sliding the coupling mechanisms along the support rod to expose more or less of the chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: CPY 2 LLC
    Inventors: Cindy Yablonowski, Randall Yablonowski, James Yablonowski
  • Patent number: 9662524
    Abstract: A sports training device designed for attachment to the shaft of a swinging sports apparatus, such as a golf club, tennis racket, baseball bat, hockey stick, or any other sports apparatus that is intended to be swung while playing a sport. The training device generally includes a drag panel/chute/airfoil, two (2) distinct connection points to the sports apparatus, and a support rod is disposed between the connection points substantially parallel to the shaft of the sports apparatus and to the length of the drag panel. The connection points include coupling mechanisms (e.g., pipe clips, snap clamps, etc.) that allow for 360° rotation about the sports apparatus. In use, the drag panel provides additional air resistance during the swinging of the sports apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: CPY 2 LLC
    Inventors: Thomas J. Celone, James Yablonowski, Randall Yablonowski, Cindy Yablonowski
  • Patent number: 9199152
    Abstract: A golf swing trainer (GST) device, for use on a golf club of the type having a shaft and a club head connected at a neck of the shaft is provided. The GST device includes a cape and a fastener for securing the cape to the golf club. The cape includes a flexible fabric material formed with an exterior edge defining a substantially symmetrical shape, a first opening, and a second opening generally centrally located in the symmetrical flexible fabric material, the first and second openings sized for receiving the golf club therethrough, and defining a connection region of flexible material between the first and second openings. The fastener secures the cape to the golf club with the club shaft extended through the first and second openings with the connection region overlaying the neck of the club adjacent to the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Inventor: Landon K. Phillips
  • Patent number: 9149705
    Abstract: A reversibly attachable muscle trainer includes a multi-arm structure with motion sensors and force generators for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement so as to maintain an ideal movement. When attached to the implement, the muscle trainer trains the opposing muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way. While the person moves the implement with the muscle trainer attached, a processor receives signals from the motion sensors and determines differences between the actual implement motion and an ideal implement motion. The difference indicates a dominating force direction in which the dominating muscles urge the implement. The processor activates the force generators to apply external forces to the implement to urge the implement in various types of training force directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May, C. Bryan Dawson, David A. Ward, Georg Pingen
  • Patent number: 8998740
    Abstract: A collapsible golf swing training tool employs a plurality of elliptical blades, attached to a weighted shaft, to capitalize on air resistance, to aid in developing the muscle memory and strength required for a smooth and consistent golf swing. Cylindrical weights can be added or removed to meets the user's needs and may be positioned such that their linear axis is parallel or perpendicular to the linear axis of the tool. For convenience the blades are collapsible for easy storage within a golfer's golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Jerry Alvin Corcoran, Steven Warren Skinner, Gregory Brian Freuler
  • Publication number: 20150005091
    Abstract: A golf swing trainer (GST) device, for use on a golf club of the type having a shaft and a club head connected at a neck of the shaft is provided. The GST device includes a cape and a fastener for securing the cape to the golf club. The cape includes a flexible fabric material formed with an exterior edge defining a substantially symmetrical shape, a first opening, and a second opening generally centrally located in the symmetrical flexible fabric material, the first and second openings sized for receiving the golf club therethrough, and defining a connection region of flexible material between the first and second openings. The fastener secures the cape to the golf club with the club shaft extended through the first and second openings with the connection region overlaying the neck of the club adjacent to the club head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventor: Landon K. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20140364247
    Abstract: A collapsible golf swing training tool employs a plurality of elliptical blades, attached to a weighted shaft, to capitalize on air resistance, to aid in developing the muscle memory and strength required for a smooth and consistent golf swing. Cylindrical weights can be added or removed to meets the user's needs and may be positioned such that their linear axis is parallel or perpendicular to the linear axis of the tool. For convenience the blades are collapsible for easy storage within a golfer's golf bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: PACIFIC RIM VENTURES, INC
    Inventors: Jerry Alvin Corcoran, Steven Warren Skinner, Gregory Brian Freuler
  • Patent number: 8827843
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer and methods for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement. If the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The methods train the opposing muscles to consistently move the implement in an ideal way to accomplish the function. The methods include: (a) moving the muscle trainer through an actual motion; (b) determining a difference between the actual motion and an ideal motion, the difference indicating a dominating force direction in which the dominating muscles urge the muscle trainer; (c) applying an external force to the muscle trainer to urge the muscle trainer in the dominating force direction; and (d) using the non-dominating muscles to urge the muscle trainer against the external force to thereby exercise the non-dominating muscles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May, C. Bryan Dawson, David A. Ward
  • Patent number: 8506414
    Abstract: A golf club sleeve for use with various golf club structures is presented. The golf club sleeve may have an airfoil shaped cross section and may extend over at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club to reduce drag associated with the shaft during a golf swing, thereby increasing swing speed. The golf club sleeve may be rotatable relative to the shaft of the golf club to orient itself during a swing in order to improve air flow over the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Snyder, Michael G. Taylor, Byron Cole Slaughter, John T. Stites
  • Publication number: 20130079172
    Abstract: A golf club or implement comprising a grip region, a head, and a shaft connecting the grip region to the head. A fairing is attachable to a trailing edge of the shaft and/or surface treatment such as dimpling is applied to the shaft. The fairing and/or surface treatment can reduce drag associated with the shaft during a swing motion of the club or implement. The fairing can, on attachment, extend along a portion of the shaft from a location proximal the head of the club or implement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Gregory James ROGER, David Gordon Hale
  • Patent number: 8313391
    Abstract: A golf club or implement comprising a grip region (14), a head (15), and a shaft (12) connecting the grip region (14) to the head (16). A fairing (20) is attachable to a trailing edge of the shaft (12). The fairing can reduce drag associated with the shaft (12) during a swing motion of the club or implement. The fairing can, on attachment, extend along a portion of the shaft (12) from a location proximal the head (16) of the club or implement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Advanced Surgical Design & Manufacture Limited
    Inventors: Gregory James Roger, David Gordon Hale
  • Publication number: 20120258816
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for improving performance in sports where a swinging motion is needed. In some embodiments, a swing resistance device may be attached to or be built into elongated sport apparatus, such as racquets, clubs, bats, sticks, and the like, configured to resist a swinging motion of the sport apparatus by capturing air and utilizing a force of air resistance, similar to a parachute. The swing resistance device is generally attached to the elongated sport apparatus by coupling components that allow the swing resistance device to freely rotate around the effective longitudinal axis of the elongated sport apparatus. During a swing, air resistance creates dynamic forces that over time may improve swing power and path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Celone, Tim Yablonowski
  • Patent number: 8202204
    Abstract: A method and a device are disclosed for improving performance in sports where a swinging motion is needed. In some embodiments, a swing resistance device may be attached to or be built into elongated sport apparatus, such as racquets, clubs, bats, sticks, and the like, configured to resist a swinging motion of the sport apparatus by capturing air and utilizing a force of air resistance, similar to a parachute. The swing resistance device is generally attached to the elongated sport apparatus by coupling components that allow the swing resistance device to freely rotate around the effective longitudinal axis of the elongated sport apparatus. During a swing, air resistance creates dynamic forces that over time may improve swing power and path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Celone, Tim Yablonowski
  • Patent number: 8123625
    Abstract: An apparatus for sporting equipment includes a housing. An inlet orifice is disposed on a first side of the housing for enabling a volume of air to enter the housing in response to the housing being passed through the air generally about a plane defining a swing. An exhaust orifice disposed on a second side of the housing for enabling the volume of air to exit the housing to produce a sound indicative of a path of the housing about the plane. Means joins the housing to the sporting equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventors: Thomas J. Martovitz, Barbara A. Martovitz
  • Publication number: 20120040770
    Abstract: A golf aid including a yoke portion with a pair of the divergent upper portions, a pair of forearm guide portions, one associated with each of the divergent upper portions of the yoke and a resilient means to bias the forearm guide portions into an extended condition whereby a user's forearms apply force to the forearm guide portions against the biasing force in order to maintain optimum spacing between the user's forearms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Inventor: Clete William Ryan
  • Publication number: 20110287850
    Abstract: This invention promotes quicker swing speed and or balance, by using aero dynamic, properties as you would use a dragsters, parachute to slow down, a moving car, without brakes, when you swing this training device it builds up your muscles, and helps your balance, without using weighted clubs, this mimics the golf swing, more natural, because it does not add weight to a club, head, therefore it is a better swing trainer, and just uses wind resistance, at the clubhead, to slow down your normal swing, therefore, increases, and builds the right muscles needed for better swing speed, as I said before, I can send pictures of my proto-type, if needed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Inventor: Robert Hadley Heizelman
  • Publication number: 20110218048
    Abstract: A golf club sleeve for use with various golf club structures is presented. The golf club sleeve may have an airfoil shaped cross section and may extend over at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club to reduce drag associated with the shaft during a golf swing, thereby increasing swing speed. The golf club sleeve may be rotatable relative to the shaft of the golf club to orient itself during a swing in order to improve air flow over the sleeve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: NIKE, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Snyder, Michael G. Taylor, Byron C. Slaughter, John T. Stites
  • Patent number: 7951013
    Abstract: A golf club sleeve for use with various golf club structures is presented. The golf club sleeve may have an airfoil shaped cross section and may extend over at least a portion of the shaft of the golf club to reduce drag associated with the shaft during a golf swing, thereby increasing swing speed. The golf club sleeve may be rotatable relative to the shaft of the golf club to orient itself during a swing in order to improve air flow over the sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Snyder, Michael G. Taylor, Byron C. Slaughter, John T. Stites
  • Patent number: 7819753
    Abstract: The present invention is a unique and improved training aid to assist the golfer in learning these skills. The invention has deployable fins that deploy during a backswing and retract during a downswing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: J. Andrew Galloway, Alan Hocknell
  • Patent number: 7780542
    Abstract: A golf training device and process are disclosed for assisting a golf player in aligning a golf club through an arcuate path for contacting a golf ball. The golf training device comprises a plate including a face side and a back side. The face side of the plate has a first color. The back side of the plate has a second color. An exterior edge of the plate has a third color. A coupler extends between the interior edge of the plate and the shaft of the golf club for securing the plate to the golf club. The third color alone is visible during the golf player swinging the golf club for producing a perpendicular alignment between the face surface of the golf club and the ball. The perpendicular alignment between the face surface of the golf club and the ball propels the ball in a straight trajectory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Inventors: Mark C. Ross, Philip K. Mathias
  • Patent number: 7766760
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body for urging the body in a direction away from a force direction which a weaker set of the opposing muscles would normally apply to the implement in the movement of the implement by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May
  • Patent number: 7753805
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sports training device and method thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a flexible panel having a pocket for accommodating a golf club that is secured to the head of a golf club and used as a golf training device (GTD). The present invention is also directed to a novel method of training a golfer using the inventive golf training tool. The inventive golf training device may also be referred to as a lag rag or as a wind speed resistance trainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Inventor: Michael John Scaperotti
  • Publication number: 20100022319
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a sports training device and method thereof. More particularly, the invention encompasses a flexible panel having a pocket for accommodating a golf club that is secured to the head of a golf club and used as a golf training device (GTD). The present invention is also directed to a novel method of training a golfer using the inventive golf training tool. The inventive golf training device may also be referred to as a lag rag or as a wind speed resistance trainer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Michael John Scaperotti
  • Publication number: 20090131191
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer for exercising opposing muscles of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the opposing muscles were of appropriate strength, the opposing muscles would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining an ideal movement of the implement. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body for urging the body in a direction away from a force direction which a weaker set of the opposing muscles would normally apply to the implement in the movement of the implement by the person.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May
  • Patent number: 7497785
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a flexible body portion and a first ring attached to the flexible body portion. The first ring typically surrounds a first opening in the flexible body portion. The first opening may typically be about equal to or larger than the diameter of an end of a typical golf club handle. The apparatus may include a rigid member attached to the flexible body portion substantially along the entire length of the flexible body portion. A flexible body portion and a band are also provided. The flexible body portion typically can be folded over itself and a first portion of the flexible body portion can be inserted between the band and a second portion of the flexible body portion to attach the flexible body portion to a shaft of a golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Lawrence J. Koncelik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7494420
    Abstract: A sports swing aid is adapted for being mounted on a shaft of a sports implement, for example a golf club. The sports swing aid has a conical shaped mounting block with a channel formed to straddle the shaft. A rotor is removably assembled on the mounting block. The rotor has an array of vanes on the periphery thereof to cause the rotor to rotate when the sports implement is moved through the air. An eccentric weight is provided to impart a vibration as the rotor rotates and thus generate feedback to the sports player indicative of the smoothness and speed of the swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Inventor: James P. Whalen
  • Patent number: 7479068
    Abstract: A golf swing training device for improving muscle strength and club head speed. A golf swing training device comprising: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises a closure flap; at least one air catch coupled to the head cover, wherein the at least one air catch allows air to flow through; and a sock coupled to the at least one air catch. Alternate embodiments comprising: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises a closure flap; and at least one air catch coupled to the head cover wherein the at least one air catch comprises a pocket. Further embodiments comprising: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises an opening which allows a club shaft to pass through; at least one air catch coupled to the head cover; and a sock coupled to the at least one air catch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Lynn Ray
  • Patent number: 7458900
    Abstract: An air resistance appliance that is easily attached to the shaft of a golf club or a baseball bat and that is quickly and easily collapsed into a small, lightweight package for storage or transport with the user as in his or her golf bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Inventor: Glenn Park
  • Patent number: 7390266
    Abstract: A golf club is fabricated with at least one vertical stability plate and/or at least one horizontal stability plate at a club head. The golf club is provided with a stability plate and an asymmetrical wing, or a combination of the same, which are installed at an upper side or left and right sides of the head of the golf club such as a driver, wood or iron, for example. An aerodynamic force generated in a downward direction by the loft of the club face is compensated by asymmetric wings applying an aerodynamic lifting force to an upper direction of the club head during a swing of the club. Even when a golfer has a swing speed or posture problem when swinging a club, the head of the club is guided to rotate along a desired proper orbit. A golf ball can be hit by a sweet spot of the head face of the club due to the stability and compensating force for achieving a straight drive, and enhanced flying distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Young Doo Gwon
  • Patent number: 7384344
    Abstract: A physical conditioning device for golfers is provided. A weight is attached to the tip of a standard golf club shaft to provide strength training for a the backswing portion of a golf swing. A drag chute is attached to the shaft to add resistance to the downswing of the golf swing to prevent the user from simply allowing the weight of the club to cause the club to drop with little physical effort. This combination of weight and drag chute provides an enhanced conditioning effect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Sergio Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7351157
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a muscle trainer and method for exercising a weaker of two opposing muscle groups of a person swinging an implement, such as a golf club, wherein, if the two opposing muscle groups were of appropriate strength, the two muscle groups would desirably apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining the implement in an ideal club shaft plane. The contemplated muscle trainer of this invention includes a body having a grip surface located thereon, and a force generator positioned at a prescribed location on the body, which is spaced from the grip surface, for urging the prescribed location of the body in a direction away from a force direction which the weaker muscle would normally apply to the implement in the swinging thereof by the person.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May
  • Publication number: 20070293333
    Abstract: A golf club is fabricated with at least one vertical stability plate and/or at least one horizontal stability plate at a club head. The golf club is provided with a stability plate and an asymmetrical wing, or a combination of the same, which are installed at an upper side or left and right sides of the head of the golf club such as a driver, wood or iron, for example. An aerodynamic force generated in a downward direction by the loft of the club face is compensated by asymmetric wings applying an aerodynamic lifting force to an upper direction of the club head during a swing of the club. Even when a golfer has a swing speed or posture problem when swinging a club, the head of the club is guided to rotate along a desired proper orbit. A golf ball can be hit by a sweet spot of the head face of the club due to the stability and compensating force for achieving a straight drive, and enhanced flying distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: Young Doo Gwon
  • Publication number: 20070293334
    Abstract: The invention is a golfing accessory to provide a training device to develop golf swing consistency, golfing muscle development, toning and warming up exercises. It has a core length with a first end and a second end. Proximal to the first end is a handle. The second end terminates in a weighted tip. Placed in the midsection of the core length is an umbrella. The umbrella may be folded compactly to the central shaft. Proximal to the second end is a compacted resistance device which is a fin device with struts and ribs. The resistance device may be open to become operational or stored closed. When the resistance device is opened and the umbrella is folded compactly the opened resistance devices provides a impedance that the golfer may act against for his golf swing development.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: December 20, 2007
    Inventor: William D. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7285055
    Abstract: A golf club swing training device adapted for use with a golf club having a shaft and a head comprises a wing adapted to provide resistance to motion as the club is swung, and a bracket adapted to connect the golf club with the wing. The wing is pivotably attached to the bracket and restricted to a travel range of 60-120 degrees with respect to the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: Rick E. Radle
  • Patent number: 7125340
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for exercising a weaker of two opposing muscle groups of a person moving an implement, such as a golf club, so that the two muscle groups apply forces in opposite directions to the implement to assist in maintaining the implement in an ideal motion path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Inventors: William B. Priester, Richard E. May
  • Patent number: 7118490
    Abstract: A golf swing training tool comprises a plurality of blade portions and an attaching portion for detachably attaching these blade portions to an axial member for golf swinging, wherein the blade portions are radially disposed around an axis of the axial member when being attached to the axial member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Inventor: Teruki Namba
  • Patent number: 7004850
    Abstract: A training golf club helps a golfer become aware of the direction and angle of their swing and adjust their stance, the angle at which they are holding their club and the direction of their swing or putter when practicing. The golf club has a club-shaft, a club-grip, and a club-head. An improvement includes an assistant plate being fixed onto the club-shaft. The assistant plate is parallel to the ball striking face of the club-head. The assistant plate has a horizontal bottom edge, and the horizontal bottom edge and a bottom edge of the club-head is preferably located along a same plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Hsian-Chou Hong
  • Patent number: 6881156
    Abstract: A foldable, air-resistance golf training includes an elongated flexible hub of rubber or similar material being stretchable between a rectangular configuration for transport and storage and a generally cylindrical, stretched configuration wrapping around a golf club shaft. The flexible hub in the cylindrical configuration has parallel, paddle-shaped vanes spaced around and extending radially outward from the hub along the substantial length thereof. The flexible hub assumes the rectangular folded configuration at rest with the vanes parallel to each other. The vanes are inserted into spaced, parallel retaining slots cut lengthwise through the outer surface of the hub, spaced between the parallel sides and extending inward toward the inner side of the hub Extension paddles may be attached to the vanes to be rotated from a closed position and an open position extending outward and upward from the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Philip S. Phillips
  • Patent number: 6866592
    Abstract: A sports swing training apparatus, for use with a sports implement, is lightweight, portable, and easily manufactured. A first embodiment of the training apparatus includes a main body member having a core portion with a central opening formed therein, for placement surrounding a sports implement, which may be a golf club. The apparatus also includes a plurality of wings extending outwardly from a central core portion thereof when the body is inflated. In use, the wings provide wind resistance to assist a user in improving his or her swing. In another embodiment, the training apparatus is a unitary member formed from closed-cell plastic foam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Daniel J. Gitre
  • Patent number: 6843731
    Abstract: A golf club swinging guide releasably attachable to a lower end of a golf club shaft. The guide includes a stationary member having an alignment surface which, when adjustably aligned parallel to the striking face of the golf club head, automatically orients the visual intended line of flight perpendicular to the club face. A movable member is connected for free rotation to the stationary member about an upright axis of rotation which passes centrally through an enlarged clearance aperture through the stationary and movable members to facilitate installation over the grip area of the shaft. A wind vane extends laterally from one end of the movable member whereby the movable member is responsive to movement of air to visually align itself in a direction that the golf club is swung. Visual misalignment between the intended line of flight and the actual direction of golf club swing is viewable during a golf swing. Temporary securement of the alignment at the instant of golf ball impact is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Arthur V. Oprandi
  • Publication number: 20040097297
    Abstract: A golf swing training device made up of a golf club shaft connected to a disc shaped training body. The first and second sides of the disc are configured to provide increased resistance to swinging. The thickness of the training body, the length of the shaft and the handle all align along a single plane. When a golfer grasps the handle portion and swings the training device properly, the thickness of the training body remains within the plane and the resistance to the swing perceived by the golfer is minimized. When a golfer grasps the grasping portion and swings the device improperly, the thickness of the training device does not remain in this desired plane, and resistance to the swing is perceived.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: STRITE PRODUCTS
    Inventor: Todd Strite
  • Patent number: 6733399
    Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a device that attaches to sporting equipment for the purpose of generating an audible sound under predetermined conditions. The device 10 is selectively attached to hand held sporting equipment, such as a golf club 18 and tennis racquet 38, that travels through a sweeping motion. By attachment of the sound generating device to the aforementioned equipment it will be possible to cause audible sounds under abrupt increases in velocity. The device of the preferred embodiment is comprised of a sound generation element 12 such as pliable material, and may include a means of attachment element 14. The sound generation element 12 can be permanently or semi-permanently fixed to the sporting equipment. In the permanent/semi-permanent state the sound generation element is fixedly positioned by means of adhesive 40, or any other bonding means known within the art, to the sporting equipment thereby having no need for a means of an attachment element 14.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Lawrence J Koncelik, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6645084
    Abstract: A golf swing training device comprises a free-spinning wheel or roller assembly mounted permanently or secured detachably to a golf club of virtually any design, which accelerates learning by conceptually substituting a simple, cohesive, and intuitive action for the complex and seemingly disjointed motions of the golf swing. The position and alignment of the wheel assembly provides inherent and easily discernible visual references with respect to the desired aim and lie angle of the golf club. The user, after adopting an orthodox setup, will be encouraged to roll the wheel back with both arms, and then vigorously and forcibly bring the club and wheel assembly forward toward the intended target to induce momentary, tangential contact with the surface of the ground, causing the wheel to rotate freely—a direct indication of the quality, timing, and speed of the release of the hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Inventor: Stephen Michael Dayton