Engaged With Hips, Torso, Or Waist Patents (Class 473/277)
  • Patent number: 6517446
    Abstract: An improved training aid and method for teaching and improving the swing of a golfer. The device includes a rigid upper torso support, a rigid thigh support, and a rigid calf support that are strapped on a selected side of the body of the golfer. A rigid stabilizer is secured between the rigid upper torso and the rigid thigh support. The method includes the use of the training aid strapped on one side of the body of the golfer and to aid the golfer in turning and maintaining balance over a ball during a golf swing, while preventing a reverse C and unwanted movement toward or away from the ball, or the direction it is desired that the ball travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Robert T. Waddell
  • Publication number: 20020183131
    Abstract: An improved training aid and method for teaching and improving the swing of a golfer. The device includes a rigid upper torso support, a rigid thigh support, and a rigid calf support that are strapped on a selected side of the body of the golfer. A rigid stabilizer is secured between the rigid upper torso and the rigid thigh support. The method includes the use of the training aid strapped on one side of the body of the golfer and to aid the golfer in turning and maintaining balance over a ball during a golf swing, while preventing a reverse C and unwanted movement toward or away from the ball, or the direction it is desired that the ball travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventor: Robert T. Waddell
  • Patent number: 6431991
    Abstract: An improved golf swing training system with a floor-mounted base (or mounted-to-ground post) and a pelvic belt assembly that wraps around the golfer's hips and guides the golfer's pivot during the backswing, downswing and follow through. The adjustable, dual-axis system guides the pelvis as it pivots about an axis behind the golfer's right leg (for right handers) in the backswing and downswing, and pivots about an axis behind and outside the golfer's left leg in the follow through. A dual-pivot mechanism, that connects the belt to the base, inhibits lateral movement of the hips during the backswing and downswing. The mechanism allows for both the belt width and the distance between the pivot centers to be adjustable to various hip sizes. The system has a built-in conversion feature that permits the belt to be inverted to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed golfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: John W. Deabler, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kossnar, Stephanie P. Kossnar
  • Patent number: 6428421
    Abstract: A golf training device to help maintain the proper synchronous relationship between the movement of hands and hip rotation during a golf swing. In the event that the movement of the hands and hip rotation of the user are out of synch, the training device provides feedback to the user. Device basically comprises a belt and strap that secure a sheet to the right leg of the user. A pair of panels is mounted to the sheet. Pair of panels contacts a user's hands if the hip rotation and the movement of the user's hands are out of synch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Ronald C. Halfacre
  • Patent number: 6296577
    Abstract: A method of putting a golf ball with a longer putting club is disclosed. The putter is of sufficient length that a player can hold the putter handle against the player's sternum and putt the golf ball positioned at the player's feet. The player maintains his wrists in a constant orientation relative to the putter handle during the putting stroke. The stroke is carried out by the player pivoting his shoulders first in one direction and then in an opposite direction to strike the golf ball with the putter head in a controlled manner to propel the ball toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: James Trammell, Louie Keener
  • Patent number: 6270430
    Abstract: A sports training device which consists of a body belt which can be secured around the body, an elastic cord and an implement holder. The elastic cord is attached to an adjustable length strap on the belt so that the end of the elastic cord can be drawn snug against the body or eased off. The elastic cord passes through a slide ring. The implement holder, which can be secured around a sports implement or stick, is attached at the free end of the elastic cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Inventor: Thomas Paul Nicoloff
  • Patent number: 6176790
    Abstract: A method for swing training particularly suitable to golf and sports employing a similar swing is disclosed wherein balls of varying sizes, weights, and pliability are placed between a limb and a reactionary surface to restrict movement of a limb and nearby limbs wherein specific muscles groups are stretched and trained while imitating swing motion to induce muscle memory. The balls are placed in strategic locations including between the knees, between the thighs, under an armpit, between two arms stretched forward, cupped in two hands.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: TheraGolf, Ltd.
    Inventor: Frank A. Latella
  • Patent number: 6129638
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus including a waist belt to be worn about the girth of the user having a downwardly depending leg strap with one end adjustably attached to the waist belt while the opposite end terminates in a pair of retaining straps. The leg strap is trained between the legs of the user so that a flexible resilient member extends about the leg intended to be immobilized while the restraining straps extend across the front of the user and releasably extend above and below the opposite knee. The retaining straps are arranged in fixed spaced-apart relationship so that the knee comfortably is positioned between the straps. Swinging movement by the upper torso of the user is permitted in a normal way; however, the knee having the resilient member extended thereabout is immobilized since one end of the leg strap is secured to the waist belt while the other end of the leg strap is releasably attached to the opposite leg.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Inventor: Keith Davis
  • Patent number: 6120386
    Abstract: A golf swing training device for developing the memory of a proper golf swing for every golf club a golfer uses in their game so that each swing is naturally and consistently repeated when they engage in actual play. The golf swing training device includes a base for receiving a golfer's front foot, at least one pivot arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end opposite the first end, a biasing mechanism for biasing the pivot arm to a first position with respect to vertical, and an engagement member disposed on the second end of the pivot arm for engaging the golfer's hip area when they position their front foot on the base to address the golf ball. Engagement of the engagement member displaces the pivot arm to a second position with respect to vertical and creates a constant pressure force against the golfer's hip area which ingrains the golfer's mind with the memory of the proper, pace and body position for performing each golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Gaius Hill
  • Patent number: 6093111
    Abstract: A diagnostic golf swing training device (10) for providing real time feedback to a golfer relating to the rotation of the golfer's hips and weight distribution during the golf swing is disclosed. The device (10) comprises a footplate (12) that is positioned beneath one of the feet of the golfer. A vertical support member (14) is coupled on its lower end (16) to the footplate (12). A hip plate (30) is coupled to the upper end (28) of the vertical support member (14). The hip plate (30) is adjustable such that it may be positioned adjacent to the hips of the golfer. During the golf swing, the footplate (12) provides real time feedback to the golfer by signaling excessive forward or rearward movement of the hips of the golfer if the hips of the golfer contacts the hip plate (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Inventor: Chad Senn
  • Patent number: 6024656
    Abstract: A simple, lightweight, portable golf swing training device to fix the rear knee of a golfer in the correct position at setup and to restrict its lateral movement away from the target during backswing, with no interference of the forward movement of the knee, hips or body during the downswing, impact or follow through. The device comprises a base unit with a vertical rod, which has a height that extends at least to the rear knee, affixed thereto. A golfer uses the device by positioning his rear foot on the base rearwardly of the vertical rod and his rear knee forwardly of the vertical rod. By restricting the knee's freedom to over rotate or slide laterally away from the target or collapse away from the target line; the golfer's hips are prevented from either over rotating and/or sliding laterally away from the target. A video camera may be used to videotape a golfer before and during the use of the golf swing training device to compare knee positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2000
    Inventor: Joseph Lane
  • Patent number: 5984797
    Abstract: A golf swing training system with a floor mounted base and a pelvic belt that wraps around the golfer's hips and guides but not unduly restricts the golfer's pivot during the back swing and follow through. The system encourages a pelvic pivot about an axis to the rear of the golfer's right leg in the back swing and down swing, and a pivot about an axis behind the golfer's left leg in the follow through. A multiple pivot mechanism that connects the belt to the base inhibits lateral movement of the hips during the back swing and down swing. The belt is connected to the base by an expandable link pivotally connected at one end to the base and pivotally connected at its other end to the belt, both about generally vertical axes. As the golfer initiates the back swing, the belt pivots about the second axis as the link pivots in the opposite direction about the first axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: John W. Deabler, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kessler, Richard Wyzinski, Stephanie P. Kossnar
  • Patent number: 5924933
    Abstract: Disclosed is a golf training method and apparatus that consists of an anchor tethering straps and waist belt positioned in such fashion so as to train an individual to prevent excess rotation or hip movement during a golf swing. The apparatus is universal having an adjustable strap that fits around the waist including tethering straps that allow for both width and height of adjustment of the individual. The device may be used outdoors by use of a portable anchor or permanent anchor, as well as indoors by use of a standing board allowing an individual to stand on top of a board with an anchor placed at the end of the standing board. The tethering straps are independently fixed during use. One of the tethering straps stretches and permits proper body rotation. The other strap is inelastic and controls body sway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Inventor: Abelardo Pacheco
  • Patent number: 5916037
    Abstract: A golf swing training device for developing the memory of a proper golf swing for every golf club a golfer uses in their game so that each swing is naturally and consistently repeated when they engage in actual play. The golf swing training device includes a base for receiving a golfer's front foot, at least one pivot arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base and a second end opposite the first end, a biasing means for biasing the pivot arm to a first position with respect to vertical, and an engagement member disposed on the second end of the pivot arm for engaging the golfer's hip area when they position their front foot on the base to address the golf ball. Engagement of the engagement member displaces the pivot arm to a second position with respect to vertical and creates a constant pressure force against the golfer's hip area which ingrains the golfer's mind with the memory of the proper pace and body position for performing each golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventor: Gaius Hill
  • Patent number: 5879240
    Abstract: A golf training aid is adapted to be worn at the waist of a user and comprises a base and an engagement member mounted on the base for movement between a first inoperative position in which it lies against the base and a second operative position in which it extends outwardly of the base to be engaged by the arm of the user during the downward part of his golf swing. This teaches him to keep his elbow close to his body at this time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Inventor: David Stuart
  • 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: 5803822
    Abstract: An improved golf training aid comprising a belt worn by the golfer having a pair of elastic straps which each have one end secured to the ground at locations spaced on opposite sides of the golfer and which extend about the golfer's waist and are releasably attached to the belt in a manner such that, as the golfer makes his swing, the straps will force his hips to rotate in a proper and timely manner to perform a smooth and coordinated swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Inventor: Kenneth Pursell
  • Patent number: 5785603
    Abstract: A golf swing teaching aid has been designed to teach a golfer the proper amount of torso and back rotation in executing a back swing for a tee or iron stroke. The teaching aid comprises a harness worn over the golfer's back and an elongate wand that attaches to the harness and extends laterally to the golfer's side. When the golfer stands next to the ball and executes the back swing, the tip of the wand is rotated into a predetermined visual relationship with the ball. Preferably, the tip of the wand is rotated into approximately a plane containing the golf ball and the golfer's eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventor: Murney M. Lazier
  • Patent number: 5772523
    Abstract: A golf training device adapted for attachment to a golf club grip for training a golfer to pivot and maintain a solid leading arm is disclosed. The device includes a body contacting arm having a first end adapted for attachment to the golf club grip and a free second end which contacts the body of a golfer when the golfer fails to pivot or maintain a solid leading arm as the golfer strikes a golf ball. The body contacting arm is shaped to lie adjacent, but not touch, the front hip of a golfer when the body contacting arm is properly attached to the golf club grip and the golfer addresses the golf ball. In use, the second end of the body contacting arm moves adjacent, but does not contact, the front hip of the golfer when the golfer pivots and maintains a solid leading arm as the golfer strikes the golf ball. However, the second end of the body contacting arm contacts the golfer if the golfer fails to properly pivot or maintain a solid leading arm as the golfer strikes the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Inventor: Ted Sheftic
  • Patent number: 5762565
    Abstract: A golf swing training device for monitoring the amount of forward hip movement during a completed golf swing. The golf swing training device includes a hip pad support structure pivotally mounted to a stationary base. The stationary base includes a pair of foot guides which correctly position the golfer with respect to the swing training device. A hip pad is connected to a horizontal arm of the hip pad support structure and is positioned to engage the front hip of the golfer. The position of the hip pad can be adjusted in both the vertical and horizontal direction depending upon the physical characteristics of the golfer using the swing training device. During a completed golf swing, the golfer's front hip applies force to the hip pad if the golfer slides his or her hips forward during the swing, which results in the hip pad support structure rotating about its pivotal connection to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Inventors: James D. Milam, Brian M. Milam
  • Patent number: 5707300
    Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus designed to allow a golfer to practice full swing motions while actually hiring a golf ball. The device is light weight and of simple construction. It provides for optimization of practice time by allowing instant feedback as to progress, or the lack thereof, in the golfer's technique. The device monitors the lateral and forward leg and knee motion during the full swing motion. Moreover, the device provides swing plane indicator rods which may be positioned at any useful angle for a full range of golf swings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Inventors: Richard May, Ronald S. Stroud
  • Patent number: 5690494
    Abstract: A golf teaching aid for teaching a golfer proper swing positions and upper body golf muscles formed of an upper body yoke and a resilient cord attached between the yoke and a fixed object which creates resistance when a golfer rotates his body to simulate the rotational movements of a golf swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 25, 1997
    Inventor: John E. Luker
  • Patent number: 5672115
    Abstract: The golf swing training device includes a position sensing unit, a tee mounted on a tee platform and a visual and audio response unit. A taut, movable cord is attached to the hip of the golfer and to the position sensing unit. The position sensing unit generates forward, rearward and fore-strike position signals based upon a forward optimal position, a rearward optimal position and an excessive forward position of the hip of the golfer. This excessive forward hip position is preferable immediately prior to striking the ball and corresponds to the fore-strike position signal. The visual and audio response unit, located adjacent the tee platform, visually indicates to the golfer when his or her hips exceed the forward optimal position, and the rearward optimal position. These are negative feedback signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 30, 1997
    Assignees: Richard D. Sanchez, Gunther H. Steen
    Inventors: Richard D. Sanchez, Gunther H. Steen
  • Patent number: 5665005
    Abstract: A sport swing training device has a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the stanchion is attachable to the base assembly. The stanchion further includes a spring to permit tipping of the stanchion when the stanchion is attached to the base assembly, and an adjustable seat secured to the second end of the stanchion. A restraining clutch is attachable to the base assembly such that when attached, the restraining clutch limits the range of tipping of the stanchion during a pre-swing stage and, a swing stage for hitting a ball. The device also includes an adjustable seat plate to which the seat is connected and at least one adjustable extension having opened and locked positions for controlling the range of rotational movement of the seat plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Inventor: Gregory A. Ritchie
  • Patent number: 5665008
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus, comprising:an elongated tube having a first and second end, and a length sufficient to regulate a golfer's stance;a lower leg lateral restraint having a first and second end, said lower leg lateral restraint movably positioned within said first end of said elongated tube, said first end of said lower leg lateral restraint having a sharp point for facilitating the insertion of said lower leg lateral restraint into the ground;a lateral foot restraint having a first and second end, said lateral foot restraint movably positioned within said second end of said elongated tube, said first end of said lateral foot restraint having a sharp point for facilitating the insertion of said lateral foot restraint into the ground;a locking mechanism for locking said elongated tube, said lower leg lateral restraint, and said lateral foot restraint together; andwherein said elongated tube, said lower leg lateral restraint, and said lateral foot restraint can be disassembled into separate components fo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 9, 1997
    Assignee: Distance Doctor. Inc.
    Inventor: Scott L. Chaney
  • Patent number: 5658203
    Abstract: An alignment device is disclosed for use in sports such as golfing which includes a generally planar breast plate adapted and configured to be worn adjacent the golfer's chest, an elongated shaft supported by the breast plate and extending laterally therefrom for visually aligning oneself with a distant target on a golf course when addressing a golf ball, and a harness assembly associated with the breast plate for securing the breast plate adjacent the golfer's chest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Inventor: Nelson H. Shub
  • Patent number: 5643097
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for learning and practicing a correct hip rotation in all types of sports, in particular a correct hip rotation for the execution of an efficient golf swing. The device is a continuous length of wire formed to constitute straight parts which form radially shaped first ends acting as a pointer and angled parts at a second end connected so as to enable fastening in the hip region with the pointer extending essentially radially to the longitudinal axis of the torso to make the rotation of the hips visible during the swing motion. The straight parts may be length adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Jurgen Bechler, Hery J. Beer
  • Patent number: 5634858
    Abstract: A golf training apparatus includes a head supporting stand having a supporting frame with a base and a vertically extending post which telescopes to different heights extending from the base. A head positioning arm extends from the vertical post. The head positioning arm can be a telescoping member and may have a bendable end pipe member with means for attaching to a person's head. A hook and loop fastener material may be used to removably attach a cap or visor or headband to a person's head. A mirror is supported in a frame adjacent the head support stand and has player positioning markings on the surface thereof. A player swing position guide includes a frame and is positioned a predetermined distance from the head support stand for positioning a golf player's feet and legs for a practice swing in front of the mirror with the head supported by the head support stand head support member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 3, 1997
    Inventor: Miro D. Bellagamba
  • Patent number: 5632688
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved golf timer control (10) which functions to emit an audible signal to a golfer (26) after a pre-set time interval after striking a golf ball (30) with a golf club (28). The improved golf timer control (10) comprises: A) a housing (12) which comprises; I) a housing top (12A) having a housing top display opening (12AA) therein, and ii) a housing bottom (12B) securely and connected to the housing top (12A) by a housing left side (12CL), a housing right side (12CR), a housing front (12D), and a housing rear (12E). The housing front (12D) has a housing front control UP button opening (12DA), a housing front control DOWN button opening (12DB), a housing front power button opening (12DC), a housing front speaker opening (12DD), and a housing front microphone opening (12DE) therein. The housing rear (12E) has a housing rear clip (12EA) securely attached thereto which functions to attach the housing (12) onto a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 27, 1997
    Inventor: Frank L. Blaakman
  • 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: 5591089
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in training proper swing mechanics, for use in connection with golf, baseball, tennis, or similar sports. The device includes a sheath, which has an cushion member attached to a concave inner surface for user comfort. The apparatus is releasably attachable to a user's legs or hips by a pair of straps incorporating hook and loop fastening material, and includes a projecting rigid support member extending normal to the sheath outer surface with a weight member having a soft outer shell and suspended therefrom by a flexible cord; a clip device allows for adjustment of the cord length for suspending the weight member at a user selected position. The weight member includes access means for enabling user to add mass to, or subtract mass from, the suspended weight. The position and movement of the suspended weight member provides the user with feedback relative to numerous body positions and movements for teaching the user proper swing or body movement mechanics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Gehr - Huff Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert W. Huffines
  • Patent number: 5569095
    Abstract: A straight shot golf aid (10) comprising a tube (26) with an elongated shaft (28) extending therefrom having a knob (32) mounted on the free end for indicating a particular direction. An assembly (14) is for suspending the indicating structure (12) in a generally horizontal manner from a front portion of a pair of pants (16), skirt, or similar garment worn by a golfer (18). When the golfer (18) is ready to make a forward movement of a golf club (20) with an intention of fairly striking at and moving a golf ball on a golf course (22), the golfer (18) can position his feet (24) by visually aiming the indicating structure (12) in the right direction the golf ball must travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1996
    Inventor: Gary McCollum