Abstract:
A golf training system and method wherein a device comprising a straight, elongated arm having an axis, a first proximal end, and a second distal end; a wrist bar connected to the elongated arm at a point near the first proximal end, extending perpendicularly from the straight, elongated arm at a right angle to the axis of the straight, elongated arm; a first green laser enclosed by the straight, elongated arm adapted to emit a green laser beam from the first proximal end along the axis; and a second green laser enclosed by the straight, elongated arm adapted to emit a green laser beam from the second distal end is used to train on plane swing, proper wrist angulations, proper hip turn, proper shoulder turn, and a proper putting motion.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 11/760,162, benefit of which is claimed. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to devices and methods for golf training, more particular to devices and methods which incorporate laser beams to improve a person&#39;s ability to swing a golf club accurately, consistently, and according to proven swing mechanics. 
         [0003]    Many golf training systems exist, several of which including lasers as part of their design. Among the existing systems is the golf swing trainer and exercise system of Shearer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,988, assigned to SBK Innovations, L.P., which includes three sections having two lasers, a mat with an optically reflective surface, the device being adapted to be placed on both shoulders of a golfer and gripped with both hands at the distal ends of the arm sections. 
         [0004]    Prior golf training devices fail to train for the proper start of the golf swing relative to proper hinge angles to attain the flat wrist at the top of the swing, proper wrist angle at the impact position to attain the bowed left wrist, and develop an on plane golf swing. Prior golf training devices incorporating lasers also fail to provide lasers which emit light visible on grass or other outside conditions. Also, no prior golf training devices successfully teach a golfer to swing a putter on an exact path to emit a true online roll of the ball to the target. Furthermore, most prior golf training systems and methods use a conventional golf club comprising a handle at the proximal end, a shaft, and a golf head such as a driver head or putter at the distal end. 
         [0005]    While some of the prior devices have achieved some degree of success, none have provided all-in-one training addressing all aspects of golf swing mechanics, with laser visibility under all conditions without the need for a special mat, and also wrist position indication and training. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    It is an object of the present invention to provide an all-in-one golf training system addressing all aspects of golf swing mechanics with a simple, low cost device and associated method of using the device. 
         [0007]    These objects, and others which will become apparent from the following disclosure and drawings, are addressed by the present invention which comprises, in one aspect, a golf training system comprising a straight, elongated arm having an axis, a first proximal end, and a second distal end; a wrist bar connected to the elongated arm at a point near the first proximal end, extending perpendicularly from the straight, elongated arm at a right angle to the axis of the straight, elongated arm; a first green laser enclosed by the straight, elongated arm adapted to emit a green laser beam from the first proximal end along the axis; and a second green laser enclosed by the straight, elongated arm adapted to emit a green laser beam from the second distal end. 
         [0008]    In another aspect the invention is directed to a related training method wherein a golfer stands with a forward side, i.e., left side in the case of a right-handed golfer, aligned toward a golf hole or simulated golf hole, grips the device with a forward hand (left hand for right-handed golfer) on the straight, elongated arm at a point distal to the wrist bar so that the wrist bar touches the inside of a forward wrist, and with a second hand (right hand for left handed golfer) on the straight, elongated arm at a point distal to and touching the first hand, swinging the system in manner to replicate swinging a golf club so that the wrist bar is pressed tight against the inside of the back of the forward wrist, and comparing the location of the first laser beam and the second laser beam to a single target line, thereby enabling a subject to train for the proper start of the golf swing relative to wrist angle, proper hinge angles to attain the flat wrist at the top of the swing, proper wrist angle at the impact position to attain the bowed left wrist, and develop an on plane golf swing. 
         [0009]    The wrist bar pressed tightly against the back of the forward wrist produces a bowed forward wrist for maximum compression at impact. The wrist bar indicates the club face position relative to the shaft angle. 
         [0010]    The wrist bar is preferably connected to the elongated arm at a point about 3 to 6 inches from the first proximal end and preferably extends perpendicularly from the straight, elongated arm for a distance of about 5 inches. The wrist bar can have any cross-sectional shape but tubular cross sections are preferred, and a cross sectional diameter of such tubular wrist bars is preferably about 1.0 inches. These points and sizes can be varied for various applications such as embodiments designed for training children or very large size golf trainees. 
         [0011]    The elongated arm is also preferably tubular in cross section and is also preferably about 1.0 inches in diameter. The elongated arm and the wrist bar can be constructed of the same, similar, or different materials but for economics and manufacturing efficiency it is preferred to construct the arm and bar of the same material, for example CPVC piping or the like. The arm and bar can be connected by any means, for example soldering, heat pressing, adhesives, or can be molded together in one piece rather than having separate bar and arms. One preferred means of connecting the bar and arm is by a T-connector, which can be constructed of CPVC. In some embodiments the color selection can be relevant and may assist the trainee in seeing the swing under certain conditions; bright orange is the preferred color for the device. 
         [0012]    The green lasers allow for visualization of the swing plane under outdoor conditions. The lasers can be powered by conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries, or any other means, and normally would have on-off switches at a convenient location, for example at the back of the laser or built in to the elongated arm itself. When the switches are on the back of the laser, the lasers fit within lateral openings, i.e., along the central axis, at the distal and proximal ends, of the elongated arm and are easily removable and replaceable in order to access the switches. In such embodiments, the lasers are maintained in the openings by screw on caps or press fit caps at the distal and proximal ends of the elongated arm. 
         [0013]    The device can also be used in comprising training putting by comparing the path of the first laser to a straight line on the ground to attain a pendulum stroke or gate stroke. 
         [0014]    The device of the invention can also be used to improve shoulder turn, hip turn, and body alignment toward target by the trainee standing with his or her forward side aligned toward a golf hole or simulated golf hole, placing a rear foot on a target line, holding the device horizontally across a forward and a rearward shoulder with both hands, and rotating to a point where either the first or the second laser intersects with the reference line. This method enables a subject to see and improve proper shoulder turn, proper hip turn, and proper body alignment to the target. 
         [0015]    Thus the device of the invention is an “all-in-one” device for training overall swing, shoulder and hip turn, and putting. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a frontal perspective view of a golfer utilizing the golf swing training system of the invention. 
           [0017]      FIGS. 2 ,  3 , and  4  are side perspective views of a golfer utilizing the golf swing training system of the invention. 
           [0018]      FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7  are front perspective views of a golfer utilizing the golf swing training system of the invention, illustrating the wrist bar feature. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  are side perspective views of a golfer utilizing the golf swing training system of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 13  is a side elevational view, partially cut away, of a device according to the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    While the invention is capable of many different embodiments, both regarding the various methods of use and the design of the device itself, a few illustrative embodiments will be described in detail herein. 
         [0022]    Referring first to  FIG. 13 , an all-in-one golf training device  10  is shown having a straight, elongated arm  11  having a central axis  12  running lengthwise, a first proximal end  13  and a second distal end  14 . Elongated arm  11  is of circular cross section and constructed of CPVC with a diameter of 1 inch, and is hollow so as to be able to enclose a first laser (not shown) within the proximal end  13  and a second laser  19  within the distal end  14 . The lasers are maintained within the elongated arm by removable caps  49  and  48 , respectively. Each cap,  49  and  48 , has a hole through which laser beams  18  and  20 , respectively, shine through. Each laser is preferably green. A T-Connection  16  is fitted over the elongated arm  11  at a point about 3 to 6 inches from the proximal end and contains a section  15  of CPVC tube having the same diameter as the elongated tube, as illustrated in this embodiment. The overall length of the wrist bar is 5 inches from the axis  12  to the end of the wrist bar. The device  10  has no golf head at either end,  13 ,  14 . Rather, lasers internal to the elongated tube at the ends thereof and aligned along the central axis  12  are used. 
         [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a golfer  50  having a forward arm  25  and rearward arm  26  is shown holding the training device  10  in a position wherein the proximal laser beam  18  is directed toward his sternum, with the elongated arm  11  parallel and the wrist bar  15  vertical. The golfer  50  is shown at a point in his swing after impact. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  illustrates the golfer  50  during the start of his backswing with the wrist bar  15  tight to the back of the left wrist. The forward hand  27  is shown gripping the elongated arm  11  below the wrist bar  15  and the rearward hand  28  is below the forward hand  27 , also gripping the elongated arm  11 . Aim line  24  on the floor is intersected by laser beam  20  and should stay on the aim line during takeaway until the wrist is unhinged. 
         [0025]      FIG. 3  illustrates the start of the hinge on the backswing where the laser appears from the inside of the aim line  24  and intersects the aim line at  51 . The aim line is vertical along a baseboard  47  and then is angled  30  along the wall. The line  30  on the wall is a shaft plane line and the line  24  on the floor is the target line which the laser should follow during the swing. 
         [0026]      FIG. 4  illustrates the golfer  50  in at the top of his backswing position with the first laser beam  18  intersecting  51  the floor target line  24 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 5  illustrates the wrist bar  15  pressed tight against the back of the forward arm wrist, with rear hand  28  holding the elongated arm  11 , the bowed forward wrist achieved for maximum compression at impact. 
         [0028]      FIG. 6  illustrates a setup position with the wrist bar  15  tight to the back of the forward (left) wrist which should be maintained during the start of the backswing. 
         [0029]      FIG. 7  illustrates a setup with the rear (right) foot on the floor line  24  and elongated shaft  11  across the golfer&#39;s  50  shoulders, with the laser line  20  reaching the floor line  24  when the shoulder has turned 90 degrees. 
         [0030]      FIG. 8  illustrates the elongated tube  11  held by rear hand  28  and forward hand  27  (not shown) across the belt line or just below it, with the proper hip turn of 45 degrees illustrated, and the laser beam  20  on target line  30  when the hip is turned 45 degrees, an ideal hip turn. 
         [0031]      FIG. 9  illustrates the golfer  50  after imaginary impact with an imaginary ball wherein the laser beam  20  has traveled down the floor target line  24  and up the shaft plane line  30  on the wall. 
         [0032]      FIG. 10  illustrates a downswing position with the laser  20  on the floor aim line  24 , intersecting at intersecting point  51 , with the wrist bar  15  in line with and tight to the back of the forward (left) forearm. 
         [0033]      FIG. 11  illustrates a position on the downswing prior to impact with the laser beam  20  coming from inside the floor aim line  24  and reaching the aim line at imaginary impact. 
         [0034]      FIG. 12  illustrates the golfer  50  in a post impact position with the wrist bar  15  tight to the inside of the wrist and the laser beam  20  on the floor aim line  24  until the golfer unhinges his wrist. 
         [0035]    Each of the lasers contains an on/off switch on the rear of the lasers. To access the switch, the end caps  48  and  49 , must be removed. After activation by pressing the switch at the back of the laser, the laser is reinserted in the elongated tube  11  and the end caps  488 ,  49  are replaced. 
         [0036]    The golfer  50  is instructed to place his aim line on the ground. The line on the ground can be a white ribbon or any straight line available including a grout line in the floor, a straight line that may exist in a carpet, a joint line on a hardwood floor, or even the line that exists where a wall meets the floor or a string line placed on the ground. The device  10  is positioned with wrist bar  15  up and positioned against the inside of the left wrist for right handed golfers and opposite hand for left hand golfers. The golfer is then instructed as follows: take a stance parallel to the aim line so that laser # 1  is emitted onto the aim line and laser # 2  is emitted to a point just above the belt line. You are now ready to start the backswing. During the backswing Laser # 1  moves away on the aim line while Laser # 2  stays pointed to the core of the body as the body pivots during the backswing. Simultaneously, the wrist bar stays firmly against the inside of the left wrist. You are now ready to begin the hinging aspect of the swing. As the club is hinged up Laser # 1  leaves the aim line while Laser # 2  appears on the ground. When properly hinged Laser # 2  will appear on the ground at a position between your feet line and the aim line. As the hinging process continues and shoulders continue to rotate Laser # 2  will move onto the aim line at a point just past your right foot. From this point Laser # 2  stays on the aim line to the completion of your backswing. During this hinging process the Wrist Bar again stays firmly against the inside of the left wrist and forearm. When properly executed the left wrist will be flat at the top of the swing. If the Wrist Bar moves off the inside of the wrist your wrist will be in a cupped position at the top. You are now ready to start the downswing. The downswing is started with Laser # 2  moving forward on the aim line and continues on this line until your hands reach a position even to your right thigh. At this point the unhinging of the wrist begins with Laser # 2  leaving the aim line on the ground while simultaneously Laser # 1  will appear on the ground behind you. At this point Laser # 1  needs to originate again from the inside position and move onto the aim line at a point between your right foot and the ball. During the process the Wrist Bar slides down on the inside of the left wrist maintaining contact throughout. At the impact position the wrist bar is tight to the inside of the wrist providing a bowed left wrist. If the Wrist Bar leaves the inside of the wrist and moves towards the right wrist all power is lost and produces the dreaded flipped position. From impact going forward Laser # 1  continues down the aim line and Laser # 2  again points to the center of the abdomen just above the belt line this is maintained as the body continues to rotate and the club is re hinged up to the finish. During this portion of the swing the Wrist Bar again is tight against the inside of the left wrist. 
         [0037]    The device  10  of the invention can be used to train putting as follows: There are two theories widely accepted and taught today. The first is the straight back and straight through also known as the pendulum stroke. The second method is the inside to inside also known as the gate stroke. Which one you choose to use is purely a personal preference. This device  10  will show you how to perfect either method. 
         [0038]    The Pendulum Stroke: Both Lasers will need to be turned to the on position. To practice this method you will again need a straight reference line on the ground. The use of a string line or board is fine as there are many options you could implore. The device  10  is used with the wrist bar  15  in the bottom position with tee piece showing the orientation of the putter face. Grip down on the proximal end  13  to a distance equal to the length of your putter. Laser # 1  is placed directly on the aim line with Laser # 2  emitting to a point above the belt line. The position of Laser # 2  is going to vary depending upon your setup. What is important with Laser # 2  is that its positioning be maintained throughout the stroke. Allowing this axis point to change leads to an unreliable stroke. This will clearly be seen of the Laser # 2  moves forward or backwards from the original point. To groove the putting stroke Laser # 1  must travel on the straight line throughout the stroke both backward and forwards while maintaining a square club face position which you can clearly see with the tee piece on this device  10 . 
         [0039]    The Gate Stroke: This method is perfected with much of the same approach as above. With both Lasers on and the reference line on the ground you are ready. In this stroke the only difference is that Laser # 1  travels back on a path slightly to the inside, returns to the line at impact and then moves slightly to the inside after impact. Laser # 2  works in the same manner as the pendulum stroke. The position of the laser at setup is the position maintained throughout the stroke. Using this device  10  will clearly show you the path your putter is traveling. Through repetitive use you will build a reliable stroke that provides a true online roll that is imparted without side spin. 
         [0040]    The device  10  can be used for training shoulder and hip turn as follows: To execute the proper golf swing the shoulders and hips need to rotate throughout the swing. The widely accepted model is the shoulders turn 90 degrees and the hips turn 45 degrees. The problem for the golfer is they have no reference points to gauge their execution. Using the device  10  as follows will clearly show you the proper positions. To setup for practice place a reference line on the ground approximately 10 feet long. Only one laser needs to be on for this exercise. Place the elongated tube  11  across your shoulders with the end holding the laser on your left shoulder. In your golf posture turn your shoulders until the laser touches the reference line this is a 90 degree turn. To practice the proper hip turn a 45 degree line is placed on the ground from a point from the reference line already on the ground for the shoulder turn exercise. In your golf posture execute your turn with the laser placed on your hip line as shown. A 45 degree turn is achieved when the laser points on this line. 
         [0041]    While the invention has been described and illustrated in this detailed description and the accompanying drawings, various alternative embodiments should become readily apparent to those skilled in this art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the accompanying claims.