Abstract:
The invention provides an interchangeable weighted club system to help a golfer refine, and improve their golf swing.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention provides a golf swing training aid and in particular a golf swing training aid that allows a user to adjust the weight of the training aid during practice. 
         [0002]    This application is based on Provisional Application 60/813,976. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Weighted golf swing training aids are known and widely used by golfers to help improve their full-swing. The term “weighted-club” is commonly used in the golf industry since the clubs are considerably heavier than a traditional golf club and are not intended to hit golf balls. Such clubs generally take the same form and look as a traditional golf club so that the user can feel like they are using actual clubs. Such weighted golf clubs are generally designed to resemble a traditional golf club (5-iron, driver, sandwedge, etc.). A golfer would have to have a suite of the products in order to practice with different weights. 
         [0004]    Though such weighted clubs have achieved popularity and commercial success among the golf community, there is always a continuing need for improvements in golf training aids. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention provides a golf swing training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a cavity defined therein operable to receive a weight, a cap operable to be releasably connected to the elongate body adjacent the cavity opening and a spring coupled to the elongate body within the cavity and operable to abut the weight when received within the cavity. 
         [0006]    In another embodiment the present invention provides a golf swing training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a first and second end and defining a passageway therethrough extending from the first to the second end and operable to receive a weight sleeve therein. The training apparatus also includes a first end cap operable to be releasably connected to the first end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening; and a second end cap operable to releasably connect to the second end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening. The second end cap includes a spring that is operable to be received inside the passageway when the second end cap is connected to the elongate body and at a position that is operable to abut the weight sleeve when received within the passageway. 
         [0007]    In an alternative aspect the present invention provides a golf training kit comprising a training apparatus as described herein and a plurality of weight sleeves sized to be received within the passageway of the elongate body, each weight sleeve being of a different weight. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]    The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0009]      FIG. 1  is a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of the golf swing training apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0010]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged view of the locking tab identified in circle A in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the second end cap of the golf swing training apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the placement of the dowel or locking pin; 
           [0012]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the first end cap of the golf swing training apparatus of  FIG. 1  showing the placement of the screw hole and the spring seat; 
           [0013]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the weight sleeve to be used with the golf swing apparatus of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the weight sleeve end-cap of the weight sleeve of  FIG. 5 ; and 
           [0015]      FIG. 7  is a cross sectional side view of an alternative embodiment of the golf training apparatus of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0016]    The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying  FIGS. 1 through 7  in which the golf swing training apparatus is indicated generally at numeral  10 . 
         [0017]    The golf swing training apparatus of the present invention provides an improved weighted golf swing training aid that allows a user, i.e. a golfer, to adjust the weight of the apparatus during practice. 
         [0018]    Turning to  FIG. 1 , the golf training apparatus includes an elongate body  12  having first and second end caps  14 ,  16 . Preferably the elongate body is cylindrical in shape however the elongate body may also be made of other elongate shapes provided it functions as described herein and is operable to be held and swung by a user. The elongate body  12  has a passageway  18  defined within it. In the embodiment illustrated the elongate body  12  is a cylindrical tube and is operable to receive a weight sleeve therein, described in further detail below. 
         [0019]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1  the first end cap  14  is threadingly engaged on one end of the elongate body  12 . However, it will be understood that the first end cap  14  may be connected to the elongate body  12  by any means known to a person skilled in the art to provide a secure connection between the first end cap  14  and the elongate body  12 . 
         [0020]    In one embodiment of the apparatus, located at the opposite end of the elongate body  12  to the first end cap  14  is second end cap  16 . Second end cap  16  includes at least one dowel  18  extending outwardly therefrom shown in  FIG. 2 . The second end cap  16  includes lower end cap portion  17  that is received inside the elongate body  12 . The dowel  18  extends outwardly from the lower end cap portion  17 . As can be seen in  FIG. 3 , the lower end cap portion  17  has a smaller diameter than the second end cap  16  and therefore is operable to slide inside the elongate body  12  while the upper portion of second end cap  16  fits around the end of the elongate body  12 . 
         [0021]    The at least one dowel  18  is operable to engage with a channel  20  located at the end of the elongate body  12 . Channel  20  is substantially “J” shaped and extends from the upper end of the elongate body  12  along the length of the body and then extends in a perpendicular direction to form the lower part of the “J”, as illustrated clearly in  FIG. 2 . The dowel  18  is sized to be received within the channel  20  and is positioned on the second end cap  16  so that the dowel  18  is operable to reach the bottom of the channel  20  when the second end cap  16  is placed on the end of the elongate body  12 . The second end cap  16  is then operable to turn about the periphery of the elongate body  12  to allow for engagement of the dowel  18  within the curved portion of the “J” of the channel  20  as indicated in  FIG. 2 . It will be understood that the channel does not have to form a “J” and that any other shape of channel may be used providing that the dowel is received within the channel and can be held within the channel to maintain the cap in a closed configuration when required. It will also be understood that  FIG. 2  shows one dowel that extends outwardly from both sides of the lower end cap portion  17 , however one dowel may only extend from one side or two or more dowels may be used. 
         [0022]    It will be understood that the elongate body  12  may comprise more than one channel  20  and that the second end cap  16  may therefore also include more than one dowel  18 . In this embodiment the dowels  18  are connected to the second end cap  16  at a position which allows them to be received within respective channels  20  on the elongate body. In an alternative embodiment, the elongate body  12  may include more than one channel  20  and the second end cap may include one dowel  18  that is sized to be received in any one of the channels  20 . 
         [0023]    The second end cap  16  may include an outer upper portion that is knurled to aid a user with gripping the upper portion of the second end cap  16 . Alternatively, the second end cap  16  may have gripping tape placed around its periphery to aid a user with handling the apparatus. Other means for assisting a user in holding the apparatus may be used and will be known to a person skilled in the art. 
         [0024]    The first end cap  14 , seen clearly in  FIG. 4 , includes a lower portion that extends into the elongate body  12  and includes a spring-seat  22  operable to receive connected to spring  24 . In one embodiment, the spring seat  22  is milled out of the end cap  14  to provide an opening for receiving spring  24 . The spring  24  may be glued into the spring seat  22  or may be connected by other means that will be known by a person skilled in the art. Alternatively, the spring  24  may be attached directly to the end cap  14 . The spring  24  is operable to be compressed by the weight sleeve when the weight sleeve is secured in the passageway  18  of the body  12 . When the second end cap  16  is secured in place, the second end cap  16  pushes the weight sleeve towards the spring  24  which compresses under the force. Once the second end cap  16  is secured in place, i.e. the dowel  18  is locked into the end portion of the channel  20  the spring is held in the compressed state. When the second end cap  16  is released from the elongate body  12  the force pushing the weight sleeve to compress the spring  24  is released and the spring  24  forces the weight sleeve away from the spring seat  22  so that it extends out from the end of the elongate body  12 . This assists a user with easy removal of the weight sleeve and replacement with an alternative weight sleeve. 
         [0025]    Located in the elongate sleeve  12  at the end adjacent to the first end cap  14  is an aperture, not shown. The first end cap  14  also includes an aperture  26  located at a position that corresponds to the aperture  26  on the elongate sleeve  12  when the first end cap  14  is received thereon. The apertures are of equivalent size so that when aligned a screw can be placed through both apertures to securely fasten the first end cap  14  to the elongate sleeve  12 . It will be understood that other means of connecting the first end cap  14  to the elongate sleeve  12  may be used and will be known by a person skilled in the art. 
         [0026]    In a preferred embodiment the elongate body  12  and the end caps  14 ,  16  are made from Aluminum. The weight sleeves are made from brass and steel in order to withstand the rigors of practicing the golf swing and provide different weightings. The weight-sleeve is constructed with threaded ends and threaded UHMW PE end-caps that allow the weight-sleeves to slide in and out of the apparatus  10  with ease. The weight-sleeve is described in further detail below. 
         [0027]      FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the second end cap  16  as described above. In one embodiment the second end cap  16  is milled from solid Aluminum having dimensions at the upper portion of length ¾ inch and diameter ¾ inch. The lower portion is located 1/16 inch inwardly from the outer periphery of the upper portion and has a diameter of ⅝ inch and a length of ¾ inch. The dowel is located approximately 2/8 inch away from the upper portion and extends through the lower portion, extending outwardly therefrom approximately 1/16 inch. The dowel is a ¾ inch by ⅛ inch peg. The top of the upper portion of the second end cap  16  is knurled. It will be understood that the dimensions provided above are merely illustrative and are not meant to be limiting in any way. The dimensions of the training apparatus will change according to the size and shape of the apparatus. The above dimensions are provided as examples only. 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates one embodiment of the first end cap  14  as described above. In one embodiment the first end cap  14  has the same dimensions as the second end cap  16 . However, instead of the dowel located therein there is at least one aperture  26  located at the same position. This aperture allows for fastening of the first end cap  14  to the elongate body  12  as described above. The first end cap  14  also includes a portion at the lower end milled out so that the spring can be fastened to the cap, described in detail above. 
         [0029]      FIG. 5  illustrates the variable diameter weight-sleeve  26 . In one embodiment, the weight-sleeve  26  is made from Brass or Stainless steel and has weightings that are chosen based on Fibonacci ratios. This allows the apparatus to be used with variable weights that can be inter-changed. The end caps of the weight-sleeves  26 , shown in  FIG. 6 , are made from UHMW PE round with threaded ends to screw on to the weight-sleeves. Having end caps on the weight-sleeves aids in the placement of the weight-sleeve into the elongate body  12  and its removal therefrom. The end caps help the weight-sleeve slide in and out of the apparatus. In addition, they help to maintain the weight sleeve within the elongate body and prevent the weight sleeve from moving inside the body  12  in particular during practice. 
         [0030]    The weight sleeves are preferably all manufactured to be of the same length. In particular, the weight sleeves are made of a length that is sufficient to fit inside the elongate body  12  when the spring  24  is compressed and the second end cap  16  is secured to the elongate body  12 . However, the weight-sleeve is also of a length that when the second end cap  16  is removed and the spring is no longer compressed the weight-sleeve extends outwardly from the end of the elongate body, for easy removal therefrom. It will be understood that many different weight sleeves of differing weights may be manufactured for use with the training apparatus  10 . 
         [0031]    It will be understood from the above description that the purpose of having a “J” shaped channel is for securing the second end cap  16  in place. When the dowel is received in the channel  20  and the second end cap  16  is turned to allow the dowel to move along the lower curved portion of the “J” the force of the spring against the weight sleeve pushes against the second end cap  16 . This force will push the dowel  18  upwardly and hold it in the end of the “J”, maintaining the second end cap on the elongate body  12 . It will therefore be understood that any shape of channel will be sufficient providing that the force of the weight sleeve against the second end cap  16  does not push the dowel out of the channel thereby removing the second end cap. 
         [0032]    In use, a user removes the second end cap  16  and places a weight sleeve  26  of the desired weight into the elongate body  12 . The user then secures the second end cap  16  back onto the elongate body  12  securing the weight inside. The user can then swing the training apparatus  10  at this weight to work on tempo, or whatever is required, and then can simply twist the second end cap  16  from the locked position, remove the weight-sleeve  26 , add a lighter or heavier sleeve, lock the second end cap  16 , and train a different aspect of their swing. 
         [0033]    In an alternative embodiment of the golf training apparatus  10 , shown in  FIG. 7 , the elongate body includes a cavity  28  containing a spring  24  within the cavity. The cavity extends inwardly from one end of the elongate body and is operable to receive a weight or weight sleeve within it. An end cap, as described above in the description of the second end cap, is provided to attach to the elongate body at the location of the cavity opening. The spring is positioned in the cavity at a location that will allow compression of the spring when the weight is placed within the cavity and the end cap is secured thereon and will push the weight out of the cavity opening when the end cap is removed. The placement of the weight within the cavity is similar to that of the placement of the weight within the passageway described above, i.e. the length of the weight is sufficient to extend beyond the cavity opening when the end cap is not secured on the elongate body and also of a length sufficient to be retained within the cavity when the end cap is secured on the body. 
         [0034]    The training apparatus  10  may include designs and/or logos along its length if required. The training apparatus  10  may include a grip that is made of leather and slightly tapered. 
         [0035]    In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a golf training kit. The kit comprises the golf training apparatus described herein and a plurality of weight sleeves as described herein. The weight sleeves are sized to be received within the cavity and/or passageway of the training apparatus. It will be understood that the kit may include only one weight sleeve or alternatively may include several weight sleeves of varying weights. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment the kit comprises a training apparatus comprising an elongate body having a first and second end and defining a passageway therethrough extending from the first to the second end and operable to receive a weight sleeve. The apparatus having a first end cap operable to releasably connect to the first end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening, the first end cap having a spring coupled thereto operable to be received inside the passageway when the first end cap is connected to the elongate body at a position operable to abut the weight sleeve when received within the passageway. The apparatus also includes a second end cap operable to be releasably connected to the second end of the elongate body adjacent the passageway opening. The kit further includes a plurality of weight sleeves sized to be received within the passageway of the elongate body, each weight sleeve being of a different weight. 
         [0037]    As seen and described herein the apparatus is not shaped to conform to the contours of a golf club allowing the user to focus on improving their swing and not on the actual club and type of swing they may usually use with such a club. The apparatus may include any colour scheme or design along its length. However, preferably the apparatus includes a black and white coloring scheme to allow the golfer to focus on training the correct path on the backswing and follow through. 
         [0038]    While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments and examples, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Thus, various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments. Further, all of the claims are hereby incorporated by reference into the description of the preferred embodiments.