Foot mountable golfing aid

A foot mountable golfing aid is operable to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a swing path, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a golfer's body in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid is mounted on the foot of a golfer. The foot mountable golfing aid includes a foot attachment component that is configured to be attached to a foot of a golfer, and a vertically adjustable reference component. The vertically adjustable reference component is supported by the foot attachment component. The vertically adjustable reference component is operable to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a swing path, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a body of a golfer in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid is attached to the foot of a golfer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to golf aids, and may find particular use in golf aids that are attachable to the foot of a golfer.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a complex sport that involves a summation of human movement and forces prior to, during and after ball contact. Golf aids can help a golfer improve their game. Some devices vary tremendously, while others have only minor variations that separate them; therefore, even subtle differences can make a large difference in a complex series of alignments and movements involved in every golf stroke. Further, many prior golf aids are placed on the ground, and picked up and moved, each time a golfer wants to change location. Other golfing aids can damage putting greens and are burdensome to walk with. Thus, there is a need for a foot mountable golfing aid that is not burdensome to walk with and does not damage putting greens.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is a foot mountable golfing aid that is operable to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a swing path, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a body of a golfer in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid is mounted on the foot of a golfer. The foot mountable golfing aid includes a foot attachment component that is configured to be attached to a foot of a golfer, and a vertically adjustable reference component. The vertically adjustable reference component is supported by the foot attachment component. The vertically adjustable reference component is operable to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a swing path, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a body of a golfer in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid is attached to the foot of a golfer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, numerous specific embodiments are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the golfing aid apparatus and methods disclosed herein. However, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the present embodiments may be practiced without these specific details or by using alternate elements or processes. In other instances, well-known processes, procedures, and/or components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of embodiments disclosed herein. As used herein, the terms “swing” and “stroke” may refer to a putting stroke, a partial swing, chipping stroke, or a full swing. As used herein, the terms “vertical” and “vertically” are in relation to a direction perpendicular to ground, and the terms “horizontal” and “horizontally” are in relation to a direction parallel to the ground. As used herein, the terms “shoe” and “foot” both refer to a shoe or a foot of a golfer or user of embodiments of the apparatus as disclosed herein. As used herein, “reference path” may refer to a swing path, a swing plane, and/or a swing alignment.

As indicated, present embodiments provide a foot mountable golfing aid (“golfing aid”) that is operable to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a swing path, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a body of a golfer in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid is mounted on the foot of a golfer. Additionally, the golfing aid can indicate the height of the club through the impact area. The foot mountable golfing aid includes a foot attachment component that can be attached to a foot of a golfer, and a reference component that provides a reference for a swing or putting stroke of a golfer. Preferably, the reference component is a vertically adjustable reference component. The vertically adjustable reference component is supported by the foot attachment component. The vertically adjustable reference component is vertically adjustable and operable to indicate a swing plane and provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a body of a golfer in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid is attached to the foot of a golfer and the vertically adjustable reference component is adjusted to a desired height. Depending on the height of the golfer as well as the type of swing the golfer intends to perform (i.e. full swing or putting stroke) the desired vertical height of the vertically adjustable reference component may vary.

The foot mountable golfing aid can be worn on either foot of a golfer, preferably a golfer wears the foot mountable golfing aid on each foot during practice of a golf swing. Wearing the golfing aid on the front foot can help train certain swing elements that are different from swing elements that may be trained when a golfer wears the golfing aid on the back foot.

The golfing aid can include a vertically adjustable reference component used to provide a reference path for a putting stroke, chipping stroke, or full swing of a golfer that can be used to improve the putting stroke, chipping stroke, or a full swing of the golfer. During putting, the golfing aid can improve alignment of the club face (i.e. provide a reference perpendicular to a target line for the golfer) as well as help position the feet of a golfer with respect to a target line. The golfing aid can also help a golfer identify their shoulder location, hip location, knee location, the putter club head height during a stroke, and ball position. For different swings the vertically adjustable reference component can be adjusted to different heights to accommodate different lie angles and lengths of the different golf clubs in the set and to adjust to the posture and stature of a golfer.

During a full swing, the golfing aid can help improve a golfer's swing path, alignment, shoulder plane, weight transfer, stance, ball position, and hand path. For example, the golf aid can include a vertically adjustable reference component which is positioned between a golfer's feet and a golf ball wherein the vertically adjustable reference component helps a golfer identify the path a club should travel through impact of the golf ball. In an embodiment, wearing the golfing aid on the back foot helps a golfer work on the swing path of the take away, while wearing the golfing aid on the front foot helps work on swing path on the follow through.

The golfing aid can improve alignment, as the club face can be easily seen while wearing the golfing aid, and in an embodiment it is easy to see if the club face is perpendicular to the cross-bar of the golfing aid. The golfing aid can help a golfer ensure that their feet are parallel. Additionally, the golfing aid can help a golfer ensure that their toe line is parallel to their intended target line. Further, the golf aid can help a golfer identify whether their shoulders, hips, and/or knees are square. In an embodiment, the golfing aid helps a golfer learn how to turn their torso.

In an embodiment, the reference component of the golfing aid can include a boom or rod that extends outwardly from the foot of a golfer, and a cross-bar at the end of the boom which can be perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the boom. Preferably, the cross-bar is straight however in an alternate embodiment the cross-bar can include one or more bends, such as at either of the ends thereof. The cross-bar or a portion of the cross-bar preferably runs parallel to a target line of the golfer. Thus, when the golfing aid is worn on the front foot, the club head should travel under a portion of cross-bar, when the cross-bar is set to parallel (i.e. horizontal) to the ground, from the impact of the golf ball until the club head reaches the front foot. In order for this to occur a proper weight shift should also occur.

The golf aid can also help a golfer obtain a proper width of stance. For example, in an embodiment, the cross-bar may be moved from a horizontal position to a vertical position. When in the vertical position, the shin bones of a golfer should be in line with the vertical portion of the cross-bar. This ensures proper width of stance based on bone structure so that a golfer can make a backswing without sway.

The cross-bar of the reference component can also include markings thereon, such that a golfer can consistently position the ball with respect to their body. Additionally, to ensure a proper hand path, a golfer must take the club back wherein their hands stay between a portion of the cross-bar that is parallel to the target line and their legs. The hands should not go outside of the cross-bar. On the way down during a swing, the hands should return from inside the cross-bar to ensure a good path. If the hands come from outside the cross-bar on the downswing, a golfer will be coming over the top of the swing plane and the golfer will have a path that does not promote a straight shot.

FIGS. 1A-1Dillustrate a preferred embodiment of a foot mountable golfing aid100according to an embodiment as disclosed herein. As shown inFIGS. 1A-1D, the foot mountable golfing aid100includes a foot attachment component110that is configured to be attached to a foot of a golfer during use, and a vertically adjustable reference component120that is supported by the foot attachment component110. The vertically adjustable reference component120is operable to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer, indicate a swing path, indicate a proper width of stance of a golfer, and/or aid in alignment of a golfer's body in relation to a target when the foot mountable golfing aid100is attached to the foot of a golfer. The vertically adjustable reference component120can include a first end portion121pivotally attached to the foot attachment component110at a pivot123. The vertically adjustable reference component120can also include a second end portion122that is outward of the first end portion121such that the second end portion122may be vertically adjusted by rotating the vertically adjustable reference component120around the first end portion121. The second end portion122preferably provides a reference path for a swing of a golfer when the foot mountable golfing aid is attached to the foot of a golfer.

In an embodiment, the second end portion122can include one or more lasers140(seeFIG. 1A) that provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer wherein the one or more lasers140can be directed towards the ground and/or outwardly. For example, in an embodiment, the one or more lasers140can be configured to illustrate a linear reference path on the ground wherein the reference path can be configured to be parallel to a desired target line of a stroke of a golfer. In a further embodiment, the one or more lasers140can be located at any position on the foot mountable golfing aid100.

In an embodiment, the vertically adjustable reference component120can include a base124at the first end portion121of the vertically adjustable reference component120. The base124has an opening126in which a boom125that extends outwardly from the base124is located. Preferably, the opening126is a through opening that extends completely through a portion of the base124. The opening126preferably includes the boom125therein such that the boom125is movable within the opening126of the base124wherein the boom125may be movable among a retracted position, intermediate positions, and an extended position. In an embodiment, the boom125may be friction fit in the base124such that the position of the boom125may be finely adjusted within the base124. In a preferred embodiment, the opening126of the base can include at least one groove (not shown) wherein at least one rail (not shown) on the boom125is fitted in the groove such that the boom125is aligned in the base124, or in an alternate embodiment the base can include at least one rail that is fitted in a groove of the boom.

In an alternate embodiment, the vertically adjustable reference component120can include a boom125having a first end portion pivotally attached to the foot attachment component110and a second end portion outward of the first end portion. The second end portion may be vertically adjusted by rotating the vertically adjustable reference component around the first end, wherein the second end portion provides the reference path for a swing of a golfer when the foot mountable golfing aid is attached to the foot of a golfer. In an alternative embodiment, the vertically adjustable reference component can include a boom125that can have a first portion that is vertical or substantially vertical to the foot attachment component110and a second portion that extends horizontally from the first portion. The first section of the boom125in this embodiment may be extendable such that the vertical height of the boom may be increased or decreased. Likewise, the second section of the boom can be extendable such that the horizontal length of the boom may be increased or decreased.

Referring back toFIGS. 1A-1D, the boom125can include a cross-bar129at the end thereof wherein the cross-bar129is configured to provide a reference path for a swing of a golfer when the foot mountable golfing aid is attached to the foot of a golfer. Preferably the cross-bar129extends perpendicular to the length of the boom125. In an embodiment, the cross-bar129may be integral with the boom125, in an alternative embodiment, the cross-bar129may be attached to the end of the boom125with screws or the like. For example, the cross-bar129may include two pieces that each screw into the boom125, such that the cross-bar129may be removed. In a different embodiment, the cross-bar129can be a single piece that screws into the end of the boom125. In an embodiment, the cross-bar129can include a level141, such as a bubble level or digital level, wherein the level may indicate the slope of the ground in which a golfer is standing. The level141can indicate to a golfer when the golfer needs to adjust ball position or their stance such as when a golf ball has an uneven lie in the fair way. Preferably the level141is at the center of the cross-bar129(seeFIG. 1B), however the level141can be included in any position on the golfing aid100. In an embodiment, the level141and/or the laser140, as well as other electronic functions of the golfing aid100, can communicate with a golfer's cell phone via a cell phone application and blue tooth or the like. In this embodiment, the golf aid100includes the necessary electrical components such as a logic controller, power source, and the like.

In an embodiment, the foot attachment component110can include a contoured plate111that is configured to fit against an upper portion of a foot or shoe of a golfer when attached to the foot of a golfer. Preferably, the contoured plate111is contoured such that the foot attachment component110can be attached to the left or right foot of golfer, however in a further embodiment, the contoured plate111can be contoured for a right foot of a golfer or a left foot of a golfer. The contoured plate111preferably includes openings113therein that receive straps114(seeFIG. 1A) that are operable to attach the foot mountable golfing aid100to the foot of a golfer. The straps114can be any type of straps that are operable to affix the foot mountable golfing aid100to the foot of a golfer such as straps that are tie-able, straps that are elastic, straps that include buckles, straps that include a tightening device, or straps that are velcro straps. The contoured plate111preferably includes a soft pad on a lower surface thereof, so as to provide cushioning between the foot attachment component110and the foot or shoe of a golfer. Furthermore, as the contoured plate111is preferably formed of plastic, the pad can reduce scuffing of a golfer's shoe during use of the foot mountable golfing aid100.

In an embodiment, an upper portion of the contoured plate111of foot attachment component110includes a rotatable turret112which supports the vertically adjustable reference component120such that the vertically adjustable reference component120may be horizontally rotated (or translated) about the rotatable turret112. The contoured plate111preferably also includes one or more cut outs115that preferably each extend between an upper and the lower surface of the contoured plate111. The one or more cutouts115are configured to increase the flexibility of the contoured plate, such that a golfer has increased flexibility during practice with the foot mountable golfing aid100and can also bend their toes during use.

In an embodiment, the foot attachment component110and/or the vertically adjustable reference component120include a locking mechanism116that is operable to lock the vertically adjustable reference component in place such that the vertical height of the vertically adjustable reference component120may be fixed. During different types of swings such as a full swing or a putting stroke, the vertical height of the vertically adjustable reference component120is preferably set to a desired position. Preferably, the locking mechanism116is a spring loaded lock (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B), a tab in groove lock (seeFIGS. 1A-1D), or a tightenable fastener. In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable turret112includes a locking mechanism117that is operable to lock the vertically adjustable reference component120in place such that the horizontal position of the vertically adjustable reference component120may be fixed. Preferably, the locking mechanism117is a spring loaded lock (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B), a tab in groove lock (seeFIGS. 1A-1D), or a tightenable fastener.

The vertically adjustable reference component120is preferably extendable such that the horizontal distance that an end portion of the vertically adjustable reference component120is from a golfer may be set. For example, the boom125is preferably a telescoping boom125having at least first and second sections wherein the second section can extend into and out of the first section. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1A-1D, the boom125preferably includes a first section125a, a second section125b, and a third section125cwherein the third section125ccan telescope into the second section125band the second section125bcan telescope into the first section125a. In a preferred arrangement, the first section125acan telescope into the base124. Preferably the first section125a, the second section125b, and/or the third section125cinclude finger tabs128that aid a golfer in extending or retracting a respective section of the boom125.

As shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B, the first, second, and third sections125a,125b, and125cof the boom125are in an extended position, and as shown inFIGS. 1C and 1D, the first, second, and third sections125a,125b, and125cof the boom125are in retracted position. When the first, second, and third sections125a,125b, and125cof the boom125are in the retracted position, a golfer may easily walk to different locations on a golf course without the golfing aid100obstructing the golfer's walking path. Thus, the foot mountable golfing aid100is mobile with the golfer and easily usable. Therefore, a golfer can increase practice efficiency as the golfer does not need to remove the foot mountable golfing aid100during practice, and can adjust the golfing aid100to a multitude of positions for each upcoming stroke during a practice session. In this manner, a golfer can use the golfing aid100during practice and/or during a recreational round of golf.

In an embodiment a first section of the telescoping boom125can be hollow and can include at least one groove in the interior thereof and the second section of the telescoping boom125can include at least one rail on an exterior thereof. In this embodiment the rail of the second section fits in the groove of the first section such that the second section is aligned with the first section and the second section may be telescoped into and out of the first section. Preferably, the first section comprises two grooves in the interior thereof and the second section comprises two corresponding rails on the exterior thereof. The rails of the second section preferably provide a friction fit in the respective grooves such that second section can be telescoped within the first section to a predetermined position.

In an embodiment, the foot mountable golfing aid100can include a movable ball marker160that allows a golfer to mark the position of a golf ball. As shown inFIG. 1A, the movable ball marker160is located on the boom125, however, in an alternate embodiment, the movable ball marker160can be located on the foot attachment component110. In another embodiment, the cross-bar129and/or a portion of the boom125can include a position indicator161to indicate a relationship between a foot of a golfer and the position of a golf ball such that a golfer can consistently locate the ball at a proper position. In an embodiment, the position indicator161can include markings with predetermined angles, or alternatively the position indicator161can be a measurement device such as a ruler. In an additional embodiment, the cross-bar129can include a backswing rail180(seeFIG. 1B) that is operable to limit the back swing of a golfer. The back swing rail180is preferably adjustable, and more preferably removable from the cross-bar129.

FIG. 2illustrates a preferred embodiment of a telescoping boom. As shown inFIG. 2, the boom125preferably includes a first section125a, a second section125b, and a third section125cwherein the third section125ccan telescope into the second section125band the second section125bcan telescope into the first section125a. The first section125ais preferably hollow and includes two grooves (i.e. guides)150in which two rails151of the second section125bare inserted. The second section125bis also preferably hollow and includes two grooves or guides (not shown) in which two rails (not shown) of the third section125care inserted. Likewise, the first section125acan include two rails151that are fitted into the base124of the vertically adjustable reference component120. Preferably, the first, second, and third sections125a,125b,125ceach include a cut out152at respective ends thereof, such that the respective ends can be fitted into an adjacent section or base and provide a friction fit within the grooves150such that the horizontal position of the cross-bar129can be finely adjusted. The first, second, and/or third sections125a,125b,125cof the boom125can also include finger tabs128that aid a golfer in extending or retracting a respective section to a desired location.

In an embodiment, the vertically adjustable reference component120can include a hinge170along a length thereof such that a second end portion122of the vertically adjustable reference component120can be folded towards a first end portion121of the vertically adjustable reference component120. For example,FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate an embodiment of a foot mountable golfing aid100in which the boom125includes a hinge170along the length thereof such that the boom125includes first and second sections125a,125bwherein the second section125bcan be folded towards the first section125a. In the folded upright position (seeFIG. 3B), a golfer can easily walk from spot to spot on a golf course, practice field, or practice green. In a preferred embodiment, adjacent portions of the first and second sections125a,125binclude a magnet therein such that the respective sections are may be firmly fixed together when the boom125is in the extended position (seeFIG. 3A). The first section125apreferably includes a catch such that the second section125bcan be locked in place in the folded position.

While the foot mountable golfing aid has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made, and equivalents employed, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.