GOLF SWING TRAINING SYSTEM

Abstract: A golf swing training system is provided including a light source (12) such as a laser light that generates a light beam from the grip end of a golf club and a mat (14) having disposed thereon graphics depicting preferred light beam paths (22a, 22b, 22c). Upon swinging the golf club such that the light beam projects upon the mat following one of the light beam paths (22a, 22b, 22c), golfers are taught how to swing the club along a preferred swing plane.

Description: TITLE GOLF SWING TRAINING SYSTEM The present application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Application Serial No. 09/096,897. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a golf swing training system for assisting golfers in visualizing and learning through repetitive action whether their golf swing is following the intended swing plane. More particularly, the present invention relates to a golf swing training system employing a light source projecting from the grip end of a golf club or other similar training device which is used in association with a golf mat including graphics which are patterned to verify that the golfer is following a preferred swing plane. When properly aligned, the light source projecting from the golf club or training device should project upon the golf mat along the intended path which provides the golfer with immediate feedback as to the position of the golf club during the down swing. 2. Description of the Prior Art As the game of golf has gained in popularity, various golf swing training devices have been proposed to assist golfers in determining the position of the golf club during the back swing and down swing. In fact, certain training devices have been proposed which specifically relate to assisting golfers in determining the position of the club when the club head is not within the field of view during periods throughout the back swing and down swing. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,693,479 to Maguire discloses attaching a light source to the club handle such that a light beam emits longitudinally outward from the handle thereby enabling a golfer to roughly determine the position of the club during a golf swing. However, Maguire appears to suggest that the light source employed is an incandescent bulb which is considered inadequate under most lighting conditions. U.S. Patent Nos. 5.665,062 to Pellegrini and 5,655,973 to McPherson offer an improvement in the art in that the light source employed is disclosed as being a parallel light source, such as a laser light, for example. While the patents to Pellegrini and McPherson are considered to be an improvement over the golf training device proposed by Maguire, the training devices are considered to be unnecessarily complicated in that the devices require insertion of an anchoring member within the axial end of the golf club shaft to accomplish attachment of the light source. Although each of the foregoing references generally describe the concept of allowing a golfer to roughly determine the position of the golf club throughout at least portions of the back swing and/or down swing, there is no teaching or suggestion of employing an apparatus which verifies that the golf swing and, particularly the light source, is following a preferred path. Further, there is no known golf training apparatus utilizing a light source which also serves to teach a golfer the proper hand positioning in association with various desired swing planes. When a golfer "releases" his/her hands early, they lose club head speed through the ball which results in a loss of power and distance generally. Simply following the proper swing plane is not enough since a golfer can release his/her hands early from a good swing plane on the down swing which generally would result in an undesired shot. In view of the foregoing, the golf swing training system according to the teachings of the present invention differ significantly from the concepts and designs disclosed by the prior art, and in so doing, provide systems which not only provide an improved light emitting device which is easily retrofitted to a conventional golf club or club-like training device but also provides an apparatus for ensuring that the golfer's swing is in the proper plane and that their hands are in a proper position to release through the ball. With the above background in mind, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a golf swing training system which enables a golfer to visualize and feel through muscle memory whether their swing hands are properly positioned and that their swing is following the intended plane during the down swing. It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf swing training system which is readily transportable and easy to use. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved light source which is retrofitable to an existing golf club or training device such that the light projects substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the shaft and thus along the intended swing plane. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved light source which generates a light beam of sufficient intensity to permit use of the device under various lighting conditions. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the foregoing, the present invention relates to a golf swing training system comprising: a light source attached along the grip of a golf club, said light source including a light beam projecting therefrom; and a mat including a graphical display depicting an intended light beam path; whereby upon swinging said golf club, the light beam is projected upon said mat thus allowing an individual to visually verify whether the golf swing is following said light beam path. By following the intended path with the light beam, a golfer can be taught to swing the golf club along varying swing planes which in turn allows the golfer to hit the golf ball in different directions as desired. Further, through repeated use the golfer learns the proper hand positions in association with various swing planes to accomplish a desired type of shot. Additionally, the present invention relates to a golf swing training device attachable over the grip portion of a golf club, said training device comprising: a) a laser light assembly including a first end which is attachable over the grip portion of a golf club and a second end including a selectively activated laser light; and b) a retainer ring slidably positioned over said first end to lock the training device to said grip portion of the golf club. The retainer ring which is generally formed from a hardened thermoplastic or metallic material preferably has an inner diameter sized only slightly greater than the external diameter of the sleeve such that as the ring is positioned over the sleeve, the sleeve fingers are frictionally engaged against the golf club grip to maintain a connection to the club. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a rear perspective view of a golfer utilizing a golf swing training system in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view illustrating the golfer's swing plane. Fig. 3 is a top view of a mat including graphics for a left handed golfer in accordance with the swing training system of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a top view of a mat including graphics for a right handed golfer in accordance with the swing training system of the present invention. Fig. 5 is a front perspective view of a golfer positioned to utilize the swing training system of the present invention. Fig. 6 is a front perspective view illustrating a light beam projected upon an intended path of the golf swing training system. Fig. 7 is a disassembled rear perspective view of overlays including light beam path graphics. Fig. 8 is a sectional view illustrating a light source useful in association with the golf swing training system of the present invention. Fig. 9 is a sectional view of an alternative light source. Fig. 10 is a blown apart perspective view illustrating the components of the light source; Fig. 11 is a perspective assembly view of the laser light source of Fig. 10; Fig. 12 is a magnified view of the internal components of a first light source embodiment shown in the engaged "on" position; Fig. 12A is a magnified view of the internal components of the light source of Fig. 12 shown in the disengaged "off" position; Fig. 13 is a magnified view of the internal components of a second light source shown in the engaged "on" position; Fig. 13A is a magnified view of the internal components of the light source of Fig. 13 shown in the disengaged "off" position; and Fig. 14 is a view illustrating the light source attached to a golf club grip. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring to Figs. 1 - 6 generally, the golf swing training system 10 in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is illustrated. The golf swing verification system generally includes a light source 12 and a mat 14 having a graphical display 16 disposed on an exposed surface 18 which depicts at least one intended light beam path 22 and optionally, but preferably, an alignment demarcation 20 for properly positioning the golfer with respect to the intended light beam path. The mat 14 is generally formed from a lightweight durable material such as artificial grass including a backing material such as rubber or plastic, by way of non-limiting example. The material utilized for the mat should be conducive to painting or screen printing, for example, in order to apply the graphical display. While shown to have an overall rectangular configuration, the mat 14 may be of varying shapes so long as the length dimension is at least about 3.0 feet in length and the width dimensions at least about .0 feet. The alignment demarcation 20 generally includes an elongated line 26 disposed along the width of the mat closer to the leading edge 28 than the rearward edge 30. While described as optional, the alignment demarcation is important for ensuring the golfer is properly positioned with respect to the mat which in turn ensures that the light beam may follow the intended path during use. The alignment demarcation also includes a designated position 32 for a golf ball to further assist in properly positioning the golfer. With regard to the so-called intended light beam path generally a plurality of arcuate light beam paths 22A, 22B and 22C, respectively, are provided to assist the golfer in verifying that they are following different swing planes if so desired. For example, a first path 22A is patterned to assist a golfer in learning the proper swing plane and hand position for hitting a golf ball substantially straight. A second path 22b, which is closer to the golfer in the rearward direction (back swing) and further from the golfer in the forward direction (down swing) as compared to path 22A is patterned to assist a golfer in learning to swing the golf club along a plane in order to draw the golf ball, i.e., hit the golf ball with the proper type of spin to cause the ball to move from right to left as it approaches the target area. A third path 22C, which starts farther from the golfer in the rearward direction (back swing) and closer to the golfer in the forward direction (down swing) as compared to path 22A assists the golfer in learning to swing the golf club along a plane which allows the golfer to fade the golf ball, i.e., hit the golf ball with the proper type of spin to cause the ball to move from left to right as it approaches the target area. Each path is generally arcuate or slightly curved to mimic the natural tendencies of a golfer's swing plane. Advancement of the golf club along a swing plane is illustrated in Fig. 2 and designated by reference numeral 36. In addition to teaching the golfer the desired swing plane to carry out a particular type of shot, the golf swing training system also serves to teach the hand positioning required to carry out the desired shot. The light beam paths 22 are thus positioned so that a golfer's hands are required to be in a particular position throughout the swing in order for the light beam to be projected upon the desired path. Referring to Fig. 7, there is shown a disassembled perspective view of a plurality of relatively transparent overlays 70 including a predetermined graphical display 72 which is generally used in association with the mat 14. For example, the overlay may include graphics which would teach a golfer a specialized shot such as a green side bunker shot. The overlay may be a single sheet or may include multiple sheets fastened to the mat along an end by mating the apertures 74 with the fasteners 76 extending upwardly from the mat 14 at one end. As should be understood based on the foregoing description, the overlay can be used exclusive of the mat if so desired. The golf swing training system of the present invention can be utilized by both right and left handed golfers thus, for left handed golfers, the mat 14 as illustrated if Fig. 3, includes a similar graphical display 16 disposed substantially on the opposite side of the exposed surface 18. Optionally, a universal application (not shown) is contemplated wherein the graphical display for both right and left handed golfers is included on the same exposed surface. Likewise, it is contemplated that right and left handed graphics could be provided on opposite sides of the mat thereby allowing the same to be used by simply flipping the mat over so that the proper side is exposed. Referring to Figs. 8 and 9, the present invention is additionally directed to laser light assemblies 12 which can be used alone or in association with the above described patterned mat, for example. The light assembly 12 includes an elastomeric sleeve 40 including a first section 42 which houses a battery 46 and a laser light 48 which generates the light beam preferably projecting along the central longitudinal axis of the club shaft which is projected upon the mat. The second section 44 of the sleeve is disposable over the golf club grip 62. While the light source is specifically described herein as being attachable to a golf club, it is important to note that the phrases "golf club" and "golf club grip" are intended to encompass golf club training devices as well. As illustrated in Fig. 7, the sleeve 40 may be molded to permanently retain the lighting components or alternatively, as shown in Fig. 8, may include a selectively detachable plug 50 disposed within the cavity 52 of the sleeve such that the lighting components can be replaced if necessary. The plug 50 is preferably removably fastened to the inner wall 54 of the sleeve via a mechanical attachment such as threads 56 or may optionally be press-fit into position against the base of the battery 46 to assist in retaining the battery and light in electrical contact. The diameter of the sleeve 40, particularly along the second section 44, may vary depending on the size of club grip over which the light source is disposed upon attachment. For example, the diameter may be sufficiently large to fit an oversized grip and may be reduced to fit a smaller grip by tightening a clamp 60. Once applied over the golf club grip 62, the light source 12 may be activated by moving a switch 64 to the "on" position and deactivated by returning the switch to the "off" position. Referring to Figs. 10 - 13A preferred golf swing training devices 110 which can be used alone or in combination with the specially designed mat 14 as described above are illustrated as including a laser light assembly 112 and a locking ring 114 for selectively securing the light assembly to the golf club grip 116. The laser light assembly generally includes a body 118, a laser light module 158, a power source 144 and an electrical current 124 as will be described in greater detail below. The locking ring 114 which preferably is formed from a high strength thermoplastic or metal is sized such that the internal diameter 180 tapers downwardly from a first end 182 to a second end 184. As such, it is preferable that the inner diameter along the second end be only slightly larger than the largest diameter along the grip end of the club. The body 118 of the laser light assembly 112 includes a sleeve 130, a laser cap 126 and a switch cap 170. Sleeve 130 is provided with a socket 132 disposed along a first end 134 which includes a threaded outer diameter 150 for hosting the laser cap 126. Disposed along a second end 146 of the sleeve 130 are a plurality of flat spaced apart fingers 148 which define a cavity 192 into which the golf club grip is inserted upon attachment. The laser cap 126 which is disposed between the sleeve 130 and the switch cap 170 includes a first end having a cylindrical shaped receptacle 156 which hosts the laser module 158 and a second end 160 including a socket 162. Preferably the socket 162 includes inwardly extending threads 168 which mate with the threaded outer diameter 150 of the sleeve. Switch cap 170 generally includes a rounded first end 172 having an aperture 174 through which a light beam projects and a second end 176 which is provided with a recess 178 for receiving the receptacle 156 extending from the laser cap. Under a first embodiment as best illustrated with reference to Figs. 12 and 12A, the receptacle 156 preferably includes a plurality of spaced apart outwardly extending protrusions 186 and 186A, respectively. The recess 178 is shaped such that it has at least one mating tang 188 which snaps over the beads 186 and 186A to secure the switch cap 170 to the laser cap 126 in the engaged or "on" position. To disengage the circuit 124 and shut off the laser light, the switch cap 170 is pulled upwardly such that the tang 188 seats in between the protrusions 186 and 186A. This in turn provides a gap 190 between the dc transfer contact 166 and the switch contact 164. Under an alternative embodiment as shown with reference to Figs. 13 and 13A, the laser cap 126 and switch cap 170 are fixed together upon assembly. The electrical circuit 124 is activated and deactivated by twisting the switch cap and laser cap in unison approximately 180°. Thus, when the switch cap and laser cap are rotated to the off position, a gap 190A is provided between the dc contact 138 and dc contact 166 as shown in Fig. 13A. This gap is closed by rotating the switch cap and laser cap approximately 180° to bring the dc contact 138 and dc transfer contact 166 together to complete the circuit. The electrical circuit 124 includes a plurality of components including a dc contact 138, a dc transfer contact 166 and a switch contact 164. To complete the circuit and thereby power the laser light module 158, a first end of the dc contact is positioned against a first charged end of the battery 144. The dc transfer contact is likewise positioned against a second charged end of the battery and contacts the dc contact 138. By bringing the switch contact into contact with both the dc transfer contact and the laser light module, the circuit becomes completed as will be described in greater detail below. To construct the laser light assembly 112, the dc contact 138, a retaining pin 140, a hollow cylindrical insulator 142 and the battery 144 are packed within the socket 132 of the sleeve 130. The laser module 158 and switch contact 164 are installed within the receptacle 156 of the laser cap and the laser cap is screwed onto the sleeve. Thereafter, the switch cap 170 is installed onto the laser cap 126 such that the receptacle 156 seats within the recess 176. To apply the golf swing training device 110 to the golf club grip 116, the locking ring 114 is first applied over the grip end of the golf club with the reduced diameter portion leading. The locking ring 114 is advanced until sufficient clearance is provided for attachment of the laser light assembly. The grip end of the club is then inserted into the cavity 192 of the sleeve such that the fingers 148 extend along the shaft. Preferably the sleeve is advanced far enough for the retaining pin 140 to extend into the hole 194 typically provided in the grip end of the club. Upon application, the light source assembly can now be used with or without the specially designed mat as described above. While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to fulfill the objects stated, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the spirit thereof.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED IS: 1. A golf swing training system: a light source attached along the grip end of a golf club, said light source including a light beam projecting therefrom; and a mat including a graphical display depicting an arcuate light beam path; whereby upon swinging said golf club, the light beam projecting from the grip end of said golf club is projected upon said mat such that the light beam follows said arcuate path thus allowing an individual to verify whether the golf swing is in a proper plane. 2. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein said graphical display includes an arcuate light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball substantially straight. 3. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein said graphical display includes an arcuate light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball with a draw. 4. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein said graphical display includes an arcuate light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball with a fade. 5. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein said graphical display includes a plurality of arcuate light beam paths, said plurality of paths including a first light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball substantially straight and a second light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to either draw or fade a golf ball. 6. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein said mat includes an alignment demarcation. 7. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein said light source comprises: a substantially hollow sleeve including a first section containing a battery and a laser light and a second section which is disposed over a golf club grip upon attachment. 8. The golf swing training system of claim 1 further comprising an overlay including a graphical display depicting an alternate light beam path, said overlay being positioned over said mat to change the intended light beam path. 9. The golf swing training system of claim 1 wherein a golfer is taught both a desired swing plane and the proper hand positioning necessary to release their hands at the time of impact with a golf ball. 10. The golf swing training system of claim 1 further comprising an overlay including a graphical display depicting an alternate light beam path, said overlay being positioned over said mat to change the intended light beam path. 11. A golf swing training system comprising: a light source attached along the grip end of a golf club, said light source including a light beam projecting therefrom; and a mat including at least one overlay having a graphical display depicting an intended light beam path; whereby upon swinging said golf club, the light beam projecting from the grip end of said golf club is projected upon said overlay such that the light beam follows said intended light beam path thus allowing an individual to verify whether the golf swing is in a proper plane to accomplish a particular golf shot. 12. The golf swing training system of Claim 11 wherein said graphical display of said overlay includes a plurality of light beam paths, said plurality of paths including a first light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball substantially straight and a second light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to either draw or fade a golf ball. 13. The golf swing training system of Claim 11 wherein said mat includes an alignment demarcation. 14. The golf swing training system of Claim 11 wherein said light source comprises: a substantially hollow sleeve including a first section containing a battery and a laser light and a second section which is disposed over a golf club grip upon attachment. 15. The golf swing training system of Claim 11 wherein a golfer is taught both a desired swing plane and the proper hand positioning necessary to release their hands at the time of impact with a golf ball. 16. The golf swing training system of Claim 11 wherein said overlay is substantially transparent. 17. The golf swing training system of Claim 11 wherein said mat includes a graphical display depicting an intended light beam path. 18. A golf swing training device attachable over the grip portion of a golf club, comprising: a laser light assembly including a body attachable over the grip portion of said golf club, a laser light module for generating a light beam, a power source and an electrical circuit which links said power source with said laser light module; and a locking ring slidably positioned over said body to secure said laser light assembly to said golf club. 19. The golf swing training device of Claim 18 wherein said body includes a sleeve having a plurality of spaced apart fingers which define a cavity for receiving the grip portion of the golf club. 20. The golf swing training device of Claim 19 wherein said body further comprises a switch cap movable between an engaged on position and a disengaged off position to selectively activate and deactivate the laser light module. 21. The golf swing training device of Claim 20 wherein said switch cap includes an aperture through which a laser light beam projects. 22. The golf swing training device of Claim 21 wherein said body also includes a laser cap fixed to and movable with said switch cap. 23. The golf swing training device of Claim 20 wherein said body includes a laser cap disposed between said sleeve and said switch cap for housing the laser light module. 24. The golf swing training device of Claim 18 wherein said electrical circuit includes a dc contact, a dc transfer contact and a switch contact. 25. The golf swing training device of Claim 18 wherein said power source is a battery housed within said sleeve. 26. The golf swing training device of Claim 18 wherein said locking ring includes an internal diameter which becomes progressively smaller from a first end to a second end. 27. The golf swing training device of Claim 18 wherein said device is useful in association with a mat including at least one arcuate light beam path. 28. A golf swing training device attachable over the grip portion of a golf club, comprising: a laser light assembly capable of generating a laser light beam; and a fastener in the form of a locking ring for securing said laser light assembly to said golf club. 29. The golf swing training device of Claim 28 wherein said locking ring fits over said laser light assembly to secure the laser light assembly to said golf club in a friction fit relationship. 30. The golf swing training device of Claim 29 wherein said locking ring includes an internal diameter which becomes progressively smaller from a first end to a second end. 31. The golf swing training device of Claim 28 wherein said laser light assembly further comprises a body attachable over the grip portion of said golf club, a laser light module for generating a light beam, a power source and an electrical circuit linking the power source and said laser light module. 32. The golf swing training device of Claim 31 wherein said body includes a sleeve having a plurality of spaced apart fingers which define a cavity for receiving the grip portion of the golf club. 33. The golf swing training device of Claim 32 wherein said body further comprises a switch cap movable between an engaged on position and a disengaged off position to selectively activate and deactivate the laser light module. 34. The golf swing training device of Claim 33 wherein said body also includes a laser cap fixed to and movable with said switch cap. 35. The golf swing training device of Claim 33 wherein said switch cap includes an aperture through which a laser light beam projects. 36. The golf swing training device of Claim 33 wherein said body includes a laser cap disposed between said sleeve and said switch cpa for maintaining the laser light module. 37. The golf swing training device of Claim 31 wherein said electrical circuit includes a dc contact, a dc transfer contact and a switch contact. 38. The golf swing training device of Claim 31 wherein said power source is a battery housed within said sleeve. 39. A golf swing training apparatus useful in association with a golf club including a light beam projecting from the grip end of said club, said training apparatus comprising: a mat including a first exposed surface having a graphical display depicting an intended light beam path, whereby an individual can visually verify that their swing is following the intended light beam path by comparing the position of said light beam relative to the intended path. 40. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 10 wherein said graphical display includes a light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball substantially straight. 41. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 10 wherein said graphical display includes a plurality of arcuate light beam paths including a first arcuate light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to hit a golf ball substantially straight and a second light beam path patterned to teach a golfer to swing the club along a plane in order to either draw or fade a golf ball. 42. The golf swing training apparatus of claim 10 wherein said mat also includes an alignment demarcation.

Inventors: BROWN TREVOR, LAFFER MICHAEL R, PARKINSON TREVOR C, BROWN, TREVOR, LAFFER, MICHAEL, R., PARKINSON, TREVOR, C.
Applicants: BROWN TREVOR, LAFFER MICHAEL R, PARKINSON TREVOR C, BROWN, TREVOR, LAFFER, MICHAEL, R., PARKINSON, TREVOR, C.
Application year: 1999
Main classification: A63B69
IPC codes: A63B69