Abstract:
A device that can be used to assist a golfer in setting up their body for swinging a golf club and provides proper alignment of the head, back and knees prior to swinging the club. Through repetition of swinging a golf club, the golfer using this training system will improve muscle memory and develop a consistent swing and improvement in having the golf club strike the golf ball resulting in a lower score for a round of golf.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present applications are related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. Nos. 61/602,182 filed Feb. 23, 2012 which applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
     A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to the field of golf training devices and more specifically relates to a golf swing snake training system to provide a proper stance conditioning that maintains correct head, back, and knee placement during the swing of a golf club. Further, the device helps the golfer with muscle memory. 
     2. Description of the Related A 
     Golfers, whether playing as professionals or as a weekend or occasional player constantly try to improve their game and work on the mechanics of their swing in order to lower their scores. They often search for devices to help them improve their game; particularly their swing. Some golfers may hire a trainer or coach, but this can be expensive. Alternately, other golfers may use various devices in an attempt to improve their swing that may not help significantly in their progress. 
     Over the years many golf training devices have been provided with each of them addressing a different aspect of the game such as hitting the ball from the tee box and fairway or addressing and hitting a golf ball on the green. Many golfers take pride in their ability to hit the drives and fairway shots long and straight. Every player is aware that stance and movement of the body and its appendages must be coordinated in order to properly strike the golf ball with a selected club. The golfer&#39;s head, arms, shoulders, torso, hips and knees must move in coordination to achieve a satisfactory stroke. To accomplish this objective it is helpful to develop muscle memory so that each part of the golfer&#39;s body works together in sync during the backswing and downswing of hitting the golf ball. It is also important to be able to easily transport a device, and many of the devices available to a golfer cannot be conveniently compacted and stored directly in a golf bag for ultimate accessibility. Such a device is desired. 
     Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. 3,138,388 to Harold et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,926 to Owens et al; and U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,789 to Nakamura; U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,663 to Lurowist, Jr.; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,386 to Hill; U.S. Pat. No. 8,016,690 to Rushe. This prior art is representative of golf training devices. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
     Ideally, a golf swing snake training system should provide an easily transportable device for assuming a proper stance that maintains correct head, back, and knee placement during the swing of a golf club, and yet, would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable golf stance training system to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known golf training device art, the present invention provides a novel golf swing snake training system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a device that can be used to assist a golfer in setting up their stance for swinging a golf club and provides proper alignment of the head, back and knees prior to swinging the club. 
     A golf swing snake training system is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising: a golf-stance-training-assembly in combination comprising a training-stand-base, a training-stand-connector-member, a training-stand-vertical-support, and a positionable-contact-guide. The golf-stance-training-assembly is modular such that it is easy to assemble, disassemble and transport. 
     The training-stand-base preferably comprises at least a pair of base-feet comprising in combination a left-base-foot and a right-base foot thereby providing stability to the golf-stance-training-assembly when assembled and used. The training-stand-base comprises (round) PVC tubing in preferred embodiments. The pair of horizontal-base-feet comprises exactly one left-base-foot and one right-base-foot in preferred embodiments however may comprise more feet in alternate embodiments. The pair of base-feet are each removeably couplable into the training-stand-connector-member to form the training-stand-base. The pair of base-feet are horizontally oriented such as to provide a sturdy base when assembled spanning a suitable surface area to prevent tipping of the golf-stance-training-assembly when assembled and used. The left-base-foot and the right-base-foot are oriented substantially perpendicular to each other when assembled. The pair of base-feet are horizontally oriented and positioned such as to not impede a stance of a golfer when addressing a golf ball. 
     The training-stand-connector-member may also comprise PVC and the training-stand-connector-member comprises a corner bracket for a conduit frame. The training-stand-connector-member comprises in combination a body member having a first-opening, a second-opening, and a third-opening. The first-opening, second-opening, and third-opening, each allowing for insertion(s) of the feet and vertical member therein. Thus, the training-stand-connector-member is connectable to the left-base-foot and the right-base-foot as insertions. The training-stand-connector-member is connectable to the training-stand-vertical-support as an insertion (vertically). 
     The training-stand-vertical-support comprises in combination a vertical-support body including a vertical-first-end, and a vertical-second-end; each located on opposing terminal ends of the training-stand-vertical-support. The training-stand-vertical-support preferably comprises PVC tubing (other materials may be used for the various components, but PVC is preferred since it is lightweight, relatively inexpensive and readily available for manufacture) and is oriented vertically at 90 degrees to the training-stand-base when assembled. The training-stand-vertical-support is connected to the contact-guide-connector of the positionable-contact-guide and the training-stand-vertical-support is telescopic such that it is height adjustable to accommodate the different heights of golfers and different desired positionings. 
     The positionable-contact-guide comprises in combination a contact-guide-connector, a flexible-training-conduit, and a padded-body-contact-section. The flexible-training-conduit preferably comprises a sheath and a plurality of hinged joints aligned in series. The hinged joints are flexibly-rotatably-movable in relation to adjacently-positioned hinged joints such that it may be bent into a desired position and maintain that desired position until re-manipulated. The flexible-training-conduit is connected through the padded-body-contact-section. 
     The padded-body-contact-section comprises a foam tube inserted over and about the flexible-training-conduit with the flexible-training-conduit providing stiffening and rigidity for the foam tube; the foam providing comfort to the user when touching it. The flexible-training-conduit and padded-body-contact-section, when manipulated, are used to instill muscle memory in a golfer over an extended period. The training-stand-vertical-support is able to be adjusted such that the padded-body-contact-section is able to alternately touch-contact body parts. The body parts are selected from the group of a head, a hip, a back, and a buttock of a golfer. 
     The golf-stance-training-assembly may further comprise an alignment-rod, wherein the alignment-rod comprises a length of PVC tubing to provide a golfer with a visual aid to help align the feet of a golfer to assume a proper stance. The alignment-rod comprises a first-alignment-rod-end, a second-alignment-rod-end, and a body-length of about four feet to about six feet (suitable length) such that it is sufficient to provide a shot alignment indicator for the golfer. 
     The flexible-training-conduit is manipulatable such that the padded-body-contact-section is able to be positioned in relation to a desired body part(s) of a golfer, as mentioned, to help conform the stance of the golfer to maintain a centered position over a golf ball such that the golfer is able to realize dependable contact of the golf ball by a golf club and a more consistent swing of the golf club thereby increasing muscle memory and swing reliability over many repetitions. 
     The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a golf swing snake training system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, golf swing snake training system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a golf-stance-training-system in an in-use condition as golfer addresses a golf ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a golf-stance-training-assembly during a backswing of a golfer according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the golf-stance-training-assembly in an assembled condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the golf-stance-training-assembly in an unassembled condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the golf stance training system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     
    
    
     The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a golf training device and more particularly to a golf swing snake training system as used to improve the stance of a golfer when preparing to swing a golf club. 
     Generally speaking, golfers take pride in hitting their golf ball with a selected club to a position on the golf course that achieves their objective. Serious golfers wishing to lower their scores understand the value of developing muscle memory to enjoy the benefits of a consistent swing delivering a desired result. When starting to play a hole, the driver is normally the club selected on longer holes. Every golfer who plays on a regular basis knows how important it is to have his/her body properly aligned to strike the ball properly on a consistent basis. The proper stance includes having the head in a certain position and restricting the movement of the arms, shoulders, torso, hips and knees during the backswing and the downswing to strike the ball. If the body is not properly aligned, the golf ball may not cover the desired distance or may go the left or the right of where the golfer prefers his/her ball to go. 
     Most of the human errors, leading to a poorly hit ball, occur during the backswing and downswing. Many players, even after having developed a smooth, rhythmical swing, have a tendency to draw the club inwardly as the club head approaches the ball. Other players tend to chop at the ball. Other irregularities occur in the downswing of even the most experienced of players. Regardless of the age, weight and strength of the player, these, as well as other improper body movements, result in inaccurate shots with the attendant increase in score. The cure to this problem is to develop muscle memory to throughout the golfer&#39;s body so they can repeatedly swing their golf club in a manner to provide maximum results. The present invention serves o address these problems. 
     Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating golf-stance-training-system  100  (Golf Swing Snake System) in an in-use condition  150  as golfer  105  addresses golf ball  106  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     Golf-stance-training-system  100  preferably comprises golf-stance-training-assembly  110  comprising training-stand-base  114  including at least pair of base-feet  115  having (at least) left-base-foot  116  and right-base-foot  117 . Golf-stance-training-assembly  110  further comprises training-stand-connector-member  120  comprising body member  122  having first-opening  123  second-opening  124  and third-opening  125 . Golf-stance-training-assembly  110  further comprises training-stand-vertical-support  130  comprising vertical-support-body  135  having vertical-first-end  136  and vertical-second-end  137 . Golf-stance-training-assembly  110  further comprises positionable-contact-guide  140  having contact-guide-connector  141 , flexible-training-conduit  142 , and padded-body-contact-section  143 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a perspective view illustrating golf-stance-training-assembly  110  in an in-use condition  150  during the backswing of golfer  105  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     Flexible-training-conduit  142  of positionable-contact-guide  140  of golf-stance-training-assembly  110  is manipulatable such that padded-body-contact-section  143  of positionable-contact-guide  140  is able to be positioned in relation to a (desired) body part of golfer  105  to help conform stance of golfer  105  to maintain a centered position over golf ball  106  such that golfer  106  is able to realize dependable contact of golf ball  106  by golf club  107  and a more consistent swing of golf club  107  thereby increasing reliability over many repetitions. By taking slow practice swings using positional-contact-guide  140  in contact with body parts such as head, against the spine, between shoulder blades of golfer  105 , for example, muscles of golfer  105  become accustomed to repeated movement to install muscle memory. When body part of golfer  105  moves during the backswing of golfer  105 , golf-stance-training-assembly  110  no longer remains in contact with the user&#39;s body thereby letting golfer  105  realize that positional-contact-guide  140  of golf-stance-training-assembly  110  has moved and has released from body part of golfer  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating golf-stance-training-assembly  110  in an assembled condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     Golf-stance-training-assembly  110  comprises in combination training-stand-base  114 , training-stand-connector-member  120 , training-stand-vertical-support  130 , and positionable-contact-guide  140 . Training-stand-base  114  comprises PVC tubing and comprises at least pair of base-feet  115  comprising in combination left-base-foot  116  and right-base foot  117 ; this providing stability to golf-stance-training-assembly  110  when assembled for use on a golf course practice and warm-up area or other location where golfer  105  may choose to work on a golf swing. 
     Training-stand-connector-member  120  comprises in combination body member  122  having first-opening  123 , second-opening  124 , and third-opening  125 . First-opening  123 , second-opening  124 , and third-opening  125  for insertions into training-stand-connector-member  120 . Training-stand-connector-member  120  comprises PVC forming a corner bracket for a conduit frame. Pair of base-feet  115  provide a horizontal base when inserted into training-stand-connector-member  120  and are each removeably couplable into training-stand-connector-member  120  to form training-stand-base  114 . Training-stand-connector-member  120  is connectable to left-base-foot  116  and right-base-foot  116 . Pair of horizontal-base-feet  115  comprises exactly one left-base-foot  116  and one right-base-foot  117  in preferred embodiments. Left-base-foot  116  and right-base-foot  117  are oriented perpendicular to each other when assembled. Pair of base-feet  115  are substantially horizontally oriented such as to provide a sturdy base when assembled, spanning a surface area to prevent tipping of golf-stance-training-assembly  110  when used. Pair of base-feet  115  are horizontally oriented such as to not impede a stance of golfer  105  when addressing golf ball  106 . Training-stand-connector-member  120  is connectable to training-stand-vertical-support  130  to provide height needed to utilize postionable-contact-guide  140  on a body part(s) of golfer  105 . 
     Training-stand-vertical-support  130  comprises in combination vertical-support body  135  including vertical-first-end  136 , and vertical-second-end  137 . Vertical-first-end  136  and vertical-second-end  137  are located on opposing terminal ends of training-stand-vertical-support  130 , as shown. Training-stand-vertical-support  130  is oriented vertically at 90 degrees to training-stand-base  114  (and ground surface) when assembled. Training-stand-vertical-support  130  is adjustable such that padded-body-contact-section  143  is able to touch-contact one of several body parts (one at a time) such as a head, hip, back, or buttock of golfer  105 . Training-stand-vertical-support  130  comprises PVC tubing and is preferably telescopic. 
     Positionable-contact-guide  140  comprises in combination contact-guide-connector  141 , flexible-training-conduit  142 , and padded-body-contact-section  143 . Training-stand-vertical-support  130  is connected to contact-guide-connector  141 . Flexible-training-conduit  142  is connected to padded-body-contact-section  143 . 
     Flexible-training-conduit  142  comprises a sheath and is manipulatable such that padded-body-contact-section  143  is able to be positioned in relation to a body part of golfer  105  to help conform stance of golfer to maintain a centered position over golf ball  106  such that golfer  105  is able to realize dependable contact of golf ball  106  by golf club  107  and a more consistent swing of golf club  107  thereby increasing reliability over many repetitions. This feature helps consistently improve the golf game of golfer  105  over a duration. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view illustrating golf-stance-training-assembly  110  in an unassembled condition according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
     Golf-stance-training-system  100  comprises golf-stance-training-assembly  110  which is modular and includes left-base-foot  116 , right-base-foot  117 , training-stand-connector-member  120 , vertical-support-body  135 , and positionable-contact-guide  140  comprising contact-guide-connector  141 , flexible-training-conduit  142 , and padded-body-contact-section  143 . Training-stand-vertical-support  130  is connected to contact-guide-connector  141  during use. Flexible-training-conduit  142  is connected to padded-body-contact-section  143  during use. 
     Flexible-training-conduit  142  comprises a plurality of hinged joints  145  aligned in series and are movable in relation to adjacently-positioned hinged joints  145 . Flexible-training-conduit  142  and padded-body-contact-section  143 , when manipulated, are used to instill muscle memory in golfer  105 . Padded-body-contact-section  143  comprises foam tube  144  inserted over and about flexible-training-conduit  142  with flexible-training-conduit  142  providing stiffening and rigidity for foam tube  144 . 
     Golf-stance-training-system  100  may further comprise alignment-rod  155  (which also may be telescopic such that it is able to fit in a gold bag) having a length of PVC tubing to provide golfer  105  with a visual aid to help align feet of golfer  105  to assume a proper stance. Alignment-rod  155  comprises first-alignment-rod-end  157 , second-alignment-rod-end  158 , and body-length  159  of about four feet to about six feet such that it is sufficient to provide a shot alignment indicator for golfer  105 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flowchart illustrating a method of use  500  of golf-stance-training-system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
     A method of use  500  for golf-stance-training-system  100  preferably comprises the steps of: step one  501  retrieving golf-stance-training-assembly  110  from a stored position in a golf bag; step two  502  assembling components of golf-stance-training-assembly  110 ; step three  503  positioning padded-body-contact-section  143  to part of body being trained; step four  504 , swinging golf club repeatedly to improve muscle memory; step five  505  repositioning padded-body-contact-section  143  to another part of body being trained as often as desired, step six  506  disassembling golf-stance-training-assembly  110 ; and step seven  507  returning golf-stance-training-assembly  110  to a stored position in a golf bag. 
     It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
     The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.