Abstract:
A golf swing training apparatus and method of using same that instructs a trainee in the two optimum golf swings, namely an inward swing and an outward swing. The apparatus of the invention is of a unique configuration that, through the use of a novel practice ball assembly, allows a trainee to positively observe the differences between the inward golf swing and the outward golf swing.

Description:
[0001]    This is a Continuation-In-Part of co-pending U.S. application Ser. No. 12/009,306, filed Jan. 16, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to golf swing training apparatus. More particularly, the invention concerns an apparatus for instructing a trainee in two golf swings, namely an inward swing and an outward swing. 
         [0004]    2. Discussion of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    It is generally agreed that there are two mutually exclusive and equally effective optimum golf swings, namely the so-called “inward” golf swing and the so-called “outward” golf swing. It is also generally agreed that the golf swing embodies two separate applications of geometry, both of which must be properly addressed in an effective golf swing. The first of these, namely “impact geometry”, concerns the fact that one must compress the ball on the face of the club head in such a manner that maximum swing force is transferred. 
         [0006]    Accomplishing this without side spin is the ideal, but most accomplished golfers use either a draw spin or a fade spin in carrying out the majority of their shots. The other application of geometry, namely “force controlling geometry”, produces the physics that control the transfer of the total swing force to the club head. Most good golfers develop a feel for an effective swing through a trial and error method (“muscle memory”) that is inconsistent at best. Adding to the difficulty with this approach is the fact that there are two diametrically opposed procedures for effectively releasing the club head, each with its own unique feel. Mostly because of this fact, contradictory advice has always plagued the game; more often by being incomplete, rather than totally wrong. The forgoing and various other theories concerning the golf swing have been discussed in numerous books and articles, including books by Ben Hogan and Homer Kelley. 
         [0007]    Ben Hogan in his noted work, “Five Lessons: The Modern Fundamentals of Golf”, likened the swing plane to a large flat pane of glass inclined from the intended line of flight of the ball and generally resting on the shoulders of the trainee. In Hogan&#39;s theory, the glass pane intersected the ground in a line which was coincident with the line of flight. To control club movement, the golfer ideally swung the club head underneath the plane throughout the swing. However, Hogan introduced a slight shift in the plane line in the downswing to account for the apparent motion of the club head outward and away from the golfer from hip height, through impact. 
         [0008]    Homer Kelley, in his well known book, “The Golfing Machine”, describes the swing plane as a two dimensional geometric structure on which the entire club moves throughout the golf swing. Kelley pictured the swing plane as a flat pane of glass intersecting the ground in a line with the plane line being identical with the intended initial line of flight of the ball. This plane was described by Kelley as having a dynamically changing inclined angle during the swing, with the entire club remaining on the plane throughout the swing. Kelley mentions in his book that depending on the number of accumulators used, that is to say, parts of his “power package”, a golf swing can be anything from a simple “one barrel” to a full “four barrel” version. 
         [0009]    The inward and outward swings, which are taught to be recognized by the trainee through the use of the apparatus of the present invention, can be explained in terms of the Kelley concepts as follows: Basically, there are five basic elements of the golf swing; the lower body (hips), the upper body (shoulders), the leading arm, the hands, and the shaft flex. These five elements are released in the sequence listed in the downswing of each swing method. However, each element has the potential to release in either direction, that is, inward or outward. As such, they have the capacity to create torque four times by opposing each other in sequential fashion. It is these four potential segments of torque that actually establish the number of barrels a swing contains and, thereby, its ability to create effortless power. 
         [0010]    In performing the golf swing, each of the five basic elements of the golf swing element is indirectly affected by each of the others. For example, the hips are outward when they are adding to the turning force of the swing through impact and they are inward when they are resisting this force. The shoulders act similarly, but must act in an opposite direction to the hips for a four barrel swing to result. The leading arm is outward when the angle formed by it and the shoulders is increasing (Kelley&#39;s #4 accumulator); and it is inward when this angle is decreasing through impact. The action of the hands and club shaft are similar to the action of the hips and shoulders. 
         [0011]    The importance of understanding and being able to recognize the two swing methods discussed in the preceding paragraphs is highlighted by the fact that, while most touring professionals are inward swingers there are some notable exceptions, including Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, Fred Couples and John Daly. Examples of renowned inward swingers include Arnold Palmer, Lee Trevino, Steve Elkington and Nick Faldo. 
         [0012]    Teachers of golf and authors of books and articles on the golf swing almost always fall into one category or the other. For example, Ben Hogan&#39;s “Five Lessons, The Modem Fundamentals of Golf” tends to favor the inward swing, while Leslie King&#39;s “Master Key to Good Golf” tends to favor the outward swing. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0013]    It is an object of the invention to provide a training apparatus that instructs a trainee in the two optimum golf swings, namely an inward swing and an outward swing. 
         [0014]    Another object of the invention is to provide an apparatus of the aforementioned character that allows a trainee to positively observe the differences between the inward golf swing and the outward golf swing. 
         [0015]    Another object of the invention is to provide a training apparatus as described in the preceding paragraphs that is of a simple, compact construction and one that can be used by the trainee with a minimum of instruction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a generally perspective view of one form of the golf training apparatus of the invention for practicing the inward swing. 
           [0017]      FIG. 1A  is a generally perspective view similar to  FIG. 1 , but showing the apparatus inverted from the position shown in  FIG. 1  for practicing the outward swing. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a generally perspective view similar to  FIG. 2 , but showing the practice ball assembly carrying component rotated 180 degrees. 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a greatly enlarged, generally perspective view of the area designated in  FIG. 2  as  3 - 3 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a generally perspective view of one form of the practice ball assembly carrying components of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 5  is a generally perspective view illustrating the use of the apparatus by the trainee to accomplish an inward practice swing. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5A  is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5B  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 5A , further illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a generally perspective view illustrating the use of the apparatus by the trainee in accomplishing an outward practice swing. 
           [0026]      FIG. 6A  is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 6B  is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to  FIG. 6A , further illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of this latest form of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6C  is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to  FIG. 6B , further illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of this latest form of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is a generally diagrammatic side elevational view, partly in cross-section, illustrating the use of an alternate form of the golf training apparatus of the invention for practicing the inward golf swing. 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged view taken along lines  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  9 - 9  of  FIG. 8 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  10 - 10  of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a generally perspective, exploded view of the form of the practice ball assembly carrying component of the apparatus of the invention shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a generally perspective view illustrating the use by the trainee of this latest form of the apparatus of the invention to accomplish an inward practice swing. 
           [0035]      FIG. 12A  is a fragmentary, generally perspective view illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12B  is a fragmentary, generally perspective view similar to  FIG. 12A , further illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is a generally diagrammatic, side elevational view, partly in cross-section illustrating the use of the alternate form of the golf training apparatus of the invention for practicing the outward golf swing. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged view taken along lines  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  15 - 15  of  FIG. 14 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view taken along lines  16 - 16  of  FIG. 15 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 17  is a generally perspective view illustrating the use by the trainee of this latest form of the apparatus of the invention to accomplish an outward practice swing. 
           [0042]      FIG. 18A  is a fragmentary perspective view illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0043]      FIG. 18B  is a fragmentary perspective view similar to  FIG. 18A , further illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
           [0044]      FIG. 18C  is a fragmentary perspective view, similar to  FIG. 18B , further illustrating the path of flight of the practice balls of the practice ball assembly of this latest form of the invention at the completion of the downward swing. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]    Referring to the drawings and particularly to  FIGS. 1 ,  3  and  4 , one form of the golf training apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally identified by the numeral  14 . This form of the apparatus comprises an elongated, substantially planar paddle component  16  having a first end  18 , a second end  20 , and a tapered body portion  22  disposed intermediate said first and second ends. As seen in  FIG. 1 , first end  18  has a first extremity  18   a  and a second extremity  18   b.  Similarly, second end  20 , which is substantially longer than first-end  18 , has a first extremity  20   a  and a second extremity  20   b.  Extremities  18   a  and  20   a  are interconnected by a generally straight first side  24 , while extremities  18   b  and  20   b  are connected by a spaced apart second side  26 . Second side  26  has a first segment  26   a  that extends substantially parallel to first side  24  and along with a portion of first side  24 , defines a hand grip portion  27 . Second side  26  also includes a second segment  26   b  that extends from said first segment at an obtuse angle “A” ( FIG. 2 ) and interconnects the hand grip portion with extremity  20   b  of second end  20 . As indicated in  FIG. 1  of the drawings, side  24  is of a first length “L”, while side  26  is of a second length “L+X”. For reasons presently to be described, first length “L” is less than second length “L+X”. 
         [0046]    The apparatus of the present invention also comprises an elongate tubular member  30  that is rotatably connected to end  20  of the generally planar paddle component  16  by means of a threaded screw that functions as the pivot pin  32  (see  FIGS. 3 and 4 ). Tubular member  30  has an open end  30   a  and a closed end  30   b  and is provided with a central aperture  33  that will allow a screw driver to permit interconnection of tubular member  30  with the panel member. A washer  35  is provided between the tubular member and the paddle in a manner indicated in  FIG. 4  of the drawings so that the tubular member can be smoothly rotated relative to the paddle in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 3 . As indicated in  FIG. 3A , the plane “P” of open end  30   a,  rather than being perpendicular to the side wall of the tubular member, extends at an angle of approximately 68 degrees with respect thereto. 
         [0047]    Also forming a part of the apparatus of the present invention is a practice ball assembly  36  that comprises a first practice golf ball  37  and a second practice golf ball  38 . Both the practice golf balls are sized so that they will closely fit within the tubular member  30  and, as indicated in the drawings, are connected by an elongated elastomeric cord  40 . 
         [0048]    Turning now to  FIG. 5  of the drawings, in using the training apparatus of the invention, one of the practice golf balls such as golf ball  36  is inserted into the open end  30   a  of the tubular member  30 , while the second ball  37  is allowed to remain outside the tubular member on the side of the tube farthest away from the trainee. With the practice golf balls in this position, the trainee grips the hand grip portion member  27  with the right hand and moves the apparatus from the starting position shown in the solid lines in  FIG. 5  to an upright position shown by the phantom lines in the left-hand portion of  FIG. 5 . From this position, the trainee starts the downward swing in the manner illustrated by the arrow  41  of  FIG. 5 . Due to the novel construction of the apparatus of the invention, as the trainee continues the downward swing in a direction toward the starting position, the trainee will experience the feeling of the inward hand action and the practice ball  37  that is on the outward side of the tubular member will be pulled further away from the trainee in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 5A  and will drag the practice ball  36  out of the tubular member and toward the target in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 5B  of the drawings. This result is due largely to the fact that because of the unique configuration of the tapered body portion  22  and because the length of side  26  is somewhat greater than the length of side  24 , a centrifugal force (outward shaft flex action) is generated during the swing that causes the practice ball assembly  34  to act in the manner described and in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 5A and 5B  of the drawings to uniquely simulate the feeling of the inward golf swing. If desired, and in order for the practice ball  36  to more freely exit the tubular member, the tubular member can be rotated in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 3  relative to the paddle component into an optimum position 
         [0049]    In using the training apparatus of the invention to practice the outward golf swing, the paddle component  16  is inverted in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 1A ,  2  and  6  of the drawings and the tubular member  30  is rotated approximately 180 degrees relative to the paddle component  16  in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 2  of the drawings. This done, one of the practice golf balls, such as golf ball  36 , is inserted into the open end  30   a  of the tubular member  30 , while the second ball  37  is allowed to remain outside the tubular member on the side closest to the trainee (see also  FIG. 2 ). With the practice golf balls in this position, the trainee grips the hand grip portion member  27  with the right hand and moves the apparatus from the starting position shown in the solid lines in  FIG. 6  to an upright position shown by the phantom lines in the left-hand portion of  FIG. 6 . From this position, the trainee starts the downward swing in the manner illustrated by the arrow  43  of  FIG. 6 . Due to the novel construction of the apparatus of the invention, as the trainee continues the swing toward the starting position, the trainee will experience the feeling of the outward golf swing and in this instance the practice ball  36  that is inside the tubular member will be propelled forward in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 6B  of the drawings and will drag the practice ball  37  toward the target in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 6C  of the drawings. The lag created by this action simulates inward shaft flex action thereby helping to square the club face at impact. As before, this result is due largely to the fact that because of the unique configuration of the body portion  22  which is now inverted into the position shown in  FIG. 6  and because the length of side  26  is somewhat greater than the length of side  24 , a centrifugal force is generated during the swing that causes the practice ball assembly  34  to act in the manner described herein; as illustrated in  FIGS. 6 ,  6 A,  6 B and  6 C, to uniquely simulate the feeling of outward hand action. As before, if desired, and in order for the practice ball  36  to more freely exit the tubular member, the tubular member can be rotated relative to the paddle in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 3  into an optimum position. 
         [0050]    Turning next to  FIGS. 7 through 11  of the drawings, an alternate form of the golf training apparatus of the invention is there shown and generally identified by the numeral  44 . This form of the apparatus, which is similar in some respects to the earlier described embodiment, comprises an elongated, substantially planar paddle component  46  having a first end  48 , a second end  50 , and a tapered body portion  52  disposed intermediate the first and second ends. As seen in  FIG. 7 , first end  48  has a first extremity  48   a  and a second extremity  48   b.  Similarly, second end  50  has a first extremity  50   a  and a second extremity  50   b.  Extremities  48   a  and  50   a  are interconnected by a generally straight first side  54 , while extremities  48   b  and  50   b  are connected by a second side  56  that is spaced apart from first side  54 . Second side  56  has a first segment  56   a,  which along with a portion of first side  54 , defines a hand grip portion  57 . Second side  56  also includes a second segment  56   b  that extends from said first segment at an obtuse angle “A” ( FIG. 7 ) and interconnects the hand grip portion with extremity  50   b  of second end  50 . 
         [0051]    The apparatus of the present invention also comprises an elongate, generally tubular member  60  that is rotatably connected to end  50  of the paddle component  46  by means of a threaded screw that functions as a pivot pin  62  (see  FIG. 9 ). Tubular member  60  has spaced apart open ends  60   a  and a  60   b  ( FIGS. 8 and 11 ) and is provided with a central aperture  63  that will allow passage of a screw driver shaft to permit interconnection of tubular member  60  with the panel member in the manner shown in  FIG. 9 . Washers  65  and  67  are provided between the tubular member and the paddle in a manner indicated in  FIG. 9  of the drawings so that the tubular member can be smoothly rotated relative to the paddle in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 14 . As indicated in  FIG. 10 , the planes of the open ends of the tubular member, rather than being perpendicular to the side wall of the tubular member, extend at an angle of approximately 68 degrees with respect thereto. Outwardly extending extension tabs  60   t  are provided proximate each end of the tubular member  60 . 
         [0052]    Also forming a part of the apparatus of the present invention is a practice ball assembly  66  that comprises a first practice golf ball  67  and a second practice golf ball  68  ( FIGS. 12 ,  12 A and  12 B). Both of the practice golf balls are sized so that they will closely fit within the tubular member  60  and, as indicated in the drawings, are connected together by an elongated elastomeric cord  70 . 
         [0053]    The apparatus of this latest form of the invention further uniquely includes an elongated rod  74  having first and second ends  74   a  and  74   b  and a body portion  74   c  disposed intermediate first and second ends  74   a  and  74   b . As best seen in  FIG. 7  of the drawings, first end  74   a  is curved to define a rod hand grip  76 . Affixed proximate the second end  74   b  of the rod is a generally spherical member  75  that provides a visual reference point to the trainee during the training swings. As indicated in  FIG. 7 , generally planar paddle  46  is of a first length “L” and elongated rod  74  is of a second length “L−1”, greater than first length “L”. 
         [0054]    Planar paddle  46  is connected to elongated rod  74  by longitudinally spaced connectors, shown here as screws  78  having eyelets  78   a  that closely receive the body portion  74   c  of the elongated rod ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). Screws  78  are connected to first side of paddle  48  and extend therefrom in the manner illustrated in the drawings. With the construction shown in the drawings, planar paddle  46  is free to rotate relative to rod  74  between a first position shown in  FIG. 7  wherein paddle  46  is above rod  74  and a second position shown in  FIG. 13  wherein paddle  46  is below rod  74 . During the practice swing, planar paddle  46  is also free to slide longitudinally of rod  74  against the urging of a coil spring  77  between a first retracted position shown by the solid lines in  FIG. 7  and a second extended position shown by the phantom lines in  FIG. 7 . As indicated in  FIG. 7 , coil spring  77  circumscribes the outer extremity of body portion  74   c  and has a first end  77   a  that is connected to paddle  46  and a second end  77   b  that engages ball  75 . 
         [0055]    Turning now to  FIG. 12  of the drawings, in using the training apparatus of the invention one of the practice golf balls, such as golf ball  67 , is inserted into the open end  60   a  of the tubular member  60 , while the second ball  68  is allowed to remain outside the tubular member on the side of the tube farthest away from the trainee. With the practice golf balls in this position, using the right hand the trainee grips the paddle grip portion  57  of paddle  46  and using the left hand the trainee grips the rod grip portion  76  of rod  74  (see  FIGS. 7 and 12 ). This done, the inward practice swing can be undertaken in a manner to move the apparatus from the starting position shown in the solid lines in  FIG. 12  to an upright position shown by the phantom lines in the left-hand portion of  FIG. 12 . From this position, the trainee starts the downward swing in the manner illustrated by the arrow  81  of  FIG. 12 . Due to the novel construction of the apparatus of this latest form of the invention, as the trainee continues the downward swing in a direction toward the starting position, the trainee will experience the feeling of the inward hand action and the practice ball  68  that is on the outward side of the tubular member will be pulled further away from the trainee in the manner indicated by the solid lines in  FIG. 12A  and will drag the practice ball  67  out of the tubular member and away from the tubular member in a direction toward the target in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 12B  of the drawings. As before, this result is due largely to the unique configuration of the tapered body portion  56  wherein the length of side  56  is somewhat greater than the length of side  54 . With this unique construction a centrifugal force (outward shaft flex action) is generated during the swing that causes the practice ball assembly  64  to act in the manner described and, in the manner illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B  of the drawings, to uniquely simulate the feeling of the inward golf swing. If desired, and in order for the practice ball  67  to more freely exit the tubular member, the tubular member can be rotated in the manner indicated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 14  relative to the paddle component into an optimum position. During the downward swing, paddle  46  will move downward along rod  74  against the urging of spring  77 . 
         [0056]    In using the training apparatus of the invention to practice the outward golf swing, the paddle component  46  is rotated relative to rod  74  into the lowered position illustrated in  FIG. 13  of the drawings and the tubular member  60  is rotated in the manner shown in the drawings approximately 180 degrees relative to the paddle component  46 . This done, one of the practice golf balls, such as golf ball  67 , is inserted into the open end  60   a  of the tubular member  60 , while the second ball  67  is allowed to remain outside the tubular member on the side closest to the trainee. With the practice golf balls in this position, using the right hand, the trainee grips the paddle grip portion  57  of paddle  46  and, using the left hand, the trainee grips the rod grip portion  76  of rod  74  (see  FIGS. 13 and 17 ). This done, the outward practice swing can be undertaken in a manner to move the apparatus from the starting position shown in the solid lines in  FIG. 17  to an upright position shown by the phantom lines in the left-hand portion of  FIG. 17 . From this position, the trainee starts the downward swing in the manner illustrated by the arrow  83  of  FIG. 17 . Due to the novel construction of the apparatus of the invention, as the trainee continues the swing toward the starting position, the trainee will experience the feeling of the outward golf swing and in this instance the practice ball  67  that is inside the tubular member will be propelled forward in the manner illustrated by the sold lines in  FIG. 18B  of the drawings and will, in turn, propel the practice ball  69  toward the target in the manner illustrated in  FIG. 18C  of the drawings. The lag created by this action simulates inward shaft flex action thereby helping to square the club face at impact. As before, this result is due largely to the fact that because of the unique configuration of the paddle  46 , which is now rotated relative to rod  74  into the position shown in  FIG. 13 . Because the length of side  56  is somewhat greater than the length of side  54 , a centrifugal force is generated during the swing that causes the practice ball assembly  64  to act in the manner described herein and, as illustrated in  FIGS. 18A ,  18 B and  18 C, to uniquely simulate the feeling of an outward hand action. If desired, and in order for the practice ball  67  to more freely exit the tubular member, the tubular member can be rotated relative to the paddle in the manner illustrated by the phantom lines in  FIG. 14  into an optimum position. As in the earlier described practice swing, during the downward swing the paddle  46  will be urged forward against the urging of spring  77 . 
         [0057]    Having now described the invention in detail in accordance with the requirements of the patent statutes, those skilled in this art will have no difficulty in making changes and modifications in the individual parts or their relative assembly in order to meet specific requirements or conditions. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention, as set forth in the following claims.