Abstract:
A simple and economical yet effective training and exercising device is disclosed for sports such as golf wherein an implement such as a golf club is moved along a swing path. An elongated handle has a proximal end with a hand grip and a distal end with a weighted body. A foot plate, sized to receive a foot of the user, includes one or more connection features, preferably inverted-U-shaped hooks rigidly secured to the foot plate. A removable, stretchable tether is provided having a first end tied at a point between the proximal and distal ends of the handle and a second end tied to a connection point on the foot plate. The connection point on the handle is preferably a hook which doubles as a wrist indicator. The length of the tether is adjustable so as to resist upward movement of the handle when swung by the user to promote training and exercise with respect to the sport. The foot plate has inside and outside edges, and in the preferred embodiment, each edge includes one or more connection points to practice a back swing and a forward swing. Two tethers may also be used, each having a first end tied at the point between the proximal and distal ends of the handle, and with the second end of one tether being tied to an outer connection point of the foot plate, and the second end of the other tether being tied to an inner connection point of the foot plate. An optional rocker plate defines an area large enough to receive the foot plate and the user&#39;s other foot. [The rocker plate preferably further includes one or more movable, rotatable plates to assist in positioning the user&#39;s feet to achieve a proper stance for the desired sport. Each movable, rotatable plate may preferably be locked into place along a rail feature.]

Description:
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/506,482, filed Feb. 17, 2000, which claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/120,542, filed Feb. 17, 1999, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a portable exercise machine. More specifically, the invention relates to an exerciser for teaching balance, building muscle and developing muscle memory for all sports involving equipment used to create a swing path, including golf, baseball, tennis, hockey, squash and racquetball.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    There are literally hundreds of inventions relating to golf, some of which are over a hundred years old. Various implements have been devised for swing training, typically employing harnesses with loops and tethers to physically constrain one or more body movements. Many of these assemblies are complicated and difficult to set up and/or use.  
           [0004]    Disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,909 is a knock-down golf-swing training for use indoors and outdoors. A main frame is formed of tubular components including a large area base assembly, and a vertically adjustable upright post mounted medially of the rear edge of the base assembly, outriggers for the base assembly, a safety harness, and a plurality of belt loops adapted for assembly loosely about either or both ends of the player&#39;s torso while practicing golf swings.  
           [0005]    The golf-swing training device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,149,909 employs an elastic loop worn around the neck, chest and hips, with most of the loop resting over the chest, abdomen and shoulders. The player swings against an upward pull exerted by tension in the elastic loop to produce improved control of the golfer&#39;s arms. The device emphasizes left hand and left arm movements for right-handed players, and does not appear to meet a wider variety of goals in swing and exercise conditioning.  
           [0006]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,174,575, discloses a harness which restricts a golfer&#39;s arm and hand movements while making practice swings. A tether is attached to a point on the shaft of the golf club just above the club head, and extends to a point on the golfer&#39;s forearm where it is adjustably fastened. Again, the apparatus appears to be limited in terms of range of motion and other factors.  
           [0007]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,690 uses two interconnected elastic arm cuffs that fit over a golfer&#39;s arms to bias them towards one another other during a golf swing. An elastic hip strap is connected to the cuff holding the trailing swing arm. The device is somewhat complex, and the physical constraints imposed by the apparatus may not improve muscle memory training. An even more complex golf-swing training apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,948. The device employs a system of articulated arms force a golfer to maintain one swing plane. In addition to swing element, a swing-plane adjuster element, and an upright post-and-base element to support the movable elements from the floor, the device features an adjustable counterbalance to vary loading.  
           [0008]    The golf training device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,927 includes an elastic cord having one end attached to a belt worn by the user and the opposite end is attached to a foot-receiving stirrup. The configuration is intended to create a rotational torque at the hips to assists the player in maintaining a proper body stance associated with a well-executed swing. In the golf training aid of U.S. Pat. No. 5,308,074 a flexible cord extends from a waist belt to a stake in the ground. The cord is designed to stretch during the user&#39;s backswing and retract during follow-through.  
           [0009]    The golf-swing training device of U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,037 includes a base for receiving a golfer&#39;s front foot, at least one pivot arm having a first end pivotally mounted to the base, and biasing means for biasing the pivot arm to a first position with respect to vertical. An engagement member disposed on the opposite end of the pivot arm is used for engaging the golfer&#39;s hip area when positioned to address a golf ball. Engagement of the member displaces the pivot arm to a second position with respect to vertical so as to create a constant pressure force against the golfer&#39;s hip area. This supposedly causes the golfer to remember the proper pace and body position for performing a golf swing.  
           [0010]    Despite these and other training aids, none are entirely adequate in terms of simplicity, exercise training, and applicability to other sports. Existing devices are either so complex that they will not be used often enough to provide rapid benefit or, if the device is simple, is limited in terms of muscular or memory devleopment for a particular sport or swing pattern.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0011]    The subject invention resides in a simple and economical yet effective training and exercising device for sports such as golf, wherein an implement is moved along a swing path. A device according to the invention features an elongated handle having a proximal end with a hand grip and a distal end with a weighted body. In the preferred embodiment, the weighted body resembles a piece of sports equipment such as a golf club, golf ball, hockey stick, or racquet, and these pieces are preferably attachable to the distal end of the handle through a quick-disconnect connector.  
           [0012]    At least one foot plate sized to receive the foot of a user, includes one or more connection features, preferably rigidly secured, inverted-U-shaped hooks. A stretchable tether is provided having a first end tied at a point between the proximal and distal ends of the handle and a second end tied to a connection point on the foot plate. The connection point on the handle is preferably an inverted U-shaped hook which doubles as a wrist indicator. A guard proximate the grip may optionally be provided to prevent the tether from contacting the user. The connector on the handle is preferably removably attachable so that it may be attached to a standard piece of sports equipment.  
           [0013]    The length of the tether is adjustable so as to resist upward movement of the handle when swung by the user to promote training and exercise with respect to a given sport. The foot plate has inside and outside edges and, in the preferred embodiment, each edge includes one or more connection points to practice a back swing and a forward swing.  
           [0014]    Multiple tethers may also be used, each having a first end secured at the point between the proximal and distal ends of the handle. For example, two tethers may be used, with the second end of one being secured to an outer connection point of the foot plate, and the second end of the other tether being secured to an inner connection point of the foot plate.  
           [0015]    The preferred embodiment also further comprises a rocker plate defining an area large enough to receive at least one foot plate and the user&#39;s other foot, whether or not a second foot plate is used. The rocker plate optionally further includes one or more movable, rotatable foot positioning plates to assist in stabilizing the user&#39;s feet to achieve a proper stance. Each movable, rotatable plate may preferably be locked into place along a rail feature.  
           [0016]    The invention swing exerciser may be used for many other sports besides golf such as tennis, hockey, and so forth. In each case, a user can practice both the forehand and backhand swings with the tensioned tether and foot plate placed under the corresponding foot. Like the practice golf swing, the exerciser promotes proper foot planting during the practice forehand or backhand while increasing muscle strength and memory. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a drawing of an individual using a swing exerciser according to the invention to practice a golf swing;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a drawing of a handle according to the invention having approximal end of the hand grip, and a weighted body removably attachable to the distal end;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is an oblique drawing which illustrates how different bodies resembling pieces of sports equipment may be removably attached to the distal end of the handle shown in FIG. 2;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is an exploded view of a quick-disconnector applicable to the invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a side-view cross section of the quick-disconnector showing the two components being merged together for engagement;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a drawing which continues the process of FIG. 5, enabling the two components of the quick-disconnect connector to engage one another and lock into place;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a side-view drawing of a rocker plate according to the invention, being sized to receive a footplate and the user&#39;s other foot for posture and alignment purposes;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a top-down view of the rocker plate of FIG. 7, showing one placement of a user&#39;s feet relative to other positioning plates movable and rotatable with respect to a rail and individual locking devices;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a perspective view drawing of a rocker plate with foot plates and positioning guides according to the invention;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a drawing which shows a shoulder harness according to the invention;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is a drawing of an alternative vest harness;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is a drawing which shows a belt harness according to the invention;  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 shows a stand-alone swing guide;  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14 shows a more robust swing guide and platform assembly;  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 15 illustrates a further alternative swing guide platform;  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, except that the swing guide depicted therein is designed specifically for portable use;  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 17 is a drawing of a shaft guide;  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative putter guide usable with various halos, including those disclosed herein; and  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 19 shows a further tethering device in the form of a glove. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0036]    With reference to FIGS. 1 through 6 in particular, a swing exerciser  10  according to the invention includes a grip  12  appropriate for the sport sought to be improved upon. In a preferred embodiment, the grip  12  is a standard golf training grip to ensure proper placement of the hands  14  during the exercise and to promote proper muscle memory.  
         [0037]    Extending from one end of the grip  12  away from the user is a shaft  16  preferably provided with a quick disconnect  18  at the distal end  20 . The quick disconnect  18  allows for easy attachment and removal of a golf ball or miniature golf club  22 , racquet  24  or hockey stick  26 , as shown in FIG. 3 These attachments may be reduced in size from standard equipment to provide a more compact and travel friendly product.  
         [0038]    Details of the preferred quick-disconnect mechanism are provided in FIGS. 4 through 6. It would be appreciated that the shaft or handle to which the grip and quick-disconnector attached may be made of various materials, hollow or solid, including metal, plastic, fiber-reinforced composites, and so forth. In addition, although a spring-loaded ball-bearing type of quick-disconnect mechanism is shown, other types of fasterners may be used, including bayonet and threaded types. In addition, extension members may be added, preferably with quick-disconnectors as well, to extend the length of the shaft or handle between the grip and body of the distal end.  
         [0039]    Between the quick-disconnect  18  and the grip  12 , a wrist indicator  28  is attached along the shaft  16 . As indicated by the name, the wrist indicator  28  allows the user to check for proper location of the wrist  30  along the swing path during the exercise as set forth more fully below. The wrist indicator  28  also serves to secure an adjustable tether  32  to the shaft  16 . The wrist indicator may be fixed or, optionally may rotate and/or move along the shaft then locked into place. The swing exerciser  10  according to the invention may also be provided with a guard  68  between the grip  12  and shaft  16  to prevent the tether  32  from contacting the user&#39;s hands  14  or other body parts. The guard  68  may be necessary where the user is taller or shorter than the average height range for which the swing exerciser is generally designed.  
         [0040]    The tether  32  is secured to a foot plate  34  at the opposite end  36 . The tether  32  may be adjusted about the wrist indicator  28  and/or foot plate  34  to increase or decrease tension during exercise as desired. In operation, a user places the foot plate  34  under his foot  38  and adjusts the location of the tether  32  to one of the four U-shaped hooks  40 ,  41 , 42 ,  44 , and tensioning the tether  32  as desired. The tether  32  may also be placed under the foot  38  and atop the foot plate  34 , as shown with the broken lines in FIG. 1, to retain more control and feel during the swing.  
         [0041]    A preferred tether material is surgical tubing, with different sizes being used for different tensions, and with quick-connect hooks being used where they attach to the handle. It will be apparent to one of skill in the art, however, that since the purpose of the tether is to resist upward motion of the user for forward and back swing movements, other devices may be substituted for this tensioning apparatus, including hydraulic, spring, pneumatic, nautilus type, electromechanical tension devices, and free weights connected by pulleys. For example, in addition, although the hooks are shown as rigidly attached to the footplate and shaft  16 , either attachment point may rotating or swivel devices to provide reduced wear on the tether. The footplate may also be constructed of various materials, including wood, molded plastic, or metal, and may be of different sizes and shapes, including foot-shaped, though in the preferred embodiment, the footplates measure 12″×6″×½″ thick.  
         [0042]    With the foot plate  34  under the left foot and the tether  32  connected to either inside hook  40 ,  42 , (and/or outside hooks  41 , 44  and/or inside hooks  40 , 42 ) the user can practice a proper back swing including the take away, wrist cock and back swing to impact zone. During each portion of these exercises, the user can constantly monitor the location of his wrists  30  by the wrist indicator  28 . With the foot plate  34  under the right foot and the tether  32  connected to either outside hook  41 ,  44 , the user can practice impact zone to follow through, a proper wrist cock at follow through and a complete finish to the swing. As above, the user can monitor the location of his wrists  30  by the wrist indicator  28 .  
         [0043]    An advantage of the swing exerciser is the tension in the tether in conjunction with the wrist monitor and grip increases muscle strength while simultaneously promoting proper muscle memory resulting in a proper swing path. Tether tension may be increased to increase muscle strength as the user progresses with the exercises.  
         [0044]    In addition to securing and tensing the tether, the foot plates help to promote proper spine alignment and proper balance throughout the swing, while, at th same time, preventing the user from lifting his or her feet improperly during the course of the swing exercises. If the user lifts the foot from the foot plate, tension will be released from the tether and result in improper balance during the practice swing. This will immediately become evident to the user and allow the user to adjust his practice swing accordingly.  
         [0045]    Two or more tethers may be used simultaneously to increase tension and/or to allow the user to practice a full swing. Both tethers are attached to the wrist indicator  28  at one end, with the other ends being attached to the foot plate(s) at different points in accordance with a desired goal. In one exercise, for example, afirst tether will extend from the wrist indicator  28  under the user&#39;s right foot and attach to either outside hook  41 , 44 . A second tether will extend from the wrist indicator  28  under the user&#39;s left foot and attach to either inside hook.  40 , 42 . Another advantage of using two tethers is the increase in muscle strength and memory during the exercise regime.  
         [0046]    Reference is now made to FIGS. 7 and 8, which show the use of a single foot plate  34 . In this embodiment, a rocker base plate  46  is provided to ensure proper balance during the practice swing. A level plate  48  is secured atop lower ribs  50 , with ends  52 , 54  being truncated to create a rocker plate. The base plate  48  and ribs  50  are preferably equipped with means for adjusting the overall length of the plate  48  to adequately provide for the span  56  of the user&#39;s stance during swing practice.  
         [0047]    Two additional foot-positioning plates  58 , 60  are provided atop the base plate  48 , and are adjustable laterally and rotationally along a slot  62  extending the length of base plate  48 . Plates  58 , 60  may be secured in position by a locking mechanisms  64 , 66  to secure the plate  58 , 60  in a desired position within the slot  62  on the base plate  48 . The locking mechanisms  64 , 66  are preferably simple manual fasteners such as thumb-screws which engage with the slot  62  to tighten and hold the plates  58 ,  60  position. The various plates, including the rocker based plate, level plate and additional plates used for positioning guides may also be constructed of any appropriate material, including metal, plastic, and so forth.  
         [0048]    By way of example, and as shown in FIG. 8, to use the rocker base plate  46 , the user may place plate  58  parallel to the far end  52  of the slot  62  and secure the plate in position by locking mechanism  64 . Second plate  60  is then preferably turned 90 degrees from plate  58  along slot  62  a distance equal to the user&#39;s span  56 . Placing the foot plate  34  between plates  58 , 60 , the user may step on the rocker base plate  46  with the left foot on top of foot plate  34  against plate  58 . The right foot is placed at the opposite end against plate  60 , thereby imitating a comfortable swing stance. Now when the user practices a swing path, the rocking motion of the base plate  46  will indicate improper balance. The user may adjust plate  58 , 60  to any angle to accommodate an open or closed stance as desired.  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 9 is a drawing which shows a preferred embodiment of the invention using dual foot plates and usrgical tubing tethers, as seen from an oblique perspective. It will be noted that the foot-positioning plates  58 - 60  are preferably beveled at an angle of 45 degrees, though other angles would be acceptable in casuing the user to feel the resistance in the left and right side for a better stance and/or posture. Each of the footplates  34  may also include additional holes  92  to change the location of the manual operated fasteners  94  or to individually use over-foot straps, as show in FIG. 1 with numerical reference  39 . Optional feet  98  may also be provided, along with adjusters  99  to defeat the operation of the rocker plate, if so desired. The feet  98  may also be adjusted up and down for an uphill lie or downhill lie or to simulate other types of terrain.  
         [0050]    As stated above, the swing exerciser may be used for many other sports such as tennis or the like. A miniature tennis racquet may be attached to the shaft by the quick release mechanism. The user can then practice both the forehand and backhand swings with the tensioned tether and foot plate placed under the corresponding foot. Like the practice golf swing, the exerciser promotes proper foot planting during the practice forehand or backhand while increasing muscle strength and memory. In addition to the various devices shown, as an option, electromechanical or electronic devices such as timers and metronomes may be added to the apparatus to assist in synchronizing the users movements.  
         [0051]    Though this description has thus far focused on the tethers being attachable to the golf club proper, various options are availabe according to the invention for connection to the golfer to provide tension, guidance, direction of force, muscle development and muscle memory function for the development of shoulder, chest, torso (stomach muscle), hips, thighs, legs, feet and toes.  
         [0052]    [0052]FIG. 10 shows a shoulder harness according to the invention for this purpose. Broadly, the harness includes a strap  102  which can be composed of nylon, rope or any suitable material, either in a continuous or joined form. The pair of strap fasteners  103  are provided for adjustability with the shoulders of the user being positioned within the areas  102 . Ring connectors are used for making a tethered connection to the device as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7- 9  or other suitable foundation. Padding (not shown) may optionally be provided to enhance comfort.  
         [0053]    An alternative vest harness is depicted in FIG. 11. This item includes a wearable portion  111 , preferably including ring connectors  112  located under the arms and near the waist. The fastener is provided to don the garment, with an optional belt support shown at  113 . The purpose of the vest harness is to provide a connecting point to the body (shoulders and waist area) via a tethered connection. The vest itself may be made out of any suitable material, and may include padding for additional comfort. The rings may be provided under the arms or at the waist area, or any point in between, depending upon the desired level of fitness training.  
         [0054]    [0054]FIG. 12 shows a belt harness according to the invention, which includes a belt portion  121  worn around the waist, a fastener  123 , and one or more rings such as  102 , preferably on the sides of the device, for tethered attachment, to provide tension guidance, etc. The belt may be made out of any suitable material, including leather, nylon, rope, and so forth, and the rings may be located at positions alternative to the ones depicted in the drawing.  
         [0055]    In addition to different tethering options as just described, the invention also provides for various stand-alone and platform-based swing guides. Although these will be described in conjunction with the use of the swing exerciser of FIGS. 1 and 7- 9 , it should be understood that they may also be used in a stand-alone fashion, with or without tethers, and that the tethers may be attached to ground stakes, and the like, without the need for the comprehensive swing exerciser described above.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 13, for example, shows a stand-alone swing guide generally at  130 . The guide includes a halo comprised of side members  131  and front guide bars  132  which is adjustably supported by tilt plates  133  received in floor supports  134 . The floor supports  134  include slots that engage with the support bars  133 , allowing the angle between the halo and the ground to be adjusted for a particular golfer and/or swing through hinge connectors  135 . A member  136  is preferably interconnected between the two floor supports, including tethering points  138 . Alternatively, the swing exerciser as previously described may be placed on the member  136  or in front thereof for tethering purposes. If the member  136  is provided, it may be divided centrally as shown by the broken lines  137 , for example, to accommodate the swing exerciser platform.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIG. 14 shows a more robust swing guide and platform generally at  140 . This system includes a platform  141 , which receives an adjustable swing guide halo  142 , preferably including an adjustable front slide bar that cooperates with a slide stop  143 . The stop  143 , which extends outwardly a few inches, is used to inhibit movement of a club shaft at a desired point. Support rails  145  allow the entire halo to be tilted to a desired orientation. A slot  147  is preferably provided within the platform  141  to receive foot plate  146  best seen in FIGS. 8 and 9.  
         [0058]    [0058]FIG. 15 illustrates a further alternative swing guide platform generally at  150 . The halo in this case is constructed of a bent or formed piece of material such as metal or plastic, having two ends which protrude through a slot  157  in the platform  153 . The guide  151  preferably includes threaded ends protruding through the slot  157  onto which threaded fasteners  159  may be journaled for tightening purposes. Front guide bar  152  is also journaled onto the swing guide  151  itself with a stop  154  being used to limit upward movement. Tilt joints  154 , preferably some form of accordion or otherwise adjustable material, allows the upper portion of the guide to tilt backwards and forwards for added flexibility. Stops  155  are also movable around the upper portion of the guide  151  each having a handle as shown to lock into position. The foot plate of the type shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is mounted onto the platform as shown along slot  157 .  
         [0059]    [0059]FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 15, except that the swing guide depicted therein is designed specifically for portable use. The halo  161  is again a bent or formed upside down, U-shaped member, in this case including additional tilt joints  164  enabling both the mid section and upper section of the halo to be tilted backward and forward. A front guide bar  162  is movable up and down along the side bars, with clamps  163  being used to mount the arrangement onto any suitable support member.  
         [0060]    In operation, a user of the swing guides of FIGS.  13 - 16  places a shaft guide of the type shown in FIG. 17 onto the club shaft near the handle, and adjusts the same to provide a desired orientation between the guide post  171  and the halo of the particular swing guide. Note that, in addition to a two-dimensional adjustment of the club shaft guide relative to a given halo design, since the halos preferably tilt a full 360 degree orientation is achieved.  
         [0061]    When tethered to a swing exerciser, the user stands relative to the platform as described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 9 , with the bar  171  attached to the club shaft engaging with the halo, preferably with respect to a full swing. The contact between the shaft guide and halo, particularly in conjunction with the tethering, which may be attachable to the club itself as described with reference to FIGS.  1 - 9 , or through the use of the shoulder/vest/belt connectors of FIGS.  10 - 12 , provides for a highly directed and intense workout.  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 18 illustrates an alternative putter guide usable with any of the halos previously described. This particular configuration includes a guide connector  184  attachable to the shaft of the putter club  181 . Preferably three shaft guides  182  extend from the guide connector  184 , with the two outer guides being configured to engage with the side members of the halo, and with the lower guide  182  being configured to engage with the guide bar. By adjusting the angle of halo, regardless of the configuration, with respect to a ground surface, a well-controlled pendulum-type swing is made possible.  
         [0063]    As a further tethering device, which may be used in conjunction with the swing exerciser, swing guide or putter configuration, a glove such as that depicted in FIG. 19 may be provided having one or more connector rings  192  for tethering purposes. Such a glove is useful in many sports- and non-sports-related activities, including basketball, ping-pong, bowling, rehabilitation, and track and field.