Abstract:
A golf swing aid for assisting a golf player in properly maintaining alignment, balance, and lower body biomechanics during a golf swing comprising a base having a bottom surface and a top surface; a vertical support post having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, a first region proximate to the vertical post first end, a second region proximate to the second end, and a plurality of adjustment holes defined through the second region; a first adjustment rod having a first end, and a second end; and a second adjustment rod having a first end, a second end, and a flange extending from the second adjustment rod first end; wherein the first and second adjustment rod first ends each engage one of the vertical post adjustment holes to releasably mount the adjustment rods to the vertical support post second region.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to golf improvement aids and, in particular, to a device for teaching a golfer the proper position of the legs while swinging a golf club. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   In order to consistently improve his or her performance on the golf course, a golfer must successfully combine strength, balance, and body control into a repeatable golf swing that yields predictable results. Even the most infinitesimal imperfections in the golf swing can adversely affect a player&#39;s ability to successfully advance the golf ball towards the pin. Such minute imperfections may be imperceptible to the player and, therefore, difficult or impossible to identify and correct. Additionally, the particular aspects of the type of golf club the player is swinging, such as shaft length and club face loft, can compound minute swing imperfections with disastrous results. 
   A number of golf improvement aids are currently available that are designed to improve one or more of the many facets of a golfer&#39;s swing. Such aids typically focus on resolving one particular deficiency or reinforcing one particular fundamental aspect of the game. For example, many aids are available that will prevent a player from swaying backward or forward during the golf swing, because an exaggerated swaying movement can result in an errant shot. Some aids help players improve their fundamentals such as bodily alignment, stance and ball placement prior to swinging a golf club, while other aids may assist players in ensuring that their lower bodies remain relatively still while swinging the golf club so as to minimize the likelihood of an errant golf shot. Still other aids train players to execute particular golf shots, such as putts, chip shots, long irons shots, and drives. While each of the prior golf aids may offer golfers assistance in one particular aspect of the game, few known golf aid provides universal assistance in all phases of the game. Additionally, few known golf aids offer golfers universal assistance in alignment, stance, and lower body biomechanics, while being equally effective to both right-and-left-handed golfers and accommodating golfers of varying heights. Additionally, many golf aids are cumbersome and are not easily transportable or easy to set up and use. Thus, the golfer is not likely to use them at a driving range or on a course. 
   The present invention seeks to provide universal assistance in all phases of the golf game, as well as providing an adjustability that allows the aid to assist all golfers with their alignment, stance, and lower body biomechanics regardless of the golfer&#39;s dexterity or height and regardless of what phase of the game the player is attempting to improve. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention recognizes and addresses considerations of prior art constructions and methods. 
   In one embodiment of the present invention, a golf swing aid is provided for assisting a golf player in properly maintaining alignment, balance, and lower body biomechanics during a golf swing comprising a base having bottom surface and a top surface; a vertical support post having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis, a first region proximate to the vertical post first end, a second region proximate to the second end, and a plurality of adjustment holes defined through the second region; a first adjustment rod having a first end, and a second end; and a second adjustment rod having a first end, a second end, and a flange extending from the second adjustment rod first end; wherein the first and second adjustment rod first ends each engage one of the vertical post adjustment holes to releasably mount the adjustment rods to the vertical support post second region. 
   In another embodiment, a golf swing aid is provided for assisting a golf player in properly maintaining alignment, balance, and lower body biomechanics at all times during a golf swing and in all phases of golf comprising a generally rectangular base having a bottom surface, a top surface, a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the bottom surface, and a transverse axis perpendicular to the base longitudinal axis; an elongated vertical support post having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending through the vertical support post first and second ends, a first region proximate to the vertical post first end that engages the base, a second region proximate to the second end, and a plurality of adjustment holes defined through the second region; an elongated first adjustment rod having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis passing through the first adjustment rod first and second ends, and a mounting post extending from the first adjustment rod first end; and an elongated second adjustment rod having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis passing through the second adjustment rod first and second ends, a flange extending from the second adjustment rod first end, and a mounting post extending from the second adjustment flange. 
   In still another embodiment, a golf swing aid is provided for assisting a golf player in properly maintaining alignment, balance, and lower body biomechanics at all times during a golf swing and in all phases of golf comprising a generally rectangular base having a bottom surface, a top surface, a longitudinal axis generally parallel to the bottom surface, a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and generally parallel to the bottom surface, a front wall extending between the base top and bottom surfaces, a rear wall extending between the base top and bottom surfaces, a right sidewall extending between the front and rear walls, and a left sidewall extending between the front and rear walls; an elongated vertical support post having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending through the vertical support post first and second ends, a first region proximate to the first end, a second region proximate to the second end, and a plurality of adjustment holes defined through the second region; an elongated first adjustment rod having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis passing through the first adjustment rod first and second ends, and a mounting post extending from the first adjustment rod first end; and an elongated second adjustment rod having a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis passing through the second adjustment rod first and second ends, a flange extending from the second adjustment rod first end, and a mounting post extending from the flange. 
   The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a golf swing aid in accordance with the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a partially exploded front perspective view of the golf swing aid shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of the golf swing aid shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a front perspective view of the golf swing aid shown in  FIG. 1  while in use; and 
       FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the golf swing aid shown in  FIG. 1  while in use. 
   

   Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention according to the disclosure. 
   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation, not limitation, of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a golf swing aid  10  has a base  12 , a vertical support post  14 , a transverse adjustment rod  16 , and a longitudinal adjustment rod  18 . Base  12  has a longitudinal axis L and a transverse axis T. Base  12  also has a bottom surface  20  generally parallel to a plane encompassing both axes L and T, a top surface  22 , a front wall surface  24  generally parallel to axis L and perpendicular to axis T, a rear wall surface  26  generally parallel to surface  24 , and two side wall surfaces  28  and  30 , both of which are generally parallel to axis T and perpendicular to axis L. 
   Base  12  may be fashioned out of a lightweight polymer such as plastic, but other suitable materials may also be used such as aluminum, steel or carbon composite. A plurality of T-shaped recesses  32 ,  33 ,  34 , and  35  are formed in the base top surface  22  and are sized appropriately to releasably receive a first end  36  ( FIG. 2 ) of vertical support post  14 . Each recess has a respective flange portion  32   a ,  33   a ,  34   a  and  35   a  and a respective web portion  32   b ,  33   b ,  34   b  and  35   b . The recesses are arranged so that the flange portions are positioned proximate to front wall surface  24  and aligned generally parallel to base longitudinal axis L. In one preferred embodiment, base  12  has four T-shaped recesses, but any number of recesses may be provided to increase or decrease the adjustability of the golf swing aid as discussed in further detail below. Base  12  is also equipped with two generally flat stability wings  38  and  40  that extend outwardly from side wall surfaces  28  and  30 , respectively. 
   Referring to  FIG. 2 , vertical support post  14  has first end  36  and a second end  42 , a first region  44  proximate first end  36  defining a T-shaped cross-section, a generally flat second region  46  proximate to second end  42  and a transition region  48  between the first and second regions. The size of vertical support post first region  44  is such that post first end  36  fits into any of base T-shaped recesses  32 ,  33 ,  34  and  35 . Vertical post second region  46  has a first surface  50 , a second surface  52 , a front edge  54 , a rear edge  56  and a plurality of spaced-apart T-shaped adjustment holes  58 . Each T-shaped adjustment hole has a flange portion  58   a  and a web portion  58   b . In one preferred embodiment, adjustment holes  58  are arranged in pattern of alternating rows having two adjustment holes and one adjustment hole, respectively, but it should be understood that the adjustment holes may be arranged in any other pattern that allows the user to selectively position transverse and longitudinal adjustment rods  16  and  18  in desired positions. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , transverse adjustment rod  16  is may be formed from extruded plastic or the like and has a generally cylindrical shape, a first end  60 , a second end  62  and a longitudinal axis t. It should be understood that any suitable material may be substituted for plastic, such as aluminum, steel, or a carbon composite. Extending from transverse adjustment rod  16  is a flange  64  in a direction generally parallel to axis t. A T-shaped mounting post  66  extends from flange  64 , in a direction generally perpendicular to axis t, and has a flange  68  sized appropriately to slide through a corresponding flange portion  58   a  of T-shaped adjustment hole  58 . A web  70  connects T-shaped mounting post flange  68  to adjustment rod flange  64 . Mounting post flange  68  is sized appropriately to fit into web portion  58   b  of T-shaped adjustment hole  58 . 
   When the user chooses to mount transverse adjustment rod  16  to vertical post second portion  46 , mounting post flange  68  is placed through a chosen flange portion  58   a  until transverse adjustment rod flange  64  engages vertical post second portion first surface  50 . Once flange  64  engages pivot surface  50 , the user may then slide transverse adjustment rod  16  vertically downward so that T-shaped mounting post web  70  slides into adjustment hole web  58   b , thereby locking the transverse adjustment rod onto the vertical post second portion  46 . When properly assembled, mounting post flange  68  engages vertical post second portion second surface  52  while adjustment rod flange  64  engages vertical post second portion first surface  50 . Additionally, transverse adjustment rod first end  60  engages vertical post front edge  54 . The engagement between transverse adjustment rod  16  and vertical post second portion  46  provides sufficient support to securely lock adjustment rod  16  in an outwardly extending position with respect to second region front edge  54 . In this mounted position, transverse post longitudinal axis t and base transverse axis T are generally parallel to each other. It should be understood that golf aid  10  is also designed to provide the user with the option of mounting transverse adjustment rod  16  onto vertical post second region  46  so that rod  16  extends outwardly from second region rear edge  56  depending on the golf aid&#39;s use. 
   It should be understood that a threaded fastener may be substituted for T-shaped mounting post  66 . In such an embodiment (not shown), a circular through-hole may be provided in adjustment rod flange  64 , and a plurality of circular through-holes may replace T-shaped adjustment holes  58  in vertical post second section  46 . In this alternative embodiment, the user may align the adjustment rod flange through-hole with a vertical post second section adjustment hole and insert the threaded fastener through the aligned holes. A nut (not shown) or other suitable fastener can be used to secure the adjustment rod to the vertical post second portion. 
   Longitudinal adjustment rod  18  is also preferably formed from extruded plastic or other suitable material and has a generally cylindrical shape, a first end  80 , a second end  82  and a longitudinal axis  1 . It should be understood that any suitable material may be substituted for plastic, such as aluminum, steel, or a carbon composite. A T-shaped mounting post  84  extends outwardly from longitudinal adjustment rod first end  80  in a direction generally parallel to axis 1. T-shaped mounting post  84  has a flange  86  sized appropriately to slide through a corresponding T-shaped adjustment hole flange portion  58   a . A web  88  connects T-shaped mounting post flange  86  to longitudinal adjustment rod first end  80  and is sized appropriately to fit into the web portion  58   b  of an adjustment hole  58 . 
   When the user chooses to mount longitudinal adjustment rod  18  to the vertical post second portion  46 , mounting post flange  86  slides through adjustment hole flange portion  58   a  until adjustment rod first end  80  engages first surface  50  of vertical post second portion  46 . The user may then slide the longitudinal adjustment rod downward so that rod mounting post web  88  slides into adjustment hole web  58   b , thereby locking the longitudinal adjustment rod onto the vertical post second portion  46 . Because mounting post flange  86  and post first end  80  both engage vertical post second portion  46 , longitudinal adjustment rod  18  acts as a cantilever beam extending outwardly from vertical post second region, first surface  50  and longitudinal adjustment post axis  1  is generally parallel to base longitudinal axis L. It should be apparent that a user may affix longitudinal adjustment post  18  to vertical post second portion  46  so that post  18  extends outwardly from second surface  52  instead of  50  depending on the golf aid&#39;s use. 
   It should also be understood that in an alternative embodiment (not shown), a threaded stud (not shown) extending from rod first end  80  may be substituted for T-shaped mounting post  84 , and a plurality of circular through-holes (not shown) may be substituted for T-shaped adjustment holes  58 . In such an embodiment, a user would slip the threaded stud through any of the adjustment holes and tighten a nut (not shown) onto the threaded stud. The compression force of the nut and longitudinal adjustment rod first end  80  acting on vertical post second portion  46  would secure the adjustment rod to the vertical post second portion. 
   Referring again to  FIG. 2 , after deciding what particular aspect of the golf game to practice, a user  2  ( FIG. 4 ) may insert vertical post first end  36   14  into any one of T-shaped recesses  32 ,  33 ,  34  or  35  formed in base  12 . Each of the T-shaped recesses provides the user with an opportunity to focus on various aspects of the golf swing. Additionally, the various locations of the T-shaped recesses allow the device to be used by both right and left-handed golfers. 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , if user  2  is a right-handed golfer, placing vertical post  14  in T-shaped recess  35  allows the user to stand with his or her right foot  4   a  resting on stability wing  38  so that the toe of the shoe located proximate to base front wall surface  24 . In this arrangement, if lateral adjustment rod  18  is affixed so that it extends outwardly from vertical post second portion first surface  50 , the lateral adjustment rod makes contact with a calf portion  7   a  of the user&#39;s right leg  6   a . The plurality of adjustment holes  58  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 ) formed in vertical post second portion  46  allow the user to selectively position lateral adjustment rod  18  so that the contact between calf  7   a  and rod  18  promotes optimal comfort and instructional benefit. Additionally, user  2  may also selectively position transverse adjustment rod  16  at a vertical position that promotes comfortable and beneficial contact between rod  16  and the user&#39;s leg  6   a  during a reward portion of a swing. This arrangement allows a right-handed golfer to practice the golf swing, but prevents the golfer from shifting laterally in the direction of arrow  100  during the course of the golf swing. Thus, the golf aid prevents the user&#39;s hips  2  from shifting laterally in the direction of arrow  100 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 5 , user  2  is shown using golf swing aid  10  in an alternative manner, where the user stands with his right foot  4   a  resting on stability wing  38  and his left foot  4   b  resting on stability wing  40 . The toes of the shoes are generally aligned with base rear wall surface  26 , and longitudinal adjustment rod  18  makes contact with the user&#39;s right shin  6   a  slightly below the right knee  8   a . Simultaneously, transverse adjustment rod  16  is positioned between legs  6   a  and  6   b  proximate to the inner calf of right leg  6   a . In this arrangement, the user may use base rear wall surface  26  to assist in aligning the feet correctly. During the golf swing, longitudinal adjustment rod  18  contacts either the front or back of the user&#39;s right leg  6   a , preventing the user from severely flexing knee  8   a . Simultaneously, longitudinal adjustment rod  16  prevents the user from shifting in the direction of arrow  102 , thereby preventing the user from shifting his hips  2  laterally in the direction of arrow  102 . Should the user shift in direction  102  during the forward portion of his swing, the user will feel his or her right leg  6   a  slide against transverse adjustment rod  16 , and the user can stop the golf swing to adjust his swing mechanics to correct such a shift. 
   The uses shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5  are merely examples of the versatile nature of the present invention. From the foregoing discussion, it should become apparent that a golf swing aid in accordance with the present invention allows the user wide flexibility in positioning the vertical post  14 , as well as transverse and longitudinal adjustment rods  16  and  18 . The four base T-shaped recesses  32 ,  33 ,  34  and  35  allow the user to adjust the positioning of vertical support post  14  in any of four positions along the longitudinal axis of the base. The plurality of adjustment holes  58  ( FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  3 ) formed in the second region of the vertical post allow the user to position the transverse and longitudinal adjustment rods in a number of positions suitable for assisting in various aspects of the golf swing and accommodating the varying heights of potential users. Additionally, the user may choose to rotate base  12  so that the user stands with his or her feet on the stability wings and aligns their toes with either the base front or rear wall surfaces  24  or  26 . Finally, the user may remove the vertical support post  14  from base  12  altogether and use the base  12  as a tool for aligning their feet or for helping the user determine the proper distance between the instep of his or her feet when preparing to make a golf swing. 
   It should be understood that transverse adjustment rod  16  may be attached to vertical post second portion  46  extending from either of front edge  54  or rear edge  56  depending whether the user swings right or left handed and the swing mechanics that are being adjusted. Additionally, as with the transverse adjustment rod, longitudinal adjustment rod  18  may be mounted so that it either extends from vertical post second portion first or second surfaces depending on the swing mechanics that are being adjusted. As a result, swing aid  10  can be easily configured to work on a users back swing, front swing, chipping swing and putting stroke by simply positioning the vertical post and the transverse and longitudinal adjustment rods to one of the many adjustment locations. Thus, a single device allows a user to work on various aspects of their golf stance and swing. 
   While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention are described above, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit thereof. It is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as come within the scope and spirit of the appended claims and their equivalents.