Abstract:
An improved freestanding golf swing training system with a floor-mounted base 9or mounted-to-ground post) and a pelvic belt assembly that wraps around the golfer&#39;s hips and guides the golfer&#39;s pivot during the backswing, downswing and follow through. The adjustable, dual-axis system guides the pelvis as it pivots about an axis behindthe golfer&#39;s right leg (for right handers) in the backswing and downswing, and pivots about an axis behind and outside the golfer&#39;s left leg in the follow through. A dual-pivot mechanism, that connects the belt to the base, inhibits lateral movement of the hips during the backswing and downswing. The mechanism allows the distance between the pivot centers to be adjustable to various hip sizes. The system has a built-in conversion feature that permits the belt to be inverted to accommodate both right-handed and left-handed golfers.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846, Filed: Nov. 16, 1999, entitled “IMPROVED GOLF SWING TRAINING SYSTEM”, which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/237,572, Filed: Jan. 26, 1999, entitled “GOLF SWING TRAINING SYSTEM”, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,797, Issued: Nov. 16, 1999. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As golfers have searched vainly for the perfect golf swing over the last 150 years in the history of this game, teachers and engineers have sought and designed teaching aids that hopefully will improve the golfer&#39;s swing to hit the ball more consistently and further. 
     One such tool is a golf swing training system shown in the Ballard, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,050,885. The Ballard system includes a shoulder guiding device 122, 130, and 135 and a hip saddle 112 that straps around the pupil&#39;s hip area. The thrust of the Ballard system is the provision of a lateral slide 90 on the base that permits the belt and the golfer&#39;s hips to slide from two to six inches during the back swing, the down swing, and follow through. The slide 90 has a pair of rollers 87 and 88 that ride on a linear rail 61 that is parallel to the target line. Pivotal movement of the saddle is accommodated by a shaft 57 that permits the saddle to pivot about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the target line to accommodate the player&#39;s tendency to raise one hip relative to the other. The sliding carriage is pivotally mounted on the base about a horizontal axis shown in FIG. 5, parallel to the target line and biased by a spring 51 that appears to accommodate the downward movement of the hips during the golf swing. 
     The slide 90 carries a first pivot 94, as seen in FIG. 9, upon which a link 99 is pivotal having another pivot 93 at its distal end to which the hip saddle 91 is connected. At the address position illustrated in FIG. 15, the slide 90 is positioned centrally on the rail 61 by springs 84 and 85, hip saddle 91 faces the ball, and the pivoting link 99 is parallel to the target line. During the back swing as depicted in FIG. 16, the slide 90 slides linearly away from the target compressing spring 84, and the belt pivots 45 degrees about the pivot 94, causing the user&#39;s spine to shift backwardly a substantial distance rearwardly from the ball. 
     During the down swing, the belt pivot 93 and the slide 90 slide toward the target back to substantially the address position described above. Thereafter, during the follow through, the link 99 rotates counter-clockwise from its address position and actually throws the golfer toward the golf ball a substantial distance during the follow through. At the same time, the slide 90 compresses spring 85, causing a substantial lateral shift of the hips during the follow through compressing spring 85, as depicted in FIG. 17. 
     The lateral shifting of the saddle in the Ballard system during both the backswing and the downswing is not believed by most teaching professionals to be an appropriate teaching methodology. 
     The Remington, U.S. Pat. No. 1,530,519, shows a golf training apparatus designed to prevent any vertical or upward motion during golf swing. The golfer is restricted to pivoting his body around the fixed axis. 
     The Hara, U.S. Pat. No. 2,611,610, shows a mechanical system that holds the shoulders, hips and feet in position during the swing. 
     Another Hara, U.S. Pat. No. 2,755,091, shows a teaching device that restricts the golfer&#39;s hip movement to rotary motion about a single axis, as does the device shown in the Abel, U.S. Pat. No. 3,429,571. 
     The Sheldon, U.S. Pat. No. 3,215,438, shows a hip training device for golfers that gives a warning signal when hip rotation departs from a single axis. 
     The Anselmo, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,593,909, has similar deficiencies to the Sheldon system. 
     The Jenks, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,626,151, and 2,737,432, show golf training systems which coordinate body movement with some lateral movement of the hips. 
     The following patents also show swing training device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,797 referred to above. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Inventor 
                 Patent No. 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
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     The multiple pivot mechanism that connects the belt to the base inhibits lateral movement of the hips during the back swing and down swing. The belt is connected to the base by an expandable link pivotally connected at one end to the base and pivotally connected at its other end to the belt, both about generally vertical axes. As the golfer initiates the back swing, the belt pivots about the second axis as the link pivots in the opposite direction about the first axis. The link, as it rotates, expands somewhat as the spine travels in a clockwise arc about the pivot axis to the rear and inside of the right hip socket. As the golfer initiates the downswing, the link collapses and moves to a position almost parallel to the target line but somewhat outward from the address position. In the ball impact position, the link is collapsed between the belt and the base substantially parallel to the target line. The extension of the link during the backswing is what encourages the left hip to move clockwise and the spine to travel on the appropriate arc. 
     During the follow through, the link swings counter-clockwise allowing the right hip to move counter-clockwise and the spine to trace the appropriate arc which is an arc generally about the axis outside and to the rear of the left hip socket. After the follow through with the link collapsed and generally parallel to the target line, the golfer is encouraged to step forward toward the target by the expandable link which permits extension of the belt toward the target as the golfer takes an extra step with the rear leg over the forward leg toward the target encouraging an exceptional follow through. 
     In patent application, U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846, Filed: Nov. 16, 1999, a golf swing training system is disclosed that guides the golfer&#39;s hip rotation during the backswing and downswing and the follow through which, with repetition, enables the golfer&#39;s muscle memory to repeat the desired hip rotation on the golf course without the training system. This hip rotation concept involves the pivotal motion of the hips during the backswing and downswing about a generally vertical axis behind and outside of the right hip socket(for right-handed golfers). During the follow through, the pivotal axis for the hips switches to a generally vertical axis outside and behind the left hip socket. This dual axis hip pivot automatically teaches the golfer the proper weight transfer from the right side to the left side. 
     Two of the principal advantages of that training system is that it eliminates undesirable hip sway and pivoting around a single axis that is taught in several prior swing training systems, such as the ones described in the Background of the Invention. Hip sway is the lateral or sliding movement of the hips in a plane parallel to the target line—and this motion is difficult for the golfer to control because the rear sway during the backswing requires a perfectly timed forward sway in the downswing to position the club properly at impact. 
     A further feature of that system is that it encourages without demanding the forward step of the rear leg over the forward leg after the follow through. This step teaches the golfer the proper total weight transfer to the left and is a valuable training tool. In fact, top professional golfers, such as present senior player Gary Player actually use this step while on the golf course. 
     Toward these ends, that golf swing training system includes a floor mounted base and a pelvic belt that wraps around the golfer&#39;s hips and guides the golfer&#39;s pivot during the backswing and follow through. The multiple pivot mechanism that connects the belt to the base inhibits lateral movement of the hips during the backswing and downswing. The belt is pivotally connected at a point B at one end to the base and pivotally connected at a point A at its other end to the belt, both about generally vertical aces. As the golfer initiates the backswing, the belt pivots about the axis (A) to approximately the limit of 45 deg. of turn as the right hip and spine travel in a clockwise arc(for right-handed golfers) about the pivot axis that is behind and outside of the right hip socket. At this point the movement is halted by a solid stop mechanism. As the golfer initiates the downswing, the hip belt pivots on axis (A) in the reverse direction back to its original square address position. Immediately, the initiation of the follow through begins with the second pivot point at axis (B), (a point on the outside and behind the left hip socket), allowing the golfer&#39;s left hip and spine to move on an arc counterclockwise on that axis to a position facing the target and perpendicular to the target line. 
     Golf instructors use a variety of exercises to promote the development of the proper basic swing including having golfers execute a swing while standing with their buttocks up against a wall. This provides a demonstratable rear plane behind which no part of the golfer&#39;s body or the club can cross during the backswing or follow through. As the machine controls the golfer&#39;s motion, it promotes a simplified basic swing. This exaggerated exercise leaves the student with the “feel” required to repeatedly execute his or her own individual swing with confidence when out of the machine. Previous training devices, including the parent of this C.I.P., do allow for the tracking of the right hip behind this critical back plane. The right hip is supposed to pivot but not move or change positions during the backswing. It is the left hip and spine that move on an arc around pivot point (A). The same holds true for the left hip during follow through when the right hip and spine pivot on an arc around point (B) on the left. 
     This system design, with the repositioning of the pivot points, the addition of the mechanical stops and the rigid construction of the mechanism, is what dictates that the hips and the spine travel on the appropriate paths. 
     Each of the first and second pivotal axes of the mechanism can be provided with an optional address biasing system. These address biasing systems are coil compression spring assemblies with an adjustable pre-load that are preset with the proper tension to assure that the belt assembly returns to the neutral position when at rest. Additionally, attached to the belt assembly and pivot block are opposing sets of tension posts; one central post on the top and bottom of the belt bar and multiple posts on the top and bottom of the support block slide mechanism. Tension bands or springs are positioned on these posts in combinations that provide resistance to the golfer&#39;s initial pivot. This permits the instructor to adjust the swing resistance based upon the strength, size and ability of the pupil. The swing resistance created by this system not only builds muscles but with repetition, enhances muscle memory more than does a passive training system with no swing resistance. 
     Today, a major consideration of any device geared for public use, requires a commitment to facilitate both left-handed as well as right-handed participants. Previous devices either did not address this issue well or did not address it at all. A new, remarkably convenient conversion feature has been incorporated into this device allowing the system to be easily switched over without reduction of function from either side. The base mount block has been modified with a centrally positioned cylindrical hole into which a cylindrical “rotation” shaft is inserted. This shaft is connected to the pivot that connects to and supports the hip belt mechanism. The converter “rotation” shaft has a stop pin inserted in it that fits into a groove cut into and intersecting the cylindrical hole in the support block. When the belt mechanism is flipped over to perform the left-right conversion, this pin acts as a positioning stop to keep the belt mechanism level on either side. The mechanism is secured in position by a mechanical pressure locking pin inserted into a hole drilled in the top of the block down into a corresponding pre-positioned hole in the rotation shaft. 
     Another object of that swing trainer is to achieve a compact swing of the type institutionalized by the swing of Gene Sarazen. That swing is characterized by a full hip turn in the backswing but not more than 45 degrees, a substantial weight shift to the right foot in the backswing without a significant lateral shifting of the hips, a downswing initiated by the lower legs with the hips moving back toward the address position, an impact position with the lower body not leading the upper body significantly in contra-distinction to the Johnny Miller reverse “C” position at impact, with the body generally upright and the shoulders remaining generally horizontal and a compact follow through with the hips facing the target and the hands flowing up and over the head again with the shoulders mainly horizontal. 
     The U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846 system achieves these results in part by providing a rigid lateral link between the first pivot and the base to prevent free sliding lateral movement of the belt. Next, the dual pivot positioning permits the free rotational movement of the belt during the backswing and downswing and follow through permitting the golfer&#39;s spine to move on the desired arcs. Each of these freedom of movement features are not without limits and while the golfer is permitted some freedom of movement, he or she is still restricted by the mechanical limits of the system; otherwise, the training device would have no purpose. 
     One of the inventors, Stephanie Kossnar, has been playing golf and delivering golf instruction for over 37 years. She has been involved in training, development of training products, and technical writing for 30 years. Working as a golf instructor for the last 4 years, she has found that the two generally held theories of the golf swing do not explain the actual (or correct) movement of the body during the swing. The first of these concepts is rotating around a central axis during the swing, and the second is where the hips make a lateral movement preceding the rotation for the backswing and the rotation for the downswing. 
     Because the lower body is the foundation of the swing, and the lower body has two support points (the left leg and the right leg), Stephanie&#39;s concept of the swing purports that there are two points of rotation, or axes, in the swing. One of these points is for the backswing and downswing motion and the second for the follow-through. In each rotation, the spine moves on an arc originating about the two axes described above. 
     During the backswing, the mechanism allows the golfer&#39;s weight to be transferred to the inside of the right leg as the spine moves on an arc around the first axis point. The rigid belt holds the golfer&#39;s hips in a level position. This discourages a reverse pivot (the weight shifting on the left leg instead of the right). Because the movement of the spine on the arc of the first axis discourages both a lateral movement and a rotation of the hips around a center axis, this movement “pulls” the weight off the left side and onto the right. This also prohibits a reverse pivot. 
     The position of pivot A allows the left hip to continue on an arc that allows the hips to rotate to 40-45 degrees depending upon the flexibility of the golfer. The proper location of the first axis pivot point restricts the right hip from rotating back beyond the swing/target line of the two axes at the address position. This restriction prevents sway of the lower body. (Sway is defined as an excessive weight shift to the outside of the right leg and foot in a right-handed golfer&#39;s backswing that prevents the proper shift back to the left during the downswing). Previous center-axis or lateral-hip-movement training devices allow or encourage sway. 
     During the downswing, the golfer&#39;s spine returns obstensibly to the original stance position. The weight then shifts to the forward or left side, and the second axis defines a new arc formed by the radius between the second axis and the spine. The spine travels along this new arc toward the target until the golfer&#39;s body is facing the target on a line perpendicular to the target line. 
     At this point the golfer&#39;s momentum is allowed to continue traveling off the arc toward the target, and he may take a step over to maintain balance. 
     The golf training apparatus of the present invention virtually demands that the golfer accurately execute these series of steps that make up Stephanie&#39;s concept of the golf swing. 
     In contrast to the system in U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,797, the Continuation-in-Part application, U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846, includes the repositioning of the two pivot points and the adjustability of the distance between the two pivot points. 
     In a right handed golfer, the right(back) pivot is now positioned directly to the outside right rear of the right hip joint. The left(front) pivot is adjustable and can and should be positioned to the outside left rear of the left hip joint. 
     The rear-most corner hinge section of the belt assembly has been repositioned to correspond to the centerline of the rear pivot point(point A). The pivot points should not be mounted any further back from the belt assembly than is mechanically feasible. This acts to keep the hips in front of or on the proper swing/target line during the backswing. 
     The forward pivot point is moved relative to the pivot bar until it is properly positioned relative to the left (front) hip and then locked in place with the pivot bar lock. This allows for the hips to remain on the swing/target line during follow through. This adjustability feature accommodates various body types and hip structures. 
     The proper positioning of the pivots in this new assembly eliminates the need for the slide mechanism that functioned as compensation for the pivot points in the parent application. 
     The slide component and the original position of the pivots allowed the proper swing to be executed with close professional guidance. This mechanism, however, also allowed the user to make moves by not adequately controlling or limiting the user&#39;s movements. 
     Prior to adjusting the pivot centers, several other adjustments are advised. First is the height adjustment to bring the belt assembly to a proper position on the user&#39;s hips. Second is the belt width adjustment to assure a secure fit on various body types and sizes. 
     Another; adjustment feature in Continuation-in-part, U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846, is a positioning screw that allows the upright support bar of the base to be held in a generally vertical, or slightly forward of vertical, position. This adjustment accommodates the individuality of the user&#39;s stances. (This feature eliminates the need for certain components, such as springs, cords or shock absorbers, inside the relatively inaccessible bottom-most housing section of the post assembly). 
     The springs inside the topmost housing of the post assembly provide,adequate give to allow proper freedom of movement during setup of the address position by the golfers. 
     Several new mechanical stops have been added to the pivot mechanism that further enhance the function of the new dual-pivot configuration. They act to further control or limit the range of motion possible while using the mechanism. 
     The first, outside of the rear pivot, limits the belt assembly to a 45 degree motion(turn) during the backswing by contacting the pivot mount which is attached at a 45 degree angle to the pivot hinge on the belt assembly. 
     The second stop is on the other side of this pivot mount and squares the belt assembly at set-up and also prevents the belt assembly from going back beyond the original on-line position during the downswing. 
     Additional stops have been added to both sides of the base mounting block to properly position the pivot arm attached to the front pivot assembly. They assure that the belt stays parallel to the swing/target line during the set-up and,rest positions. 
     Further enhancing the machine&#39;s effectiveness is a tension adjustment feature. The belt and pivot grip assemblies have been fitted with a set of pins, both above and below, one on a belt bracket (approximately at the rear pivot point) and several (three as an example) on the pivot arm saddle at varying distances from the center pin. 
     Through repeated use, this enhancement promotes the user&#39;s strength and muscle memory in a physical therapy or rehabilitation function. By attaching one band from the center pin, three different tension positions are possible. By using two bands in tandem from the center pin to the other pins the various combinations of attachment will provide six distinct tension levels. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, an improved freestanding golf swing training system is provided with a floor-mounted base and a pelvic belt assembly that wraps around the golfer&#39;s hips and guides the golfer&#39;s pivot during the backswing, downswing and follow through. 
     This new system is philosophically the same as in parent application, U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846, Filed: Nov. 16, 1999, but contains many structural improvements that enhance. performance, manufacturing, and comfort, as well as safety. 
     As in U.S. Ser. No. 09/440,846, an adjustable dual axis system is provided that guides the pelvis as it pivots about an axis behind the right leg in the backswing and downswing, and pivots about an axis behind and outside the left leg in the follow through. 
     The mechanism allows the distance between the pivot centers to be adjustable to various hip sizes, but the belt width is no longer adjustable at its rear because belt flexibility has been increased. 
     Instead of steps to limit movement about the two pivot axes, arcuate slotted plate and pin assemblies provide improved performance and safety. 
     The pivotal movement of the columnar base in a vertical plane has been eliminated and replaced with a horizontal pivot in the plane of the belt assembly that accommodates pelvic tilt at address in a far simpler fashion. The rigidity of the base has been improved with three tubular vertical rod supports triangularly arranged and connected together at their bottoms and tops by aluminum extrusions. An additional aluminum extrusion defines a slide on the rod supports and a column head that in turn supports a pivoting slide on the belt assembly. 
     The pivoting slide is now defined by a pair of rods that define the ways for the belt assembly slide and a separate tension slide. With the tension slide independent of the belt assembly slide, a wide range of neutral tension adjustments may be made. 
     Rather than providing a plurality of different size cushions on that belt assembly, all cushions are identical to one another and cast or laminated into a composite of different durometer layers for improved belt comfort. 
     Other objects and advantages will appear more clearly from the following detailed description. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present golf swing training system; 
     FIG. 2 is a partly fragmented front view of the present golf swing training system illustrated in FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 is a left side view of the golf swing training system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a right side view of the golf swing training system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to  3 ; 
     FIG. 5 is a partly fragmented rear view of the golf swing training system as shown in FIGS. 1 to  4 ; 
     FIG. 6 is a top view of the golf swing training system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to  5 ; 
     FIG. 7 is a partly fragmented left side view of the base of the golf swing training system illustrated in FIGS. 1 to  6 ; 
     FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section of the expandable link taken generally along line  8 — 8  of FIG. 6; 
     FIG. 9 is a partly fragmented view of the expandable link; 
     FIG. 10 is a longitudinal section of one of the pivot assemblies for the expandable link taken generally along line  10 — 10  of FIG. 8; 
     FIG. 11 is a fragmented perspective of several of the links in the hip belt assembly; 
     FIG. 12 is a fragmented perspective view of the leg stop according to the present invention, and; 
     FIGS. 13 to  19  are schematic top views of the present golf swing training system showing the position of the base column and the belt assembly and linkage in sequence during the back swing, down swing, and follow through; 
     FIG. 20 is a top perspective of swing training system not disclosed in the parent application; 
     FIG. 21 is a left side view of the swing training system illustrated in FIG. 20; 
     FIG. 22 is a right side view of the swing training system illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21; 
     FIG. 23 is a top view of the swing training system illustrated in FIGS. 20 to  22 ; 
     FIG. 24 is a fragmented section of the base of the swing training system illustrated in FIGS. 21 to  23 ; 
     FIG. 25 is a longitudinal section taken generally along line  25 — 25  of FIG. 23 showing the left hand to right hand rotational mechanism; 
     FIG. 26 is a fragmented top view of the belt assembly pivot arm and column head illustrated in FIGS. 1 to  24 ; 
     FIG. 27 is a front view of the FIG. 20 embodiment with the belt assembly rotating toward the left hand position; 
     FIG. 28 is a front view similar to FIG. 27 with the belt assembly fully rotated to its left hand position; 
     FIG. 29 is a fragmented top view showing the FIG. 20 embodiment belt assembly and pivot arm rotated to the left hand position; 
     FIG. 30 is a continuation of FIG. 23 from its address position to the maximum backswing position; 
     FIG. 31 is a fragmented top view similar to FIG. 30 in the follow through position; 
     FIG. 32 is a fragmented left side view of an inground base embodiment; 
     FIG. 33 is a top perspective of a swing training system not disclosed in the parent application; 
     FIG. 34 is a rear perspective of a pivot assembly and fragmented belt assembly of the swing training system illustrated in FIG. 33; 
     FIG. 35 is a top view of the pivot assembly and fragmented belt assembly illustrated in FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 36 is a right side view of the pivot assembly and belt assembly illustrated in FIG. 35; 
     FIG. 37 is a left side view of the pivot assembly and belt assembly illustrated in FIG. 35; 
     FIG. 38 is a rear view of the pivot assembly and belt assembly illustrated in FIG. 35; 
     FIG. 39 is a sub-assembly view of the tension slide illustrated in FIGS. 35 to  38 ; 
     FIG. 40 is a top view of the column slide illustrated in FIG. 33; 
     FIG. 41 is a sub-assembly view of the belt rotation mechanism illustrated in FIG. 34; 
     FIG. 42 is a cross section of the belt rotation mechanism taken generally along line  42 — 42  of FIG. 41; 
     FIG. 43 is a fragmented side view of the column slide illustrating the belt tilt mechanism; 
     FIG. 44 is a perspective view of one of the belt assembly cushions; 
     FIG. 45 is a diagrammatic view of the belt assembly in its stop limit backswing position; 
     FIG. 46 is a diagrammatic view of the belt assembly at impact; 
     FIG. 47 is a diagrammatic view of the belt assembly approximately halfway through the follow through; 
     FIG. 48 is a diagrammatic view of the belt assembly at 90 degrees of follow through, and; 
     FIG. 49 is a diagrammatic view of the belt assembly at 106 degrees of follow through. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawings and particularly FIGS. 1 to  8 , a golf swing training system  10  is illustrated consisting generally of a base  12 , a vertically extendable column assembly  13  pivotally mounted in the base  12 , a column head  14  fixed to the top of the column assembly  13 , an expandable pivotal link assembly  16  carried by the head  14 , and pivotally supporting a hip belt assembly  18 , which is adapted to be strapped about the golf pupil&#39;s hips. The base  12  has a truncated pyramidal shape including front wall  20 , side walls  21  and  22 , a rear wall  24 , a bottom wall  25 , and a top wall  26  through which pivotal column assembly  13  projects. 
     As seen in FIG. 7, the column assembly  13  includes a lower channel member  28 , generally rectangular in cross section that slidably receives an inner channel member  29  that is vertically adjustable in the lower channel member and locked in position by a handle-operated stop  30 . In this way, the belt assembly  18  can be adjusted to the appropriate hip height of the golfer. The lower column channel  28  is pivotally mounted on rod  31 , shown more clearly in FIG.  5 . The lower column channel  28  is biased to its vertical position by a pair of hydraulic biasing element cylinders  33  and  34  fixed to the lower portions of the side walls  21  and  22  at one end, and to brackets  36  carried by the lower end of column channel  28 . The pivoting of column assembly  13  about rod  31  enables the belt to move in a plane transverse to target line toward and away from the ball as the golfer swings. 
     The base  12  also carries an adjustable leg stop assembly  40  that includes an L-shaped rod having a first leg portion  41  slidably received in the base, as seen in FIG. 5, and locked in position therein by handle operated locking members  43  and  44 , and a second leg portion  45  that slidably receives a generally rectangular cushioned leg stop  47 . Suitable means are provided for locking the leg stop  47  to the rod leg portion  45 , and as seen in FIG. 12, the rod is rotationally adjustable in the base  12  to vary the vertical height of the leg stop  47 . The leg stop  47  is designed to limit the rearward movement(a direction away from the target) by engaging the golfer&#39;s lower right leg(for righ-handed golfers). This reduces undesirable right leg sway during the back swing. 
     As seen in the top view of FIG. 6, the link assembly  16  includes a head portion  50  pivotally connected to the head  14  by a pivot assembly  51 , and an extendable belt portion  53  pivotally connected to the belt by a second pivot assembly  54 . The pivot  54  is about three to four inches to the left of the center of the belt assembly back plate  96  as viewed from the top in FIG. 6, for example. Link belt portion  53  extends during the golf swing at appropriate times to achieve the desired spine path. The link assembly  16  is shown in an almost collapsed position in FIG.  8  and an almost fully extended position in FIG.  9 . As seen in FIG. 9, the link head portion  50  has three round rods  55 ,  56  and  57  fixed therein and each has a piston portion  58  slidable in one of the bores  60 ,  61  and  62 . The pistons  58  are biased toward their retracted position by coil compression springs  64 . The continuous biasing of the extendable link assembly  16  to its collapsed position offers resistance to extension by the golfer and improved proper muscle development. 
     Both the pivot assembles  51  and  54  have similar adjustable centering springs, one illustrated in FIG. 10, that respectively bias the link  16  to the address position in FIG. 6 parallel to the target line, and bias the belt assembly  18  to the address position. The pivot assembly  51  includes an annular boss  66  fixed to the column head  14 . A pivot boss  67 , carrying an annular bushing  68 , is fixed in the top of the boss  66  by a roll pin  71 . The link head portion  50  has an upper arm  72  rotatably mounted on bushing  68 . The boss  67  has downwardly projecting spaced tangs  73  that receive upper spring arm  75  of a coil compression spring  76  mounted in bore  69 . Tangs  73  hold the upper end of the spring  76  fixed. A stepped lower boss  78  is rotatable in a bushing  79  received in an enlarged lower portion of the bore  69  and it rotatably supports a lower arm  80 , which is part of the link head portion  50 . The boss  78  has a pair of upwardly projecting tangs  81  that receive a spring arm  82  on the lower end of the coil compression spring  76 . An annular hand wheel  83  is keyed to the lower stepped portion  84  of the boss  78  but is slidable on the lower portion to disengage teeth  85  on the upper portion of annular hand wheel  83  that engage in complementary slots  86  in the lower arm  80  to lock the hand wheel  83  in the desired position with respect to the link head portion  50 . 
     The hand wheel  83  is biased upwardly by a coil compression spring  85  in bore  86  that engages a spring seat  87  fixed to the lower end of the boss  78  by pin  88 . By rotating the hand wheel  83 , the tension of spring  76  can be adjusted as desired to vary the biasing force tending to rotate link head portion  50  to its address position shown in FIG.  6 . 
     The pivot assembly  54  has a similar coil compression spring assembly adjusted by hand wheel  90  to vary the force tending to rotate the belt assembly  18  back to the address position shown in FIG.  6 . By varying the biasing forces of the pivot assemblies  51  and  54 , the resistance to the swinging motion of the belt assembly  18  can be varied as desired, bearing in mind as discussed above, that muscle memory is enhanced by greater resistance to the swing, which is also a muscle exercise function. 
     As seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the belt assembly  18  includes a plurality of rigid aluminum links pivoted to one another that carry body engaging pads and a releasable clip assembly  92  carried by flexible belt portions  93  and  94 . As seen in FIGS. 1 and 6, the belt assembly  18  includes a U-shaped rigid aluminum back plate  96  fixed to an L-shaped member  97  forming part of the pivot assembly  54  shown in FIG.  9 . Back plate  96  carries an elongated pad  99  adapted to engage the golfer&#39;s back. Short links  100  and  101  are pivoted to the ends of plates  96  and similar short pivot links  103  and  104  are pivotally connected to links  100  and  101  respectively. The links  100  and  101  are identical and have spaced bosses at one end, and a central boss at the other end, while links  103  and  104  have spaced bosses  106  and  107  at one end and spaced bosses  108  at the other end and are pinned to one another by pivot pins  110 , such as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11. 
     Each of the links  100 ,  101 ,  103  and  104 , have rectangular body engaging pads  111 . A pair of longer links  113  and  114  are pivotally connected to links  103  and  104  and have elongated body engaging pads  115  thereon, and these links carry the flexible belt portions.  93  and  94  respectively. 
     Reference will now be made to FIGS. 13 to  19 , for a sequence of operation of the present golf swing training system beginning with the address position in FIG.  13  and ending with the right foot step over position illustrate din FIG.  19 . Reference will also be made to certain other figures during this explanation. It should be understood that some of the details of the base and column, as well as the link assembly  16  and the belt assembly  18  have been eliminated for brevity and lack of confusion in these figures, but the details are believed shown clearly in FIGS. 1 to  12  above. 
     Also, the human form has not been illustrated in FIGS. 13 to  19  so the form does not obscure the mechanical parts of the system, but it should be understood that these positions are achieved with the belt assembly  18  around the golfer&#39;s hips and the clasp  92  adjusted and clamped. 
     The arrows depicted adjacent column head  14  in FIGS. 14,  15 ,  16 ,  17 ,  18 , and  19  depict the movement of the column head and the column  13  about their pivot shaft  31 . This movement, as noted above, is movement of the column assembly  13  in a plane perpendicular to the target line. Also, the reference numeral  124  in FIGS. 13 to  19  represents a fixed vertical plane parallel to the target line and coincident with forward surface  126  of the column head  14  in the address position illustrated in FIG.  13 . Note, for example in FIG. 14, the forward surface  126  of the column head  14  is shifted away from the reference plane  124  representing a counter-clockwise rotation of the column about pivot shaft  31  as viewed in FIG. 3, for example. 
     Initially, the height of the belt assembly  18  is adjusted utilizing the locking device  30  in the column assembly  13 . The top of the belt assembly  18  should be approximately level with the top of the golfer&#39;s pelvic bone, and the belt assembly  18  should be secure around the golfer by adjusting the straps  93  and  94 . Note that when the golfer straps in belt assembly  18 , the column assembly  13  is in its vertical position biased thereby the biasing devices  33  and  34 . After this is completed, the golfer bends at the knees to the appropriate address position and addresses an actual golf ball, also in the appropriate position on the mat(not shown) adjacent the training system  10 . This movement rotates the column assembly  13  toward the ball, causing it to assume approximately the position shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. And in this position note that the belt assembly  18  is on somewhat of an angle as are, of course, the golfer&#39;s hips in the proper address position. 
     Reference number  121  in FIGS. 13 to  19  indicates the first axis referred to above and pivot  51  is the second axis above and both define the centers for the correct arcs of the spine during the swing. As noted above, in the back swing and return to impact, the belt assembly  18  encourages the body to pivot about axis  121  and during follow through, to the FIG. 18 position. completing follow through, the belt assembly  18  encourages the golfer to pivot generally about axis  51 . 
     In the address position of FIG. 13, the link assembly  16  is completely collapsed, the link assembly  16  is parallel to the target line, the column head reference surface  126  lies in the reference plane  124  and the belt assembly back plate  96  is parallel to the target line. 
     Midway through the back swing, as illustrate din FIG. 14, the link assembly swings counter-clockwise from its address position. In this position the link assembly  16  assumes a position of about 45 degrees counter-clockwise with respect to reference plane  124 . At the same time the belt assembly rotates clockwise about pivot  54  about 80 degrees. 
     The completed back swing position is illustrated in FIG. 15, and here the link assembly  16  is fully extended and is rotated further counter-clockwise about pivot  51  about  15  degrees, and at the same time the belt assembly  18  is rotated clockwise about pivot  54  about 10 or 15 degrees further than the FIG. 14 position. 
     As the golfer initiates the downswing by transferring weight to the left foot toward the ball impact position illustrated in FIG. 16, clockwise pivotal movement of the belt about axis  51  begins, and linkage  16  returns to an almost collapsed position about 15 degrees counter-clockwise from the address position. The column head in FIG. 16 moves toward the ball, as depicted, for example, by the arrow adjacent the column head  14  in FIG.  16 . The column head moves toward and away from the ball to adjust for the posture of the golfer during the swing. In this ball impact position, the belt assembly back plate  96  is parallel to the target line and the plane  124 . 
     As the golfer swings through the ball at impact, the belt assembly  18  pivots about axis  51  instead of axis  121  with the link assembly  16  remaining collapsed, as depicted in FIG. 17, tending to move the belt assembly  18  toward the ball relative to the column head  14 . At the same time, in this intermediate follow through position, link assembly  16  is about 90 degrees counter-clockwise with respect to plane  124 , and the belt assembly back plate  96  is parallel to the link assembly  16 . This movement encourages the golfer to pivot about axis  51 . 
     The completed follow through is depicted in FIG. 18 where the link  16  is approximately 130 degrees clockwise with respect to plane  124 , the linkage assembly  16  remains fully collapsed, and the belt assembly back plate  96  pivots clockwise with respect to the link assembly  16  about pivot  54  from the FIG. 17 position about 50 degrees. Note from FIGS. 17 and 18, that while the belt assembly  18  pivots about axis  51 , the golfer&#39;s left side moves toward the target. 
     As a training aid, after completion of the follow through in FIG. 18, the golfer is encouraged to step over the left foot with the right foot toward the target, and this position is illustrated in FIG.  19  and is accommodated by the full extension of link assembly  16 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 4 and 10, an adjustable stop mechanism is provided for limiting rotational movement of the link head portion  50 . Adjustable stop  130  includes a slide  131  having a rubber stop member  132  at its forward end and a rotational clamp  133  extending through a slot in the slide  131 . Stop member  132  engages the side of the head link portion  50 , as seen in FIG.  19 . The stop  132  is adjustable toward the ball in the plane of FIG.  19  and limits, if desired, rotation of link head portion  50  to less than the 180 degree position it has with respect to the reference plane  124  in FIG.  19 . This limiting action may be desirable in cases where the right foot step over described with respect to FIG. 19 is not desired, or in cases where the pupil rotates his or her hips too far to the left on follow through. 
     Now turning to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to  31 , it should be understood that this embodiment is not disclosed in the parent application, U.S. Ser. No. 09/237,572, but that it has certain common aspects with the Swing Training System disclosed in FIGS. 1 to  19 , which constitute the embodiment disclosed in the parent application. The embodiment in FIGS. 20 to  31 ; namely, the Swing Training System, disclosed and shown therein, seeks to improve upon the FIGS. 1 to  19  embodiment by providing a mechanical system that more closely approximates the geometry forming the objectives for the swing system in the parent application, and in some cases, the swing system shown in the parent application was deficient in achieving those objectives, although this statement is not to denigrate the basic principles of the Swing Training System shown in the parent application. 
     The FIGS. 20 to  31  embodiments of the Swing Training System includes a dual pivot modification that respositions the two pivot points with adjustability between the two pivot points to more closely approximate the desired golfer swing geometry. 
     With a right-handed golfer, for example, the right or back pivot(forward being toward the target and back being away from the target), is now positioned directly to the outside and to the rear of the right hip joint. The left pivot(the pivot toward the target referred to as the first pivot axis) is adjustable and can and should be positioned to the outside and to the rear of the left hip joint. The rear portion of the belt assembly has been repositioned (compared to the FIGS  1  to  19  embodiment), to be aligned with the center line of the rear pivot (second pivot axis). The pivot points are mounted as closely to the belt assembly as mechanically possible. This acts to keep the hips in front of and in the proper line during the backswing. 
     The first pivot axis is adjustable by movement of a saddle along the pivot bar until it is properly positioned so that the golfer&#39;s left hip is locked in place in the appropriate position relative to the first axis. 
     Referring to FIGS. 20 to  31  generally, a golf training system  210  is illustrated consisting generally of the base  212 , a vertically extendable column assembly  213  pivotally mounted in the base  212 , a column head assembly  214  fixed to the top of the column assembly  213 , a pivot arm assembly  216  carried by the head  214 , and pivotally supporting a hip belt  218 , which is adapted to be strapped about the golf pupil&#39;ships. Base  212  has a truncated pyramidal shape including front wall  220 , side walls  221  and  222 , a rear wall  224 , a bottom wall  225 , and a top wall  226 , through which pivotal column assembly  213  projects. 
     As seen in FIGS. 21,  22 , and  24 , the column assembly  213  includes a lower channel member  228 , generally rectangular in cross section that slidably receives an inner channel member  229  that is vertically adjustable in the lower channel member and locked in position by handle operated stops  230  and  231 . In this way, the belt assembly  218  can be adjusted to the appropriate hip height of the golfer. The lower column channel  228  is pivotally mounted on a rod  231   a , as seen more clearly in FIG.  24 . The lower column  228  is biased toward its vertical position by a coil compression spring  233  fixed in the base to the corner of forward wall  220  and bottom wall  225  and connected at its upper end to a pair of arms  234  connected to the bottom of the lower channel section  228 . Spring  233  biases the upper end of column  228  and the belt assembly  218  away from the ball; that is, in a direction perpendicular to the target line away from the position of the ball. The pivoting in the column assembly  213  about rod  231  enables the belt to move in a plane transverse to the target line toward and away from the ball. As seen more clearly in FIG. 24, a stop assembly  235  limits the pivotal motion of the column assembly  213  away from the ball. The stop assembly  235  includes a hand-wheeled threaded member  236  threaded into a plate  237  carried by the forward end of the forward wall  220  that carries a swivel stop  238  at its end engaging forward surface  239  of lower column member  228 . 
     The pivotal movement of the column  213  about the pivot  231   a  is to permit the golfer at address to assume his or her normal squat position, rocking the lower end of column  213  somewhat away from the stop  238 , as adjusted by the golf professional. However, once the appropriate address position is achieved, the stop  238  is adjusted in engagement with the forward surface  239  of lower column member channel  228  which prevents the column  213  and the golfer&#39;s hips from moving away from the ball during the entire golf swing. 
     The base  212  also carries an adjustable leg stop assembly  240  seen in FIGS. 21 and 23, for example, that includes an L-shaped rod having a first leg portion  241  slidably received in the base, and locked in position by handle operated locking members  243  and  244 , and a second leg portion  245  that slidably receives a generally rectangular cushion leg stop  247 . Suitable means are provided for locking the leg stop  247  to the rod leg portion  245 , and as seen in the drawings, the rod is rotationally adjustable in the base  212  to vary the vertical height for the leg stop  247  and the base  212 . The leg stop  247  is designed to limit the rearward movement(a direction away from the target) by engaging the golfer&#39;s lower right leg(for right-handed golfers). This reduces undesirable right leg sway during the backswing. 
     As seen in FIGS. 20 and 23, and other FIGS. as well, the pivot arm assembly  216  includes a pivot arm member  250  connected at a first pivot axis  251  to the column assembly head member  249 , and is connected at a second pivot axis  252  to the belt assembly  218 . 
     The pivot arm  250  has a first portion  253  adjacent pivot  251  that angles approximately 45 degrees backwardly when viewed from the top in FIG. 23 from the pivot  251 , and it engages a stop  254  that limits backward movement of the pivot arm  250  from its FIG. 23 position to prevent the arm  250  from moving rearwardly from that position which, of course, is the address position of the belt assembly  218 . 
     The arm  250  has a second straight portion  255  that slidably receives a rectangular saddle  256  locked in position along arm portion  255  by locking assembly  257 . 
     The saddle  256  is connected to the right rear side of the belt assembly  218  by an integral post  258  that angles 45 degrees rearwardly and carries at its end a pin  260  forming the pivot axis  252  with L-shaped bracket  259  fixed to saddle rear back engaging bracket  261 . 
     The belt assembly  218  includes the rear bracket  261  that is clamped to bracket  262  by fasteners  263  that enable the lateral expansion and contraction of the brackets  261  and  262  relative to each other to accommodate the belt assembly  218  to different sized golfers. 
     After this adjustment is made to fit the golfer&#39;s anatomical hip configuration, the saddle  256  is loosened and adjusted along pivot arm portion  255  so that the golfer&#39;s left hip joint is just inside and toward the ball from the pivot axis  251 . 
     The pivot arm  250  is connected to the column head  249  to enable the belt assembly to be rotated from the FIGS. 21 and 23 positions through the FIG. 27 position to the FIG. 28 position to also accommodate left-handed golfers. The left-hand rotation position of the assembly is illustrated also in the top view of FIG.  29 . 
     Toward these ends, and as seen in FIGS. 23,  25 , and  26 , the pivot arm portion  253  carries a pin  265  at its distal end forming the first pivot axis  251  with boss  269 , which is the pivotal connection of the pivot arm  250  with the column head  249 . Also, the boss extension  266 , as seen in FIG. 25, has an integral rearwardly projecting shaft  267  that is rotatably mounted in column head  249  in through bore  268 . The shaft  267  carries a radial pin  270  that engages column head radial surfaces  271  and  272  respectively to define the right hand and left hand positions for the hip belt assembly  218 . In use, the operator releases a locking pin  275  in head  249  which extends into a diametral hole  276  in shaft  267  enabling the operator to grasp the belt assembly  218  and rotate it from its FIG. 23 position through its FIG. 27 to its FIG. 28 positions where pin  270  engages surface  272  and then re-enters pin  275  into bore  276  locking the belt assembly in the left hand mode position. 
     As seen in FIG. 26, a plurality of additional stops are provided for limiting movement of the belt assembly  218  relative to the pivot arm  250 . 
     A first L-shaped stop  278  is fixed to belt bracket  261  and bracket  259  and has an outwardly extending portion  279  that engages bracket surface  280  on post  258  as the belt assembly  218  rotates counter-clockwise as viewed from the top in FIG. 23 during the backswing. 
     As seen in FIG. 30, which is the limit of the backswing for the belt assembly  218 , the stop portion  279  engages surface  280  and prevents further rotational movement backwardly from the FIG. 30 position. This configuration is designed to limit the hip pivot during the backswing to about 45 degrees. 
     An additional stop  282  is fixed to bracket  259  and has a 45 degree angle stop surface  284  that engages surface  285  on post  258  that limits the rotational movement of the belt assembly  218  during the downswing to the address position shown in FIGS. 23 and 26. That is, during the downswing, the belt assembly  218  pivots about the second pivot axis  252  until stop  284  engages stop  285  at substantially the address position illustrated. Thereafter, the bracket  259  and hence the belt assembly  218  is prevented from further pivotal motion about the second axis  252  and hence the belt assembly  218  is locked to the pivot arm  250  during the remainder or follow through of the golf swing, and during that period, pivotal movement is limited to movement of the belt assembly  218  and the pivot arm  250  about the first pivot axis  251 . 
     The belt assembly  218 , in addition to brackets  261  and  262 , consists of a a plurality of cushioned links  297  and flexible end members  298  that are connected together by conventional seat belt-type connectors similar to that shown in the FIGS. 1 to  19  embodiment. 
     Viewing FIGS. 23 and 30, points  294  and  295  represent vertical axes extending through the right hip socket and the left hip socket of the golfer after the belt brackets  261  and  262  have been adjusted with fasteners  263  to accommodate the anatomy of the golfer. This places the second pivot axis  252  just outside(rearward relative to the target) and back from axis  295 . Saddle  256  is then adjusted on arm portion  255  so that the first pivot axis  251  is just outside and somewhat to the back of the golfer&#39;s left hip socket axis  294 . Hip socket axes  294  and  295  are defined simply by vertical lines passing through the anatomical hip socket assembly. 
     Also depicted in FIGS. 23 and 30 is a vertical plane  296  which is defined as a vertical plane parallel to and spaced from the target line engaging the rear buttocks of the golfer at the address position. As seen in FIG. 30, which depicts the maximum hip rotational position for the belt  218 , no part of the hip area goes behind(away from the ball) the plane  296 . 
     As seen in FIG. 26, a plurality of elastomeric bands  290  and  291  are stretched between a pin  292  on bracket  254  and selectively on pins  293 ,  294  and  295  on saddle  256  to bias belt assembly  218  to its address position and provide backswing resistance that is adjustable by band position. 
     Referring to FIGS. 33 to  49 , a further improved freestanding golf training system  310  is illustrated consisting generally of a base assembly  312 , a column assembly  313 , a column head assembly  314 , a pivot arm assembly  316 , and a hip belt assembly  318 . 
     The base assembly  312  is illustrated in FIG. 33 as being attached to a wheel mat  319  on which the golfer stands and actually impacts golf balls resting on a tee on the mat assembly or directly on the mat. 
     The base assembly  312  includes a pair of aluminum extrusions  320  and  321  that are similar in cross section to column slide  322  illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 40. 
     A sheet metal cover  323  extends between the extrusions  320  and  321 . Optionally, this base assembly  312  could be all one extrusion. 
     The extrusions  320  and  321  support tubular rods  325 ,  326 , and  327  that define the column assembly  313 . 
     The upper ends of the rods  325 ,  326 , and  327  are held in position by another extrusion  329  similar to extrusions  320  and  321 . 
     While not shown in the drawings, the slide  322  forming part of the column head assembly  314  can be vertically adjustable on the rods  325 ,  326 , and  327  by a rack and pinion assembly that includes a crank  331  connected to and driving the pinion in the rack and pinion assembly. The rack included in this assembly, also not shown in the drawings, is fixed to one of the rods  325 ,  326 , and  327 , making vertical adjustment of the column assembly  314 , the pivot assembly  316 , and the belt assembly  318  quite easy. As seen in FIGS. 34,  36 , and  41 , the column head assembly  314  includes a block  333  having a bore  334  therein that rotatedly receives a pivot shaft  335  that permits the pivot assembly  316  and the belt assembly.  318  to be rotated 180 degrees from the position illustrated in the drawings for left-handed golfers. Viewing FIG. 33, this permits the pivot assembly  316  and the belt assembly  318  to be swung downwardly in a counter-clockwise direction 180 degrees. 
     The projecting end of shaft  335  in FIG. 41 is received in a complementary bore in pivot assembly block  337 , as seen in FIG. 34, and is pinned therein so that shaft  335  is rotationally fixed to block  337  but is permitted rotation in block  333 . 
     The end of shaft  335  carries a pin  338  that engages stops  339  in block  333  that limits the 180 degree positions of shaft  335 . 
     A spring biased pin  341  in slot  342  and the top of block  333  has a inner end, not illustrated, that is received in one of two diametral recesses in shaft  335  to lock the shaft  335  in either of its 180 degree positions. 
     As seen in FIG. 40, the slide extrusion  322  is slidable on rods  325 ,  326 , and  327 , and has clamping assemblies, such as illustrated at  345 , for locking the slide  322  in any desired position along the free length of rods  325 ,  326  and the  327 . 
     As seen in FIGS. 34,  35 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 , and  39 , the pivot assembly  316  includes a first pivot assembly  344  and a second pivot assembly  345 . The first pivot assembly  344  includes block  337 , which normally is locked to column head block  333  and a slide plate  346  that carries identical upper and lower pivot plates  348  and  349 . Plates  348  and  349  have arcuate slots  351  therein that slidably receive pin assemblies  352 , which are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the block  337 . Plates  348  and  349  are journaled in block  337  by a pivot pin  354  that enables the pivot plates  348  and  349  and plate  346  to pivot about the axis of pin  354  during the golfer&#39;s follow through. 
     As seen in FIG. 35, slot  351  has a left end beginning on a vertical axis in the plane of FIG. 35, passing through the center of pin  354  and extends past 90 degrees through a horizontal axis extending through the axis of pin  354  an additional 16 degrees, so that the arcuate extent of slot  351  is 106 degrees. Thus, slot  351  and pin assembly  352  limit the follow through motion of the slide  316  to 106 degrees, the position of the belt assembly illustrated in FIG.  49 . 
     The plate  342  carries rods  356  and  357  that form the ways for a tension slide  359  and a belt assembly lock slide  360 . 
     Tension slide  359  is split at  362  and carries a threaded member  363  extending through the slot that defines a clamp on rod  356  so that tension slide  359  can be locked in any of the available positions on the rods  356  and  357 . Tension slide  359  has a headed pin  365  on its upper and lower surfaces that carry an elastomeric band  366  that encircles a similar headed pin  367  on belt assembly frame plate  369 . 
     By moving slide  359  along rods  356  and  357 , the tension on the belt assembly  318  can be infinitely varied within the limit of the free length of the rods  356  and  357 . Tension slide  359  continuously biases the belt assembly  318  toward the address position illustrated in FIG. 35, in both the backswing and the follow through of the golfer. 
     The belt assembly slide  360  is mounted for independent movement on the rods  356  and  357  and includes a pair of slots  371  and  372  across which a threaded member  373  extends operated by handle  374  that together serve to clamp the slide  360  in any position on the rods  356  and  357 . 
     Slide  360  carries a pivot pin  375  similar to pin  354  that rotatedly supports upper and lower pivot plates  376  and  377  fixed to the rear plate  369  of the belt assembly  318 . This defines the second pivotal axis  345  that is operative during the golfer&#39;s backswing and limits pivotal movement of the pelvic area to 45 degrees during the backswing. 
     Toward this end, the plates  376  and  377  have an arcuate slot  379  therein having an arcuate length as shown in FIG. 35, of 45 degrees. 
     As seen in the plane of FIG. 35, a vertical axis extending through the center of pin  375  defines the left end slot  379 , and it extends upwardly to the left from there an angle of 45 degrees. 
     Pin assemblies  380  ride in slots  379  and are fixed to the upper and lower surfaces of the slide  360 . At the address position illustrated in FIG. 35, which is also the ball impact position, pin assemblies  380  engage the left end of slot  379 , as viewed in FIG. 35, and engage the right end of slot  379  in the limit backswing position illustrated in FIG.  45 . 
     The ends of the rods  356  and  357  are held together by end plate  382 , shown in FIG. 33, even though not shown in FIG. 34 for clarity. 
     The belt assembly  318  includes the back plate  369  and four cushions  382  releasably attached to the back plate  369 . All of the cushions in the belt assembly  318  are identical and releasably attached to the belt assembly by hook and loop elements  383  illustrated in FIG.  44 . Each of the cushions  382  includes a layer  384  of an elastomer having a Shore A durometer of approximately  75  and the remainder portion  385  of the cushion is constructed of an elastomer having a durometer of substantially less than Shore A  10 . The elastomers  384  and  385  are encased in a suitable fabric material not illustrated in FIG.  44 . 
     Viewing FIG. 34, the belt assembly  318  includes a plurality of left links  386  and a plurality of right links  387  pivoted to belt assembly back plate  369  by pins  388  and  389  respectively. By pivoting the left links and the right links at this location directly to a straight portion of belt assembly back plate,  369 , this eliminates the necessity for having the back plate  369  laterally adjustable while still accommodating a variety of pelvic sizes. 
     As seen in FIG. 43, the column head block  333  is pivotally adjustable about a horizontal axis  391  to enable the belt assembly  318  to accommodate the golfer&#39;s proper pelvic tilt at the address position. Toward this end, the pivot block has a rearward extension  392  pivoted on horizontal shaft  393  fixed in the slide extrusion  322 . 
     The angle position of the block  333  is adjusted by a threaded member  394  rotatedly mounted in the extrusion  322  and extending vertically through the block extension  393 . Threaded member  394  is adjusted by a knurled operator  396  fixed thereto and a spring  397  eliminates play in this adjusting mechanism. While the block  333  is depicted in dotted lines above and below a horizontal position in FIG. 43, normally the angular position of the golf assembly would be downwardly from the horizontal in the appropriate address to accommodate the position of the golfer&#39;s hips. 
     The sequence of swing movements illustrated in FIGS. 45,  46 ,  47 ,  48  and  49 , is generally similar to that depicted and described in FIGS. 29,  30  and  31  above, so that a detailed repetition is not believed necessary. In FIG. 45, the pivot assembly  345  limits the rotation of the belt assembly  318  from the address position to 45 degrees in a clockwise direction illustrated in the plane of FIG.  45 . 
     As the golfer returns to the impact position illustrated in FIG. 46, the pivot assemblies  345  and  344  return to the FIG. 34 position. 
     As the golfer begins the follow through illustrated in the 45 degree follow through position illustrated in FIG. 47, the pivot assembly  345  remains in the address position and the pivot assembly  344  permits the golfer to pivot about an axis behind the golfer&#39;s left hip socket as described above. 
     The pivot assembly  344  permits the golfer to rotate to a 90 degree follow through position illustrated in FIG. 48, and further to a 106 degree follow through position illustrated in FIG. 49 where pin assemblies  352  engage the upper right-hand portion of slot  351  as illustrated in FIG.  35 .