Patent Publication Number: US-8974314-B2

Title: Golf club swinging apparatus

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 13/561,948, entitled GOLF CLUB SWINGING APPARATUS, filed Jul. 30, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a golf club swinging apparatus, and more particularly, to a golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many disabled and elderly persons are inhibited or precluded from playing golf due to various aspects of their conditions. Some may have trouble getting into position to swing a golf club, such as those who rely on a wheelchair for mobility. Others may not be able to effectively grip and/or move their body to swing the club, such as persons suffering from certain paralysis. Still others may be physically able, but lack the cognitive ability to swing a golf club in a traditional manner, such as some mentally disabled or autistic persons. 
     Additionally, many persons seek to improve their golf swing through the use of training apparatuses. Training apparatuses physically manipulate a person&#39;s movement or the movement of their club to teach certain swing mechanics. Many persons learn more effectively by witnessing visual demonstrations of certain techniques including, but not limited to, the pendulum-like swing motion often used in chipping and putting. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a golf club swinging apparatus that may assist disabled persons in swinging or actively directing the swing of a golf club. The apparatus may also demonstrate the pendulum-like swinging motion often desired for golf swings. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path, the golf club swinging apparatus may comprise a frame having one or more substantially vertical components; a rotation mechanism having a club coupling component and a frame coupling component; and an angle measurement mechanism configured to measure an angle at which a golf club is rotated about the rotation point along the swing path. 
     In an embodiment, the frame further may comprise a base component. In another embodiment, the frame further may comprise a cross-member component. In yet another embodiment, the frame may comprise one or more outriggers. 
     In an embodiment, the frame coupling component may comprise a rotatable coupler configured to rotatably couple with the frame. In another embodiment, the frame coupling component may comprise a rotatable cross-member rotatably coupled with the frame. 
     In various embodiments, the golf club swinging apparatus may further comprise an angle measurement mechanism. In an embodiment, the angle measurement mechanism may be coupled with the golf club. In another embodiment, the angle measurement mechanism may be coupled to the frame. In yet another embodiment, the angle measurement mechanism may comprise a protractor and a freely rotatable arm. In still another embodiment, the angle measurement mechanism may comprise a protractor. 
     In various embodiments, the golf club swinging apparatus further may comprise a power augmentation mechanism. In an embodiment, the power augmentation mechanism may comprise one or more torsion springs. In yet another embodiment, the power augmentation mechanism may comprise one or more weights configured to couple with one or more portions of the golf club. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path, the golf club swinging apparatus may comprise a frame configured to support a golf club in a substantially vertical position at a strike position, the strike position coinciding with the pendulum swing path, and a rotation mechanism configured to couple a golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation of the golf club about a rotation point such that the golf club follows the pendulum swing path through the strike position. 
     In an embodiment, the frame may be configured to not obstruct a travel path of a golf ball when struck by the golf club. In another embodiment, the rotation mechanism may be configured to releasably retain the golf club. In yet another embodiment, the rotation mechanism may be configured to couple the golf club to the frame at a position laterally offset from the strike position. in various embodiments, the golf club swinging apparatus further may comprise an angle measurement mechanism configured to measure an angle at which the golf dub is rotated about the rotation point along the swing path. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a golf club swinging apparatus configured to support and provide for motion of a golf club along a pendulum swing path, the golf swing apparatus may comprise a frame having a base component, a vertical component, and a cross-member component configured to support a golf club in a substantially vertical position at a strike position, the strike position coinciding with the pendulum swing path; a rotation mechanism rotatably coupled with the cross-member, wherein the rotation mechanism may be configured to couple the golf club to the frame and to provide for rotation of the golf club about a rotation point such that the golf club may follow the pendulum swing path through the strike position; and a protractor having a freely rotatable arm being configured couple with the golf club and to measure an angle at which the golf club is rotated about the rotation point along the swing path. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  depicts a schematic view of a golf club swing path and golf ball travel path according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  depicts an elevated rear view of a frame of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  depicts a perspective side view of a club rotation mechanism of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  depicts a rear view of another club rotation mechanism of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4C  depicts a rear view of yet another club rotation mechanism of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  depicts an perspective rear view of possible lateral coupling positions on a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a side view of an angle measurement mechanism coupled with the frame of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a perspective view of another angle measurement mechanism coupled with a golf club on a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  depicts a side schematic view of a user operating a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  depicts a perspective view of another possible operation of a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9A  depicts a side schematic view of a power augmentation mechanism coupled with a golf club on a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9B  depicts a perspective view of another power augmentation mechanism coupled with a golf club on a golf club swinging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a golf club swinging Apparatus. In various embodiments, the golf club swinging apparatus may be used to assist disabled persons in swinging a golf club. In various embodiments, the golf club swinging apparatus may be used for instructing or training proper golf swing techniques. In various embodiments, the golf club swinging apparatus may comprise a frame, a club rotation mechanism, and/or an angle measurement mechanism. 
       FIGS. 1-9B  illustrate representative embodiments of golf club swinging apparatus  100  and parts thereof. It should be understood that the components of golf club swinging apparatus  100  and parts thereof shown in  FIGS. 1-9B  are for illustrative purposes only, and that any other suitable components or subcomponents may be used in conjunction with or in lieu of the components comprising golf club swinging apparatus  100  and the parts of golf club swinging apparatus  100  described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , golf club swinging apparatus  100  may generally comprise frame  200 , club rotation mechanism  300 , and/or angle measurement mechanism  400 . In various embodiments, golf dub  110  may be detachably coupled to golf club swinging apparatus  100  or may be integrated into golf dub swinging apparatus  100 . Golf club  110  may comprise any type of golf club having elongated shaft  116  and head  118  suitable for striking golf ball  120 . in various embodiments, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be configured to support and provide for motion of multiple golf clubs  110  simultaneously. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , elements of golf club swinging apparatus  100  may combine to support and provide for a pendulum-like swing motion to golf club  110  along pendulum-like swing path  112 . Golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be positioned such that golf club  110  may be made to strike golf ball  120  at strike position  114  located at or substantially proximate to the bottom of swing path  112 . When struck, golf ball  120  may follow travel path  122 . Travel path  122  may be dependent on multiple factors including, but not limited to, the type of club face used (putter, wedge, iron, hybrid, driver, etc.), the angle of the club face at strike position  114 , and which portion of the club face contacts golf ball  120 , In an embodiment, travel path  122  may be substantially aligned with the general direction of swing path  112 . While embodiments of the present disclosure may be shown or described in the context of putting golf ball  120  on the ground, the present disclosure should not be limited to putter-type golf clubs  110  or putt-like travel paths  112 . Indeed, embodiments of golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be used with other types of clubs  110  and may impart other types of travel paths  112  to golf ball  120  including but not limited to, vertically arced paths such as a chip-like or drive-like shot. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , frame  200  may comprise any structure suitable for supporting golf club  110  in a substantially vertical position above a support surface at strike position  114 . Frame  200  may be further configured to avoid obstructing swing path  112  of club  110  or travel path  122  of golf ball  120  during operation. In various embodiments, frame  200  may comprise base component  210  and vertical component  220 . Base component  210  may comprise any arrangement of one or more substantially horizontal members  212  suitable for supporting and stabilizing frame  200 . In an embodiment, base component  210  may comprise two or more frame elements  212  being substantially oriented in the direction of swing path  112 . In another embodiment, one or more base cross-members  214  may span between frame elements  212  to provide additional rigidity and stability. Base cross-members  214  may be situated such that they do not obstruct swing path  112  of golf club  110 . For example, base cross-member  214  may be situated in a low and rearward position so as to be outside of swing path  112 . Similarly, base component  210  may be configured to have opening  216  near the front so as not to obstruct travel path  122  of golf ball  120 . Base component  210  may feature outriggers for improved stability in some embodiments. Vertical component  220  may comprise any arrangement of one or more substantially vertical frame elements  222  suitable to directly or indirectly support golf club  110  in a substantially vertical position. In various embodiments, vertical component  220  may be coupled with or integrated with base component  210 . In an embodiment, vertical component  220  may comprise two or more substantially vertical frame elements  222  being located on opposite sides of swing path  112 . In various embodiments, frame  200  may further comprise one or more cross-member components  224 . In an embodiment, cross-member component  224  may span substantially horizontally between vertical frame elements  222 . In various embodiments, frame  200  may be disassembled or otherwise collapsed, folded, etc. for portability. It should be appreciated that the particular shape and construction of frame  200  may vary greatly while achieving the same or similar purpose, and as such, the present disclosure should not be limited to only the embodiments described herein. 
     Elements of frame  200  may be comprised of any material suitable to support one or more golf clubs  110  in operation. In an embodiment, frame  200  may be comprised of PVC-type piping material and assembled with PVC couplers. In another embodiment, frame  200  may be comprised of a metallic material, such as copper tubing, and may assembled with appropriately sized/shaped pipe couplers and secure welds. It should be appreciated that frame  200  may comprise any number of suitable materials including, but not limited to, plastics, metals, and wood, and any elements of frame  200  may be coupled by any number of suitable mechanisms including, but not limited to, adhesives, solder, screws, and pins. Constructions with wide footprints and heavy, rigid materials may provide for less wobble in operation, thereby improving the power and accuracy of the golf club swinging apparatus  100 . In an embodiment, frame  200  may comprise base component  210  and vertical component  220  constructed of copper tubing elements joined by pipe couplers and secured welds, and has overall length, width, and height dimensions of approximately 34″, 24″, and 33″, respectively. It should be appreciated that there may be a number of suitable materials and constructions for a given application. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , golf club swinging apparatus  100  may further comprise one or more club rotation mechanisms  300 . Rotation mechanism  300  may comprise any suitable mechanism for coupling golf club  110  to frame  200  in a manner suitable to provide for rotational motion of golf club  110  along swing path  112 . In various embodiments, rotation mechanism  300  may comprise one or more golf club coupling components  310  and one or more frame coupling components  320 . Golf club coupling component  310  may comprise any mechanism suitable to retain golf club  110  on rotation mechanism  300 . In various embodiments, golf club coupling component  310  may be configured to releasably retain golf club  110  on rotation mechanism  300 . In an embodiment, club coupling component  310  may comprise one or more clamps, brackets, clasps, or other suitable mechanism known in the art. In an embodiment, rotation mechanism  300  may comprise a boom arm clamp, such as the Manfrotto™ 124 Clamp or Adorama® Adapter Dual Grip Clamp, available at various retailers like B&amp;H Photo-Video-Pro Audio and Adorama®, respectively. In various embodiments, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may comprise golf club  110 —such as where separate golf club  110  may be fixedly coupled to rotation mechanism  300 , or through an integrated construction in which rotation mechanism  300  and golf club  110  are integrated (for instance, one-piece). Club coupling component  310  may be further understood in such embodiments to comprise any suitable mechanism for coupling club  110  to rotation mechanism  300  including, but not limited to, welds, adhesives, magnets, or an integrated construction. 
     Frame coupling component  320  may comprise any mechanism suitable to rotatably couple rotation mechanism  300  with frame  200 . Referring to  FIG. 4A , in one embodiment frame coupling component  320  may comprise rotatable coupler  322  configured to rotatably couple with a fixed portion of frame  200 . In one such embodiment, rotatable coupler  322  may rotatably couple with fixed cross-member  224 . Referring to  FIG. 411 , in another embodiment frame coupling component  320  may comprise a rotatable cross-member  326 , wherein dub coupling component  310  may he fixedly coupled to or integrated with rotatable cross-member  326 , and rotatable cross-member  326  may be rotatably coupled with frame  200 . In an embodiment, rotatable cross-member  326  may span between and rotatably couple with vertical frame elements  222 . Referring to  FIG. 4C , golf club swinging apparatus  100  may comprise an integrated construction in which golf club  110  is integrated with rotation mechanism  300 . 
     The height at which golf club  110  is rotationally coupled to frame  200  may affect the swing power capability of golf club swinging apparatus  100 . Generally speaking, the higher the point at which golf club  110  is coupled with golf club swinging apparatus  100 , the longer the swing path  112  and the more powerful the stroke. Golf club swinging apparatus  100  may further comprise a power augmentation mechanism  500  for augmenting the power of a swing as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . In various embodiments, a torsion spring  520  (perhaps similar to that used in mousetraps) may be coupled with frame  200 , rotation mechanism  300 , and/or golf club  110  and configured to increase the speed at which golf club  110  rotates forward along swing path  112 . In another embodiment, weights  510  may be added to the lower portion of golf club  110  (for example, to the head or lower shaft). In yet another embodiment, golf club  110  may feature multiple club heads  118  extending laterally at various angles from shaft  116 . The additional heads  118  may add weight, thereby increasing swing power, and may provide for the use of a particular club head, such as club head  118 , for a given shot by simply positioning swinging apparatus  100  such that strike position  114  of the chosen club head aligns with golf ball  120 . One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the particular construction used to provide for rotational motion of a golf club  110  along swing path  112  may vary greatly while achieving the same or similar purpose, and as such, the present disclosure should not be limited to only the embodiments described herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , in various embodiments golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be configured such that golf club  110  may be adjustably coupled to frame  200 . In an embodiment, golf club  110  may be coupled to frame  200  in multiple lateral coupling positions  330 , Many golf clubs have shaft  116  that connects at angle  117  from the vertical to head  118 . As such, it may be beneficial to couple golf club  110  to frame  200  at a lateral coupling position not directly above strike position  114  to ensure a proper lie angle if an angled club is used. Alternatively, club  110  having a non-angled shaft-to-head configuration may be coupled to frame  200  directly over strike position  114 —this may create a more balanced, traditional-pendulum type swing. Similarly, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be configured such that golf club  110  may be coupled to frame  200  at various points along its shaft or handle, thereby accommodating various club lengths. An appropriate lateral coupling position  330  may be determined as a function of the height at which club  110  couples with frame  200  using basic geometry. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 613 , golf club swinging apparatus  100  may further comprise angle measurement mechanism  400 . In various embodiments, the angle at which club  110  is rotated during a backswing may correlate with the power of the swing, and thereby correlate with the distance golf ball  120  may travel when struck. Angle measurement mechanism  400  may comprise any mechanism suitable to indicate or measure the angle at which club  110  may be rotated about rotation point  350 . In various embodiments, angle measurement mechanism may comprise a protractor. The protractor may be positioned such that the rotation angle of club  110  may be measured during a backswing. Referring to  FIG. 6A , in an embodiment, a protractor may be mounted on a vertical member  220  of frame  200  such that it may be in longitudinal alignment with strike position  114 . Referring to  FIG. 6B , in another embodiment, a protractor having freely-rotatable arm  412  (or similar mechanism providing the same functionality, such as a string) may be mounted on golf club  110  such that gravity orients arm  412  vertically, thereby indicating the angle of the club backswing on the protractor. In an embodiment, angle measurement mechanism  400  may be detachably coupled from golf club  110  using any suitable coupler, such as Velcro, adhesives, or magnets, such that it may be used on multiple clubs  110 . One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that club rotation angle may be indicated using a multitude of mechanisms known in the art may, and as such, the present disclosure should not be limited to only the embodiments described herein. 
     In operation, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be positioned on a support surface (such as miniature golf artificial turf surface, a putting green, or a fairway) and oriented in a desired direction. If golf ball  120  must be played from a specific location, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be further positioned such that strike position  114  may substantially coincide with the current location of golf ball  120 . Alternatively, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be placed in any desired location, and golf ball  120  may be placed at strike position  114  corresponding with the location and configuration of apparatus  100 . Referring to  FIG. 7 , once golf club swinging apparatus  100  is positioned and oriented, golf club  110  may be caused to rotate along swing path  112  in a backswing. Backswing motion may be effected in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, applying a forward and/or downward force to golf club  110  above rotation point  350 , thereby causing the club to swing backwards along swing path  112 . Similarly, backswing motion may be effected by pulling club  110  backward anti/or upward below the coupling point  350  along swing path  112 . Generally speaking, the power of a given stroke correlates with the extent of backswing motion—that is, the longer the backswing, the more powerful the stroke in most cases. Angle measurement mechanism  400  may be used to more precisely determine the power of a given stroke if so equipped. For embodiments comprising a protractor coupled to golf club  110 , one may view the protractor from the side to determine the angle at which golf club  110  has been rotated from the vertical. Gravity may cause freely-rotating arm  412  to point downward while the protractor rotates with golf club  110 , thereby causing freely-rotating arm  412  to point to an angle measurement on the protractor as shown in  FIG. 6B . For embodiments comprising a protractor coupled with frame  200 , one may view golf club  110  against the backdrop of the fixed protractor to determine the angle of golf club  110 . Stated otherwise, the shaft or other suitable element of golf club  110  may point to an angle measurement on the protractor as shown in  FIG. 6A . One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize how to operate alternative embodiments of angle measurement mechanism  400  within the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, a table relating shot distance to backswing angle may be used to more precisely gauge a proper backswing angle for a given configuration on a given shot. Next, golf club  110  may be released, thereby causing it to swing forward along swing path  112 . Golf club  110  may continue along swing path  112  and may strike a golf ball  120  located at strike position  114 , causing the golf ball  120  to move along a given travel path  122 . 
     In various embodiments, golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be used to assist a disabled person (“player  150 ”) in playing golf. Referring to  FIG. 8 , in an embodiment player  150  may request that assistant  160  place golf club swinging apparatus  100  in a desired position and orientation, and request that assistant  160  rotate golf club  110  to a desired extent. In another embodiment, player  150  may operate golf club swinging apparatus  100  themselves. Player  150  could position himself in a location where he could rotate golf club  110  while viewing the angle of rotation, perhaps from the side. In various embodiments, golf club swinging apparatus  100  could be used for instructing or training proper golf swing techniques. A student could view multiple aspects of the club motion including, but not limited to, its pendulum-like motion and how club  110  contacts ball  120 . It should be recognized that golf club swinging apparatus  100  may be used for a number of purposes, and the present disclosure should not be limited only to the examples described herein. 
     It may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used in this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and/or. The phrases “associated with” and “associated therewith,” as well as derivatives thereof, may mean to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, or the like. 
     Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.