Patent Publication Number: US-2004043824-A1

Title: Swing training device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD  
       [0001] This invention relates to swing training devices for enhancing a player&#39;s swing for various athletic activities.  
       BACKGROUND  
       [0002] There are many swing training devices available for athletes to improve their swing. Known training devices include vests made of rigid material secured to the user&#39;s torso. Both of the user&#39;s upper arms are secured to the vest with hook and loop fasteners. These strap assemblies are fixed on two contoured rails that are secured to the vest. The user&#39;s arms are guided along a consistent swing plane leading to an improved golf swing. However, the vest is uncomfortable and the arms feel bound by the strap assemblies. The forces imparted by the rails are uncomfortable and take away from the user&#39;s natural ability. Most importantly, the lower arms and hands are free to rotate and pitch too soon or too late causing inconsistent contact. Other devices incldue an assembly comprised of a platform, support structure, telescoping guide arm and club connector. The user attaches his or her golf club to the guide arm and swing while being restricted leading to a more consistent swing. However, the assembly is both expensive and not easily portable. As the user stands on the platform opposite the support structure they swing while being guided by magnetic force to produce a more consistent swing. The forces imparted on the user are uncomfortable and take away from the user&#39;s natural ability. Most importantly, the hands are free to pitch too soon or too late causing inconsistent contact.  
       SUMMARY  
       [0003] The invention provides a portable, lightweight swing training device for guiding body movement throughout the range of swing movement. The device guides the user&#39;s hands and reduces improper pitching or “cupping” of the wrists. In the golf swing application, the left wrist is supported for remaining in a flat or supinated position as the attached club impacts the ball.  
       [0004] According to one aspect of the invention, a swing training device includes a base plate, guide arm and club connector, the base plate attaches to a user&#39;s body and the guide arm attaches to the base plate and the club connector attaches to the guide arm. In one embodiment, the base plate is secured to the user&#39;s body with an adjustable belt.  
       [0005] In another embodiment, the guide arm is attached to the base plate with a dual hinge mechanism so that the guide arm hinges both vertically and horizontally relative to the base plate for pivoting about two axes of rotation. In an alternative embodiment, the guide arm is attached to the base plate with a ball and socket mechanism. In one embodiment, the guide arm is a linear rigid member. Preferably, the club connector of the swing trainer attaches to the guide arm in such a way as to allow angular, rotational, and axial movement relative to the guide arm.  
       [0006] In one embodiment, the club connector is attached to a golf club. In other embodiments, various other sporting implements may be coupled to the club connector, such as a tennis racket, baseball or softball bat, for example. In one embodiment, the guide arm includes a telescoping mechanism. In various other embodiments, the swing training includes a guide arm having a telescoping mechanism including a club connector attached to the end of the telescoping mechanism opposite the base plate so that axial movement is provided by the telescoping action of said guide arm.  
       [0007] In one embodiment, the club connector attaches to the guide arm so as to permit allow angular and rotational movement of the attached golf club relative to the guide arm. In another embodiment, the club connector attaches to the guide arm so as to permit angular movement of the attached golf club relative to the guide arm. In an alternative embodiment, the club connector attaches to the guide arm to substantially limit or prevent angular or rotational movement of the attached golf club relative to the guide arm.  
       [0008] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
     [0009] A fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention may be had by reference to the following illustrative description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.  
     [0010]FIG. 1 is a left perspective view of the swing training device constructed in accordance with the invention.  
     [0011]FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the swing training device of FIG. 1 showing the guide arm attached to the base plate.  
     [0012]FIG. 3 is a left perspective view of the swing training device of FIG. 1 showing the guide arm attached to the base plate and their relative motion. 
    
    
     [0013] Throughout the discussion of the illustrative embodiments, it is to be understood that like reference symbols throughout the various drawings indicate like elements.  
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
     [0014] Referring first to FIG. 1, the swing training device  10  includes a base plate  12  secured to the user&#39;s torso  14  with an adjustable belt  16 . The belt  16  is made from a resilient nylon fabric, although other suitable materials may be used. The belt  16  can include a buckle (not shown) or similar adjustment means. A guide arm  18  attaches to the base plate  12  with a yoke assembly  20  so as to be hinged both horizontally and vertically permitting rotation of the guide arm  18  about two axes of rotation. In the depicted embodiment, a golf club  22  is pivotally attached to a club connector  24  so as to be hinged vertically. The club connector  24  is slideably disposed along the guide arm  18 . This configuration permits the extension of the golf club  22  to complete the swing motion.  
     [0015] In one embodiment, the club element  24  is affixed to the guide arm  18  and the guide arm  18  include a second telescoping tube (not shown) which is pivotally attached to the yoke assembly  20 . In further embodiments, the club connector  24  includes linear bearings for reduced frictional resistance with the guide arm  18 . The club connector  24  as shown is configured for a right-handed player. In an alternative embodiment, the club connector  24  can be configured to accommodate a left-handed player. In other embodiments, various other sporting implements may be attached to the club connector  24 , such as a tennis racket, baseball bat, or softball bat, for example.  
     [0016] In one embodiment, the guide arm  18  is a linear, elongated member. The guide arm  18  may formed from a rigid material, such as an aluminum tube with an outer diameter of 0.5 inches. Alternatively, the guide arm  18  can be formed from a plastic resin, with an outer diameter of 0.5 inches, although other suitable materials and sizes are contemplated by the invention.  
     [0017] Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide arm  18  is shown pivotally attached to the base plate  12 . The golf club  22  is attached to the club connector  24 , and the club connector  24  is slideably disposed along the guide arm  18 . In this configuration, a proximal end of the golf club  22  pivots about the club connector  24  and slides along the guide arm  18 . A proximal end of the guide arm  18  pivots about the yoke assembly  20  in a vertical plane about the base plate  12 . The yoke assembly  20  also permits pivoting movement in of the guide arm  18  in a horizontal plane about the base plate  12 . In one embodiment, the yoke assembly  20  includes a ball-and-socket type arrangement for coupling the guide arm  18  to the base plate  12 .  
     [0018] In operation, the swing training device  10  is attached to the user&#39;s torso  14  (FIG. 1). The user can then take his or her normal golf stance and grip the attached club as he or she normally would. The swing training device  10  tracks and guides the proper swing of club  22  with only a single attachment to the user&#39;s torso  14  at the base plate  12 , as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The user can then practice hitting golf balls as he or she normally would while taking their normal swing. In some embodiments, the swing training device will impart the following positive effects:  
     [0019] (1) insure that the user&#39;s club is square through the impact zone producing a straight and consistent ball flight;  
     [0020] (2) identify the correct position of the legs, hips, torso, shoulders, arms and hands at the moment of impact;  
     [0021] (3) teach the user width in the golf swing;  
     [0022] (4) eliminate “casting” or starting the swing with your hands and not your hips;  
     [0023] (5) teach the user that power is generated with the body, not the hands and arms.  
     [0024] The swing trainer  10  is designed and adapted to develop a swing that is powerful, accurate and repeatable. In operation, the swing trainer  10  guides the movement of the user&#39;s hands and body without unnecessary encumberment.  
     [0025] A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.