Patent Publication Number: US-7214140-B2

Title: Golfer training aid

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Technical Field 
   The present invention relates generally to a golf training aid and more particularly, the present invention relates to a golfer training aid for use in teaching a golfer proper swing form resulting in golf shots having a substantially straight trajectory. 
   2. Background 
   The prior art relating to golf teaching aids includes a variety of devices and assemblies directed towards assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics. The prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,210 to Kallage, Jr., entitled Golf Aiming and Alignment Training Mat, discloses an L-shaped golf training mat. The mat includes positioning-aiming markings, which are aligned on the upper mat surface for enabling the golfer to visualize an effective ball-placement-zone removed from the L-shaped mat. The mat provides an auxiliary alignment blade removably attachable to the mat for enabling the golfer to align and aim golf shots for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories. The blade includes reference markings which function in cooperative association with positioning-aiming markings on the superior mat surface for enabling a golfer to align and aim for variably controlled golf ball flight trajectories. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,561,920 to Hamilton, entitled Golf Stroke Training Device and Method, discloses a golf-putting guide that is placed on the ground between a golfer and a golf ball. It has a vertical front surface facing the ball that is part of the elliptical vertical projection of a desired swing circle of the club head. The heel of the club head slides along the front surface of the guide in putting practice, guiding the club head in a planar swing circle that is centered between the golfer&#39;s shoulders. The top surface of the guide is marked with a series of clubface alignment lines extending backward from the top front edge of the guide. Each of the lines is perpendicular to a line tangent to the elliptical top front edge of the guide. These lines visually guide the alignment of the club head as it moves along the front surface of the guide so the club rotates only on a single axis. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,350,177 to Furbush, Jr., entitled Golf Club Swing Training Apparatus, discloses a device that provides for several aspects of training in the game of golf. The trainer includes a pair of guides that may be aligned with the intended ball trajectory and guide connecting links adjusted to provide visual alignment cues to the desired trajectory. Adjustable positioning markers are adjusted to provide assistance in the placement of the ball, the golfer&#39;s left and right foot, and the club swing arc, thus defining the proper placement and positioning for the club swing arc to properly strike the ball to drive it along a desired trajectory. A fence extends upward from each guide, so the swing trainer will be displaced if the club head is too far either side of the desired arc. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,355,810 to Rydeck, entitled Golf Club Swing Training Device, discloses a golf swing training apparatus having a plastic grass mat that shows the proper positions for the feet and hips for a golf swing, wherein the body and the golf club have to be coordinated. It gives the golfer the positions for putting, chipping, pitching, iron shots, and wood shots. A plastic or rubber guideway for the golf club is built into the mat and it shows the golfer how to position and also how to rotate his shoulders properly. The guideway shows visually, mentally, and physically how to swing the club properly, that is straight back and then to the inside, on the backswing. On the downswing it comes down inside, then straight through at the ball area, then back inside. There is a tension spring in the guideway that squares the golf club face to the target and makes the ball go straight. The back end of the guideway is flared out so that incorrect swings are corrected while the golfer is learning. There is also a tension device that is used for pitch shots, iron shots, and wood shots that trains the golfer into the correct foot and leg action. It also shows him how to resist or hold back with his upper body while his lower body starts the downswing. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,992,013 to Golden, entitled Golf Club Swing Training Method, discloses a method and device for recording the swing of a golf club over a mat and permitting the analysis of the depth of the swing, the arc of the swing and the angle of the face of the golf club head when it contacts the mat. A resilient mat is covered with a thin film of chalk dust and a golf club having an attachment secured to the golf club head capable of dispersing the dust on the mat when it contacts the mat. The dust is dispersed in a pattern on the mat, which due to the attachment, permits analysis to determine the foregoing. The mat may also be provided with indicia related to a golf ball and the equivalence of making a divot by the golfer may also be determined. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,194,565 to Schroer, entitled Indicator Device Actuable by the Movement of a Golf Club Head Between Two Spaced Strips on a Mat, discloses a golf swing practice device that includes a mat including a pair of upstanding elongated strips through which the golfer is to pass the club head on the swing. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 1,637,339 to Glennon et al, entitled Means for Instructing Golf Strokes discloses a device for the instruction of golf strokes, which comprises a base member and a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extending upstanding guide shoulders on the base member. The paired guide members are adapted to define a guide way for the free passage of the head of a properly swung golf club. A golf ball is placed between the guide members on the base member and may be addressed by the head of a properly swung golf club between the guide members. 
   U.S. Pat. D407,773 to Greig, entitled Golfclub Swing-Path and Face-Angle Training-Mat, discloses an ornamental design for a golf club swing-path and face-angle training-mat, that includes front and rear rows of upward extending brushes that define a club head swing path. 
   U.S. Pat. D358,440 to Clayton, et al., entitled Golf Training Mat, discloses an ornamental design for a golf club swing-path and face-angle training-mat, that provides a stance silhouette and a series of club head silhouettes which are intended to provide a proper relationship between stance, club head position, golf club swing-path and face-angle. 
   While the prior art provides any of a number of devices aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics, it appears that none of the previously disclosed devices provide opposing swing alignment elements for both on and off mat practice. Additionally, it appears that none of the previously disclosed devices provide both opposing swing alignment elements and a ball teeing capability. Additionally, it appears that none of the previously disclosed devices provide both opposing swing alignment elements and a removable ball teeing capability. 
   Therefore, advantage may be found in providing a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics that provides opposing swing alignment elements for both on and off mat practice. Additionally, advantage may be found in providing a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics that provides both opposing swing alignment elements and a ball teeing capability. Additionally, it advantage may be found in providing a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics that provides both opposing swing alignment elements and a removable ball teeing capability. Advantage may also be found in providing a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in practicing proper swing form and mechanics, resulting in golf shots having a substantially straight trajectory, by practicing the golf swing between swing channels provided both on a synthetic surface and on or above a natural terrain. 
   Therefore, an objective of the present invention is to provide a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics that provides opposing swing alignment elements for both on and off mat practice. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics that provides both opposing swing alignment elements and a ball teeing capability. An additional objective of the present invention is to provide a device aimed at assisting and training a golfer in learning proper swing form and mechanics that provides both opposing swing alignment elements and a removable ball teeing capability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to a golfer training aid including a mat having a generally planar upper surface. A first swing channel is defined by an area of the mat located between first and second opposing uprights. In the preferred embodiment, the first and second opposing uprights project from the upper surface of the mat. A second swing channel is defined by opposing edges of a cut-away portion of the mat. The second swing path permits a golfer to practice a swing on any of a variety of surfaces including natural, manufactured or constructed, which are exposed through the cut-away portion of the mat. The second swing path may also be defined by an area of the generally planar upper surface located between opposing rows of uprights which project from the upper surface of the mat. A golfer is aided in visualizing and executing a proper golf swing by the visual and physical cues afforded by the first and second swing channels of the golfer training aid. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the generally planar surface is formed of a synthetic turf. Also in the preferred embodiment, each of the first, second and third rows of uprights are configured as flexible, resilient impact resistant, tubular elements. In the preferred embodiment, the opposing rows of uprights are configured as rubber tees. 
   Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Additionally, the advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a representative perspective view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a representative top view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 3  is a representative first side view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 4  is a representative first end view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a representative second side view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 6  is a representative first end view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is a representative bottom view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 8  is a representative perspective view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a representative top view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a representative first side view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a representative first end view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 12  is a representative second side view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 13  is a representative first end view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 14  is a representative bottom view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 15  is a representative top view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 16  is a representative top view of a golfer training aid according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 through 7 , a first preferred embodiment of golfer training aid  10  is shown to advantage in the views described above. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 8 through 14 , an alternate preferred embodiment of golfer training aid  100  is shown to advantage in the views described above. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , golfer training aid  10  is shown in a top view in use. Golfer training aid  10  includes substantially planar mat  11  which includes upper surface  15 . Golfer training aid  10  includes first plurality of uprights  21 – 25  forming first row of uprights  20 , second plurality of uprights  31 – 35  forming second row of uprights  30  and third plurality of uprights  41 – 45  forming a third row of uprights  40 . First swing channel  16  is defined as an area between opposing first row of uprights  20  and second row of uprights  30 . Second swing channel  17  is defined as an area located between opposing edges  50  and  51  of cut-away portion  12  of substantially planar mat  11 . Second swing channel  17  is further defined by second row of uprights  30  and third row of uprights  40 . As seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , opposing edges  50  and  51  lie substantially parallel to first row of uprights  20 , second row of uprights  30 , third row of uprights  40  and alignment edge  19  of substantially planar mat  11 . Also as seen in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , first row of uprights  20 , second row of uprights  30 , third row of uprights  40  each constitute or effectively define first, second and third linearly oriented projections. 
   In the preferred embodiment, substantially planar mat  11  is formed of a synthetic turf. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, first plurality of uprights  21 – 25 , second plurality of uprights  31 – 35  and third plurality of uprights  41 – 45  are all configured as flexible, resilient impact resistant, tubular elements. In the preferred embodiment, first plurality of uprights  21 – 25 , second plurality of uprights  31 – 35  and third plurality of uprights  41 – 45  are all configured as tubular rubber tee elements. Similarly, hitting tee  14  is configured as flexible, resilient impact resistant, tubular element. In the preferred embodiment, hitting tee  14  is also configured as a removable tubular rubber tee element, thereby permitting a golfer to hit balls off of hitting tee  14  or in the alternative off of the upper surface  15  of substantially planar mat  11 . 
   In use, referring to  FIG. 15 , golfer training aid  10  is placed on a surface, preferably a natural surface, for instance turf or lawn. Golfer G positions himself/herself with respect to golfer training aid  10  so that a line L passing across feet P 1  and P 2  is more or less parallel to alignment edge  19  of substantially planar mat  11 . Head H of club C is positioned either in first swing channel  16 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , or second swing channel  17 , as shown in  FIG. 16 . When golfer G sets up so that club head H is positioned in first swing channel  16 , as shown in  FIG. 15 , golfer G may practice the golf swing either with or without hitting a golf ball, (not shown). Alternately, golfer G may practice striking a golf ball, (not shown), either off of hitting tee  14  or from upper surface  15  of substantially planar mat  11  to simulate hitting from a natural or grassy surface. When golfer G sets up so that club head H is positioned in second swing channel  17 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , golfer G may practice the golf swing either with or without hitting a golf ball, (not shown). Alternately, golfer G may practice striking a golf ball, (not shown), either off of a standard golf tee, (not shown), or from the natural or grassy surface. 
   Whether golfer G sets up so that club head H is positioned in first swing channel  16  or second swing channel  17 , the golfer is aided in visualizing and executing a proper golf swing by the visual and physical cues afforded by the golfer training aid  10  of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 15 , golfer G positions club head H at a mid point between first row of uprights  20  and second row of uprights  30 , in this case just behind hitting tee  14 . Golf club C is preferably drawn back on the back swing in such a manner that club head H passes between second row of uprights  20  and third row of uprights  30  without hitting any of the uprights  21 – 25  or  31 – 35 . Following a preferred course for the back swing, indicated by vector B 1 , golfer G moves club head H away from the position of hitting tee  14 , following a swing path that moves the club head H back from set-up position  14  along back swing vector B 1 , preferably without contacting either upright  25  or upright  35  as the club head H begins the upward arc of the back swing. In the event that club head H strikes upright  25 , golfer G is swinging “inside” on the back swing and golfer G will have a difficult time with having the arms positioned on the fore swing so that one or both elbows do not hit the side of golfer G&#39;s body thereby interrupting the fore swing. The return or fore swing follows a path, indicated by vector F 1 , that lies substantially parallel to first row of uprights  20  and second row of uprights  30 . As the club head H passes a location of hitting tee  14 , the through swing follows a path, indicated by vector T 1 , which also remains substantially parallel to first row of uprights  20  and second row of uprights  30 . 
   When golfer G sets up so that club head H is positioned in second swing channel  17 , as shown in  FIG. 16 , golfer G positions club head H at a mid point between second row of uprights  30  and third row of uprights  40 . Following a preferred course for the back swing, indicated by vector B 2 , golfer G moves club head H away from a set-up position indicated generally by the arrow and reference character S, following a swing path that moves the club head H back from set-up position S along back swing vector B 2 , preferably without contacting either upright  35  or upright  45  as the club head H begins the upward arc of the back swing. The return or fore swing follows a path, indicated by vector F 2 , that lies substantially parallel to second row of uprights  30  and third row of uprights  40 . As club head H passes a location of set-up position S, the through swing follows a path, indicated by vector T 2 , also remains substantially parallel to second row of uprights  30  and third row of uprights  40 . 
   It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiment shown and described above. Various other embodiments of the invention may be made and practiced without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the following claims.