Patent Publication Number: US-7591734-B2

Title: Golf swing aid

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/927,487 entitled “Barrel Golf Swing Aid” filed on May 3, 2007. The entirety of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/927,487 is incorporated herein by reference. 

   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to apparatuses for improving an individual&#39;s swing and more particularly, to golf swing aids. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Golf is a sport that requires a player to hit a ball to a target position using a golf club as a hitting tool. The golf club is swung by a golfer to hit a ball. The way a golfer swings his/her golf club directly affects how the club face strikes the ball at impact, and thus, where the golf ball is ultimately hit. Golfers often practice their golf swing to try and ensure that the mechanics of a golf swing that accurately and powerfully hit a golf ball are learned by the golfer and used by the golfer when playing golf. Such golf swing mechanics include a golfer&#39;s posture before hitting the ball and a golfer&#39;s moving posture when swinging a golf club to hit a golf ball. Such moving posture can include the posture of the golfer&#39;s body during back swing, down swing, impact and follow through portions of a golf swing. The goal is to train the muscles of the body to swing the same way each time. 
   It is often very difficult for golfers to learn how to perform a golf swing that permits the golfer to accurately and powerfully hit a golf ball. Generally, the continuous and rhythmical golf swing motion must be extensively practiced to master such a golf swing. In a proper golf swing a golfer initiates the swing by making a back swing. During the back swing, a golfer pivots his/her hips and rotates about his/her back leg until reaching the top of his/her back swing. The golfer then performs a down swing by swinging the golf club downward, preferably in an arc similar to that of the back swing The down swing is typically performed by transferring the golfer&#39;s weight from his/her back leg to his/her front leg while rotating his/her hips to generate club head speed. After the golf club has been swung downwards, the club impacts the golf ball. After impacting the golf ball, the golf club is swung through a follow-through motion while maintaining balance. 
   An error that often occurs in many golf swings is that the golfer slides his/her hips forward in a lateral direction that reduces the torque generated and, consequently, the power of the down swing. This sliding motion often results in inaccurately hitting the golf ball and or hitting the golf ball a short distance. A golfer may also improperly move his/her feet during the golf swing or improperly dip a shoulder during a portion of the golf swing. Of course, golfers may also have other problems mastering an effective golf swing, such a, for example, too much movement in the upper and/or lower portions of their body. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,830,079, 5,762,565, 5,591,090, 5,288,074, 3,698,721 and 3,215,438, disclose examples of golf swing aids that have been used to help a golfer learn a golf swing. Such golf swing aids typically focus on limiting hip sliding, head movement, or both, during practice swings to help a golfer learn a proper golf swing. Such golf swing aids typically fail to permit a golfer to focus on the movement of different parts of his/her body during his/her golf swing. For example, some golf swing aids are merely configured to prevent a golfer from improperly sliding his/her hips forwardly during the downward swing portion of a golf swing. Other golf swing aids are configured to only prevent a golfer from improperly moving his/her back leg during the back swing of the golfer&#39;s golf swing. Yet other golf swing aids are only configured to prevent a golfer from moving his/her head when making a golf swing. 
   Many golf swing aids are also not configured to permit a user to alter the configuration of the golf swing aid to focus on learning the proper motion for different body parts. For example, some golf swing aids are only configured to focus on hip movement during a golf swing and are not capable of being readjusted to focus on foot spacing during the stance of the swing or leg positioning and movement during portions of a golf swing. 
   There is a need for a golf swing aid that will teach a proper stance, proper hip movement, proper back and front leg movement, and the proper movement of other body parts that will help a golfer learn the proper movements of all portions of a golf swing. There is also a need for a golf swing aid that is capable of helping a golfer practice his/her golf swing to address different problems the golfer may be experiencing with different portions of his/her golf swing or the movement of different body parts during the different portions of his/her golf swing. 
   The present invention is directed towards overcoming one or more of the above-mentioned problems. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A golf swing aid is provided that includes a base, an elongated member and one or more generally L-shaped members. The elongated member is connected to the base and extends substantially vertically from the base. The one or more generally L-shaped members are moveably connected to the elongated member such that the one or more generally L-shaped members are positionable vertically along a length of the elongated member and horizontally in a direction substantially transverse to the length of the elongated member. 
   One embodiment of the swing aid may include two or more generally L-shaped members. Each generally L-shaped member is connected to the elongated member such that each generally L-shaped member is independently positionable vertically along a length of the elongated member and horizontally in a direction substantially transverse to the length of the elongated member. 
   In some embodiments, the one or more generally L-shaped members are slidable along at least a portion of the length of the elongated member. In other embodiments, the generally L-shaped member is removably connected to the elongated member. 
   Embodiments of the inventive golf swing aid may also include one or more connectors that connect the one or more generally L-shaped members to the elongated member. Preferably, at least one of the one or more connectors is a friction fit universal joint. 
   One embodiment of the one or more connectors can include a first mouth sized and configured to receive a portion of the one or more generally L-shaped members and a second mouth sized and configured to receive a portion of the elongated member. The first mouth faces a first direction and the second mouth faces a second direction opposite the first direction. The first mouth may be defined by generally a C-shaped member or a generally U-shaped member. The second mouth may also be defined by generally a C-shaped member or a generally U-shaped member. 
   In one embodiment of the inventive golf swing aid, the base may include a stake. In another embodiment, the base may include a stand that has two or more projections. 
   Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of certain present preferred embodiments thereof and certain present preferred methods of practicing the same proceeds. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Present preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings and certain present preferred methods of practicing the same are also illustrated therein. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first present preferred embodiment of the golf swing aid of the present invention with the generally L-shaped members in a first position along the length of the elongated member of the inventive golf swing aid. 
       FIG. 2  is a front view of the first present preferred embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  is a side view of the first present preferred embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the first present preferred embodiment of the golf swing aid of the present invention with the generally L-shaped members in a second position along the length of the elongated member of the inventive golf swing aid. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 4 , illustrating the generally L-shaped members in a horizontally extended position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PRESENT PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   A first present preferred embodiment of the inventive golf swing aid  10  is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 5 . The first present preferred embodiment of the swing aid  10  includes a base  12 , which includes a stand that has three horizontally aligned receptacles sized and configured to receive an end of a respective projection configured to support the base  12  on a surface. Projections  14 ,  16  and  18 , which in one form are tubular members, extend from the horizontally aligned receptacles in the base  12 . The distal end of each projection  14 ,  16  and  18  has a weighted end cap  20 ,  22  and  24 , respectively. Preferably, the weighted end caps  20 ,  22  and  24  are snap fit, friction fit, or adhesively connected to the ends of the projections  14 ,  16  and  18 . 
   In alternative embodiments, the base  12  may include a stake  60 , which is shown in dotted line in  FIG. 1 . The stake  60  may be inserted into the ground to support the golf swing aid  10  in an upright position. 
   The base  12  also has a vertically aligned receptacle that is sized and configured to receive an elongated member  26 . The elongated member  26  has an end that is received within the vertically aligned receptacle of the base  12  and extends substantially vertically from the base  12 . Preferably, the elongated member  26  has a curved contour such that the ends of the elongated member are positioned backward or forward relative to the middle portion  28  of the elongated member  26 . Preferably, the elongated member  26  is tubular and made of plastic, such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Of course, the elongated member  26  may also be composed of other materials such as, for example, metal or composites. It should be appreciated that the elongated member  26  and projections  14 ,  16  and  18  can be rigid or stiff. 
   One or more generally L-shaped members  30  and  32  are moveably connected to the elongated member  26  via a connector  36 . Each generally L-shaped member may be a unitary structure that is curved or may have portions that are attached to each other at approximately a right angle to each other. As shown in  FIGS. 1 through 3 , a first generally L-shaped member  30  and second generally L-shaped member  32  are moveably connected to the elongated member  26 . The first generally L-shaped member  30  is positioned above the second generally L shaped member  32 . 
   The first generally L-shaped member  30  has a first portion  34  connected to the elongated member  26 . The first portion  34  of the first generally L-shaped member  30  is generally transverse to the elongated member  26  and, in one form, is perpendicular to the elongated member  26 . The first generally L-shaped member  30  also has a second portion  38  that extends at an angle from the first portion  34 . In one form, this angle is approximately 90°. A pad  40  is attached to the second portion  38  of the first generally L-shaped member  30 . 
   The second generally L-shaped member  32  also has a first portion  42  that is connected to the elongated member  26  via a connector  44 . The first portion  42  of the second generally L-shaped member  32  is generally transverse to the elongated member  26  and, in one form, is perpendicular to the elongated member  26 . The second generally L-shaped member  32  also has a second portion  46  that extends at an angle from the first portion  42 . In one form, this angle is approximately 90°. A pad  48  is attached to the second portion  46  of the second generally L-shaped member  32 . 
   The connectors  36  and  44  moveably connect the generally L-shaped members  30  and  32  to the elongated member  26  such the each generally L-shaped members  30  and  32  may independently move along at least a portion of the length of the elongated member  26 . The first generally L-shaped member  30  is moveable along at least a portion of the length of the elongated member  26  independent of the second generally L-shaped member  32 . The second generally L-shaped member  32  is also moveable along at least a portion of the length of the elongated member  26  independent of the first generally L-shaped member  30 . Thus, each generally L-shaped member  30 ,  32  may be independently positioned to any spot along the length of the elongated member  26 . While two generally L-shaped members are shown in the Figures, any number can be implemented without departing from the sprit and scope of the present invention. 
   The connectors  36  and  44  also removably connect the generally L-shaped members  30  and  32  such that either generally L-shaped member may be removed from the elongated member  26  and subsequently reconnected to the elongated member  26  at a different position. As illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the first generally L-shaped member  30  can be repositioned from the configuration illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 3  so that it is below the second generally L-shaped member  32 . Additionally, the connectors  36  and  44  removably connect the generally L-shaped members  30  and  32  such that the generally L-shaped members are repositionable in a horizontal direction to either increase or decrease the spacing therebetween. 
   Each connector  36 ,  44  includes a first mouth  50  and a second mouth  52  that faces a direction opposite the first mouth  50 . The first mouth  50  is sized and configured to receive the second portion  34  or  42  of a generally L-shaped member  30 ,  32 . The second mouth  52  is sized and configured to receive a portion of the elongated member  26 . In certain embodiments, the first mouth  50  and second mouth  52  may be defined by U-shaped or C-shaped members. Preferably, the connectors  36 ,  44  are friction fit universal joints, which allow for virtually infinite repositioning of the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32  along the length of the elongated member  26 , as well as virtually infinite repositioning of the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32  in a horizontal direction. 
   The first mouth  50  of the connectors  36 ,  44  can be configured to permit the first portion  34 ,  42  to slide through the first mouth  50  and be positioned at a virtually infinite number of positions. A user may adjust the distance the first portion  34 ,  42  (and ultimately the pads  40 ,  48 ) extends beyond the right or left side of the elongated member  26  by sliding the first portion  34  or  42  through the first mouth  50 , as can be appreciated from  FIGS. 4 and 5 . Such movement can permit the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32  to be adjusted to fit users of different widths or to be positioned for contacting different portions of a user&#39;s body. When a user wishes to adjust the horizontal alignment of the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32 , the user may push or pull the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32  horizontally so that the first portions  34 ,  42  thereof slide through the first mouth  50  of the connectors  36 ,  44 . A virtually infinite number of horizontal positioning is possible. 
   The second mouth  52  of each connector  36 ,  44  is configured to permit the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32  to move along the length, or at least a portion of the length of the elongated member  26 . Such movement may be, for example, by sliding the connectors  36 ,  44  along at least a portion of the length of the elongated member  26 . It should be understood that the friction fit of the second mouth  52  to the elongated member  26  permits the connector  36 ,  44  to stay in a selected position unless a user manually moves the connector  36 ,  44  downward or upward along the elongated member  26 . 
   Preferably, the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32 , elongated member  26 , base  12 , projections  14 ,  16  and  18  and connectors  36  and  44  are all composed of plastic such as, for example, polyvinyl chloride (PVC). However, each component can be made of different materials such as, for example, metals, composites or woods, etc. 
   The present invention contemplates any type of connection device or apparatus that will allow the generally L-shaped members to be independently repositionable both vertically along the length of the elongated member  26  and horizontally. For example, an embodiment could include connectors that include a sleeve moveably connected around and to the elongated member  26  so that it is moveable along the length of the elongated member  26 . The sleeve can also include an additional sleeve configured to receive the first portion  34 ,  42  of a generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32 . Such a connector could also include pins or other locking mechanisms such as, for example, screws, configured to pass through holes in the sleeves to contact the generally L-shaped members and/or the elongated member  26  to adjustably lock the position of the generally L-shaped members  30 ,  32 . In other embodiments, the generally L-shaped members and/or elongated member could also have holes configured to align with the holes in the sleeves. A pin or screw may extend through the hole in the sleeves and through the hole in the generally L-shaped members and/or elongated member aligned with the hole. Nuts or bolts could also be included for positioning on a pin or screw to lock the position of the pin or screw and the position of the generally L-shaped member. 
   Another embodiment could include a ratchet type connection in which the elongated member  26  and first portions  34  and  42  include notches or indentations which engages a member in a corresponding connector. Disengagement of the member allows movement of the generally L-shaped members, either vertically or horizontally, while engagement of the member with a corresponding notch or indentation will hold the generally L-shaped member in place. 
   A user may use the golf swing aid  10  by positioning the first  30  and/or second  32  generally L-shaped members to help keep a particular body part in the proper posture or alignment during a golf swing. Importantly, a user may use the swing aid  10  by standing so that his/her chest faces toward the elongated member  26  or faces away from the elongated member  26 . When a user is positioned so that the user faces the elongated member  26 , the elongated member  26  is preferably shorter then the waist of the user and is configured to be between the user and the head of a golf club that may be swung by the golfer. As may best be appreciated in  FIG. 3 , a present preferred embodiment of the elongated member  26  is curved to more easily accommodate such use of embodiments of the swing aid. Of course, a user may also use the swing aid so that the user&#39;s back faces toward the elongated member. This is the preferred method of use. 
   When using the swing aid  10 , the user may adjust the vertical position of the generally L-shaped members so that the generally L-shaped members contact or are just adjacent portions of the user&#39;s body when the user is aligned for swinging a golf club or otherwise positioned to practice a golf swing. The user may adjust any of the generally L-shaped members near the bottom of the elongated member  26  adjacent the feet or shins of the user when the user is in the proper golf swing stance. As another example, a user may also adjust the height of the generally L-shaped members adjacent the hips of a user during any or all portions of a golf swing. As yet another example, a user may locate one of the generally L-shaped members near where one of the user&#39;s feet or shins should be during his/her stance and another generally L-shaped member adjacent to where one of the user&#39;s hips or knees should be during his/her stance or during some portion of the user&#39;s golf swing. Of course, additional generally L-shaped members could also be positioned on the elongated member  26  adjacent to any portion of the user&#39;s body to assist the user in developing an improved golf swing. The user may then practice his/her golf swing so that his/her muscle memory can learn the proper positioning during the stance or other portions of the golf swing that the user wishes to focus on learning. 
   When in use, it is contemplated that the pads of the generally L-shaped members be positioned adjacent a portion of the user&#39;s body. Then, if during the golf swing, that portion of the user&#39;s body touches the pad, the user knows that his/her golf swing was improper. It is contemplated that the pads be approximately  3  inches away form a user&#39;s body, but any distance may be implemented and the pads may even engage the user if desired. 
   It should be appreciated that other variations of the present preferred embodiments discussed above may be made. For example, embodiments of the golf swing aid can include a base that includes more than three projections or only two projections. The base may be simply a weighted base, or a stake that can be inserted into the ground As another example, the components of the swing aid, such as, for example, the projections, elongated member or generally L-shaped members may have various different shapes. For example, one or more of the projections, elongated members or generally L-shaped members could be flat, have a square cross-section or have other non-tubular shapes or configurations. As yet another example, more than one pad may be attached to each generally L-shaped member. Of course, pads or cushions may also not be attached to each generally L-shaped member. As yet another example, only one generally L-shaped member may be connected to the elongated member  26  or more than two generally L-shaped members may be connected to the elongated member  26 . 
   While certain present preferred embodiments of the golf swing aid and certain embodiments of methods of practicing the same have been shown and described, it is to be distinctly understood that the invention is not limited thereto but may be otherwise variously embodied and practiced within the scope of the following claims.