Patent Publication Number: US-7909704-B2

Title: Training equipment for golf players

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to the sports field such as golfing and, in particular, it relates to a training equipment that can be used by a golfer for practicing the succession of movements of the body in a golf swing. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     As well known, the movements that a golf player executes with a golf club for hitting a golf ball are called “swing”, i.e. “oscillation”. The swing is an athletic movement that requires coordination, muscle elasticity, balance and explosive force. 
     More in detail, a swing can be seen as a precise succession of positions and actions. Even if a unique way of executing a swing does not exist and a skilled golf player finds a personal way of executing it, it is true that positions and actions exist that, if they are executed correctly, allow to obtain a right swing. Therefore, a golf trainer teaches to its trainee correct positions and actions in order to execute a right swing. 
     Various golf training devices are known that are used by golf players for improving their swing. Some of these devices allow simulating different situations and conditions that are observable during a golf competition. 
     For example, footboards exist that comprise portions of different material, for example tar-coated, turf-coated, and sand-coated portions, for simulating determined situations that may occur in golfing. 
     Another type of footboard that is used for practicing golf comprises a surface that can be at an angle, with a variable number of angles, with respect to the surface, in such a way that various situations that occur when playing on grounds with different morphological features are simulated. 
     Furthermore, mats are known on which different footprints are depicted that are used as reference for the feet. Each couple of footprints corresponds in particular to a correct position that the feet should have for executing correctly determined swings. 
     Other equipment used by golf players for practicing the swing comprises sophisticated and expensive devices such as sensors, which are applied to the garments of the golf trainee, or such as a videocamera for checking ad adjusting the movements, for example with comparison with motion pictures that have been previously recorded during golf competitions of professional players. 
     However, the above described equipment and other training equipment for golf players are not adapted to assist a trainee to teach the correct positions of the body that correspond to a correct swing. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore a feature of the present invention to provide a training equipment for golf players to assist a golf trainee for a correct movement of the body to execute a right swing. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide a training equipment for golf players that is easy to use. 
     It is also a feature of the present invention to provide a training equipment for golf players that is easily portable in order to carry it to a training area and to remove it at the end of the training time. 
     It is a particular feature of the present invention to provide a training equipment for golf players to assist individuals that are differently able to execute the correct movement of a swing. 
     These and other features are accomplished with one exemplary training equipment for golf players, according to the invention, which is suitable to assist a golf trainee to execute a correct succession of movements of a swing, said equipment comprising a mat, said mat having a longitudinal dimension and a transversal dimension and having a support surface that is adapted, in use, to be located next to a training area, said mat comprising, furthermore, a reference surface that is opposite to said support surface, said reference surface having:
         a golf ball reference position;   reference footprints for the feet;   a plurality of reference lines by means of which the golf trainee orients himself/herself to follow a succession of positions of the body;
 
wherein the plurality of reference lines comprises a determined number of arm guiding reference lines with respect to which the golf trainee orients the arms as a vertical projection from them in order to follow corresponding body positions according to a predetermined succession of positions.
       

     Advantageously, the arm guiding reference lines comprise a determined number of reference lines that are at an angle with respect to a tangential line “t” that is tangent to both said reference footprints in respective points P 1  and P 2 , respectively for a right and a left foot. 
     Advantageously, the reference lines that are at an angle with respect to said tangential line “t” comprise at least one line selected from the group comprised of:
         a first reference line at an obtuse angle α that is measured with respect to tangential line “t”;   a second reference line at an acute angle β with respect to tangential line “t” that intersects the first reference line in a first point P;   a third reference line that is substantially parallel to the second reference line and intersects the first reference line at a second point T.       

     However, it is also possible that the mat, according to the invention, has only one line, or only two lines, which are selected among the first, the second and the third reference line, as above described. 
     Advantageously, the first reference line passes through the point P 1  of the right foot reference footprint and is at said angle α with respect to tangential line “t”. 
     In particular, said angle α can be set between 130° and 140°, advantageously between 133° and 137°, preferably between 134° and 136°. 
     Advantageously, the golf ball reference position lays on a line “o” that is substantially orthogonal to tangential line “t,” wherein said line “o” intersects said tangential line “t” at a determined point R in order to determine on it two portions p 1  and p 2 , with p 1  substantially equal to the double of p 2  (p 1 =2·p 2 ). 
     In particular, line “t” is substantially parallel to said longitudinal dimension. 
     Advantageously, along line “t” the distance between P 1  and P 2  is substantially equal to the distance existing between the shoulders of the golf trainee. Therefore, mats of different sizes can be made. 
     Advantageously, a reference line “n” is provided for the arms as a vertical projection from them that is substantially parallel to tangential line “t”, said reference line “n” being located opposite to said footprint at a distance from said tangential line “t” equal to half the distance between P 1  and P 2 . 
     Advantageously, the second reference line is at an angle β that is set between 44° and 46° with respect to tangential line “t” and passes through an intersection point P′ between the first reference line and reference line “n”. 
     More precisely, reference line “n” passes through intersection point P between the first and the second reference line such that P≡P′. 
     Furthermore, a reference line “i” can be provided at an acute angle γ with respect to tangential line “t”. 
     Advantageously, reference line “i” intersects the left foot reference footprint. 
     In addition, a reference line “l” can be provided that is substantially parallel to reference line “i” and is arranged more on the left side than reference line “i”. 
     Advantageously, furthermore, a start line is provided that is substantially orthogonal to tangential line “t” and passes through point P 1 , such that said golf trainee aligns the view with said start line for determining a starting posture. 
     Advantageously, furthermore, a swing line “s” is provided that is parallel to tangential line “t” and that passes through reference position O for a golf ball. In particular, swing line “s” is followed by the golf trainee immediately before hitting the ball in order to reach the point of hitting the ball with a correct inclination of the body. 
     In addition, or alternatively, to swing line “s” a reference line “d” can be provided at an acute angle δ with respect to a line j that passes through the golf ball reference position and parallel to tangential line “t”, said acute angle δ being defined starting from line j in a clockwise direction, said reference line “d” being followed by the golf trainee immediately before hitting the ball in case of a hit of “draw” type. 
     In particular, the amplitude of the angle δ can be set between 1° and 15°, advantageously between 5° and 12°, preferably between 8° and 10°. 
     In addition, or alternatively, a reference line “f” can be provided at an acute angle ρ with respect to a line j that passes through the golf ball reference position and parallel to tangential line “t”, said acute angle ρ being defined starting from line j and going in a counter clockwise direction, said reference line “f” being followed by the golf trainee immediately before hitting the ball in case of a hit of “fade” type. 
     In particular, the amplitude of the angle ρ can be set between 1° and 10°, advantageously between 1° and 6°, preferably between 2° and 4°. 
     Therefore, in case both reference line “f” that reference line “d” are provided, they are arranged at opposite sides with respect to line j that passes through the reference position of the ball and parallel to line “r”. 
     Advantageously, furthermore, can be provided a reference line “d′” that is parallel to reference line “d” and that passes through a point that is located between reference lines “i” and “l”. In particular, reference line “d′” indicates the correct exiting trajectory of the hands of the golf trainee at the end of a “draw”-type swing. 
     Advantageously, furthermore, a reference line “f′” can be provided that is parallel to reference line “f” and that passes through a point that is located between reference lines “i” and “l”. In particular, reference line “f′” indicates the correct exiting trajectory of the hands of the golf trainee at the end of a “fade”-type swing. 
     In addition, or alternatively, to the plurality of reference lines as above described, comprising the inclined lines, and the start line and the line “o”, a second plurality of reference lines can be provided that are specularly symmetrical to the first plurality of reference lines in a transversal plane that passes through a middle point of line “t”. This way the mat, according to the invention, is used both from left-handed players and by right-handed players. More in detail, the first plurality of reference lines is used for orienting a swing by right-handed players, whereas the second plurality of reference lines is used for orienting a swing by left-handed players. 
     According to another aspect of the invention, a proprioceptive footboard for athletes, in particular for golf players, comprises a lower surface that in use faces a support surface and an upper surface which is opposite to the support surface and on which the athlete rests on at least one foot, said lower surface being equipped with a base portion by means of which said proprioceptive footboard rests on the support surface, said base portion defining at least one rotation axis about which said footboard is free of rotating. 
     Advantageously, at least the lower surface of the proprioceptive footboard has a plane shape. 
     In particular, the base portion can be selected from the group comprised of:
         a rod having a polyhedral cross section and a measured width that is arranged longitudinally to said footboard;   a body having a curved profile, for example a hemisphere.       

     In particular, the rod is arranged parallel to tangential line “t”, said rod being such that said proprioceptive footboard is capable of rocking with respect to said rod by means of fluctuation of the body of the athlete, in order to provide a guide towards a correct position of balance of the body during determined exercises, for example during a succession of steps for executing a correct swing. 
     In particular, the equipment for golf players, according to the invention can comprise a proprioceptive footboard as above described, that in use is arranged at least at one of said footprints for the feet of said mat. In particular, the support surface can be a portion of the mat where the footprints for the feet are depicted. 
     Advantageously, the equipment for golf players, according to the invention comprises, furthermore, an elastic guide device for the wrist of the golf trainee during a swing, said elastic guide device comprising:
         a bracelet that is adapted to be constrained to an arm of the golf trainee;   a resilient elongated element that is connected to the above described bracelet at an end, said resilient element at its other end engaging in use a finger of the golf trainee.       

     In particular, at a predetermined position, the resilient element assists the “loading” of the wrist of the golf trainee and limits the force of the arm, to which said elastic guide device is applied. 
     In particular, the device produces a returning resilient action of the wrist when the golf trainee assumes a posture that corresponds to said reference line “n”. 
     Advantageously, furthermore, a support structure is provided for the supporting leg of the golf trainee, said support structure comprising an element that engages the leg below the knee. 
     In particular, the support structure can comprise:
         a base,   a rod protruding from the base,   an leg engaging element for the leg of the golf trainee near the knee, said leg engaging element having substantially “L”-shaped and being connected to said rod.       

     This way, the leg engaging element closes the knee during the loading step of the swing and leaves it free of moving during the descending phase of the swing. 
     In particular, the support has mutual engagement means with the rocking footboard. 
     Alternatively, the support has mutual engagement means with the mat. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be now shown with the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, exemplifying but not limitative, with reference to the attached drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  shows a top plan view of a training mat for golf players, according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  diagrammatically shows an elevational side view of a correct starting posture that a golf trainee assumes when using the mat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. from 3 to 16  show a golf trainee in different posture that are assumed during a swing when using the mat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 17  shows a top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the training mat for golf players of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 18 and 19  show diagrammatically the trajectory of a draw swing and the trajectory of a fade swing, respectively obtainable with the exemplary embodiment of  FIG. 17 ; 
         FIG. 20  shows a perspective top plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the mat of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. from 21 to 25  show diagrammatically in different views the footboard, according to the invention, in different operative conditions; 
         FIG. 26  shows a perspective view from below of an exemplary embodiment of the footboard shown in Figs. from  21  to  24 ; 
         FIGS. 27 and 28  show perspective views of an elastic guide device for the wrist, according to the invention, to assist a golf trainee that uses the mat of  FIG. 1 , or of  FIG. 20 , to move the wrist in a predetermined position during a swing. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 , a training equipment for golf players, according to the invention, which can be used by a golf trainee to execute a swing through a correct succession of movement of the various parts of the body, comprises a mat  1  having a longitudinal dimension  2  and a transversal dimension  3 . 
     In particular, mat  1  provides a support surface  1   a  that is located in a training area, and a reference surface  1   b  that is equipped with a plurality of reference signs, shown hereafter in the detail, with respect to which the golf trainee moves to reach corresponding body positions during a swing. 
     More in detail, on reference surface  1   b  of mat  1   a  golf ball reference position  11  is provided, on which the golf ball can be put. 
     Furthermore, two reference footprints  21  and  22  are provided on which the golf trainee stays with the right foot and with the left foot respectively. Each footprint  21 ,  22  is U-shaped and it is possible to determine a tangential line “t” that is tangent to them respectively at a point P 1  for the right footprint and at a point P 2  for the left footprint, defining a segment P 1 -P 2  on line “t”. Reference footprints  21  and  22  are arranged at a distance that is substantially equal to the width of the shoulders. Therefore, each mat may have a customized “size”. 
     Golf ball reference position  11  lays on a line “o” that is substantially orthogonal to tangential line “t”. In particular, line “o” intersects line “t” at a determined point R defining on it two portions p 1  and p 2 , with p 1  substantially equal to the double of p 2 . 
     Furthermore, a start line “m” is provided orthogonal to tangential line “t” passing through point P 2  of the footprint for the right foot. In particular, starting from a starting position, as diagrammatically shown in  FIG. 4 , in which the golf trainee  50  has the feet on reference footprints  21  and  22  and the back that is bent forwards at an angle such that, when the arms are extended and the hands touch the knees, the golf trainee  50  aligns the view with the start line m for find a starting posture for the swing ( FIG. 5 ). 
     More in detail, in the starting posture ( FIGS. 2-4 ), the body axis  51  of the golf trainee  50  lays in a plane at an angle λ with respect to mat  1  ( FIG. 2 ). In this starting posture the golf trainee  50  turns the view towards the golf ball reference position  11  as diagrammatically indicated by lines  52  of  FIG. 4 . From the initial posture, golf trainee  50  moves to the starting posture, in which most of the body weight is born by the right leg. The passage from the initial posture to the starting posture is executed by the golf trainee keeping the head still and inclining the body up to capturing the view of line m, which is located at the right of the golf ball reference position  11 . In the starting posture the golf trainee  50  has its body axis  51 ′ at an angle with respect to the body axis  51  of the initial posture ( FIG. 5 ). 
     On reference surface  1   b , furthermore, reference lines  13 - 16  are traced as arm guiding references for the golf trainee  50  such that the arms can be arranged in body positions that in turn allow to execute a correct swing. More in detail, from the starting posture of  FIG. 5 , the golf trainee  50  rotates the shoulders in a clockwise direction about its body axis  51 ′ up to capturing with the view a reference line  13  at a determined angle α, for example 135°, with respect to tangential line “t”, eventually assuming the posture shown in  FIG. 6 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , the use of a golf club  55  can assist the golf trainee  50  to achieve the correct position with respect to reference line  13 ; in fact, once achieved such position the golf trainee  50  sees the golf club  55  that is aligned with line  13 . 
     Then, golf trainee  50  continues to rotate the shoulders about body axis  51 ′ up to see left arm in an extended position and arranged along a reference line  14  that is substantially parallel to tangential line “t” and at a distance d 1  from it, with d 1  that is about half the distance P 1 -P 2  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ). 
     A further rotation of the shoulders about axis  51 ′ in a clockwise direction brings the projection of the left arm of the golf trainee  50  along a reference line  15  at a determined angle β, for example 45°, with respect to tangential line “t” and passing through intersection point P between reference line  13  and reference line  14  ( FIGS. 10 and 11 ). From this posture, golf trainee  50  moves the body weight bearing on the left leg, thus assuming a posture in which left arm is seen that is aligned on a reference line  16 , which is substantially parallel to reference line  15  ( FIGS. 12 and 13 ). In this posture the arms of the golf trainee  50  achieve the highest position of the sequence that ends with the swing. 
     A step follows of descent during which the golf trainee  50  rotates the shoulders in a counter clockwise direction about an body axis  51 , passing golf ball reference point  11  ( FIG. 14 ) and running through a first and a second exit position at which the projections of the hands on mat  1  are aligned firstly with a reference line “i” at a portion  17  ( FIG. 15 ) and then with a reference line “l” at a portion  18 , not shown in the figures. In particular, line “i” intercepts the left foot footprint  22 , whereas reference line “l” is arranged more on the left side than it ( FIG. 1 ). Furthermore, the lines “i” and “l” intersect a line “k”, or hands reference line, which is arranged between line “t” and line “n”, which the golf trainee  50  uses as reference for exit direction of the movements. 
     Even if in  Figs. from 1 to 13  the golf trainee  50  has a golf club  55 , during the training steps with the mat  1 , the execution of a succession of postures at the end of which the golf trainee executes a correct swing does not require necessarily the use of a golf club  55 . 
     Furthermore, a swing line “s” can also be provided parallel to tangential line “t” and that passes through reference position O for the golf ball. In particular, swing line “s” is followed by the golf trainee immediately before hitting the ball in order to hit the ball with a correct inclination of the body. 
     In addition or alternatively to swing line “s”, a reference line “d” can be provided at an acute angle δ with respect to line “l”, starting from it in a clockwise direction. In particular, the amplitude of angle δ can be set between 1° and 15°, advantageously between 5° and 12°, preferably between 8° and 10°. In particular, reference line “d” lets the golf trainee to achieve a correct shooting direction of the ball when a “draw”-type swing has to be executed. 
     For executing in a correct way a draw swing, the feet and the body of the player have to be closed, i.e. in line with the club on the ground in order to provide a “closed” impact under the ball. This way, a spin is obtained on the ball from the right to the left side, with a subsequent trajectory  150  of the same from the left to the right side ( FIG. 18 ). 
     In addition, or alternatively, a reference line “f” can be provided at an acute angle ρ with respect to the swing line “s”, where acute angle ρ is defined starting from swing line “s” in a counter clockwise direction. Reference line “f” allows the golf trainee to arrange itself in a correct direction of impact with respect to the ball when a “fade”-type swing has to be executed. In particular, the amplitude of angle ρ can be set between 1° and 10°, advantageously between 1° and 6°, preferably between 2° and 4°. 
     In particular, in a fade swing the body of the player must achieve an open position so that the head of the golf club hits the ball with an “inward/outward” effect such that the spin causes a trajectory  151  of the ball that is curved from the right to the left side ( FIG. 19 ). 
     Furthermore, a reference line “f′” and a reference line “d′” can be provided that are respectively parallel to reference lines “f” and “d” and that pass through a point that is located between reference lines “i” and “l”. In particular, the reference line “d′” indicates the correct exiting trajectory of the hands of the golf trainee at the end of a “draw”-type swing. For example, the lines “f′” and “d′” pass for a point Mx that is at a same distance from reference lines “i” and “l” and belong to line “k”. 
     Similarly, reference line “f” indicates the correct exiting trajectory of the hands of the golf trainee at the end of a “fade”-type swing ( FIG. 17 ). 
     Mat  1 , as above described with reference to  Figs. from 1 to 17 , is particularly indicated for a golf trainee that uses preferentially the right part of the body, in particular right leg and right arm, for the swing. 
     However, in an exemplary embodiment shown in  FIG. 20 , a mat  1 ′ can be provided that can be used also from left-handed players. This mat  1 ′ is, in fact, in addition to the above described reference lines and reference signs above described, has also reference lines  13 ′- 18 ′, a golf ball reference position  11 ′ and a start line m′, that are traced in symmetric positions to the above described reference lines and positions, with respect to a plane that is orthogonal to mat  1  and passes through a middle point M thereof. 
     In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, not shown in the figures, on the reference surface of the mat only reference lines  11 ′- 18 ′ are traced, obtaining a mat for left-handed players only. 
     The training equipment, according to the invention, in addition to mat  1 , or  1 ′, can comprise also a proprioceptive footboard  80 , as shown in  Figs. from 21 to 26 . 
     In particular, proprioceptive footboard  80  provides a lower surface  81  that is oriented towards mat  1 , and is for example arranged at a footprint for at least one foot, and an upper surface  82 , on which in use the golf trainee rests with the feet ( FIGS. 21 and 22 ) or with one foot only ( FIG. 23 ). In a further exemplary embodiment, not shown in the figures, a right foot footboard and a left foot footboard can be provided that the golf trainee can use at the same time. 
     More in detail, the lower surface  81  of the footboard  80  has a base rod  85 , having for example polyhedral cross section and arranged at a distance d 3  with respect to line “g”, which passes through its geometric barycentre G. Therefore, footboard  80 , which rests on a support surface at least at one footprint of the foot of the mat, by rod  85  can rotate, or can rock, with respect to it as the golf trainee  50  loads the body weight on the feet. For example the support surface can be a surface of mat  1 . Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, not shown, it is possible to remove the portion of the mat that comprises the footprints put the footboard on it. 
     Therefore, footboard  80  assists golf trainee  50  to get the correct initial posture, and to get a balanced position that corresponds to a correct distribution of the weight of the body on the feet. This condition occurs when the footboard is arranged substantially parallel to the surface on which it is arranged, for example mat  1 . 
     As above anticipated and shown in detail in  FIG. 23 , footboard  80  can be used in a static configuration, in which it is arranged at only one of the reference footprints, for example the left one, at an angle η. In this case, the golf trainee  50  rests on the footboard  80  with a single foot whereas the other foot is on the other footprint. Therefore, the golf trainee assumes a posture in which the load that bears on the foot that is arranged on the footboard  80  is less than the load that bears on the foot that rests on mat  1 . This increases the perception of the golf trainee, i.e. its sensitivity, relatively to the distribution of the weight of the body on the legs. 
     In particular, rod  85  and lower surface  81  of footboard  80  have releasable engagement means for mutual engagement thereof. This way, rod  85   a , having for example a width L 1  and a height H 1 , can be replaced with another rod  85   b , having width L 2  and height H 2 , using always a same footboard  80 . This way, it is possible to customize the footboard  80  to the player, or it is possible to provide different configurations on footboard  80 . 
     For example, the releasable mutual engagement means comprises a protruding portion  95  at a face  86  of rod  85  that in use is oriented towards lower surface  81  of footboard  80 , in such a way to engage with a recessed portion  83  of lower surface  81 . For example, protruding portion  95  may have a “dove-tail” shape for engaging/disengaging with corresponding groove  83 . 
     Alternatively, in an exemplary embodiment not shown in the figures, surface  81  of footboard  80  has the protruding portion and face  86  of rod  85  has the recessed portion. Notwithstanding in the figure the recessed portion is shown having the shape of a groove, it can be a recess of different type. Similarly, the protruding portion can be also a bolt that is adapted to engage with the recess, for example a click engagement. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 27 and 28 , the training equipment for golf players can also comprise a device  100  for a causing a resilient reaction on the wrist of the golf trainee  50  during a swing. More in detail, elastic guide device  100  comprises a bracelet  101  that is constrained to the arm of the golf trainee  50 , for example by a Velcro fastening, and also comprises a resilient element  102  engaging with bracelet  101  at one end thereof  101   a , for example engaging it in an bend that protrudes from bracelet  101 , and have the other end  101   b  that is constrained to a finger, for example the middle finger of the golf trainee. 
     When the golf trainee is in a posture in which the projection of the arm is arranged along reference line  14  ( FIGS. 8 and 9 ), the resilient element “recalls” the wrist by “loading” it and avoiding that the golf trainee  50  applies a too high force on the arm. 
     The resilient guide device  100  for the wrist can be also used by a disabled golf trainee to assist achieving a correct position of the wrist and then loading correctly the arm during a swing. 
     The foregoing description of a specific embodiment will so fully reveal the invention according to a conceptual point of view, so that others, by applying current knowledge, will be able to modify and/or adapt for various applications such an embodiment without further research and without parting from the invention, and it is therefore to be understood that such adaptations and modifications will have to be considered as equivalent to the specific embodiment. The means and the materials to realise the different functions described herein could have a different nature without, for this reason, departing from the field of the invention. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.