Patent Publication Number: US-7722473-B1

Title: Golf training aid

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a Continuation-in-Part of and claims priority to and benefit from, currently pending, U.S. Ser. No. 12/028,264, filed Feb. 8, 2008, which claims priority to and benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/955,495, filed on Aug. 13, 2007. 

   STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   None. 
   REFERENCE TO SEQUENTIAL LISTING, ETC. 
   None. 
   BACKGROUND 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to golf training aid, and more specifically to a golf training aid to develop muscle memory and correct golf pivot action. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   It is widely recognized in the play of golf that in order to generate power and consistency a player must correctly pivot, which according to one teaching method requires correct “stacking” of the upper body against the lower body at the top of the golf swing, and unwinding of the torso against the lower body. Alternatively stated, a player must have a proper relationship between movement of the upper body and lower body which requires a clear understanding of the relationship between the torso and the legs. A good relationship between legs and torso provides a steady center of gravity as the torso winds and unwinds around the pivoting point resulting in power and consistency in the golf swing. 
   Better golfers create proper angles at address, top of the backswing and at the point of impact. If the body moves correctly, the player creates an increased amount of speed at impact, resulting in longer shots and better ball striking. One type of motion known to create additional speed and proper motion is known as stack-and-tilt golf swing. The stack-and-tilt swing golf swing involves creating proper position of the head, right knee, right leg and hip and feel of tension and pulling of the inner right thigh muscles (for right handed golfer) against the upper torso and weight transfer around the sternum (center of the chest) and tailbone during the takeaway, back swing, downswing, at impact and follow-through. 
   Distinct from the stack-and-tilt motion, all golf swings benefit from limiting lateral movement of the head and spine. This limitation aids the return of the golf club from the top of the swing to the setup position more consistently, which results in more consistent contact with the golf ball. 
   It is preferable to provide a novel training aid to provide golfers with an apparatus to achieve improved pivot, footwork and relationship between the torso and the legs. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   With regard to the foregoing, one embodiment of the invention eliminates the oversights, difficulties, and disadvantages of the prior art by providing a golf training aid which teaches correct positioning for a golf swing. 
   A golf training device comprises a wearable wedge shaped body for receiving a user&#39;s trailing foot and restricting lateral movement of a user&#39;s hip, at least one foot strap assembly connected to the wedge shaped body, a guide rod system connected to the wedge shaped body comprising, a base portion connected to the wedge shaped body, a collar disposed in the base portion, and, a guide rod engaging the collar and extending upwardly from the collar toward the user&#39;s hip, the guide rod system indicating a swing error when the user&#39;s hip contacts the guide rod. The golf training device wherein the wedge forces weight to the inside of the user&#39;s trailing foot. The golf training device further comprising a forward foot strap assembly connected to the body. The golf training device wherein the forward strap assembly is adjustable to tighten or loosen utilizing an adjustable quick disconnect. The golf training device wherein the forward strap assembly has a first strap and a second strap which are connected by an adjustable quick disconnect. The golf training device further comprising at least one rearward strap assembly connected to the body. The golf training device wherein the at least one rearward ankle strap has an outside portion, an inside portion and a strap assembly. The golf training device wherein the strap assembly comprises a first strap having a plurality of teeth and a second strap having a quick disconnect. 
   A wearable golf training device for a golf swing comprising a body having a wedge shape with a high side and a low side, and an inside of the body being the low side and an outside of the body being the high side, the body receiving a user&#39;s trailing foot and restricting lateral movement of the user&#39;s hip, a forward strap assembly connected to the body and a rearward ankle strap assembly including an ankle portion, and, a guide rod system comprising a base portion connected to the body, a collar disposed in the base portion, a guide rod being received by the pivotable collar extending upwardly from the collar toward or away from a user&#39;s hip, the guide rod system indicating excessive lateral movement during a golf swing when the user&#39;s hip contacts the guide rod. The golf training device further comprising a first strap assembly near a forward portion of the body, and a second ankle strap assembly near a rear portion of the body. The golf training device wherein the first strap assembly has a first strap and a second strap, one of the first and second straps having teeth, the other of the first and second straps having an adjustment mechanism for engaging the teeth. The golf training device wherein the ankle strap assembly has an inside stirrup portion along the inside of the body, an outside stirrup portion along the outside of the body and an ankle portion connects the outside stirrup portion and the inside stirrup portion. The golf training aid further comprising a first strap and a second strap, one of the first strap and the second strap having teeth and the other of said first and second strap having an adjustable quick connect mechanism, the first strap connected to the outside stirrup and the second strap connected to the inside stirrup. The golf training device wherein the body is a molded device. The golf training device wherein the body and the base portion are integrally molded. The golf training device wherein one of the body and the base portion has an insert, and the other of the base portion and the body has a cavity for receiving the insert. The golf training device further comprising cleats depending from the body. The golf training device wherein the cleats are molded to the body. The golf training device wherein the cleats are removable from the body. 
   A golf training aid comprising a body having a wedge shape wherein an outside of the body is higher than the inside of the body, the wedge shaped body inhibiting lateral movement of a user&#39;s body and promoting loading of an inside thigh muscle of the user, a guide rod system having a base which is one of integrally formed with or removably connected to the body, the guide rod system having a collar extending from the body, the collar engaging a guide rod, the guide rod extending upwardly from the base, a first strap assembly at a forward portion of the body and a second ankle strap assembly at a rear portion of the body, each of the first strap and said second strap being adjustable for tightening and loosening the training aid on a user&#39;s foot. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts a top view of a portion of an exemplary golfer training aid; 
       FIG. 2  depicts a front view of the training aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  depicts a partially exploded rear view of the training aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  depicts a front view of the training aid with a user&#39;s foot in position for use; 
       FIG. 5  depicts a perspective view of the golf training aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  depicts an exploded perspective view of the golf training aid of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 7  depicts a perspective view of an alternative golf training aid; 
       FIG. 8  depicts an alternate perspective view of the golf training aid of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 9  depicts a bottom view of the golf aid of  FIG. 7 ; 
       FIG. 10  depicts a rear view of the golf aid of  FIG. 7 ; and, 
       FIG. 11  depicts a side view of the golf aid of  FIG. 7 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   The following description and drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention sufficiently to enable those skilled in the art to practice it. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. For example, other embodiments may incorporate structural, chronological, electrical, process, and other changes. Examples merely typify possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the sequence of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for those of others. The scope of the invention encompasses the appended claims and all available equivalents. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limited sense, and the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims. 
   Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless limited otherwise, the terms “connected,” “coupled,” and “mounted,” and variations thereof herein are used broadly and encompass direct and indirect connections, couplings, and mountings. In addition, the terms “connected” and “coupled” and variations thereof are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. 
   In addition, and as described in subsequent paragraphs, the specific mechanical configurations illustrated in the drawings are intended to exemplify embodiments of the invention and that other alternative mechanical configurations are possible. 
   The exemplary embodiments described herein provide a golf training aid which teaches proper interaction between the lower body and the upper body while also placing other body angles in better position and limiting lateral sway or motion of a golfer during a swing. Referring now in detail to the drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views, there is shown in  FIGS. 1 through 6  various aspects of the golf training aid. 
   Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , a golf training aid  20  is depicted in top view. The training aid  20  comprises a body  22  for receiving a user&#39;s foot and which is generally wedge-shaped having a higher end near the outer side of a user&#39;s foot and a lower end along the inside of the user&#39;s foot. The wedge shape of the body  22  forces the user&#39;s weight to be supported along the inside of the user&#39;s foot which causes turning of the body against the user&#39;s inner thigh muscle of the trailing leg. The body  22  further comprises at least one forward strap  10   a ,  10   b  which is positioned forwardly of the instep and another at least one shoe strap  9   a , 9   b  which is secured to the body of the device and extends outwardly over user&#39;s shoe. A third strap  8  extends from the at least one strap  9   a , 9   b  and behind the shoe and holds the two straps  9   a , 9   b  together providing added stability and preventing the user&#39;s shoe from sliding. The straps  8 ,  9   a ,  9   b ,  10   a ,  10   b  may be embedded in the body  22  during the formation of the body  22  by conventional molding techniques or alternatively may be fastened to the body  22  by fasteners embedded in the body  22  during molding. The straps  9 ,  10  extend from either side of the body and can be wrapped upwardly over the top of the shoe and tightened while strap  8  wraps around the rear of the shoe. The strap portions designated  9   a  and  10   a  are preferably formed with hook and loop fasteners, generally known as (VELCRO) on a top, exposed surface, and the opposite strap ends designated  9   b  and  10   b  have hook and loop fasteners facing the fasteners of straps  9   a  and  10   a . The strap portions  9   a  and  10   a  are pulled tight over the top of the shoe thereby overlapping different areas of the shoe to provide adjustability for users of different foot sizes. A connecting strap  7  extends from the forward strap  10  to rear strap  9  providing some level of connectivity between the two straps  8 ,  9 ,  10 . 
   The training aid  20  further comprises a hip movement guide rod system  23 . The guide rod system  23  is attached to the body  22  device by means of two plates and a screw  50 , although various connection mechanisms may be utilized. The body  22  receives a user&#39;s foot or shoe and disposes the user&#39;s weight along the inside of the user&#39;s foot while the guide rod system  23  provides feedback to the user with regard to lateral movement of the hips during the golf swing. Specifically, the adjustable guide rod system  23  provides feedback to the user by touching the user&#39;s hip or leg when the user sways too much during, for example, a stack-and-tilt golf swing. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a front view of the golf training aid  20  is depicted. The body  22  receives a user&#39;s right foot, which is rear foot for a right handed player. The body  22  is wedge shaped having a higher side along the outer side of the foot and a low side along the inner side of the foot. Upon strapping a foot or shoe to the body  22 , the user&#39;s weight is forced along the inner side of the foot and provides muscle memory to a user on how the weight positioning should feel during a golf swing. 
   The guide rod system  23  is shown with a rod assembly  4  inserted. The system  23  comprises a rod assembly  4  is connected to the base portion  24 . The rod assembly  4  is pivotally connected to the base portion  24  to define the guide rod system  23 . The guide rod assembly  4  is pivotable through a preselected arc in order to move toward and away from the user&#39;s hip. The rod assembly  4  may be positioned at multiple locations prior to tightening at the selected position. The rod assembly  4  is movable toward and away from the user&#39;s hip about an axis extending into the base portion  24 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a rear view of the training aid  20  is depicted. The guide rod system  23  is depicted removed from the body  22 . The body  22  comprises an opening for receiving an insert  31   b  extending from the base portion  24  of the guide rod system  23 . An opening in body  22  is large enough to receive and hold the  31   b  insert. During manufacture a fixative such as glue or cement may be utilized to retain the base portion  24  within the body  22 . Alternatively, the insert  31   b  may extend from the body  22  and may be received by an opening in the base portion. As a further alternative, the parts may be fastened together mechanically or the body  22  and the base portion  24  may be integrally formed as a single molded element. 
   Depending from a lower surface of the body are a plurality of cleats  25 . The cleats  25  may be integrally molded into the body  22  or may be removably connected. For example, the cleats  25  may be embodied by hard spikes or soft spikes which are both twistably removable for installation. 
   The base portion  24  further comprises a fastener aperture or opening  32  through which a fastener is positioned for pivotal movement of the guide rod assembly  4 . The base portion  24  also comprises a pivot aperture  33  located in an upper surface which allows for the arcuate motion of the guide rod assembly  4 . The pivot aperture  33  is oval in shape to allow for movement of the assembly  4  through an arcuate motion. The apertures  32 , 33  ( FIG. 1 ) open into a cavity within the base portion  24  and the cavity is partially shown from above in  FIG. 1 . A fastener  50  extends through the aperture  32  and into the cavity within the base portion  24  to provide the pivot axis for the assembly  4 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , a front view of the training aid  20  is depicted with a user shown in broken line utilizing the training aid  20 . The user&#39;s right foot is positioned on the body  22  and attached thereto by the straps  8 ,  9 ,  10 . The straps  8 ,  9 ,  10  provide stability and prevent the shoe from sliding. The guide rod assembly  4  is shown comprising a plurality of components. Within the opening  23  of base portion  24  is a collar  1   b . The collar  1   b  is pivotally mounted on the fastener  50  extending through fastener aperture  32  of the base portion  24 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the collar  1   b  is movable through the pivot aperture  33 , so as to adjust the position of the rod assembly  4  relative to the user&#39;s hip. 
   The collar  1   b  receives the guide rod assembly  4  to provide connection between the guide rod assembly  4  and the base portion  24  and thereby define the guide rod system  23 . The guide rod assembly  4  comprises a plurality of rod segments or elements which may be disconnected for easy transport and reassembled at different practice locations. However, the plurality of rod elements may alternatively be a single rod of a longer length than any of the single rod elements shown in the exemplary embodiment. The exemplary guide rod assembly  4  is formed of a three-piece construction. A lowermost rod  1   a  is received by the collar  1   b . The lowermost rod portion  1   a  is at least partially hollow and sized of a diameter capable of positioning within the collar  1   b . A middle rod portion  2   a  is at least partially hollow and is positioned within the upper end of the rod  1   a  to connect the lowermost rod portion  1   a  and the middle rod portion  2   a . An upper rod portion  3   a  is positioned with the upper hollow portion of middle rod portion  2   a . The three rod portions  1   a ,  2   a  and  3   a  define the rod assembly  4 . In the exemplary embodiment, friction may be utilized to maintain connection between the rod portions  1   a ,  2   a , and  3   a . In one alternative, the rod assembly  4  may be defined by a telescoping or nested rod system which is collapsible for easy storage and transport. Various means may be utilized to connected the rod portions. For example, fasteners or other connectors may alternatively be utilized. According to another exemplary embodiment, the middle rod portion may have a dowel at a lower end and the upper rod portion  3   a  may also have a dowel at a lower end. Each of the dowels would fit into the upper end of the rods  1   a  and  2   a  to form the rod assembly  4  As a result, the rod assembly  4  extends from the base portion  24  to the hip area of the user and may be adjusted through an arcuate distance at various angles so as to touch or engage a user&#39;s hip during the golf swing if the user&#39;s hips sway too far during the swing. In the embodiment depicted, the guide rod system  23  is adjusted to a desired angle for the depicted user. 
   Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the training aid  20  is shown in perspective view, one of which is an exploded perspective view. The golf training aid  20  comprises a body  22  and a guide rod system  23  connected to the body  22 . The body  22  comprises straps  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10  providing a means of attaching the device  20  to a user&#39;s shoe or foot. The body  22  is shown to have a wedge shaped design forcing a user to place weight along the inside of the foot, which is a desirable characteristic of the stack-and-tilt golf swing as well as limiting lateral sway which is desired by many golf teaching professionals. 
   The exploded view of  FIG. 6  further depicts the fastener  50  extending through the base portion  24  of the guide rod system  23 . The fastener  50  extends through a washer  52  into the base portion  24  of the guide rod system  23 . The fastener  50  also extends through the collar  1   b  providing pivoting motion of the collar  1   b  and the guide rod assembly  4  connected to the collar  1   b . A locking nut  51  on the opposite side of the collar  1   b  receives the fastener  50  and engages the collar  1   b  to tighten the collar  1   b  and guide rod assembly  4  at a desired angle for the user. Thus the rod assembly  4  may be tightened at various angles. Various tightening mechanisms may be utilized as will be understood by one skilled in the art. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a perspective view of the golf training device is shown. Like the first embodiment, the training aid  120  includes body  122  which is generally wedge shaped, having an outside edge  133  which is higher than a lower inside edge  134 . As previously described, this structure directs the user&#39;s weight toward the inside edge of the foot inhibiting lateral movement of the user&#39;s head and spine. Additionally, the wedge shape also promotes loading of the user&#39;s inner thigh muscle which is recommended for a more powerful golf swing. Across this upper surface of the body  122 , a plurality of molded ribs are utilized to increase surface friction and help maintain the golf aid  120  in traction with the user&#39;s foot or shoe. At a forward portion of the body  122  is a forward strap base  111  which extends from the lower inside edge  134  and provides a position to connect a forward foot or shoe strap assembly  140 . Opposite the strap base  111 , on the outside wall of body  122 , is a notch for receiving an opposite end of the strap assembly  140 . A notch is utilized in the exemplary embodiment, however such embodiment should not be considered limiting as alternative structure may be utilized to connect the strap to the body  122 . 
   The forward strap assembly  140  includes a first strap  142  connected in the exemplary embodiment to the outside  133  of the body  122 . The first strap  142  further comprises a plurality of teeth  143  which are integrally molded into the strap. However, such design should not be considered limiting as various embodiments are within the ambit of one skilled in the art to render the strap assembly  140  adjustable. The assembly  140  also comprises a second strap  144  which is connected to the body at the inner side  134  at forward strap base  111 . The second strap  144  further comprises a quick connector  146  for tightening and loosening the straps  142 , 144  as well as disconnecting the two straps  142 , 144  completely. The first strap  142  is positioned through the adjustable quick connector  146  and ratcheted to tighten the straps  142 ,  144  around a user&#39;s trailing foot. 
   Toward the rear portion of the body  122  is a rear strap base  119  extending from the lower inside edge  134 . The rear strap base  119  is utilized to connect a rearward ankle strap assembly  108  to the body  122 . According to the instant exemplary embodiment, the ankle strap assembly  108  includes an outside stirrup  109   a  connected to the body  122  and an inside stirrup  109   b  connected to the rear strap base  119 . The two stirrups  109   a  and  109   b  extend rearwardly and join to capture a user&#39;s ankle or foot. The rear strap assembly  150  wraps around the front of the users ankle so that the ankle is captured between the strap assembly  150  and the rear portion of the stirrups  109   a ,  109   b . The stirrups  109   a  and  109   b  each have tabs to which the strap assembly  150  connects. The first strap assembly  150  includes a first strap  152  extending from the tab of the outside stirrup  109   b . The second strap  154  extends from the tab of the inside stirrup  109   b  and is adjustably connected to the first strap  152  by an adjustable quick connect  146 . The quick connect  146  is of a ratcheting type however alternate devices may be utilized although this embodiment is merely exemplary. Accordingly one of the straps  152  has a plurality of teeth  153  which engage the adjustable quick connect  146 . Additionally, although the rear portion of the ankle strap assembly  108  is shown as unitary with the rear straps  109   a , 109   b , according to an alternative embodiment the parts may be joined by fasteners to allow pivoting action of the strap  108   b  about a generally horizontal axis. The rear base  119  is connected to the rear strap inside portion by fasteners, such as rivets or screws. Similarly, the rear strap outside stirrup  109   a  is connected to the body  122  by fasteners such as rivets or screws making for an easy connection. These elements, however, may be integrally molded with the body  122  depending on the material utilized for the body  122 . The rear ankle strap assembly  108  may be formed integrally of a rigid material or may be a softer, more flexible polymeric or rubber material or both. In the instant embodiment, the strap assembly  150  is formed of a more flexible rubberized material while the stirrups  109   a ,  109   b  are formed of a more rigid material than straps  142 ,  144  and  152 ,  154  in order to provide additional stability and support to a user. 
   At the rear outside portion of the body  122  is a guide rod system  123 . According to the instant embodiment, the guide rod system  123  is integrally molded with the body  122 . However, this is merely exemplary as the guide rod system  123  may also be detachable from the body  122 . The guide rod system  122  includes a base  124  and a collar  101  extending from an upper portion of the base structure  124 . The collar  101  receives a rod  102 . The rod  102  may be a single rod or may be formed of two or more rod components which are fastened or connected together in some fashion. The guide rod collar  101  is integrally formed with and rigidly connected to the base  124 , however according to alternative embodiments, the collar  101  may be pivotally connected to adjust the angle of the rod  102 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 8 , a side perspective view of the golf aid  120  is depicted. The body  122  includes the gripping ribs  138  along the upper surface of the body  122 . Extending from the inner edge  134  are the forward and rearward strap bases  111 , 119 . Extending upwardly from behind the outside strap  109   a  is the rod  102  which extends from the base  124 . 
   Also depicted in  FIG. 8  is one movable component of the adjustable quick connects  146 ,  156  for the strap assemblies  140 ,  150 . The quick connect  146  includes a lever  148  for adjustably tightening or loosening the first strap  142  relative to the second strap  144 . Similarly, the rear adjustable quick connect  156  strap includes a lever  158  for loosening or tightening the strap  152  relative to the strap  154 . The levers  148 ,  158  may be spring loaded and normally biased downward to engage the teeth  143 ,  153  of the straps  142 ,  152 . In the upward position depicted in  FIG. 8 , the teeth  143 , 153  are disengaged allowing movement of the straps  142 ,  152  relative to the opposed straps  144 ,  154 , respectively. 
   Referring to  FIG. 9 , a bottom view of the golf aid  120  is depicted. The body  122  has a molded undersurface comprising a plurality of cleats  125  for traction when the aid  120  is utilized. The cleats  125  are integrally formed with the body in the current embodiment. However, the body  122  may also include apertures for replaceable spikes, hard or soft, which may be used with the present invention. The bottom of the body  122  is also defined by the plurality of strengthening ribs. The ribs are generally defined by a plurality of latitudinal ribs  142  and longitudinal ribs  144 . These ribs  142 ,  144  allow for removal of material therebetween which reduces the weight of the aid  120  making it easy to carry to a driving range or other practice facility or area. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 10 , a rear view of the golf aid  120  is depicted. The rear ankle strap assembly  108  is shown connected to the body  122 . In this view, the wedge shape clearly provides for an upper surface of the body  122  which is slanted toward the inside of the user&#39;s foot or the golf aid  122  while maintaining a lower body surface which is generally flat and includes the plurality of cleats  125 . Due to the angled upper surface of the body  122 , the rear straps  109  are generally extending upward at an angle from the vertical. The angle is depicted as angle θ and is reference from a vertical broken line. However the angle of the stirrups  109   a ,  109   b  are not a necessity as the angle may be zero (0) or the angle may vary from depending on the angle of notch where stirrup  109   a  connects to the body  122  as well as the angle of the rear base  119 . The rear strap assembly  108  may alternatively be adjustable to change the angle of the straps  109   a ,  109   b.    
   With  FIG. 10  shown from behind, the angle α of the wedge shaped body  122  is clearly depicted. The angle α may be in the range of from about five (5) degrees to about twenty-five (25) degrees. The wedge shaped bodies  122  may be formed of different angles α for various users, depending on the body type of the user. Thus a user could have a more appropriately fitting aid  120 . In an alternative embodiment, the wedge shaped body  120  may be formed of a separate upper portion and a lower portion wherein one of the upper and lower portion could be exchangeable. Additionally, one of the exchangeable upper and lower portions could be formed with different angles so that the upper angle α may also be varied to fit different users. In yet a further alternative, where the body  122  is formed separately of the base  124  and later connected together, the multiple bodies  122  may be formed with multiple angles allowing a user to select a wedge shape having an angle α which best suits the user. In other words, these alternate embodiments would allow for varying of the angle α of the wedge shaped body  122 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , a side view of the golf aid  120  is depicted with the guide rod system connected to body  122  and the strap assemblies  140  and  150 . Depending from the lower surface of the body  122  is the plurality of cleats  125 . The view depicted in  FIG. 11  is of the outside edge  133 . 
   It is apparent that variations may be made to the golf training aid in regards to specific design elements thereof. Such variations however are deemed to fall within the teachings of the present invention as generally modifications may be made to placement of the particular structure described herein or equivalents thereto while falling within the general teachings hereof.