Patent Publication Number: US-7896755-B2

Title: Device for swing training

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/116,044 filed Nov. 19, 2008, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to a training device to improve a player&#39;s swing such as a golf swing. Golf teachers and instructors around the world have a difficult time transferring to students the correct feel of the golf swing. 
     As can be seen, there is a need for a training device to give any, but mainly the amateur or beginning golfer, the true feel of a golf swing from start to finish. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect of the present invention a swing training device includes: two handles, each handle with a threaded post, a male manufactured head with a male locking device and a threaded receptacle for the threaded post, and a female manufactured head with a female locking device and a threaded receptacle for the threaded post, wherein one handle is connected to each manufactured head by screwing the threaded post into the threaded receptacle, and wherein the male locking device is releasably connected to the female locking device thereby forming the swing training device. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of improving a user&#39;s golf skills while at the same time exercising, gaining strength and flexibility comprises: providing a swing training device as described herein; providing a training mat; providing instructions for exercises using the swing training device and the training mat, thereby allowing a user to improve golf skills while at the same time exercising, gaining strength and flexibility. 
     In another aspect of the present invention, a method of general fitness training comprises providing a swing training device as described herein and providing instructions for exercises using the swing training device, whereby a user can perform general fitness training. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows end ( 2 A) and side ( 2 B) views of an exemplary embodiment of the handle of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  A-D show views of an exemplary embodiment of the male manufactured head according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  A-D show views of an exemplary embodiment of the female manufactured head according to the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  shows an exemplary embodiment of a training mat according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims. 
     Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
     Broadly, embodiments of the present invention generally provide a training device and method to improve a user&#39;s swing in any sport that involves swinging a device such as a club, bat, racket, and the like. Embodiments of the device can also be used as a general exercise device. 
     An exemplary embodiment of the device, which may be called “Ye Old Swing Trainer”, allows all players to feel how the golf club feels when swung correctly, giving the player confidence in their ability to swing the golf club correctly, while at the same time improving the individual&#39;s overall physical fitness, and increasing their enjoyment of the game. 
     The device does not require a left or right handed model as it can be used by all players. The swing trainer can be used indoors and in small spaces. It will allow players who live in cold climates to keep their swing grooved year round. 
     The swing trainer teaches inside-to-inside swing, teaches keeping the club square through out the golf swing, teaches the player to keep body and arms working together, promotes balance through the swing, teaches good rhythm and tempo, and by feel teaches the player to let the club fall into place on the downswing. The device can come with sets of exercises specifically designed to be incorporated with the swing trainer leading to overall physical fitness, and a lower golf handicap. 
     In alternative embodiments the device can be used by any athlete who uses a swing in their sport such as, but not limited to, tennis, hockey, and baseball. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1-4 , an exemplary embodiment of the swing trainer ( 10 ) comprises three components. Two handles ( 12 ) are supplied to be held in the left and right hands. The handles ( 12 ) for the left and right hands can be the same shape, size and weight. In an exemplary embodiment the handles ( 12 ) are cylinders 6.5 inches long, 5 inches in circumference, and weigh 52 ounces each. The handles ( 12 ) can optionally have grips ( 26 ) made from, for example, rubber. The handles ( 12 ) can be made from steel, and for players in cold and very hot climates the grips ( 26 ) add improved grip and comfort to the device ( 10 ). In an exemplary embodiment the grips ( 26 ) weigh 4 ounces each. The handles ( 12 ) can be screwed into a male manufactured head ( 16 ) and female manufactured head ( 20 ) each manufactured head being of about the same size and weight. In an exemplary embodiment the male manufactured head ( 16 ) is 3.5 inches long, 5 inches in circumference, and weighs 17.5 ounces. In an exemplary embodiment the female manufactured head ( 20 ) is 4 inches long, 5 inches in circumference, and weighs 18.5 ounces. The handles ( 12 ) can have a threaded post ( 14 ), and the manufactured heads ( 16 ,  20 ) can have a threaded receptor ( 24 ). At the end of each head ( 16 ,  20 ) is machined a connector that can be releasably locked together with a simple male ( 18 ) and female ( 22 ) type locking device. In an exemplary embodiment the weight of the heads is 36 ounces, the handles 104 ounces, and the grips 8 ounces for a total weight of 148 ounces for the device ( 10 ). 
     The swing trainer can be a multipurpose training tool for improving individual physical fitness. Exercises are combined with the trainer to be a multi-purpose trainer. The user will improve their golf game while at the same time exercising, gaining strength and flexibility. 
     The swing trainer can come with a training mat ( FIG. 5 ). Six exemplary exercises are designed to be used with a training mat. Instructions for the exercises can be provided. The visual training mat can be used indoors or outdoors and promotes correct alignment, another critical component of the game. The user feels the swing and gets a visual view at the same time. Exercise 1, the curl, is performed with both hands like a weightlifting curl and allows one to see and feel one&#39;s weight forward and on the balls of one&#39;s feet and, used with the visual training mat, one can see if one is standing too far or too close to the ball at address. Whether one is reaching too far or jamming oneself inside, it is essential to make sure that one&#39;s stance begins with one&#39;s arms hanging freely down while gripping the club, and the swing trainer makes one do this step right by feel and the weight distribution design of the device. Exercise 2, the butterfly, is performed by releasing the left and right manufactured heads and swinging one&#39;s arms upward to the sides while holding one of the heads in each hand. Exercise 3, the 360 degree turn, is performed by releasing the left and right manufactured heads and by pivoting at the waist while holding one of the heads in each hand. This exercise helps to prevent swaying instead of rotating during one&#39;s backswing. Exercise 4, the chip, is basically a mini-swing. Exercise 5, the full swing, gives the user the feel of the modern golf swing as if one is swinging the club and rotating one&#39;s body. Exercise 6, the putt, is executed like a pendulum swing. 
     The trainer should be made to specifications to work, as it is based on specific weights. The handles were designed based on a certain circumference and length, each individual head was designed to be a specific weight. When the head and handles are combined they make the swing trainer. Seven prototypes were tested and manufactured before settling on the final product. If the weight is changed in any part of the assembly, the head or handle, when the device is rebalanced it changes the configuration of the final trainer. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.