Patent Publication Number: US-9901802-B2

Title: Audio and visual/touch golf training device and training method using golf training device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/278,765, AUDIO AND VISUAL/TOUCH GOLF TRAINING DEVICE AND TRAINING METHOD USING GOLF TRAINING DEVICE, filed Jan. 14, 2016, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE APPLICATION 
     The application relates to a golf swing training device and particularly to a golf swing training device with audio and visual/touch cues. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Golf students are typically trained based on observed training swings, or video analysis of their training swings. A back and forth discussion between the student and the golf professional or golf instructor follows where the student is provided with feedback. Such training is time consuming and labor intensive for the instructor as well as costly and time consuming for the student. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect, a golf training device with audio and visual/touch cues for independent golf swing training in an absence of a golf instructor includes a tube having a first end and a second end and an outer surface. A hand grip is disposed at least in part about the outer surface of the tube. A sliding mass is disposed slidingly within the tube, the sliding mass including a chamfer on at least one end of the sliding mass. An end stop is mechanically affixed to the first end of the tube. A ball holding rod has a ball hold rod first end and a ball hold rod second end. A bushing is disposed on the ball hold rod first end to mechanically couple the ball hold rod first end to the second end of the tube, an outer diameter of the bushing including a male thread corresponding to a female thread disposed in the second end of the tube. A ball is mechanically coupled to the second end of the ball holding rod. The ball holding rod includes a first ball holding rod bend of about 80 degrees near where the ball holding rod couples to the tube and a second ball holding rod bend of about 70 degrees near the ball, and there is about an 80 to 90 degree angle between two planes defined by each of the first ball holding rod bend and the second ball holding rod bend. 
     In one embodiment, the tube includes aluminum. 
     In another embodiment, the ball holding rod includes aluminum. 
     In yet another embodiment, the end stop includes one half of a threaded pipe coupler. 
     In yet another embodiment, the bushing includes a modified pipe thread. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sliding mass includes a cold rolled steel rod. 
     In yet another embodiment, the sliding mass includes a mass between about 100 and 300 grams. 
     In yet another embodiment, the ball includes a golf ball. 
     In yet another embodiment, the golf training device further including a cap disposed over the end stop and a portion of the first end of the tube. 
     In yet another embodiment, the cap includes an air hole. 
     The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages of the application will become more apparent from the following description and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features of the application can be better understood with reference to the drawings described below, and the claims. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles described herein. In the drawings, like numerals are used to indicate like parts throughout the various views. 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a manual golf training device; 
         FIG. 2  shows an isometric view of the golf training device of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a more detailed view of the golf training device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  shows a more detailed end view of the golf training device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  shows another end view of the golf training device of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 6  shows two exemplary tubes in various stages of assembly and a sliding mass; 
         FIG. 7A  shows a more detailed view of the tube and end stop of the golf training device of  FIG. 2  prior to assembly; 
         FIG. 7B  shows another end view of the tube and end stop of the golf training device of  FIG. 2  after assembly; 
         FIG. 8  shows the ball end of three tubes in various stages of assembly; 
         FIG. 9  shows an exemplary bushing mechanically affixed to a ball holding rod by a glue or epoxy; 
         FIG. 10A  shows an improved stem structure for mechanically coupling a ball holding rod to a tube; 
         FIG. 10B  shows a side view drawing of the improved stem structure of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 10C  shows an end view drawing of the improved stem structure of  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of another embodiment of the bushing; 
         FIG. 11B  shows a side view drawing of the bushing of  FIG. 11A ; 
         FIG. 11C  shows an end view drawing of the bushing of  FIG. 11A . 
         FIG. 12A  shows a view of an exemplary sliding mass; 
         FIG. 12B  shows a view of an improved exemplary sliding mass; 
         FIG. 13A  is a drawing which illustrates a first position of supination where the wrist turns the face of the palm up; 
         FIG. 13B  is a drawing which illustrates a second position of supination; 
         FIG. 14A  is a drawing which illustrates a first position of wrist bowing or flexion; 
         FIG. 14B  is a drawing which illustrates a second position of wrist bowing or flexion where the wrist moves in a forward motion; 
         FIG. 15A  is a drawing which illustrates a first position of Ulnar deviation; 
         FIG. 15B  is a drawing which illustrates a second position of Ulnar deviation where the thumb points down; 
         FIG. 16  is a drawing which illustrates a correct end swing position of the ball; 
         FIG. 17A  is a drawing which illustrates a first position for snap training; 
         FIG. 17B  is a drawing which illustrates a snap motion; 
         FIG. 17C  is a drawing which illustrates an end position for snap training; 
         FIG. 18A  is a drawing which illustrates a first position for cock-snap training; 
         FIG. 18B  is a drawing which illustrates a cocked position before a snap motion; 
         FIG. 18C  is a drawing which illustrates a snap motion; 
         FIG. 18D  is a drawing which illustrates an end position for cock-snap training; 
         FIG. 19  is a drawing which illustrates an incorrect casting motion; 
         FIG. 20A  is a drawing which illustrates a first position of a complete powerful golf swing release pattern; and 
         FIG. 20B  is a drawing which illustrates an end position of a complete powerful golf swing release pattern. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As described hereinabove, golf students are typically trained based on observed training swings, or video analysis of their training swings. A back and forth discussion between the student and the golf professional or golf instructor follows where the student is provided with feedback. Such training is time consuming and labor intensive for the instructor as well as costly and time consuming for the student. 
     What is needed is an improved golf training device that can be used by a student in the absence of an instructor, which teaches a golf student how to use the wrist properly during a golf swing. An improved golf training device is described in detail hereinbelow. Part I describes the component parts and structure of the golf training device. Part II describes methods of manufacture of the golf training device. Part III describes an embodiment of the golf training device with exemplary dimensions. Part IV describes a method of golf swing training using the golf training device. 
     Part I: Structure—Audio and Visual/Touch Golf Training Device 
     COMPONENT PARTS 
     Hand Grip  101   
     Mounted ball  103   
     Ball holding rod  105  (also referred to as a stem) 
     Tube  107  having threads  603   
     Cap  109   
     End stop  201   
     Bushing  301   
     Sliding mass  601   
     Now, turning to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  shows a side view of a manual golf training device  100 , also referred to as IMPACT SNAP. The device includes a golf ball sized ball, which can be a golf ball, affixed to a ball holding rod  105 , also called a stem. As will be described in more detail hereinbelow, the ball holding rod  105  has two bends at either end of the ball holding rod  105  in different directions. Ball holding rod  105  is fixed attached to a tube  107 . A manual gripping handle, hand grip  101  covers most of tube  107 . On the end of tube  107  opposite the fixed mechanical connection to the ball holding rod  105 , there is a cap  109 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an isometric view of the golf training device  100  of  FIG. 1  where hand grip  101 , and cap  109  have not yet been installed. End stop  201  can be seen as not yet covered by cap  109 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a more detailed view of the golf training device  100  of  FIG. 2 . Bushing  301  couples the ball holding rod  105  to the end portion of tube  107 . There is about an 80 degree angle bend  315  of ball holding rod  105  near bushing  301  and about a 70 degree bend  317  at the other end of ball holding rod  105  where ball holding rod  105  couples into ball  103 . There is also about an 80 to 90 degree angle between the planes defined by each of the two bends. There is also about a 30 degree bend downward that during use, as explained in more detail hereinbelow, puts the ball under the trailing forearm to encourage proper wrist movement. 
       FIG. 4  shows a more detailed end view of the golf training device  100  of  FIG. 2 . End stop  201  can be seen more clearly as mechanically affixed in part within an end portion of tube  107 .  FIG. 5  shows another end view of the golf training device  100  of  FIG. 2 . 
       FIG. 6  shows two tubes  107 . The first tube has an end stop  201  installed. The second tube shows an exemplary embodiment where a tube  107  has a female thread to accept a male threaded end stop  201 . Also, visible in  FIG. 6  is one exemplary embodiment of a sliding mass  601 . 
       FIG. 7A  shows a more detailed view of the tube and end stop of the golf training device of  FIG. 2  prior to assembly.  FIG. 7B  shows another end view of the tube and end stop of the golf training device of  FIG. 2  after assembly where a sliding mass  601  can be seen resting against end stop  201 . 
       FIG. 8  shows the ball  103  end of three tubes  107  in various stages of assembly. Also shown, are four ball holding rods  105  and two bushings  301  in various stages of bending and assembly. 
       FIG. 9  shows an exemplary bushing  301  mechanically affixed to a ball holding rods  105  using a glue or epoxy  903 . 
       FIG. 10A  shows an improved stem structure  1000  for mechanically coupling a ball holding rod  105  to a tube  107 . The exemplary bushing  301  of the earlier drawings is replaced by a bushing having a modified pipe thread  1001 . Moreover, a taper  1003  facilitates a quick and efficient assembly into a corresponding female thread in a tube  107 . While a glue, epoxy, or thread fixing compound can still be used, in many cases the threaded connection alone is sufficiently strong and stable. 
       FIG. 10B  shows a side view drawing of the improved stem structure  1000  of  FIG. 10A .  FIG. 10C  shows an end view drawing of the improved stem structure  1000  of  FIG. 10A . 
       FIG. 11A  shows an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of the earlier bushing  301 .  FIG. 11B  shows a side view drawing of the bushing  301  of  FIG. 11A .  FIG. 11C  shows an end view drawing of the bushing  301  of  FIG. 11A . 
       FIG. 12A  shows a view of an exemplary sliding mass  601  which was ground to a dual tapered shape to achieve a first sliding characteristic through tube  107 .  FIG. 12B  shows a view of an improved exemplary sliding mass  601  which includes a slight chamfer  1101 . It was realized that an improved sliding performance could be achieved as well as providing more cost effective and efficient manufacturing by replacing the original ground sliding mass with a smaller diameter sliding mass  601 , in some embodiments, with relatively slight chamfer at either end as opposed to the relatively long and complex dual ground taper from about the center towards both ends of a sliding mass  601 , as shown in  FIG. 12A . 
     A golf training device  100  can be manufactured as either a left or right handed device. The left and right handed units are substantially mirror images of each other. 
     Part II—Method of Manufacture—Audio and Visual/Touch Golf Training Device 
     Exemplary Method: 
     Cut tube  107  to length using any suitable cutting method. Typically, tube  107  is an aluminum tube and any suitable means to cut an aluminum tube can be used. 
     De-burr both ends of tube  107  using any suitable means, such as a sander. 
     In some embodiments of the golf training device, ball holding rod  105  was glued into a bushing  301  which was then glued into one end of tube  107 . 
     According to the improvement, tap both ends of tube  107  using a NPT pipe tap by any suitable means, such as, for example, an impact drill with tap epoxied into the impact socket. Use any suitable tapping fluid, such as, for example, WD-40. Wash with any suitable degreaser, such as, for example, Simple Green™. One exemplary tool includes a ⅜″ cleaning rod with Scotch Brite™ epoxied onto it. 
     Manufacture the ball holding rod, for example, as per  FIG. 10A . Cut a suitable length of rod, such as, for example an aluminum rod by any suitable means, such as, for example, a metal chop saw. De-burr both ends of the cut ball holding rod. Finish the ball holding rod as desired, such as, for example, by use of a Norton Bear-Tex wheel. 
     Epoxy a bushing onto one side of the ball holding rod. In the improvement, cut modified NPT male threads into the outer surface of the bushing by any suitable threading means as per  FIG. 10B . The modified NPT male threads into the outer surface of the bushing can then be threaded into a threaded end of tube  107 . 
     Sand and polish the tube and/or ball holding rod to a desired level of finish. 
     Install the hand grip  101  over the tube  107  using any suitable fastening or adhesive means, such as, for example, by use of a two sided tape. 
     Bend  315  and bend  317  into ball holding rod  105 . Check both bends for angle tolerance of about +/−3 degrees, ball  103  height above a surface tolerance of about +/−0.5 inches, and finish as desired. 
     Ball  103  can be a standard golf ball. While color is unimportant, it has been found that a bright color, such as, for example, road work yellow provides good visibility for training use. The hole can be drilled by any suitable drilling method. For example, the hole can be manually drilled using a drill press, for example, using a ⅜ inch drill bit to be sunk about 1.1 inches into a ball having a ball diameter of about 1.68 inches. 
     In some embodiments of the golf training device, sliding mass  601  was made from an oversized steel rod. Sliding mass  601  can typically have a mass from about 100 grams to 300 grams. In manufacturing, a slight but lengthy taper was made from about the center towards both ends, such as by grinding both ends to create the relatively complex taper. See  FIG. 12A . Because of the friction of the ground outside surface of the sliding mass and the inside surface of the tube  107 , a mass of over about 175 grams was used. 
     According to another improvement, deburr the ends of a sliding mass  601 , such as, for example a desired length metal rod of solid cold rolled steel round rod to achieve a sliding mass profile similar to that shown in  FIG. 11B  and  FIG. 12B  which includes a slight chamfer  1101 . Because of the relatively smooth outside surface of the cold rolled steel round rod sliding mass and the friction characteristics of the inside surface of the tube  107 , a smaller mass of about 150 grams was found to be sufficient. 
     Make end stop  201  from a coupler, such as, for example, a NPT coupler. An NPT coupler has a relatively short straight section between two NPT male threaded ends. Cut the stock coupler in half, de-burr and chamfer. 
     After inserting the sliding mass, thread the previously prepared end stop  201  into corresponding threads of one side of tube  107 . 
     Fit a cap  109  over the end of the end stop  201  and tube  107 . Any suitable cap can be used, such as for example a chair end cap available from Robert Brooke and Associates of Troy, Mich. Drill or punch an air hole into the cap to provide a flow of air as sliding mass  601  slides in tube  107 . 
     Finish clean assembled golf training device, such as for example, with alcohol. 
     Part III: Detailed Example—Audio and Touch Golf Training Device 
     The following specific exemplary device with exemplary dimensions is intended only as a representation of an exemplary embodiment of the golf training device as described herein. 
     Tube  107  was made from a ¾ inch outside diameter (OD) aluminum tube about 13 inches long. Ball holding rod  105  was bent from a 7 inch long ⅜ inch OD aluminum rod. Both sides of tube  107  were threaded with a ⅜ inch NPT pipe thread. A portion of an outer surface of aluminum bushing  301  was cut to have a modified male ⅜ inch NPT pipe thread. The ball holding rod  105  was epoxied to the inner surface of the bushing. In some embodiments, the modified thread of bushing  301  ( FIG. 10B ) can be one solid piece widdled down and threaded to fit the threads of the interior of tube  107 . Sliding mass  601  was cut to a 4 inch length from a 0.625 inch diameter cold rolled steel rod. The mass of sliding mass  601  was about 150 grams. 
     Part IV: Method of Use—Training Method Using Golf Training Device 
     DEFINITIONS 
     Release: Release is generally used in the context of a release of the angle between the leading arm and the shaft itself. In anatomical terms, release includes the redial and ulna deviation (cocking and un cocking) of the leading wrist combined with the flexion (bowing) of the lead wrist and an amount of supination (rotation) of leading arm based on what type of grip is employed, so the shaft at some point after impact is in alignment with the leading arm. Release as used herein also includes (e.g. for a right handed swing) right humorous releases from the right shoulder and starts to move the arms in front of the body, lead arm releases from the shoulder, where the lead wrist starts to un cock (radial deviation toward ulna deviation), where the trailing arm starts to straighten as the forearm releases from the humorous, and where the lead forearm rotates. 
     The golf training devices as described hereinabove, can be used to efficiently teach a golfer how to properly position and use the arm, wrist, and hand during a golf swing. There are three fundamental arm and wrist motions which can be taught using a golf training device  100 , 1) Radial or Ulnar Deviation: how to cock and un-cock wrist ( FIG. 15A ,  FIG. 15B ) including a motion where the thumb starts to point down; 2) how to flex the leading wrist ( FIG. 14A ,  FIG. 14B ); and 3) how to supinate the leading arm ( FIG. 13A ,  FIG. 13B ). The goal of training these three fundamental arm and wrist motions is to achieve a powerful consistent release pattern ( FIG. 20A ,  FIG. 20B ). 
     Three moves are important in an efficient release, for example, as has been successfully demonstrated by the golf legend Tiger Woods. Supination is where the left wrist turns to face the palm up. Wrist bowing or flexion is where the wrist moves in a forward motion, and Ulnar Deviation (UD) is where the thumb starts to point down. 
     Wrists, load (cocks), swing forward, unload properly (un-cocked): Training regimens using the golf training device described hereinabove, can include wrists load, swing forward, unload properly, left wrist uncocks, bowing appearance, supinating (rotating) and on completion the ball ends up inside the forearm (right or left depending on right or left handed swings). 
     Audio cue: Sliding mass  601 , acts as timing mechanism by the audio cue of the weight sliding through tube  107  and reaching end stop  201  to teach proper cocking and uncocking by a time delay corresponding to the distance of travel of the sliding weight and sliding characteristics such as caused by friction of sliding mass  601  against the inside wall of tube  107 . The proper audio cue timing corresponds to the Max lag position: Max lag and snap in direct contrast with an incorrect and less efficient “casting” motion. The snap motion corresponds to the sliding mass travel (a brief sliding sound) ending with the sliding mass slamming against end stop  201  (a snap sound). 
     Visual/Touch cue: Also, ball  103  serves as a check point ball to show and indicate by touch a correct position (e.g.  FIG. 16 ,  FIG. 17C ,  FIG. 20B ). At the completion of a well-executed swing according to the training described herein, as illustrated by  FIG. 16 , ball  103  should end up inside of right arm form or trailing form (resting on or near the underside of the forearm). When otherwise positioned (e.g. away from, or not touching the forearm), the device indicates a less desirable swing, such as an improper flipping of the golf club. The device teaches timing and position of the motion of the Golfer&#39;s wrist for a proper and efficient release. In an exaggeration drill stretching out and emphasizing the component moves of the desired golf swing, the student gets the ball to more towards the front of the forearm as opposed to ending up directly underneath the arm. 
     Incorrect techniques: The sound of the weight bottoming out against end stop  201  too early (instead of a later delayed sound) is indicative of an improper “casting” in contrast with the desired snap motion. Following an improper swing, ball  103  ends in an incorrect position not touching or not very close to the forearm. At the completion of each well executed training swing, ball  103  should be just inside, and preferably touching the inside of the forearm. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a common golf swing error, swinging using a casting motion. To an attentive golf student, the audio cue of the sliding mass  601  calls out the error of an improper swing, such as the undesirable casting swing. By contrast, a properly trained swing has a delayed snap sound. For example,  FIG. 18A  illustrates a proper starting position. There is a deliberate, however relatively slower motion to cock the arms and wrist from  FIG. 18A  to the cocked position of  FIG. 18B . From the cocked position of  FIG. 18B , is there a snapping motion of  FIG. 18C  from  FIG. 18B . The snapping motion which only commences at  FIG. 18C  causes the sliding mass  601  to travel down tube  107  towards the end stop  201 , at which point there is a snap sound at the end of the sliding sound, the audio cue of a properly executed swing according to the technique taught by a golf training device  100 . 
     The golf training device  100 , as described hereinabove provides a relatively fast way to learn the techniques of a good golf club swing. To our best understanding, the golf training device  100 , especially with its audio and visual cues, provides a quicker and more direct neurological-brain learning process. The golf training device  100  is particularly suited for training the wrist during indoor winter training. 
     It will be appreciated that variants of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.