Patent Abstract:
A golf swing plane training method and apparatus consisting a pair of elastic cords suspended above the ground faithfully defining a cross section of the swing plane. The elastic cords are parallel to each other and approximately parallel to the ground. The plane formed by the two elastic cords is substantially perpendicular to the proper swing plane at a height ranging from the level of the knees to the level of the waist of a golfer at address. The height of the elastic cords is slidably adjustable to accommodate the full range of golf clubs and golfers of varying sizes and heights. The distance between the elastic cords can be altered to accommodate golfers of different skill levels. As the skill level of the golfer improves, the elastic cords can be located closer together. A method for using the apparatus is submitted to provide the golfer with checkpoints that indicate a proper swing plane. In addition, if the golf club is swung incorrectly, the trainer restricts completion of that swing.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
   1. Field of Invention 
   This invention relates to the field of golf. More specifically, this invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for improving a golfer&#39;s swing. 
   2. Description of Prior Art 
   Golf is a sport replete with equipment, methods, and training aids aimed at providing tools to improve the golf swing. Many of the trainers attempt to direct a golf club by means of a physical guide that actually has contact with the golf club as typified by U.S. Pat. No. 3,583,707 to Fujimoto (1971), U.S. Pat. No. 3,806,133 to Cork (1974), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,165,079 to Czaja (2000). While these devices are beneficial, they do not provide the opportunity for the golfer to learn the “feel” of the correct swing generated by his own coordination. Many devices address only a portion of the entire golf swing. U.S. Pat. No. 3,482,838 to Gibson et al. (1969) provides guidance for the follow through only. U.S. Pat. No. 4,927,152 to Graham (1990), U.S. Pat. No. 5,720,669 to Pear-son (1998), U.S. Pat. No. 3,375,010 to Panza (1968) U.S. Pat. No. 5,899,816 to Pearson (1999), U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,833 to Marier (1994), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,942,802 to Wright (1976) provide a physical and visual reference for only the bottom portion of the downswing. Several inventions comprise an apparatus for either one side of the swing plane or another, as documented in U.S. Pat. No. 5,013,044 to Hesselbart (1991) and U.S. Pat. No. 6,346,050 to Larson (2002). U.S. Pat. No. 720,406 to Clifford (1903) concentrates on the backswing and follow-through motions, however, it provides no restriction for off-plane swings. U.S. Pat. No. 4,736,952 to Taft et al. (1988) deals with several issues, including alignment, address, back-swing, downswing, and follow through, but it does not provide feedback to the golfer about where an errant swing first went awry. U.S. Pat. No. 4,869,510 to Battersby (1989) encompasses many features of the aforementioned aids. However, it only addresses one side of the swing plane at a time. In addition, an instructor or individual very knowledgeable in the game is required to set it up correctly, as is common with many of the aforementioned patents. The set up is also time consuming, being that stakes need to be driven into the ground to secure the device. “Tom Ward, Seeker of the Lost Swings”, Copyright 2002 by Tom Ward and Adventurous Golf Publications, Inc. proficiently describes a method for using and training on a device with a single cord suspended to provide a visual and physical reference of the outside of the swing plane. 
   SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf swing plane training method and apparatus for improving a golfers ball striking skills. It is well know in the field of golf that an “on plane” swing will produce significantly better results than an “off plane” swing. A swing that is consistently “on plane” will directly improve the consistency of the ball flight. Conversely, a swing that is “off plane” requires manipulations from the golfer in mid-swing that can easily result in errant shots. In the context of the present invention, a swing plane has two sides. The side closest to the golfer is the “inside” of the swing plane, and the side distant from the golfer is the “outside” of the swing plane. The present invention addresses both sides of the swing plane and all portions of the complete swing. Apparatus is easily configurable for golfers of varying capability, height, gender, and left-hand/right-hand orientation. In addition, the trainer will provide guidance on every golf club, including the putter and driver. The preferred embodiment of the invention is freestanding, to minimize set up time and improve portability. The preferred embodiment is also collapsible to facilitate transportation to and from a driving range or practice facility. 
   The present invention consists of two elastic cords suspended parallel to the ground at a height ranging from the level of the knees to the level of the waist of a golfer at address. The cords embody a visual and physical representation of a cross section of a golf swing plane. The elastic cords are oriented substantially perpendicular to the swing plane. The distance between the elastic cords can be increased and decreased according to the skill of the golfer. The distance between the ground and the elastic cords is slidably adjustable to accommodate various clubs and golfers of different heights. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus provides sufficient structure to pre-load the elastic cords with tensile forces. The tension in the elastic cords will give the appearance of relatively straight lines with minimal sagging. Should the golfer produce an errant swing, the elastic cords will interfere with the complete swing. The resulting interference will significantly increase the loads placed on the elastic cords. The structure is sturdy enough to withstand the increased loads. The elastic properties of the cords will absorb a large portion of the force exerted when a golf club interferes with elastic cords. The same elastic properties will help minimize damage incurred by golf clubs and the golfer. 
   If a golf club is swung correctly, the trainer remains passive, the golfer will be able to complete the swing with no interruption. However, if the golfer fails to keep the club “on plane” during the swing, the elastic cords will restrict the swing. On a slightly “off plane” swing, the golf club will glance off the elastic cords alerting the golfer of the error. The interference between the elastic cords and the golf club provides an instantaneous indication of an errant swing. The point at which the device interferes with the golf club indicates the source of the problem. 
   The present invention will benefit a novice golfer as well as a highly skilled golfer. The novice golfer will benefit from the visual reference defining the swing plane. The novice golfer will also receive the benefit of learning the body motions required to swing a golf club on plane. The highly skilled golfer will benefit from the real-time instantaneous feedback provided by the trainer. A highly skilled golfer generates a swing speed that is very difficult for the human eye to track and discern the proper club path. The apparatus will provide feedback to golfers with any swing speed. The principals employed by the invention are simple enough to allow a novice golfer to set up and utilize it with or without assistance from an expert. 
   As the golfer improves, the elastic cords can be secured to the apparatus in a configuration where the distance between them is reduced. This action will increase the difficulty related to swinging a golf club in the apparatus without interference from the elastic cords. Another feature of the present invention is training the golfer to perform a draw (right to left ball flight for right handed golfers) and/or a cut (left to right ball flight). The methodology revealed for a full swing applies to partial swings as well. A golfer training on the apparatus can improve shots requiring a partial swing, typically an approach shot to a green. The process of maintaining the correct swing plane will improve consistency and control of shorter shots. 
   The foregoing features and advantages of current invention will be more fully described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view from the back side of the apparatus of the invention illustrating a golfer at address. 
       FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the apparatus of the invention illustrating height adjustment. 
       FIG. 3  is a plan view of the apparatus of the invention. 
       FIG. 4  is a front elevational view of the apparatus of the invention. 
       FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a snap clamp. 
       FIG. 6  is a side view of a clamp assembly. 
       FIG. 7  is an end view of a clamp assembly illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of a slidable clamp assembly. 
       FIG. 9  is an end view of a slidable clamp assembly illustrated in  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a pivot fitting. 
       FIG. 11  is a plan view of an articulating joint. 
       FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an articulating joint illustrating movement. 
       FIG. 13  is an illustration depicting an orientation to generate a “draw”. 
       FIG. 14  is an illustration depicting an orientation to generate a straight shot. 
       FIG. 15  is an illustration depicting an orientation to generate a “cut”. 
       FIG. 16  is an alternate embodiment utilizing stands. 
       FIG. 17  is an alternate embodiment utilizing fixed posts. 
       FIG. 18  is an alternate embodiment utilizing additional structure. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown a golf swing plane training apparatus in accordance with the invention in the perspective view. The right hand and left hand portions of the apparatus are substantially mirror image. The hands of a golfer  31  at address are placed between inner elastic cord  33  and outer elastic cord  32 . The elastic cord  32  and elastic cord  33  are oriented substantially perpendicular to the proper swing plane. Elastic cords  32  and  33  are suspended between first end attachment member  35  and second end attachment member  36 . Each cord can be attached to a plurality of locations  50  ( FIG. 2 ) along the forward end of first end attachment member  35  and second end attachment member  36 . The distance between elastic cords  32  and  33  is determined by the selection from various locations  50 . 
   First end attachment member  35  is pivotably secured to first base assembly  37  thus enabling first end attachment member  35  to be raised and lowered on the forward end as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . The distance the end attachment means is raised and lowered is controlled by vertical support means  39 . Vertical support means  39  comprises an upper vertical support  64  and a lower vertical support  63 , as shown in  FIG. 8 . A typical snap clamp  60  is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . A snap clamp  62  is attached to free end of upper support  64  and snap clamp  61  is attached to free end of lower vertical support  63  ( FIG. 8 ). The cross section of snap clamp  61  forms a “C” shape that can be clamped to a pipe of corresponding diameter as illustrated by the end view of the vertical support in  FIG. 9  . Snap clamp  62  of upper support  64  can be secured to a plurality of locations below snap clamp  61  of the lower support  63 . Conversely, snap clamp  61  of lower support  63  can be secured to a plurality of locations above snap clamp  62  of upper support  64 . A releasable and slidable first clamp assembly has been formed after both clamps have been secured to the opposing support member. Second vertical support means  40  incorporates a second clamp assembly to form similar connectivity. 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , there is shown a golf swing plane training apparatus in accordance with the invention in the top view. First base assembly  37  is separated from second base assembly  38  at a predetermined distance sufficient to accommodate a full swing with a driver golf club. Forward spreader means comprises a first forward articulating leg  47  secured to forward end of first base assembly  37  and a second forward articulating leg  48  secured to forward end of second base assembly  38 . The first forward leg  47  is connected to second forward leg  48  with a third clamp assembly  49 . A side view of a typical releasable clamp assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 6  and an end view of the typical clamp assembly is illustrated in  FIG. 7 . A snap clamp  66  is attached to free end of pipe section  68  and opposing snap clamp  65  is attached to the free end of opposing pipe section  67 . A fitting  70  with a slightly larger diameter than pipe section  68  is connected to pipe section  68  allowing just enough clearance to attach opposing snap clamp  65  of opposing pipe section  67 . Clearance between fitting  70  and snap clamp  66  is minimized to prevent slidability. Fitting  69  with a slightly larger diameter than pipe section  67  is connected to pipe section  67  allowing just enough clearance to attach opposing snap clamp  66  of opposing pipe section  68 . Clearance between fitting  69  and snap clamp  65  is minimized to prevent slidability. A releasable clamp assembly has been formed after both clamps have been secured to opposing pipe sections. 
   First forward articulating leg  47  is secured to first base assembly  37  by means of a typical articulating joint ( FIG. 3 ). A top view of a typical articulating joint is shown in  FIG. 11 . A perspective view of a typical articulating joint is shown in  FIG. 12  illustrating movement. A typical pivot fitting  80  is shown in  FIG. 10 . Pipe section  82  is attached to pivot fitting  92 . Pivot fitting  92  is rotably mounted to short pipe section  84 . Pipe section  84  is attached to complementary pivot fitting  96 . End cap  94  is attached to open end of pipe section  84  to prevent slippage. Pivot fitting  96  is rotably mounted to pipe section  86 . Fitting  88  is mounted adjacent to pivot fitting  96 . A complementary fitting  90  is mounted opposite fitting  88  and adjacent to pivot fitting  96 . Distance between fitting  88  and complementary fitting  90  is minimized to keep pivot fitting  96  from moving in either direction along pipe section  86 . Second forward articulating leg  48  is secured to second base assembly  38  by similar typical articulating joint ( FIG. 3 ). 
   Aft spreader means comprises a first aft articulating leg  45  secured to aft end of first base assembly  37  and a second aft articulating leg  46  secured to aft end of second base assembly  38  ( FIG. 3 ). First aft leg  45  is secured to second aft leg  46  with a fourth clamp assembly similar to typical clamp assembly shown in  FIG. 6 . First aft leg  45  is secured to first base assembly  37  by means of a typical articulating joint ( FIG. 11 ). Similarly, second aft leg  46  is secured to second base assembly  38  by means of a typical articulating joint. 
   Distance and orientation between first forward articulating leg  47  and first base assembly  37  is controlled by first spacer member  41  ( FIG. 3 ). First spacer member  41  is pivotably secured to aft end of first base assembly  37 . A typical pivot fitting  80  ( FIG. 10 ) is used in a vertical position to form the pivotable joint. Free end of first spacer member  41  is releasably attached to an inner position on first articulating leg  47  by means similar to typical clamp assembly as shown in  FIG. 6 . A triangular shape has been formed between first spacer member  41 , first base assembly  37 , and first forward articulating leg  47  once first spacer member  41  has been attached to first forward articulating leg  47 . Distance and orientation between second forward articulating leg  48  and second base assembly  38  is controlled by second spacer member  42  connected in a manner similar to first spacer member  41 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 4 , there is shown a golf swing plane training apparatus in accordance with the invention in the front view. A first brace means and a second brace means are employed to offset moment arm forces generated by tension exerted by outer elastic cord  32  and inner elastic cord  33 . First brace means comprises a first outer brace member  43  and a first inner brace member  51 . First outer brace member  43  is pivotably attached to upper end of lower support member of vertical support means  39 . First inner brace member  51  is pivotably attached to inner portion of first forward articulating leg  47 . First outer brace member  43  is releasably attached to first inner brace member  41  by means of a typical clamp assembly ( FIG. 6 ). Second brace means comprises a second outer brace member  44  and a second inner brace member  52 . Second outer brace member  44  is pivotably attached to upper end of lower support member of vertical support means  40 . Second inner brace member  52  is pivotably attached to inner portion of second forward articulating leg  48 . Second outer brace member  44  is releasably attached to second inner brace member  52  by means of a typical clamp assembly ( FIG. 6 ). 
   The following provides a method for using the current invention: 
   The golf swing plane training apparatus  100  ( FIG. 1 ) of the current invention can be used in a variety of places. For example, the apparatus can used on natural turf. A common result of a proper swing is for the club head to take a divot, or piece of turf, at the bottom of the downswing. Given that the device is portable and freestanding, it is very easy to reposition to an undamaged area. An alternative to using the device directly on natural turf, is to set the apparatus up on an area of artificial turf. The artificial turf can be laid either outdoors or indoors, providing additional options for places to practice. Once the golf swing plane training apparatus has been assembled in the afore-mentioned form, it is ready for either a right-handed or left-handed golfer. Inner elastic cord  33  can be attached to location closest to golfer  31  selected from multiple locations  50  ( FIG. 2 ). Outer elastic cord  32  can be attached to location most distant of golfer  31  selected from multiple locations  50 . First end attachment member  35  and second end attachment member  36  can be raised and lowered by simply sliding the members up or down on first vertical support means  39  and second vertical support means  40 . An effective height for most golfers is just below the hands of golfer  31  in the address position. This will be close to the intersection of the club grip and the club shaft. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates an orientation to hit a straight shot. Golfer  31  can orient left foot  31 A (for right handed golfer) and right foot  31 B substantially parallel to target line  104 . Clubface  102  should be aligned square to golf ball  101  (or imaginary golf ball) and aimed directly at target  103 . The golf swing training apparatus can be oriented such that inner elastic cord  33  and outer elastic cord  32  are substantially parallel to target line  104  and feet  31 A,  31 B. A common address position can be achieved by placing the feet  31 A,  31 B approximately shoulder width apart. A good posture can be realized by bending at the waist with the knees slightly bent to a position where the arms hang freely. From this position, the cords  32 , 33  can be adjusted accordingly. One height setting will typically accommodate several clubs of similar length. For example, the 6-iron, 5-iron, and 4-iron can use the same height setting. The apparatus is now ready for practice swings. Golfer  31  may swing with or without practice balls. 
   This method of using the golf swing plane training apparatus comprises six checkpoints employed to verify a proper “on plane” swing: address, backswing, downswing, point of contact, follow through, and finish. The apparatus will remain passive if golfer  31  completes the swing “on plane”. However, if the golf club moves “off plane” during the swing, the apparatus will interfere, thus alerting golfer  31  to the location of the error. The corrections required for each error can be numerous and can vary substantially from one golfer to the next. Adjustments can be made to: foot position, grip, stance, spine angle, head position, timing, swing thought, or any other factor that can affect a golf swing. 
   The first checkpoint verifies proper address position. Golfer  31  can assume the proper address position with the golf club shaft resting substantially equidistant between inner elastic cord  33  and outer elastic cord  32 . Golfer  31  can simply move both feet closer to or further away from inner elastic cord  33  until proper address position is achieved. 
   The second checkpoint verifies that the backswing is “on plane”. If the golfer strikes inner cord  33  on the backswing, he has come to far inside. This usually results from flipping the wrists in an attempt to create an inside to out swing path. On the other hand, if the outer cord  32  restricts the club on the backswing, the golfer has taken the club back to far outside. 
   The third checkpoint verifies that the downswing is “on plane”. If the golfer hits outer elastic cord  32  on the downswing, he has come “over the top”. This is the most common error creating a slice (left to right ball flight for right handed golfer). Conversely, if the golfer strikes inner elastic cord  33  on the downswing he has turned too far inside. An “inside to out” swing is generally desired to produce a draw (slight right to left ball flight for right handed golfer). If the golfer intends to hit a “draw”, he can open his stance (move the left foot back) slightly. This will assist the golfer in producing a draw without interfering with the trainer, thus promoting the proper swing path. 
   The fourth checkpoint verifies point of ball contact. Since the apparatus can be used with or without a ball, the divot, or lack thereof, will be used to determine correct ball contact. The club head will strike the ball first and then the turf during a proper swing. The club head will leave a divot that starts slightly after the resting ball position (or imaginary ball position) and ends a few inches later. A deep divot or a divot that starts early indicates a “fat” swing. No contact with the turf or a divot that starts too far past the ball indicates a “thin” swing. 
   The fifth checkpoint verifies that the follow through is “on plane”. If the follow through of the swing intercepts outer elastic cord  32 , actual ball flight would likely result in a “push”. This “push” should have minimal sidespin, since the club was on plane prior to this point. The resulting shot would be a ball hit straight, but to the right of the target (left of the target for left handed golfers). However, if the clubface was left open, the result will be a “slice”. If the follow through of the swing intercepts inner elastic cord  33  actual ball flight would likely result in a pull or pull-hook. This should shot could have considerable sidespin. The amount of sidespin would be proportional to how much the golfer flipped his wrists. 
   The sixth check point verifies the finish. By this point, the golfer has addressed the ball, cleared the elastic cords  32 , 33  on the backswing and downswing, taken a small divot, and cleared the elastic cords  32 , 33  on the follow through. Golfer  31  simply allows the club to come to rest behind him. His weight should be substantially on his left foot and his chest should be pointed at the target. 
   If golfer  31  can pass all six checkpoints without interfering with golf swing plane training apparatus  100 , she has completed the swing “on plane”. The use of this same swing with a golf ball will result in a good ball flight. Once golfer  31  can complete multiple swings without interfering with apparatus, she can move elastic cords  32 , 33  closer to one another by selecting different attachment locations  50 . Muscle memory will improve with increasing the number of successful swings completed without interfering with apparatus  100  and passing all six check points. 
   When a different club is selected, golfer  31  simply verifies that elastic cords  32 , 33  are at the proper height, then practices swinging the club while passing all six check-points. In addition to training on a full swing, the apparatus  100  will train partial swings as well, using same methodology. With the exception of the putter, all other clubs ranging from wedges to drivers can be developed and used with the aforementioned method. The method for using the putter on apparatus  100  is similar to the aforementioned method, with some minor adjustments. Outer elastic cord  32  can be moved to attachment location  50  providing the shortest distance between inner elastic cord  33  and outer elastic cord  32 . This setting will leave enough room for the putter shaft to pass back and forth between elastic cords  32 , 33 . Given that a “putt” requires much less travel than the other golf clubs, there will be little interference from the apparatus  100 . Golfer  31  can use his sense of feel to determine when he moved “off plane” with the putting stroke. Elastic cords  32 , 33  will rub the putter shaft when golfer  31  moves “off plane”. 
   Additional ball flights can be achieved by changing the orientation of the golf swing plane training apparatus  100  with respect to the golfer  31  and target line  104 .  FIG. 13  illustrates an orientation to hit a “draw” (right to left ball flight for right handed golfer). Golfer  31  can orient left foot  31 A and right foot  31 B substantially parallel to target line  104 . Clubface  102  should be aligned square to golf ball  101  (or imaginary golf ball) and aimed directly at target  103 . The golf swing plane training apparatus  100  can be oriented such that inner elastic cord  33  and outer elastic cord  32  are turned clockwise with respect to golfers feet  31 A,  31 B and target line  104 . The distance between left foot  31 A and inner elastic cord  33  will be slightly increased and the distance between right foot  31 B and inner elastic cord  33  will be slightly decreased. A successful swing will produce an “inside to out” club path while maintaining the correct plane. The resulting ball flight  105 A will be one that starts right and curves to the left towards the target  103 .  FIG. 15  illustrates an orientation to hit a “cut” (left to right ball flight for right handed golfer). Golfer  31  can orient left foot  31 A and right foot  31 B substantially parallel to target line  104 . Clubface  102  should be aligned square to golf ball  101  (or imaginary golf ball) and aimed directly at target  103 . The golf swing plane training apparatus  100  can be oriented such that inner elastic cord  33  and outer elastic cord  32  are turned counter-clockwise with respect to golfers feet  31 A,  31 B and target line  104 . The distance between left foot  31 A and inner elastic cord  33  will be slightly decreased and the distance between right foot  31 B and inner elastic cord  33  will be slightly increased. A successful swing will produce an “outside to in” club path while maintaining the correct plane. The resulting ball flight  105 B will be one that starts left and curves to the right towards the target  103 . 
   While the preferred embodiment of the current invention has been shown and described herein, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the form and details without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example,  FIG. 16  shows stands providing lateral attachment means for a single cord. This device is both freestanding and portable. A more permanent embodiment could consist of posts mounted in the ground with lateral attachment means supporting two elastic cords as shown in  FIG. 17 . Yet another embodiment could consist of a similar structure as the present invention, but with modified supports and additional members as shown in  FIG. 18 . The current invention may be combined with other training devices, most particularly, weighted training clubs, alignment means, and/or swing mats.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0