Abstract:
The invention relates to a training apparatus ( 1 ) for optimizing a golf swing. The apparatus consists of at least one guide ring, which is positioned on a plane that is inclined in relation to the vertical by means of a support. The apparatus is characterized in that it is provided with two guide rings ( 2, 3 ), which are arranged approximately on the same plane, and which are held at least in certain sections in a support ( 4 ) at a distance from one another. The two guide rings ( 2, 3 ) are approximately elliptical and are designed to support a golf club. The training apparatus ( 1 ) enables a golfer to improve his or her swing by maintaining contact between the golf club and the two guide rings when following the ideal line.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   Applicant claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of German Applications Nos. 103 29 920.3, filed on Jul. 2, 2003 and 103 55 174.3, filed on Nov. 26, 2003. Applicant also claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §365 of PCT/DE2004/001372 filed on Jun. 30, 2004. The international application under PCT article 21(2) was not published in English. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The invention relates to a training apparatus for exercising golf swings that consists of at least one guide ring that is positioned by means of a support in a plane extending inclined in relation to the vertical. 
   2. Prior Art 
   It is known that swinging a golf club can be learned by receiving instructions from a trainer, or with the help of training equipment. As a rule, training devices for learning how to swing a golf club are based on restricting the locomotor system of the golfer in order to cause him or her to dispense with degrees of freedom in carrying out movements that are not ideal, and thus lead to an optimized golf swing. However, such devices are disadvantageous in that the training golfer frequently optimizes his or her technique exclusively in the presence of such a device, and therefore tends to be induced to apply the wrong techniques in the absence of such golf-swing training apparatuses, i.e. with no restriction of his or her movements. For example, the Japanese patent document JP 2.001. 104.531 discloses a belt system that is worn by the training golfer around the hips, and highly limits the movements of the arms of the training golfer in their degrees of freedom, in order to suppress in that manner any excessive raising of the head end of the golf club, which counteracts a perfect golf club swinging technique. Furthermore, the systems leave the golfer with too few degrees of freedom for optimizing the response, the swing, the swing-through, and the downward swing under individual sequences of movement. 
   In order to learn how to swing the golf club along a circular line with only minor restriction of movements, training devices for learning how to swing a golf club are available that are reminiscent of a gyro-wheel. Such devices offer the training golfer a guiding line for supporting the golf club while swinging it. Such golf training devices, however, have the drawback that even though the golf club can follow said ideal line along the shaft, such training equipment fails to take into account the position of the golfer and the relative position of the golf club within such an ideal line. Canting is possible, and the achievable learning effect is consequently extremely low. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Therefore, the problem of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus that does not deny the training golfer any freedom of movement and offers him or her an ideal line for exercising the golf swing, whereby the training golfer is given the possibility to control the angle of the golf club in a superior way, and to optimize in particular the downward swing. 
   The problem is resolved according to the invention in that two guide rings are available, which are positioned on approximately the same plane, and are received in a support at least partly spaced from each other, whereby the two guide rings are approximately ellipsoidal and are designed to support the golf club. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims. 
   By virtue of the fact that provision is made for guide rings as defined by the invention, the training golfer is given the opportunity to bring his or her golf club in contact with the guide rings along the latter and carry out the swing, whereby such golfer can make sure both in the lower and upper areas that the club is held in the optimal position, and the training golfer can particularly control at any time through constant friction contact between the golf club and the guide rings whether the golf club is in contact with the guide rings. It is necessary for said purpose to guide the golf club along the plane set up by the two guide rings, whereby the individual response angle is maintained simultaneously. By constantly controlling the training swing, the golfer thus can constantly improve his or her skill and simultaneously follow the preset ideal line, so that a learning effect ensues very quickly in order to safely accomplish a golf swing for achieving a maximum range with minor application of force. Owing to the simple structure of the training apparatus, it is advantageously possible to set up the latter in a garden and to carry out the training exercises without a ball, so that the apparatus is also excellently suited for any location outside a golf course. Alternatively, the training device can be used jointly with a catching net as well, so that such training exercises can be carried out also with a ball. Furthermore, its simple structure permits the training apparatus to be adapted to the given size of the training person and the required response angle, thus permitting it to be used in a variety of different ways. 
   The two guide rings are arranged in this connection in such a way that they describe the ideal line for a golf swing with respect to form and size, whereby the golf club has to be in continuous contact with the two guide rings as the golf swing is being carried out. 
   The special advantage of the training apparatus as defined by the invention lies in that the two guide rings are designed for a golf club to be in contact with them, whereby the club can be placed on the two guide rings and guided along said ideal line, following the latter. In the ideal case, the golf club is in contact with both guide rings. Such contact is accomplished by the training golfer via the golf club, so that the training golfer can improve his or her golf swing by constantly controlling it and finally following the ideal line. 
   With another alternative embodiment, provision is made that the two guide rings describe an inner and an outer limit of a dynamic curve of the line for a golf swing, whereby an element secured on the golf shaft in the center of gravity of guidance can be arranged between the two guide rings, and thus always should be disposed between the two guide rings, so that any deviation from said ideal line is noticeably sensed when said element comes into contact with the guide rings. 
   The two guide rings can be secured on a mounting device set up on the floor or ground in such a manner that the outwardly facing guide surfaces are freely accessible over the entire circumference, whereby the two guide rings may be held freely suspended otherwise at an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal as well, so that the golf club guided past both guide rings leads to noticeable contact with the latter. 
   The mounting device usefully consists of a pedestral that can be set up on at least one, but also on two standing legs set at an adjustable angle relative to the vertical, whereby the guide rings and the mounting device are detachably joined with one another irrespectively of said angle, said mounting device particularly being adapted for folding it together. Alternatively, it is possible to design the two guide rings in such a way that they can be folded together in about the centerline of the mounting device. In this way, the training apparatus can be space-savingly stored, for example in a garage. The two standing legs are pivot-mounted on the mounting device, and can be loosely guided in a guide or held via a chain limiting the maximum deflection. For changing the response angle, it is possible for the training golfer to adapt the response angle to uneven grounds as well to his or her preferences, by unilaterally lifting the training apparatus, e.g. on the guide rings. 
   Thus the training apparatus can be adapted to the individual requirements of the training golfer, whereby the mounting device permits variable adjustment of the angle of inclination, and the angular position can be optimally adjusted in accordance with the response angle of the golf club between the plane described by the guide rings and the horizontal set-up surface. 
   Furthermore, according to the invention, the training apparatus has a freely mountable switch lifting off the golf club sliding past the guide rings from the plane of the latter. What is achieved in this way is that the golf club, when swung fully through, i.e. the part of the golf swing following the moment of impact at which the face of the club hits the ball, is lifted off from the plane in the ideal position. The ideal position is disposed in this connection at the level of the head of the golfer, i.e. long after the ball has been touched, so as to influence the movement of the club in such a way that the swing is carried out completely up to the end point, where the club is held behind the back of the golfer. 
   The switch is preferably plugged to the training apparatus by means of a plug mechanism comprising two recesses, and is seated on a fastening bolt, on the one hand, and, with a stop means, adjoins at least one guide ring, on the other, and thus can be secured in different positions of the golf-swing training apparatus. The ideal position of lift-off of the golf club from the curve described by the ring can be adjusted in this way for the individual golfer. 
   It is particularly preferred in this connection that the plug positions are arranged on the training apparatus in a way such that the ideal position is adjustable both for left- and right-handed golfers. The plug positions are provided for that purpose symmetrically mirror-inverted on corresponding sides of the guide rings. 
   The rings of the training apparatus may have a T-profile, whereby the rings are secured with their horizontal base on the pedestral, and the edge of the vertical profile guides the golf club. Alternatively, the T-profile may be secured on the pedestral with the vertical base, with the horizontal surface guiding the golf club. With either design, the surface of the T-profile can be provided with a polymer coating particularly in the site where contact takes place between the golf club and the T-profile, in order to reduce the sliding friction between the gold club and the profile. 
   According to a further development of the invention, provision is made that at least the outer guide ring has two symmetrical, trough-shaped deepenings deviating from the upper dead center of the ellipsoidal form. Said recesses receive a stop element, which is pivot-mounted in the upper dead center of the guide rings, for example on a crossbar provided there, and the movement of the golf club, when swung upwards, is limited by a stop protruding into the plane of the guide ring. Said stop means can be pivoted, so the training apparatus can be used by both left- and right-handed golfers, said stop means coming to rest in the one or other trough-like deepening accordingly. 
   So that the swing is optimized, for example close to the response point, provision can be made, furthermore, for a braking element which, when the swing is inadequate, will slow down the golf club, inhibiting the swing, so that the training golfer has to improve his or her exertion of force and the speed of the club. The braking elements may consist of magnets or braking surfaces formed between the guide rings in the upper and/or lower areas, such braking surfaces responding to the golf ball, for example only in the direction of the swing, and consisting of slanted bristles or rubber lips. 
   For the purpose of improving the position of the training golfer, the guide rings have a magnetic surface and are magnetizable, or are fitted with magnets pulling a metallic or magnetic field-reinforced shaft of the golf club against the guide rings, whereby in the case of magnetized rings, the neutral zone of the magnetized guide rings is disposed in the plane set up by the guide rings. In this way, it is assured that the magnetic force supposed to hold the golf club on the rings is evenly distributed along the golf swing. 
   For analyzing the golf swing, the guide rings alternatively can be equipped with sensors, sensor transmitters, or electrical contact surfaces, e.g. conducting paths, on the sliding side of the rings, whereby the contact surfaces can be divided in individual sectors, permitting the swing to be analyzed electronically. 
   For the purpose of raising the learning effect of the training apparatus for learning the golf swing, the golf club is provided with an element in the center of gravity of the club. Said element consists of at least one, preferably two semi-cups and a recess for the shaft of the club, whereby the two semi-cups are connectable with one another, or the element for the golf club consists of one single piece and can be plugged onto the golf club. Said element may serve the purpose of causing the training golfer to sense any digression of the golf club from the ideal line as such golfer is swinging the club. 
   Another embodiment of the training apparatus for learning the golf swing is characterized in that the golf club is fitted above and below said element with sensors or sensor transmitters. In this way, the golf swing is monitored throughout the swinging movement, permitting later control, so that the training apparatus can be used for continuously improving the golf swing by constantly exercising it. 
   The training apparatus may consist of different materials, i.e. the mounting device and/or the guide rings may be made of, e.g. wood, a polymeric material, a composite material, or a metal. 
   The profiles of the guide rings may be designed in different ways as well. For example, the guide rings may consist of a tubular profile, a T-profile, an H-profile, an L-profile, a semi-cup profile, or an X-profile, whereby the edges touching the golf club may be provided with a polymeric coating reducing the sliding friction. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The exemplified embodiment described in the following is specified by way of example of the invention without, however, limiting the latter. 
     In the following, 
       FIG. 1  is a side view of a golf swing training apparatus. 
       FIG. 2  is another side view of the golf swing training apparatus according to  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 3  shows how the two guide rings are arranged in relation to one another. 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the guide rings in contact with a golf club. 
       FIG. 5  shows a guide switch as defined by the invention for lifting off the golf club from the rings. 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the guide switch as defined by the invention in the installed condition. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of the guide switch as defined by the invention according to  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 8  is a side view of the stop element as defined by the invention. 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of the stop element according to  FIG. 8 . 
       FIG. 10  shows several profiles that can be used for the production of the guide rings. 
       FIG. 11  shows a further development of the profiles by means of an embodiment. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1  shows a side view of an exemplified embodiment of the training apparatus  1 , with the two guide rings  2  and  3  disposed one in the other, and with a mounting device  4  with infinitely variable angle adjustment, and a response position  5 . 
   The two guide rings  2  and  3  are held by the pedestal  4 , whereby the latter consists of a cross-like arrangement of struts, on which the two standing feet  8  are articulated, which can be folded down. The angle can be adjusted via a curved connection element  9 , which is joined with the two feet of the pedestal  4 , forming one piece with each of said feet. 
     FIG. 2  shows a front view of the same embodiment of the training apparatus  1  as the one represented in  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 2 , the inner guide ring  2 , the outer guide ring  3 , as well as the fastening positions  10 ,  11 ,  12  and  13  of the guide rings  2  and  3  are visible on the mounting pedestal  4 . The maximum mounting angle of the pedestal  4  is limited via a chain  36 . 
     FIG. 3  shows the front view of the same training apparatus  1  with omission of the pedestal  4 . Furthermore, the support points  14  and  15  supporting the golf club  6  on the two guide rings  2  and  3 , as well as the direction of swing, and the direction in which the golf club is swung downwards, are shown as well.  FIG. 3  thus substantially shows the ideal line for the golf swing, whereby the golf club  6  has to be guided along the guide rings  2  and  3 , leading to perceivable contact with the latter. Alternatively, an element  7  may come to rest between the two guide rings  2  and  3 , said element being secured on the shaft of the golf club  6 , so that in case of any digression from the ideal line, a noticeable contact of the element  7  with the guide rings  2  and  3  will occur. The shaft of the golf club can additionally be equipped with sensors  37 . 
     FIG. 4  shows by a side view the golf club  6  as well as the magnets  16  and  17  mounted on the golf club  6 , said magnets retaining the golf club  6  on the two guide rings  2  and  3  as the golf swing is being carried out. In addition,  FIG. 4  shows the response angle “A”. 
     FIG. 5  is a representation of a guide switch  20  as defined by the invention, which has the two recesses  21  and  22  and a bent guiding element  23 . The two recesses  21  and  22  comprise the connecting elements  25  and  26 , which connect the two guide rings  2  and  3  with one another. 
     FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the guide switch  20  in its installed position, with the recesses  21  and  22  gripping all around the connecting elements  25 ,  26 , which connect the two guide rings  2  and  3  with one another. As the golf club is sliding across the rings  2  and  3  in the direction as indicated by the arrow, the golf club is lifted off from the plane of the guide rings  2  and  3 , which means the golf club is no longer guided through the two guide rings, and as a consequence of the swing, the golfer has to guide the golf club with his or her free hands up to the upper end position accordingly. 
   The same guide switch as the one shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  is represented in  FIG. 7  by a side view. The guide switch  20  grips in the present connection around the connecting elements  25  and  26  from different sides, so that said elements are pressed into the connecting elements  25  and  26  due to the load exerted by the golf club. A golf club sliding in this connection on the plane, or along the structure of the guide rings  2 ,  3 , is lifted off from said plane by the guide switch  20 , and in doing so describes the path indicated by the arrow shown. Alternatively, it is possible to make provision for self-clamping recesses  21 ,  22 , or to hold the guide switch  20  between the guide rings on the connecting elements  25 ,  26  by spring force. 
     FIG. 8  shows a side view of the stop element  30  as defined by the invention, which is pivot-mounted and secured on a crossbar  31  of the two guide rings  2 ,  3 . The stop element  30  consists of a first profile piece  32 , for example an angled or flat profile, which is supported on the crossbar in the center of rotation  33 , and has a stop  34  at the diametrically opposed end. The stop element  30  can be displaced from the right side, trough-like deepening  27 , to the left-side, trough-like deepening  28 , so that the training apparatus  1  can be used by both right- and left-handed golfers. As the golf club is being swung upwards, it is driven along the guide rings  2 ,  3  up to the stop  34  before the return swing is initiated. 
     FIG. 9  shows the stop element  30  again by a top view, which shows that the stop  34  protrudes vis-à-vis the plane of the guide ring  3 . 
     FIG. 10  shows several alternative profiles that can be used for the production  40  of the guide rings  2 ,  3 . This can, for example, be a H-profile that is additionally equipped with magnets  41 . The magnets  41  are used to control the club conduction. A further profile  42  is illustrated in an L-form and has a sensor  43  at at least on side. A further profile  44  is also equipped with sensors  45 , whereas a profile  46  shows an arch-shaped profile. Optionally also magnets, instead of sensors  43 ,  45 , can be used on profiles  42 ,  44  and  46 , that lead to a braking of the golf club. 
     FIG. 11  shows a T-profile  47 , which has a coating  48  on one flat outer side. The coating  48  can either consist of a brake contact surface or it can also be a magnetic surface, which also leads to a braking of the golf club. Alternatively, it is conceivable that a sliding surface is applied on the profiles  40 ,  42 ,  44 ,  46  and  47 , in order to either increase the sliding ability of the golf club shaft at least in the areas of the guide rings or a retardation is made. It is also conceivable that it involves magnetic surfaces and/or sensor surfaces as were indicated by the other profiles in order to control the conduction of the golf club. It is also possible to provide a coating  48  on the front surface instead of plane coating  48 . 
   The golfer sets up the training apparatus  1  at its response angle “A”, which is described by the training apparatus  1 , and through the plane of the guide rings  2 ,  3  and the horizontal, and assumes in the training apparatus  1  the response position according to  FIGS. 1 and 2 . For carrying out a golf swing, the learning golfer slides the golf club  6  along the two guide rings  2  and  3 , and senses a direct contact with the two guide rings  2 ,  3 . If an element  7  is additionally mounted on the golf cub  6 , the golfer must not touch either the inner guide ring  3  or the outer guide ring  2  as the shaft of the golf club is sliding along the guide rings  2 ,  3  in the direction of the swing, touching the two guide rings  2 ,  3  in the positions  14  and  15 . For limiting the upward swing, provision is made for a stop element  30 , whereas for reaching the optimal position after the golf swing has been completed, the guide switch  20  lifts off the club from the guide rings  2 ,  3 , and initiates a movement to behind the head of the training golfer. 
   In a preferred embodiment of the golf swing training apparatus, either the golf club has a magnet  18  in the positions  16  and  17 , and/or the guide rings  2 ,  3  as such are magnetic, so that the magnetic force of the magnets  8  in the positions  16  and  17  retains the golf club  6  on the guide rings  2 ,  3 , thus supporting the learning golfer in finding the ideal line and position of the golf club  6  while swinging the latter. In addition, it is possible to make provision for a braking element in the upper and/or lower areas, which slows down the swing, thus causing the golfer or training person to carry out a swing with exertion of higher force and an improved swing. 
   LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
   
       
         1  Training apparatus 
         2  Guide ring 
         3  Guide ring rotation 
         4  Mounting device 
         5  Response position angle 
         6  Golf club 
         7  Element 
         8  Standing foot 
         9  Connecting element 
         10  Fastening position 
         11  Fastening position 
         12  Fastening position 
         13  Fastening position 
         14  Support point 
         15  Support point 
         18  Magnet 
         20  Guide switch 
         21  Recess 
         22  Recess 
         23  Guide Element 
         25  Connecting element 
         26  Connecting element 
         27  Deepening 
         28  Deepening 
         30  Stop element 
         31  Crossbar 
         32  Profiled piece 
         33  Center of 
         34  Stop 
       “A” Response