Abstract:
An apparatus and method is described for providing training and visual feedback of a preferred swing. The apparatus includes bands that are secured to the arms or legs of a user and an alignment member that is attached to the bands. In use, the ends of the alignment member are visible to the user throughout an entire swing of a sport equipment without requiring head movement of the user. By observing the position of the ends of the alignment member relative to the body of the user, the user or trainer is able to determine whether a preferred swing is being executed by the user.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/572,399, entitled “Golf Swing Training Device,” filed on Aug. 10, 2012, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/575,000, filed on Aug. 12, 2011, the disclosures of which are all incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of Invention 
       [0002]    The present invention is related to sport swing mechanics and more particularly, a golf swing training apparatus. 
       2. Description of Related Art 
       [0003]    Generally, golf enthusiasts, both amateur and professional, seek to hit the ball farther to improve their golf game and lower their golf game score. Golf teachers and analysts are continually giving their opinions on how to hit the ball farther by performing a proper golf swing and how to properly execute a preferred golf swing. However, even “experts” cannot agree on a simple method and explanation for correctly swinging a golf club. 
         [0004]    Over the years, to achieve greater distance and accuracy, the golf swing has changed from one that relies more on the swinging of the arms and hands around the body, to one that relies more on the rotation of the body to leverage and accelerate the arms and hands. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    Embodiments according to aspects of the invention include an apparatus and method having a visual indicator that is entirely visible throughout the golf swing. The invention enables a golfer to understand, examine, rehearse, and practice important positions (statically) including set-up, top of back swing, and finish. These positions show the rotation and swing plane. The golf swing trainer of the present invention both connects the golfer&#39;s arms and unifies the golfer&#39;s arms, hands and club in relation to the turning of the body to facilitate proper timing in the golf swing. The golf swing training device according to aspects of the invention is further adjustable to fit every golfer&#39;s swing and body size and fits comfortably while providing a simple system to put on and take off 
         [0006]    In an embodiment of the invention, a training device comprises: first and second bands suitable for securing to limbs of a user; an alignment member coupled to said first and second bands with corresponding first and second coupling brackets, said alignment member coupled to said bands approximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of each of said bands, said alignment member having uncoupled proximal and distal ends that extend beyond outward facing sides of said first and second bands; wherein said alignment member couples to said first and second coupling brackets by sliding through bushings of each of said coupling brackets; wherein said first coupling bracket includes at least one bushing comprised of a material having a high coefficient of friction to reduce sliding of the alignment member through said bushing; and wherein said second coupling bracket includes at least one bushing comprised of a material having a low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding of the alignment member through said bushing. The training device further includes a resilient member interconnecting first and second bands in a spaced but opposing relation. The first and second bands are coupled to said corresponding first and second coupling brackets in a manner to allow rotation of each of said bands. The alignment member comprises a long, small-diameter, light-weight indicator rod. The first and second bands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of the arms of the user. 
         [0007]    In another embodiment of the invention, a training device comprises: bands suitable for securing to limbs of a user; and an alignment member coupled to said bands, said alignment member coupled to said bands approximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of said bands, said alignment member having uncoupled proximal and distal ends of said alignment member that extend beyond outward facing sides of said bands, wherein said bands and alignment member are coupled together with coupling brackets, said bands being coupled to said coupling brackets in a manner to allow pivoting of said bands during a swing. The training device further includes a resilient member coupled between at least two of said bands. The alignment member comprises an indicator rod having a length greater than a distance between the bands. The bands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of arms of the user or for securing to an upper portion of legs of the user. The indicator rod couples to said coupling bracket by sliding through bushings of said coupling bracket. At least one of said bushings comprises rubber. The training device may further comprise inserts for insertion into the bands. 
         [0008]    The foregoing, and other features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent from the following, more particular description of the detailed embodiments of the invention, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the ensuing descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings briefly described as follows: 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a golf swing training device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a bottom plan view of the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side elevational view of the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  depicts three human forms swinging a golf club utilizing the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  depicts a front view of a series of human forms at various stages of swinging a golf club utilizing the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  depicts a front view of a series of human forms at various stages of swinging a golf club utilizing the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a golf swing training device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the golf swing training device of the type shown in  FIG. 8  having the arm bands swiveled and expanded. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    The following description provides detail of various embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are set forth below. Each of these embodiments are provided by way of explanation of the invention, and not intended to be a limitation of the invention. Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. By way of example, those skilled in the art will recognize that features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, may be used in another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention also cover such modifications and variations that come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. 
         [0020]    Although the present invention is described in the context of a golf swing trainer, the present invention is also applicable to other types of sports swings including, but not limited to baseball, softball, and tennis. 
         [0021]    The training apparatus  10  includes an alignment member or indicator rod  16  that provides instant feedback to alignment and target line as well as arm position relative to the body as the body rotates. Many sports require a rotational movement of the body to apply an approximately linear force to an object. For example, a discus or ball is preferably thrown in a generally straight line by first rotating the arms about the body to deliver a linear force to the ball or discus. Likewise, a golfer rotates the arms and golf club about the body to deliver an approximately linear force to a ball when the golf club head strikes the ball. 
         [0022]    Generally, the faster the golfer swings the golf club, the greater the force that is transferred to the golf ball. Synchronization of the arms to the upper body as the body rotates delivers both speed and consistency of impact. Conversely, if the arms are unsynchronized relative to the upper body, for example, the arms moving across the body instead of staying in front of the upper body, the more separated the arms and upper body become, resulting in less speed and power. An increase in the rotation of the hands and arms alone cannot make up for the speed loss caused by not using the body properly. 
         [0023]    The golf swing training device  10  is designed to visually communicate the positions required to make a consistent and powerful swing as well as communicate the feel of a properly connected swing where the arms and body are synchronized to deliver maximum speed and consistency. The various positions of the indicator rod  16  throughout the swing enables a golfer, while swinging, to determine whether the body is rotating properly thereby enabling its user to make immediate adjustment. 
         [0024]    For example, when executing a full golf swing (for right-handed golfers), when the user positions the golf club head adjacent the golf ball, it is desirable for a left end of the indicator rod  16  to point up but parallel to the target line. As the golfer rotates the golf club up and away from the golf ball, the left side of the indicator rod  16  preferably rotates to the right, and arrives at a position at the top or completion of the backswing that is at least 90-degrees from the target line (the preferred line or path of ball travel) while the longitudinal axis of the indicator rod  16  is preferable parallel to the ground. 
         [0025]    As the user begins a downswing of the golf club, the left end of the indicator rod  16  preferably begins to point slightly up as the right end of the indicator rods drops down. As the user continues the downswing, as the golf club head impacts the golf ball, the alignment member  16  should be in a position nearly identical to the position when the user positions the golf club head adjacent to the golf ball. As the user continues to rotate the club after impact, for example follow-through, the left end of the indicator rod  16  should rotate left horizontally as it moves up before inverting or exchanging relative positions with the right end of the indicator rod with the completion of the golf swing. Stated otherwise, the desired ending position of the alignment member  16 , rotates the end of the alignment member  16  approximately 180 degrees from the position at full backswing, while the rod  16  is aligned in a plane relative to the ground similar to a plane relative to the ground at full backswing. Also, at the ending position of follow through, the right end of the indicator rod  16  should point slightly up and rotated approximately 90 degrees from its starting position. 
         [0026]    The position of the ends of the indicator rod  16  may also be utilized by the golfer to identify undesirable body and arm positions throughout a golf swing. For example: if a golfer&#39;s body rotates less than 90-degrees in the backswing this should be readily visible to the golfer based on the position of the indicator rod. Also in the backswing, if the left end of the indicator rod dips down below the right end, or if the left end rises up above the right end, the golfer is not swinging the club on the proper plane and will have difficulty squaring the clubface to the intended target line at impact. Further, in the downswing, if the golfer does not rotate the right end of the indicator rod past the left end both power and accuracy will be reduced. 
         [0027]    Turning attention now to the Figures, embodiments of the golf swing  30  training device  10  of the present invention will now be described in more detail and are generally shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . The training apparatus  10  of the present invention generally includes arm bands  12  and  14  that fit at least partially around the outside portion of a user&#39;s upper arms just above elbows, for example. The arm bands are preferably flexible and are constructed to bend or expand to different sized arms.  FIGS. 8 and 9  illustrate an example of hinged expandable arm bands  32  and  34 . The arm bands  32  and  34  are partitioned and held together with a hinge  38  that allows a free end of the arm band to rotate about a pin  36  of the hinge  38 . A portion of the pin  36  includes teeth that restricts the hinge from rotating. The two-piece arm bands and pins allow the arm bands to both ratchet and lock for custom sizing. The lock mechanism or pin  36  is actuated from a first locking position (see  FIG. 8 ) to a second rotating position (see  FIG. 9 ) to allow the user to adjust the relative size of the arm band. When the lock mechanism is locked, a portion of the teeth of the pin holds the arm band in a position having the adjusted relative size of the arm band. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other adjustments, clasps, and hinges, for example, may be incorporated into the arm bands to provide an adjustable and expandable arm band. Without limitation intended, for example, the expandable arm bands may be divided but held together with a lock mechanism so that a tab portion of one section of the arm band slides in a slot of the other section. The two-piece arm bands with lock mechanism, with tabs and slots, would allow the arm bands to both increase or decrease a relative diameter of the arm band, thereby allowing for custom sizing of the arm band. Further, the inside of the arm bands  12  and  14  may be lined with felt or other padding to further provide a comfortable fit against the user&#39;s arm. The same may be accomplished using arm bands of different sizes. 
         [0028]    The alignment member  16  may be of known suitable construction, including, for example, a long, light-weight rod. The alignment member  16  is engaged with the arm bands through coupling brackets  18  and  20 . Each bracket is preferably provided with at least two bushings that are adapted for receiving the alignment rod, wherein the plurality of bushings provides stability to the rod  16  as it slides through the bushings. First coupling bracket  18  includes bushings  24  having apertures sized to allow the alignment member to slide through the aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the bushings  24  are constructed of a compressible rubber and the aperture has an inner diameter that is slightly less than the outer diameter of the alignment member  16 . In this manner, when the rod  16  is slid into bushing  24  the rubber compresses but provides a frictional resistance to the sliding of the rod  16  within the bushing  24 . It may be said that the bushing  24  has a high coefficient of friction because the rod  16  meets resistance when sliding in the bushing  24 . The second coupling bracket  20  includes bushings  26  having an aperture that is sized to allow the alignment member to slide through the aperture. In the preferred embodiment, the bushings  26  are constructed of a plastic nylon, polypropylene, polytetrafluroethylene (PTFE) or other suitable plastic of desirable, known construction having a low coefficient of friction. The bushings  26  have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the alignment member  16 . In this manner, when the rod  16  is slid into bushing  26  the rod  16  is met with little resistance. 
         [0029]    A resilient member or band  22  interconnects the arm bands  12  and  14  in spaced relation. The band  22  may be constructed of elastic or other suitable resilient material and the length may be adjusted depending on the desired separation distance between the arm bands. As the distance between the arm bands increases and decreases the alignment member  16  slides in the bushings  26  of the coupling bracket  20 . Swivel mechanisms  28  and  30  of known suitable construction are used to couple the arm bands  12  and  14  to the coupling brackets  18  and  20 . When the golfer swings the golf club from the backswing through the follow through, the swivels  28  and  30  allow the arm bands to pivot slightly, providing freedom of movement and additional comfort for the user. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a golfer is shown holding a golf club in a backswing position  40  and  42 . The alignment member is shown with the ends of the alignment member in a preferred orientation relative to the ground and golf ball. With reference to the golfer identified as  44 , the position of the golfer&#39;s hips and shoulders are not preferred and the ends of the alignment member  16  are consequently in an undesired orientation relative to the ground and golf ball. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  depicts a front view of a sequence of preferred orientations  50 - 70  of a golfer and the corresponding preferred position of the alignment member  16 . As the golfer first addresses the ball  50  the longitudinal axes of alignment member  16  aligns with the approximate preferred trajectory of the ball and the end of the alignment member near the ball is slightly higher than the end further away from the ball. As the golfer rotates the arms and body to move the golf club backward  52 - 56 , and as the golfer begins to swing the club forward  58 - 60 , the longitudinal axis of the alignment member  16  should remain relatively parallel with the ground. As the golfer  62  swings the golf club near the golf ball  62 , the position of the alignment member should return to a position similar to the position when the ball is addressed ( 50 ). As the golfer continues to swing the club to follow through  64 - 70  the end of the alignment member, that was initially furthest from the ball, should rotate past the initial position and its finish position should point towards the approximate desired trajectory of the ball. 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  depicts a side view of a sequence of preferred orientations  80 - 100  of a golfer and the corresponding position of the alignment member  16 . As the golfer first addresses the ball  80  the longitudinal axes of alignment member  16  aligns with the approximate preferred trajectory of the ball and the end of the alignment member near the ball is slightly higher than the end further away from the ball. As the golfer rotates the arms and body to move the golf club backward  82 - 86 , and as the golfer begins to swing the club forward  88 - 90 , the longitudinal axis of the alignment member  16  should remain relatively parallel with the ground. As the golfer  92  swings the golf club near the golf ball the position of the alignment member should return to a position similar to the position when the ball is addressed  80 . As the golfer continues to swing the club to follow through  94 - 100  the end of the alignment member, that was initially furthest from the ball, should rotate past the initial position of the ball and its finish position should point towards the approximate desired trajectory of the ball. As depicted in the sequence of golfing positions, the golf swing training apparatus  10  provides a visual indicator of the position of the golfer&#39;s arms and body that is visible without requiring a turn of the golfer&#39;s head. 
         [0033]    In an embodiment of the invention, the bands  12  and  14  can be used as leg bands. Thus, the training apparatus  10  can be used as a leg position indicator with bands located just above the knees. Optionally, the size of the bands can be varied. In another embodiment of the invention, interchangeable and differently sized foam inserts are included for insertion into the bands in order to accommodate differently sized limbs. 
         [0034]    The foregoing is offered primarily for purposes of illustration. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the materials and their proportions, as well as the operating conditions, procedural steps and other parameters of the inventions described herein may be further modified or substituted in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.