Abstract:
This invention is an instruction teaching device to create a proper golf swing. The device helps the user to synchronize their hip rotation with the rotation of their hands. Rotating the hips and hands at the same time is difficult to master, especially for a beginner. With this device, if a user does not rotate his or her hips at the correct time, then the user&#39;s hands will encounter the forwardly extending rod that is affixed to the user&#39;s waist. Thus, this invention teaches correct timing.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/305,374 filed on Feb. 17, 2010, and incorporates said provisional application by reference into this document as if fully set out at this point. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to golf training device and, more particularly, to a guide that is attachable to a waist of a golfer. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    It is well known in the field of golfing that a proper swing can result in a much lower score which, of course, translates to a better game. Imperfections in the golfer&#39;s swing can result in the ball traveling in a different direction than was intended. Examples of such misdirected shots include a slice, a hook, a topped shot, etc. 
         [0004]    Although most golfers understand, at least in theory, how to hit a shot correctly, it is often difficult to put into practice the abstract knowledge that might have been gleaned from television, publications, etc. As a consequence, a variety of training devices have been developed to assist the user in improving his or her stroke. However, notwithstanding these devices, there remains a need for a device which can be easily transported and then utilized and which is focused on assisting the user in rotating their hips and hands simultaneously. 
         [0005]    Although there are any number of golf training devices, all suffer from disadvantages. As a specific example, consider the device taught in Dailey (U.S. Pat. No. 1,669,457). One obvious disadvantage of this device is that it requires different configurations to be used by left and right-handed golfers. Further, the Dailey device is described as being constructed of metal and has significant mass at its outer extremity (e.g., loop  2 ). This means that it will inevitably be less responsive to the golfer&#39;s motions than would be desired. Still further, this device requires a specialized belt  6  with two connectors  7  and  8  that support Dailey&#39;s trainer. Of course, this means a variety of different belt sizes may need to be provided to accommodate the differing waistlines of different golfers. Finally, Dailey&#39;s loop  2  configuration makes it only useful for golfers who are seeking to improve their full swing. Other aspects of the golfer&#39;s game (e.g., chipping, pitching, putting, etc.) are not addressed. 
         [0006]    Heretofore, as is well known in the golfing arts, there has been a need for a golf training device and, more particularly, a golf training device that encourages a golfer to properly synchronize hand and hip rotation. Accordingly, it should now be recognized, as was recognized by the present inventor, that there exists, and has existed for some time, a very real need for a golf training method that would address and solve the above-described problems. 
         [0007]    Before proceeding to a description of the present invention, however, it should be noted and remembered that the description of the invention which follows, together with the accompanying drawings, should not be construed as limiting the invention to the examples (or preferred embodiments) shown and described. This is so because those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be able to devise other forms of this invention within the ambit of the appended claims. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    According to a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, there is provided herein an instructional device which encourages a golfer to perform a proper golf swing. The preferred device helps the user to time their hip rotation to coincide with the rotation of their hand. There has been a wide variety of devices created in order to improve the golf swing, although never a device of this sort. Rotating the hips in synchronization with turning of the hands is a difficult feat to master, especially for a beginner. With this device, if the user does not rotate their hops at the correct time, they will hit a rod with their hands. Thus, this invention teaches correct timing. 
         [0009]    The foregoing has outlined in broad terms the more important features of the invention disclosed herein, so that the detailed description that follows may be more clearly understood, and so that the contribution of the instant inventors to the art may be better appreciated. The instant invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. Rather the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various other ways not specifically enumerated herein. Additionally, the disclosure that follows is intended to apply to all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting, unless the specification specifically so limits the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  shows a preferred embodiment of the instant invention as it would appear from the front of the golfer at mid-swing. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  contains an illustration of a side view of the golfer at the start of the swing. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  shows a view from the side of the golfer at the start of the swing from the side upon which the instant device is installed. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  shows the instant invention as it might appear at the end of the golfer&#39;s swing as viewed from behind the golfer. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 5A-5D  show a detailed view of the instant invention including the preferred clip for attachment to the golfer&#39;s belt or pants. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  has a detailed view of a clip suitable for use with the instant invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  contains an illustration of the preferred embodiment of the instant invention as it might appear if it were integrated into a belt that could be worn by a golfer. 
           [0017]      FIG. 8  contains a preferred invention which utilizes Velcro® strips to attach the instant invention to the golfer&#39;s belt. 
           [0018]      FIG. 9  illustrates a preferred embodiment which is designed to telescope to the desired length. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0019]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein the reference numerals indicate the same parts throughout the several views, there is provided herein a system and method for allowing a golfer to self-correct his or her swing. According to the preferred embodiment, and as is generally set out in  FIGS. 1-11 , the instant invention comprises a swing guide  100  which is positionable to extend in a forward direction from a golfer&#39;s belt. Note that for purposes of the instant disclosure, the term “waistband” will be used to refer both the waistband of a pair of pants, a golfer&#39;s belt, or any similar item that encircles the golfer&#39;s waist. 
         [0020]    A key aspect in the instant device is that it is designed to assist the golfer in timing hip rotation to match the rotation of his or her hands. That is, it well known to those of ordinary skill in the art that proper timing can lead to more predictable ball trajectories and the instant invention is designed to assist the golfer in obtaining such timing. 
         [0021]    As is generally suggested in  FIGS. 1-4 , the instant invention  100  is designed to project outwardly and in a forward direction from a golfer&#39;s waistband. Because of its connection to the user&#39;s waist, movement of the hips will be reflected in movement of the swing trainer  100 . A golfer who properly times rotation of the wrists and rotation of the hips will find that the swing trainer  100  has been moved out of the golfer&#39;s way during the forward swing and no contact will be made between the golfer&#39;s hands and the swing trainer  100 . However, if the golfer&#39;s timing is off, his or her hands will collide with the swing trainer  100 , thereby informing the golfer of this mistiming and encouraging them to change their swing accordingly.  FIGS. 1-4  illustrate the use of the instant invention from different vantage points around the golfer and at different points during the golf swing. 
         [0022]      FIGS. 5A-5D  provide detailed view of a preferred embodiment of the instant invention  100 . As can be seen in that figure, preferably, a single clip  110  will be affixed to the rod  500 , with the purpose of the clip being to attach the instant invention to the belt or pant waist material of the golfer. The clip  110  will preferably be designed so as not to chafe the golfer and will preferably be situated so that the rod  500  maintains a generally forward orientation while the hips are square to the ball. The rod  500  will preferably be made of a light-weight low mass material. The shape of the rod is generally preferred to be circular or semi-circular in cross section. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many different cross-sectional shapes might be utilized. Although the exact materials are not important to the practice of the instant invention, the preferred rod  500  should be lightweight so that, if the golfer&#39;s hands encounter it during the golfer&#39;s swing, his or her hands will not be injured. Additionally, the rod should have sufficient tensile strength to allow it to be the recipient of contact from the golfer without substantially bending or breaking. Plastic, hard rubber, carbon fiber, aluminum, wood, etc., are among the substances that would be suitable for use in forming the rod  500 , although those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to readily devise alternatives. That being said, it is a requirement of the instant invention that the rod  500  have a relatively low mass so that it does not create a hindrance to the golfer&#39;s movements; so that it is immediately responsive to the golfer&#39;s hip movements; and so that it does not create a risk of injury if it is encountered during the golfer&#39;s swing. 
         [0023]      FIGS. 5B-5D  contain additional details of a preferred clip  110  that will be suitable for use with the instant invention. As is indicated in that figure, the clip will preferably be urged into a closed position by its elastic properties (e.g., it might be formed it of a resilient material such as plastic or rubber), thereby making it easy to install the instant invention  100  on the user&#39;s person or to remove it at the end of the timing session. 
         [0024]      FIG. 6  contains details of another preferred clip  600  that would be suitable for use with the instant invention. As is indicated in that figure, the clip will preferably be urged into a closed configuration through the use of a coil spring  610 , thereby affixing it to the user&#39;s waistband. Additionally, in this embodiment it should be noted that the training rod  620  is also semi-circular in cross section and suitable to pass through and mate with the matching semi-circular opening  640  in the retaining ridge  630 . Preferably the rod will be at least somewhat movable laterally within the opening  640 . One advantage of this configuration is that it makes it possible to adjust the forward extending component of the rod  620 , shortening or lengthening it as necessary to accommodate different golfers&#39; physiques. Thus, in this preferred arrangement the user can adjust Of course, the cross sectional shape of the instant invention could take many different forms depending on a number of different factors (e.g., the materials chosen) and selecting a suitable form according to the general principles set out herein is well within the abilities of one of ordinary skill in the art. 
         [0025]    In another clip embodiment suitable for use with the instant invention, there is provided a clip similar to the clip  600  wherein the opposing arms of the clip are again preferably urged into a closed position by a spring or other elastic construct. However, in this embodiment the clip generally resembles i a clothespin, although the preferred clip includes an outwardly curving hollow face portion similar to that displayed in  FIG. 6  that is designed to mate with and accommodate the preferred rod  500 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 7  contains a preferred embodiment of the instant invention, wherein the rod  500  has been preinstalled into a belt  700 . In such an instance, clips would not be necessary because of the direct attachment of the rod  500  to the belt  700 . In this preferred arrangement, the golfer will place the belt around his or her waist and cinch it to a comfortable degree. The rod  500  will then project outwardly from the golfer&#39;s waist as is illustrated generally in  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0027]      FIG. 8  contains another preferred embodiment of the instant invention, wherein the mechanical clips have been replaced by one or more Velcro®, or more generally hook-and-loop, straps  810  which will preferably be placed around a golfer&#39;s belt, thereby securing the rod  500  in its normal operating orientation with respect to the golfer. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that spring-activated clips and Velcro® are just two means by which the rod  500  might be attached to the user in such a way as to keep it pointed generally forward during the golf swing but movable according to the user&#39;s hip orientation. Additionally, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily be able to devise additional methods (e.g., hooks, snaps, magnets, etc.) which can be used to attach the preferred rod  500  to the user&#39;s belt. 
         [0028]      FIG. 9  illustrates another preferred embodiment of the rod portion of the instant invention. In this arrangement, the rod, rather than being smoothly tapered, is jointed along its length. In some preferred embodiments, the rod will be extensible at the joints  910  to allow the user to customize its length by, for example, expanding or collapsing it. In some preferred embodiments, there will be a plurality of segments with each segment being configured to at least partially nest inside the next smaller sized segment so that the rod can be shortened by telescoping it. 
         [0029]    In other preferred arrangements, the rod will be essentially molded or otherwise formed into the shape indicated, with the idea that having less mass at the end of the rod  900  and a correspondingly greater mass near the golfer&#39;s body could be advantageous in some circumstances. In some preferred embodiments, the center of mass of the instant invention  100  will be closer to the golfer&#39;s body than to the outer terminus of the rod, thereby reducing its moment of inertia as compared with a version where the weight is concentrated more toward the remote terminus of the device  100 . 
         [0030]    Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and attain the end and advantages mentioned above as well as those inherent therein. While the inventive device has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments in relation to the drawings attached thereto, various changes and further modifications, apart from those shown above or suggested therein, may be made therein by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept the scope of which is to be determined by the following claims.