Abstract:
Golf instructional aid to help players feel and understand proper swing path, improve technique, and provide a variety of other drills to improve performance, all accomplished with a single training aid.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to provisional application 61/362,556, filed Jul. 8, 2010 which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A golf instructional aid is provided to help players feel and understand the proper swing path technique, among other drills, to help players of all levels perform better. While the invention is discussed with particular emphasis on the game of golf, those skilled in the art will appreciated the wider application to other sport games which require individual efforts for shot control. One of the features of the present disclosure is a device which is simple and multifunctional, i.e., having more than one purpose or drill, which can replace other single function teaching aids. 
         [0004]    A primary feature or function of the device is to help the average golfer draw, hook or work the ball right to left, which most right handed players can not do consistently, if they can do it at all. It is well known that ball flight is controlled by swing path. Most players believe swing path is controlled by use their arms, but the invention is intended to help them use their lower body to obtain and use the correct path to hit a well struck shot. The device works equally well for both right and left handed players, but the description below for simplicity generally is directed toward right handed players. 
         [0005]    In trying to find a good material and design for the device, various materials and many additional uses and/or drills for the device became evident. 
         [0006]    In that process, the first material was a foam rubber design, but that material, like most, did not collapse properly and would spring from the proper position when the devices was positioned with respect to a desired location on a player&#39;s body. Over time I came to realize what was needed was a material that would collapse under normal pressure encountered in a golf swing, for example, but return to its original shape even after repeated use. Preferably the material is expanded elastomeric plastic. 
         [0007]    I determined that a hollow ball or sphere, something with minimal material and max flexibility which was realized in such designs as a child&#39;s toy commonly known as the Oball by Rhino Toys or the Tic Tac Ball by JW Pet Company could be modified, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure, to provide the multi uses of the device described herein after. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Briefly stated, the present disclosure eliminates the problems encountered with other circular objects when used in a multifunctional arrangement for improving performance in the game of golf, for example. The design is intended to work for several drills or placements for particular practice drills, although different physical sizes may be required for men, women and/or juniors. 
         [0009]    I have developed many uses in conjunction with common drills such as: 
         [0010]    1. Lower body—between knees/thighs push back knee to front knee. When a player gets to the top of their swing, they often start the down swing with their arms. This usually leads to improper swing path which results in a player slicing or working the ball left to right for a right handed player. This results in loss of a powerful swing and is the major flaw of most golfers. The device of the present disclosure trains the player to start the down swing using their lower body. 
         [0011]    In this drill, the device is positioned between the knees or thighs of the player and collapsed before the player starts their hands or arms in motion (i.e., lower body leads the way. The motion of pushing the back knee toward or to the front knee allows for the dropping of the back shoulder and the club into what is known as the “slot” or correct path. It also encourages the player to get their waist properly timed at impact/contact of the ball to maximize power. 
         [0012]    2. Under back arm. Another common flaw is the “flying elbow”. One drill used to overcome the flying elbow problem is to have a towel folded under your back armpit. But, size, comfort and constantly picking up the towel and folding it back under your arm is time consuming and frustrating in use. By having or using the device in the back armpit while swinging the player is taught to keep the elbow close to the body, helping the player feel the proper swing path and technique. In this common drill, a feature of the device of this disclosure is that enables the user to form the device to the size of any player employing the device during the drill. Pipoe can also be used under the front arm to help the player turn the wrists over and “finish” the swing. The common golfer holds on and does not complete the swing. 
         [0013]    3. Between forearms. For putting, two dimples are provided to set the device on the end of the putter shaft. The player must compress the device to create a stable position, never un-hinging the wrists, a common flaw in the putting stroke and a terrible technique in practice. 
         [0014]    Compressing this device creates a pendulum type motion that is ideal in putting, chipping and pitching. Compressing the device eliminates the use of the “small” muscles and only uses the “large” muscles in the putting stroke, and abbreviated swings in chipping and pitching. It is a common practice in good putting, but most players do not understand or care to utilize the technique to improve their putting. 
         [0015]    4. Full swing. Used in the same fashion as putting, but the elastic hole/diamond formed on the ends would allow the player to slip it on their grip of their clubs and use it when using full swings. 
         [0016]    This allows a user see when the club is open or shut at different points in the swing. Many players do not understand open and closing during the swing. Preferably, the device is provided with a small handle and line/seam which is positioned so that it can be in line with the leading edge of the golf club. While swinging the club back to the top of the back swing, where the club shaft is approximately parallel to the ground, the user can look at the device and that handle should be pointing straight up, which is the same position as the club comes through after impact. It is an easy visual aid for an unknowledgeable player to check the position of the club head during the swing. 
         [0017]    The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention as well as presently preferred embodiments thereof will become more apparent from the reading of the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    In the accompanying drawings which form part of the specification: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a top view in perspective of one illustrative embodiment of training device of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a side view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a side view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a top view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a side view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is a bottom view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is a view in perspective showing one illustrative use of the device of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is a view in perspective similar to  FIG. 7  but illustrating the alignment feature of the device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 9  is a bottom plan view of a second illustrative embodiment of training device of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 10  is a side view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 11  is a side view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0030]      FIG. 12  is a top view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 13  is a side view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0032]      FIG. 14  is a top view in perspective of the device shown in  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0033]      FIG. 15  is a view in perspective similar to  FIG. 15  but illustrating the alignment feature of the device shown in  FIG. 9 . 
           [0034]      FIG. 16  is a view in perspective showing one illustrative use of the device of  FIG. 9 ; 
           [0035]      FIGS. 17   a - d  are views in perspective illustrating the under foot use of the device, helpful for chip shot training; 
           [0036]      FIGS. 18   a - b  are views in perspective illustrating the between the legs use of the device; 
           [0037]      FIGS. 19   a - b  are views in perspective illustrating the use of the device to enable a user to determine club face position during the golf swing; 
           [0038]      FIGS. 20   a - b  are views in perspective illustrating the under arm use of the device; 
           [0039]      FIGS. 21   a - b  are views in perspective illustrating the putting training use of the device; 
           [0040]      FIGS. 22   a - b  are views in perspective illustrating the a further training use of the device; 
           [0041]      FIG. 23  is a view in perspective showing use of the device as a small shag bag; 
           [0042]      FIG. 24  is a view in perspective showing use of the device to develop improved swing power; and 
           [0043]      FIG. 25  is a view use of embodiment of  FIG. 9  for sand shot improvement. 
       
    
    
       [0044]    Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0045]    The following detailed description illustrates the invention by way of example and not by way of limitation. The description clearly enables one skilled in the art to make and use the invention, describes several embodiments, adaptations, variations, alternatives, and uses of the invention, including what is presently believed to be the best mode of carrying out the invention. 
         [0046]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , reference numeral  1  indicated one illustrative embodiment of the multifunctional training device of the present invention, referred to hereinafter as the “pipoe.” For the purposes of this specification, the term pipoe is intended to include various embodiments of the device  1 , regardless of each embodiment&#39;s particular constructional features. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  1  or pipoe is generally spherical in shape, having a plurality of generally similarly sized opening  2  communicating with a hollow core  3 . Other shapes are compatible with the broader aspects of the disclosure. The pipoe also as a circumferential line  4  positioned along the equator of the spherical shape. Along the top of the shape, referenced to  FIG. 1 , is a diamond shaped opening  10 , the purpose of which is latter described in greater detail. It is noted here, however, that the shape of the opening  10  may vary in other embodiment of the invention. 
         [0047]    As best shown in  FIG. 6 , the opening  10  is generally diametrically opposed to an enlarged, relative to the openings  2 , opening  15 . The openings  10  and  15  operate in conjunction with one another in accomplishing certain of the drills described below. 
         [0048]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the pipoe has a second pair of opposed dimples  20  and  21 . The dimples  20  and  21  give the appearance of opposed flat surfaces  22  and  23  when viewed, for example in  FIG. 4 . The dimples  20  and  21  operate in conjunction with one another in accomplishing certain of the drills described below. 
         [0049]      FIGS. 9 through 16  illustrate a second preferred embodiment  11  of the device of this disclosure, again denominated as the “pipoe” to emphasize the various configurations the device can assume in various embodiments. In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , however, and outer surface  30  of the device  11  generally is continuous, but includes various simulated golf ball surface dimples in a variety or patterns. The patterns themselves may very in other embodiments of the device, or they may be eliminated completely, if desired. 
         [0050]    Structurally the line  4 , while still generally extending circumferentially about the pipoe in this embodiment, is designed at one end to surround and define a receptacle  40  for an end cap  34 . End cap  34  is removably mounted to the device  11  at the receptacle  40  and is retained in position along the receptacle  40  in a tongue and groove fit. Other forms or methods of attachment for the end cap  34  are compatible with the broader aspects of the disclosure. The end cap  34  can be used in certain practice drills described below. 
         [0051]    A handle  36  also is mounted to the surface  34  along the line  4 . As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the handle  36  preferably is integrally formed with the device  11  as a one piece design; however other forms of construction may be used, if desired. Besides functioning as a handle for the device  11 , the handle also functions as a sighting device during the various drills using the device  11   
         [0052]    As indicated above, the pipoe is adapted for a variety of drills and uses. Merely by way of example and not of limitation, a number of those uses are discussed below. 
         [0053]    Under Foot: There are two ways to utilize the pipoe while placing it under your foot shown for example in  FIGS. 17   a - d . While compressing the pipoe it changes the golfer&#39;s balance towards the foot that the user is using to compress the pipoe. This use or drill is best used alternatively for pitch shots and flop shots. Thus, when the pipoe is compressed under the forward foot, the golfer is forced to put his or her weight forward, which is and excellent technique for chip and pitch shots. When the pipoe is compressed under the back foot, it forces the weight of the golfer back, which again is a great technique for flop shots. The pipoe also can also be utilized in drills designed to teach the golfer not compress the ball while under the foot. This is difficult, but another training aid to improve both flop shots, and chip/pitch shots. Overall it teaches the user the feeling of getting your weight on the proper foot for the proper shot, a common flaw for the average golfer. 
         [0054]    Between Knees: The pipoe placed between the knees or thighs helps the user understand the importance of the lower body and how it moves and syncs with the top of the swing, illustratively shown in  FIGS. 18   a - 18   b.  Many golfers start their downswing with their hands/arms. This is referred to casting or coming over the top. With the pipoe between the knees or thighs, the user is to bring the club to the top of their swing. At the top the user compresses the pipoe between the knees FIRST when starting the down swing, and then follows with the arms. 
         [0055]    This allows the club to come down on plane or at worst coming from the inside, which is better than over the top. There are severities that need to be avoided. In order to do that, pipoe should be placed between the knees with the line  4  going vertically. This gives the user a reference of how far the pipoe should be compressed before the arms should release through. The openings  22 - 23  are an aid in holding the pipoe during these drills. The user can rotate the vertical line  4  forward or backward to increase or decrease the amount of compression of the pipoe should occur before the arms are brought through to impact. This will give a FEELING of the correct timing and prevent the golfer from coming over the top, a common flaw. 
         [0056]    The pipoe can also be used between the knees while chipping, pitching and putting to promote a quiet lower body, which is good technique on shorter shots. 
         [0057]    Slid on Grip: The pipoe will be able to slide on over the grip towards the end of the grip as illustrated in  FIGS. 19   a - 19   b . The user will use the vertical line  4  of the pipoe and the handle  36  with the club face so that they are in line. 
         [0058]    The golfer can slowly bring the club back, if the line or handle is to the left of the shaft the face is closed, if the line is to the right of the shaft the club face is open. The goal is to keep the line inline with the shaft and face until the arms are parallel with the ground. At this point the line of the pipoe will be exactly or generally vertical again. This is a common misunderstanding by golfers, yet there is no way, with the constant moving angles of the golf swing for the golfer to understand if the club is closed or open at any part of the swing. There are other uses with the core of the body, as illustratively shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 . The line  4  should always point at the user&#39;s belly button during the swing, never in front or behind, this shows the user the proper swing plane as well as the proper face angle during any point of the swing. 
         [0059]    In addition, the pipoe can be slid on the grip to the grips end. The user will make a normal swing to the top. Then make a controlled but aggressive swing to try and get the pipoe to release from the grip. The goal is to get the pipoe to release from the grip. This has two advantages. First it will increase power for the user and second, it will train the user to time the release as close to impact as possible. Used in this manner, the popoe will help users time their power release close to impact, which is important in obtaining more power/distance from the golf swing. 
         [0060]    In another variation, the pipoe can be slid over grip and slid down shaft to the clubhead. This adds weight to the end of the club. Swinging the club with pipoe on the clubhead add significant weight and wind restriction to the swing, even thought the pipoe weighs significantly less than a traditional weight. This allows the user to use the pipoe for strength training and stretching. 
         [0061]    Under Arm: The pipoe will be placed between the users back biceps and ribs, compressed as illustrated by  FIGS. 20   a - b . This will allow the user to keep the arms close to the body. Eliminating the common flaw referred to as the “chicken wing” or “flying elbow”. There is a common drill used where the user places a towel or head cover in the same position. But, that also limits the arc length (distance) of the swing and is not a move to be repeated and considered a good golf swing. Rather, it is an exaggeration to reduce the chicken wing problem with many golfers. The pipoe puts the arms in a great position away from the body but with the elbow (chicken wing) in. It also gives the user a feeling of the swing being locked in. The pipoe can also be used under the front arm for the user to feel the club coming through the golf ball and completing the swing with the lower and upper body. 
         [0062]    Between Arms: The pipoe can be placed between the arms while putting or chipping, as illustrated in  FIGS. 21   a  and  21   b . This gives the user the feeling of the upper body working as a pendulum. While compressing the pipoe between the arms it engages the larger muscles in the core and arms. This makes the upper body feel or act as a unit rather than several individual body parts. It also eliminates the use of the small muscles in the wrists and hands. The use of the wrists and hand as in the putting stroke is considered bad practice as it allows for the mind to take over muscle control or twitches. When the large muscles are engaged the user will not have the feeling of twitching or what is referred to as the “yips”. 
         [0063]    Between Hands: The pipoe can be held between both hands with the line going horizontal while at address, as illustrated in  FIGS. 22   a - 22   b,  . The user can then bring the ball back so that their arms are parallel to the ground. The line and/or handle of the pipoe should be horizontal. The pipoe should be held so that one of the dimples is pointed at the user&#39;s front core. The pipoe also has the opening  15 , or the endcap  34  on the side of the device enabling the user to fill the pipoe with golf balls. This will allow the pipoe to be used as a medicine ball and while doing this drill improving strength and proper technique, among others things. 
         [0064]    Ball Holder (Shag Bag):  FIG. 23  illustrates how the pipoe can be used as a small shag bag. This would be great for practicing for relatively short periods, for example when chipping and putting on a putting green. 
         [0065]    Partial Under Back Foot.  FIG. 24  demonstrates how the pipoe is placed partially under the user&#39;s back foot. This use or position of the pipoe will turn the back foot inward, giving the user a more stable stance and a platform to generate power while swinging. It also keeps the user from sliding (compared to rotating) the hips or back leg. 
         [0066]    Bunker Play.  FIG. 25  demonstrates how the pipoe is used to simulate and practice bunker play. By removing the end cap  34  and placing the cap dome side down the user can simulate bunker shots even if bunker practice facilities are not available. By placing the cap dome side down, even on turf and placing a golf ball in the center of the cap, the user can concentrating on hitting under the end cap fist to simulated hitting the sand of a bunker first. The same procedure is used if a practice bunker is available. The drill teaches the proper technique of hitting the sand behind the ball to extricate the ball from the bunker. 
         [0067]    In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.