EP1938870B1 - Movement aid for golf players - Google Patents

Abstract

The movement aid (22) comprises a jacket-like textile upper section (24) with at least one pipe-shaped sleeve (26, 28). The sleeve has a stiffener to manage the movement of golfers (10) when using a golf-club (14). The stiffener is formed a frame (30) and in the pipe-shaped sleeve.

Description

Technical area

The invention relates to a movement aid for golfers to influence the movement of the golfer when hitting the golf club, the movement aid is provided on the arm of the golfer and movement assistance is provided in right-handed left and left-handed on the right arm and is designed such that the movement during the impact is such that the forearm rotation of the provided with the movement aid arm is reduced relative to the upper arm and a body rotation is promoted while allowing a flexion of the arm at the end of the blow.

State of the art

Golf is a ball game on a lawn in natural or slightly modified terrain. The aim of the game of golf is to hit a small, hard ball (golf ball) with a racket over different lengths of tracks in a hole with as few strokes. Usually on a golf course 9 or 18 each several hundred meters long tracks created. A track consists of a tee, followed by a mowed lawn (fairway) as the actual fairway. At the end of the fairway is a very short mowed lawn (green or green) with the hole as target. The fairway is surrounded by unmown lawns (rough or rough), bushes, Trees, waters and artificial obstacles, such as sand-filled bunkers surrounded. For better recognition, the hole is marked with a flag.

To hit the golf ball, a player can choose one of up to 14 different clubs with different clubheads, depending on the terrain and the desired trajectory. At the tee or on the fairway, the player wants to hit the golf ball as far as possible and precisely. For this purpose, the player must let the club head hit the golf ball with high speed and correspondingly high kinetic energy in such a way that an optimum power transmission takes place on the ball. Both the direction and the magnitude of the transmitted force should correspond as exactly as possible to the values required for a desired trajectory.

To achieve such a blow, a player usually holds the bat high above his head. Subsequently, the club head is guided in a circular and sweeping movement to the golf ball. Upon impact with the ball, part of the kinetic energy of the club head is transferred to the ball. After that, the player continues to swing the bat circularly. In this, also called golf swing beat is a technically very demanding movement. In addition to a movement of the arms takes a rotation of the shoulders, the upper body and the hip instead. The body weight of the player is shifted from one leg to the other. The golf swing demands a good sense of rhythm, timing and accuracy from the player.

Especially beginners and inexperienced golfers often have significant problems to learn the optimal movement of a golf swing. During the movement process, a large number of individual movements must be coordinated and attention paid to keeping all body parts in relation to each other. In addition, the golf ball must be hit and beaten in a desired direction. A wrong movement sequence during golf swing often causes an unsatisfactory golf swing. The player can lose the joy of playing golf. Furthermore, a faulty sequence of movements carries the risk of sports injuries. Joints and muscles can be charged wrongly and harmful.

Sport-friendly golf clothing is the domain of a whole industry in the clothing industry. In addition to fashionable aspects and golf etiquette, the golf clothing also emphasizes functional properties. The golf clothing is intended to protect the golfer from unfavorable weather conditions and to ensure an optimal body climate, without restricting in particular the freedom of movement of the golfer.

Known movement aids are complicated and do not allow the necessary freedom of movement.

US 7117538 B2 discloses a jacket in which a band is incorporated, which pulls the arms to the body.

DE 202004008900 U1 discloses a stretching device in which a forearm shell and an upper arm shell are fastened by means of fixing straps on the arm. On the arm shells rigid bracers are attached. The bracers are hinged together. A coupling element used for this purpose is biased such that the arm is stretched. The stretching device must be individually adapted to the player. The coupling element is expensive to manufacture and has a complicated structure.

US 4070027 discloses a fabric-like stiffener which is cuffed over the entire elbow joint.

UK 2399761 A discloses an adjustable elbow cuff that holds the arm in a desired curvature.

WO99 / 08758 discloses a band which runs along the outside of both arms and over the shoulders to the right (in right-handed) hands and is intended to assist body movement on impact.

The US 5 048 837 describes a training bandage for golfers, consisting of two parts, a humeral splint and a forearm splint, which are attached with flexible straps on the arm of the golfer and connected by a hinge. The joint is blocked by a mandrel before and during ball contact. Only after a ball contact, is released by a trigger, which consists of a magnetic switch, the joint and the arm can be bent.

Disclosure of the invention

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a simply constructed motion aid, which also allows an untrained golfer to perform the exact movement during the beat with the golf club.

According to the invention the object is achieved in that the movement aid is provided in right-handed people on the left and left-handed on the right arm and is designed such that the movement during impact is influenced such that the forearm rotation of the provided with the movement aid arm relative to the upper arm reduced and a body rotation is promoted while allowing flexion of the arm at the end of the stroke.

1. a) eine erste manschettenförmiges Halterung zur Fixierung am Oberarm,
2. b) eine zweite manschettenförmiges Halterung zur Fixierung am zugehörigen Unterarm, und
3. c) ein elastisches Band, welches die erste und zweite manschettenförmige Halterung auf der Armaußenseite verbindet, zur Erzeugung einer Zugspannung zwischen der ersten und der zweiten Halterung vor und während des Schlages.

The motion aid may include:

1. a) a first cuff-shaped holder for fixation on the upper arm,
2. b) a second cuff-shaped holder for fixing to the associated forearm, and
3. c) an elastic band which connects the first and second sleeve-shaped holder on the arm outer side, for generating a tensile stress between the first and the second holder before and during the impact.

Such a cuff-shaped holder is for example applied similarly as a cuff for measuring blood pressure. In contrast to known movement aids, the movement aid of the present invention works with simple, elastic components in which there is no risk of injury by bracers, coupling elements or the like. The movement aid is inexpensive to produce. It is lightweight and has a high wearing comfort.

With an elastic band extending on the outside of the arm, a tension is exerted on the arm which causes the arm to stretch. The tensile stress is, however, designed such that a bending of the arm is made possible at the conclusion of the swing. Rotation of the forearm with respect to the upper arm is made more difficult. The forces acting on the momentum on the forearm are thus converted into a desired body rotation. An undesirable bending of the back and the associated injury risks are avoided.

Preferably, a support element is provided in the region of the elbow on the elastic band. There may further be provided a means for fixing the support element to the elastic band in the region of the elbow. As a result, the elastic band is better held in position. The support element may be formed by a shell, which has a Kuhle in which the elbow supports. The shell can be threaded onto the band. Alternatively, the support element is integrated directly into the band. Also, an opening in the band is suitable for securing the position of the band to the elbow, so that the band remains on the outside of the arm during the entire stroke.

In one embodiment of the invention, Velcro straps on the first and / or second sleeve-shaped holder for fixing on the upper or. Forearm provided. Also push buttons or zippers are suitable. The use of Velcro fasteners allow a quick application of the movement aid. They are also well suited for adapting to the golfer's arm dimensions.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, an additional elastic band is provided in the region below the elbow, which is clamped around the sleeve like a cuff. The band prevents health damage, such as the "golf arm".

In an alternative embodiment, which is not covered by the claims, the movement aid is formed of a jacket-shaped textile upper part with at least one tubular sleeve, wherein the sleeve has a stiffener formed as a frame in the tubular sleeve) and the sleeve during the movement of the golf player Hitting the golf club follows. In this embodiment too, the forearm rotation of the arm provided with the movement aid is reduced relative to the upper arm and body rotation is promoted. However, the arm is freely rotatable within the sleeve. The movement is supported by the fact that the golfer senses the rotation of the forearm. This enhancement of body sensation aids movement to the correct golf swing.

This embodiment is based on the principle to restrict the freedom of movement of a golfer during a golf swing. Surprisingly, it has been found that a better kinesthetic and tactile perception occurs in a golfer by a stiffening of the sleeve formed as a frame and a concomitant restriction of the freedom of movement. The golfer feels a compact and pleasing to the body momentum, which leads to a very well coordinated movement.

This restriction of freedom of movement when hitting is also effected by a pure frame, which is incorporated in any textile, but only applied to the arm.

The movement aids according to the invention bring about an improvement of the entire movement sequence during the golf swing. As a result, an optimal movement is learned much faster. In particular, the mobility aids promote correct shoulder rotation and an understanding of the rotation of the arms. By better holding the arm angles, a higher speed of a club head is achieved and the radius of a golf swing is increased. An optimal swing automatically causes a better weight transfer to the left leg.

A quick learning of the correct golf swing increases the joy of playing golf. In addition, sports injuries are avoided by a wrong movement. Furthermore, the movement aid according to the invention supports golfers with limited movement in their game.

According to a not covered by the claims embodiment of the motion aid for golfers, a guide mechanism is provided which moves the frame for the movement of the golfer in a guideway. The guide mechanism facilitates proper movements and counteracts wrong positions and movements. Thus, the arms are guided to an ideal movement. The golfer learns the ideal golf swing quickly and directly while performing the swing.

In another embodiment not covered by the claims, the frame is detachably provided in the sleeve. For example, the frame is releasably secured to the sleeve with one or more buttons, zippers, hook-and-loop fasteners or a combination of these fastening devices. Further, a recording of the frame in corresponding pocket-like devices of the sleeve is possible. The frame can thus be removed from the jacket-shaped textile upper part. The textile top is thereby made more universal, e.g. usable as a jacket. Furthermore, a replacement of defective racks or an exchange for a rack with other properties is uncomplicated and fast.

The frame is tubular in a useful training of the movement aid for golfers. A tubular frame provides the best possible hold and thus a good guidance of the arms during a golf swing. In addition, the frame is more stable than other shapes with the same amount of material and can be better integrated into a sleeve. A lower material requirement has a favorable effect on production costs.

In a further embodiment, the frame extends from the sleeve to the textile upper part. The shoulder joint and the upper body also benefit from the restriction of movement and movement. Wrong movements and misalignments in the shoulders and upper body are avoided. Thus, a more effective learning of the optimal movement takes place during the golf swing. In addition, injuries to the muscles or joints in the upper body are prevented by incorrect movements.

In this case, the frame in a preferred embodiment of the movement aid for golfers for stiffening the sleeve plastic or synthetic fiber material. Due to their material properties, such as low weight, high strength, elasticity and a long service life, plastics or artificial fiber materials are particularly suitable for the frame. A golfer is not hindered by the low weight. The high strength and elasticity cause a reliable stiffening of the movement aid without a risk of breakage of the frame. This could be a Users are injured. In addition, a frame made of plastic or synthetic fiber fabric can be produced easily and inexpensively and can be easily integrated into the textile upper part.

In another effective embodiment, the frame for stiffening the sleeve wire. Wire is also suitable because of its properties for stiffening the textile top. Depending on the design of the frame, a use of wire, plastic, synthetic pulp or a combination of these materials will be useful.

According to another, also not covered by the claims training of the movement aid for golfers, the jacket-shaped textile upper part consists of a breathable fabric. Breathable fabric is tight against water and wind. Body moisture, however, is transmitted as water vapor and thus supports the natural temperature regulation of the human body. The jacket-shaped textile upper protects the golfer through the breathable fabric safely against unfavorable weather conditions such as rain or wind while ensuring a pleasant body climate. The golfer feels comfortable in the jacket-shaped textile top and can concentrate better on a golf swing.

As a preferred material, the not covered by the claims embodiment for the stiffening frame plastic or synthetic fabric suggests. These are flexible materials that provide the golfer despite the forced movement still sufficient elasticity and thus comfort for the sport.

Instead of plastic or synthetic fiber material, the frame may preferably also contain wire. This can also be provided in combination with the plastic or synthetic pulp. The wire has in this context with respect to the elasticity similar properties as the plastic or synthetic pulp. But he is currently cheaper to manufacture.

Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims. Embodiments are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Short description of the drawing

Fig. 1

is a schematic representation of a golfer with a movement aid in the form of a jacket, which is not covered by the claims.

Fig. 2

shows a section of the motion aid Fig. 1 in detail

Fig. 3

is an interior view of a movement aid according to the invention with Manzentten.

Figure 4

shows the outside of the movement aid Figure 3 ,

Fig. 5

shows the movement aid Fig. 3 and 4 in an established state.

Preferred embodiments

In Fig. 1 is designated at 10 a golfer who performs a golf swing to beat a golf ball 12. The golfer 10 uses for this purpose a golf club 14 with a club head 16, a shaft 18 and a handle 20. To achieve the best possible movement, the golfer 10 wears a movement aid, generally designated 22. The movement aid 22 includes a textile upper part in the form of a jacket 24 with two sleeves 26, 28. Both the sleeve 26 and a part of the remaining jacket 24 are stiffened by a frame 30. In an alternative embodiment, frames 30 are provided for stiffening in both sleeves 26, 28. The frame 30 has a plurality of guide mechanisms 32 for guiding it during movement on a particular track.

Fig. 2 shows a detailed section of the motion aid 22 after Fig. 1 , The same components are therefore also designated by corresponding reference numerals. On a jacket-shaped textile upper part 24 with two sleeves 26, 28 a frame 30 is mounted for stiffening. In the sleeve 26, the frame 30 is tubular, thus ensuring the best possible grip on an arm and a good guidance of movements. The frame 30 extends beyond the sleeve 26 on the textile upper part 24 and has guide mechanisms 32. These are designed for example as joints and guide the upper body and the arms of a golfer in a golf swing to an optimal movement. The stiffening creates a better feeling of movement during the swing, which leads to a desired body rotation.

With fasteners 36, the frame 30 is releasably attached to the textile upper part 24. As attachment 36, for example, buttons, snaps, zippers or Velcro are used. In a further embodiment, pockets not shown here for Aufnahe of the frame 30 in the sleeves 26, 28 and the textile upper part 24 are provided.

The frame 30 is made in this embodiment of plastic 38 and steel wire 40. However, it is also a use of other materials, such as synthetic pulp, other metals, composites or a combination of these substances possible. The textile upper part 24 is preferably made of breathable fabric in order to achieve a pleasant body climate when using the movement aid 22.

By stiffening frame 30, a golfer 10 is limited in a golf swing in his freedom of movement. This leads to a better kinaesthetic and tactile perception and thus to a very well coordinated movement. The golfer 10 feels more tension during the golf swing. By the guide mechanisms 32, it is guided to an optimal golf swing. With the movement aid 22 a beginner learns the golf swing faster and more safely, as injuries due to incorrect movements or wrong positions are avoided.

In FIG. 3 and 4 an embodiment of the invention is shown. The movement aid 30 consists essentially of two cuffs 42, 44. The first cuff 42 is for the upper arm 43 of the left arm 45 of a golfer 10 - see Fig. 4 - intended. In the illustrated embodiment, the golfer is right-handed. It goes without saying that cuffs on the right arm can be provided analogously for left-handers. The second sleeve 44 is provided for the corresponding lower arm 49. The cuffs 42, 44 are each secured with Velcro straps 46, 48 on the upper arm 43 and the lower arm 49. For this purpose, the band is guided and folded through a metal loop 60 or 62 on the opposite side of the sleeve. The metal loops 60 and 62 are sewn by means of a folded fabric band 64, 66 on the outside of the sleeve. This Velcro closure design allows the cuffs to be adjusted to different arm dimensions. The cuffs 42 and 44 are fixed to the inside of the arm and can not slip even when exercising the forces usually occurring during golf swing. In alternative embodiments, the band 48 and 46 is dispensed with and the hook and loop fastener is attached directly to the cuff.

The sleeves 42, 44 are connected to each other via a connecting band 50 with a variable distance. The connecting band 50 is sewn to the outside of the cuff 42 with sutures 68 and 70. On the sleeve 44, a metal loop 72 is sewn. For fastening the connecting band 50 is guided by the metal loop 72 and turned over. The fixation at a desired length is then similar to the cuffs by means of a hook and loop fastener 74th

The band-shaped connection 50 is guided over elbows 51 of the left arm 45 of the (right-handed) golfer 10. In the area of the elbow 51, a support element 52 for fixing the elbow 51 is provided. The support element 52 is threaded onto the belt 50 with two slots 74 and 76 for this purpose. The slots 74 and 76 are so large that the support member 52 is slidable. Thereby, the position of the support member 52 can be adjusted so that it rests exactly on the elbow. As a result, the connecting band 50 is fixed in position on the outside of the arm. The Support element is made of foamed plastic material. It has a Kuhle on the inside, in which rests the elbow.

In addition to the in Fig. 3 and 4 shown with cuffs, a band 54 can be performed around the beater arm, which is attached with a hook and loop fastener 56. With this band health damage, the so-called "golf arm" prevented.

FIG. 5 shows how the movement aid 30 is applied to the left arm 45 of the right-handed golfer 10. By the cuffs 42, 44 and the fixing of the elbow 51 by the support member 52 of the arm 45 is stretched and held in this extended position. The golfer 10 is thus forced to translate the rotational movement of the forearm 45 via his shoulder 56 into a rotational movement of the body. This sequence of movements is particularly advantageous from an orthopedic point of view. This effectively prevents painful inflammation, epicondylitis. This epicondylitis often occurs in golfers and is known by the term "tennis elbow". This inflammation arises mainly in case of incorrect use of the arm 45 of the golfer 10th

Claims (6)

1. A movement aid for golfers influencing the motion sequence of the golfer when swinging the golf club, wherein the movement aid is provided at an arm of the golfer and the movement aid is provided at the left arm of a right hander or at the right arm of a left hander and is designed in such a way, that the movement is manipulated during the swing in such a manner, that the rotation of the forearm of the arm provided with the movement aid against the upper arm is reduced and a rotation of the body is supported and simultaneously bending the arm at the end of the swing is allowed, characterized by:

   a) a first cuff-shaped holder (42) for fixation to the upper arm (43);

   b) a second, cuff-shaped holder (44) for fixation to the related forearm (49); and

   c) an elastic band (50) connecting the first and the second cuff-shaped holders (42, 44) at the outer side of the arm, for generating a tensile strength between the first and the second holder before and during the swing.
2. A movement aid (22) for golfers (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that a supporting element (52) is provided on the elastic band (50) in the range of the elbow (51).
3. A movement aid (22) for golfer (10) according to claim 2, characterized by means (54) for fixing the support element (52) to the elastic band in the range of the elbow (51).
4. A movement aid (22) for golfers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that plastic or synthetic fiber (38) are provided for stiffening.
5. A movement aid (22) for golfers (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that hook and loop fasteners are provided at the first and/or second cuff-shaped holder (42, 44) for fixation to the upper arm or the forearm.
6. A movement aid for golfers according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an additional elastic band is provided in the range below the elbow, which is adapted to be tightened around the arm like a cuff.

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