GB2222092A

GB2222092A - Swing training device

Info

Publication number: GB2222092A
Application number: GB8819999A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Takahiro Omoto
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-08-23
Filing date: 1988-08-23
Publication date: 1990-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2008-08-23
Also published as: GB2222092B; GB8819999D0

Abstract

A swing training device comprises a straight tubular pipe (1), a weight element (6) axially slidably mounted in the interior of the pipe, and a pair of compression or tension coil springs (4) which are disposed in the interior of the pipe and act on opposite ends of both the pipe element to support the weight element therebetween in a floating manner. The coil springs exert respective forces on the opposite ends of the weight element axially to pull or push the weight element in opposite directions to balance the weight element in the interior of the pipe. When swung by a user the device provides an effective simulation of the action of golf, baseball, tennis, badminton or like games, or may be used for exercising the muscles of the arms of a jogger. A plurality of assemblies of the weight elements and the coil springs may be used. <IMAGE>

Description

SWING TRAINING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention: The present invention relates to a swing training device, and more particularly to a swing training device for correcting a swing form of a player in golf, baseball, tennis, badminton and like games, or for exercising the muscles of arms of a jogger.

Description of the Prior Art: Hitherto, there have been proposed a number of swing training devices of this type for refreshing the muscles of game players. These swing training devices can be easily used in a narrow space as training aids or means for improving a user's health. An example of the conventional swing training device is described in Japanese Utility Nodes Laid-Open No. 61-26569, which comprises: a resisting means such as a mechanical sprIng means and a gas spring means; and a weight element.

In such conventional swing training device, the resisting means resists motion of the weight element only in one direction. Consequently, the conventional swing device is effective unidirectional motion of the game player. However, as for a sequential rhythmical motion of the game player, the conventional swing training device has failed to provide a sufficient effect.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to prc- vide a swing training device comprising: a straight pipe; a weight element axially slidably mounted in the interior of said straight pipe; a pair of coil springs which are disposed in the interior of said straight pipe in positions of opposite ends of said straight pipe while brought into contact with opposite ends of said weight element so as to support said weight element therebetween in a floating manner, said coil springs exerting resilient forces on the opposite ends of said weight element so as to axially pull or push said weight element in opposite directions to balance said weight element in the interior of said straight pipe.

According to the present invention, it is possible to mount a plurality of assemblies of the weIght elements and the coil springs in the interior of the straight pipe of the swing training device.

In addition, in the swing training device of the present invention, the weight element may assume a rod shape, a spherical shape and any other suitable shape.

In the swing training device of the present invention, it is preferable to insert ball elements between the coil springs and the weight elements, the ball ele ments ensuring the weight element a smooth motion. In this case, it is possible to mount the ball elements in the interior of the straight pipe in positions of the opposite ends of the straight pipe so as to be brought into contact with the outer ends of the coil springs mounted in the interior of the straight pipe.

In addition, in the swing training device of the present invention, the coil springs may be compressIon springs or tension springs an effect of which is the same as that of the compression springs.

According to the present invention, in the swing training device, the straight pipe is a double-walled pipe provided with an annular hollow portion in which are axially slidably mounted: a tubular weight element; a coil spring; and a ball element. In this case, it is possible to suitable determine the weight element and other components in number and arrangement thereof as is in the above cases.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the first embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, taken along the line 11-il of Fig.

1; and Figs. 3 to 13 are longitudinal sectional views of other embodiments of the swing training device of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinbelow, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It is clear that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments only.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, a first embodiment of a swing training device of the present invention assumes a golf-club grip shape.

In the first embodiment, the swing training device of the present invention is provided with a metallic straight pipe 1 coated with a rubber cover member 2, the straight pipe 1 being open at its front end while closed at its rear end. In the rubber cover member 2 is provided a concave/convex pattern 3 which prevent slippage of the player's hand on the grip or swing training device, improves the player's health through stimulation thereof and enhances the appearance of the the grip or swing training device of the present invention.

It is also possible that both of the straight pipe 1 and the cover member 2 are made of hard plastics or soft plastics.

In assembling, as is clear from Fig. 2, in the interior of the straight pipe 1 are sequentially inserted in the following order: a coil spring 4, a steel ball element 5, a metallic rod-like weight element 6, another steel ball element 5, and another coil spring 6.

After the above assembling operation, any of the coil springs 4, steel ball elements 5 and the weight element 6 is mounted in the interior of the straight pipe 1 in a floating manner. In the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the coil springs 4 are constructed of compression springs which exert resilient forces on the steel ball elements 5 and the weight element 6 to have them pressed against each other.

The front end or open end of the grip or swing training device of the first embodiment is closed with a lid member 7 as shown in Fig. 1.

Each of the rod-like weight element 6 and the steel ball element 5 can be made of any suitable material, provided that the material has a sufficient density since it is necessary for each of them to have a sufficient weight. For example, the rod-like weight element 6 can be made of lead, and further coated with a suitable plastic cover.

Fig. 3 shows a second embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the first embodiment shown in Fig. 2 in that a pair of additional steel ball elements 5 are mounted in the opposite-end portions of the straight pipe 1 of the second embodiment as shown in Fig. 3, the additional steel ball elements 5 being brought into presscontact with the opposite ends of the straight pipe 1 under the influence of the compression coil springs 4 interposed between the steel ball elements 5.

Fig. 4 shows a third embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in that no steel ball elements are mounted in the straight pipe 1 of the third embodiment in contrast with the second embodiment. Consequently, as is clear from Fig. 3, in the straight pipe 1 of the third embodl- ment are mounted: the rod-like weight element 6; and a pair of the compression coil springs 4, only.

Fig. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the second embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in that two sets of the rod-like weight elements 6, coil springs 4 and the steel ball elements 5 are mounted in the straight pipe 1 of the fourth embodiment.

Fig. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the third embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in that three sets of the rod-like weight elements 6 and the coil springs 4 are mounted in the straight pipe 1 of the fifth embodiment.

Fig. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the first embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 in that an additional steel ball element 5 and an additional compression coil spring 4 are sequentially mounted in the straight pipe 1 of the sixth embodiment in a position of the open-end side thereof.

As is clear from the above description, any of the coil springs 4 employed in the above embodiments of the present invention is a compression spring. Consequently, in these embodiments, there is not employed any coupling means between the coll spring 4 and the rod-like weight element 6. It is also possible that the coil springs 4 employed in the above embodiments of the present invention are constructed of tension springs, provided that suitable coupling means are provided between such tension coil springs 4 and the rod-like weight elements 6.

Fig. 8 shows a seventh embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is dlffer- ent in construction from the third embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in that: the coil springs 4 are constructed of tension springs; and a projectIon 8 with a side throughhole is fixedly provided in each of the opposite ends of both of the rod-like weight element 6 and the straight pipe 1, i.e., in an inner end of the closed end of the straight pipe 1 and in an inner end of the lid member 7 closing the open end of the straight pipe 1.

Fig. 9 shows an eighth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the seventh embodiment shown in Fig. 8 in that two sets of the rod-like weight elements 6 and the tension coil springs 4 are mounted in the straight pipe 1 of the eighth embodiment.

Fig. 10 shows a ninth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the third embodiment shown in Fig. 3 in that: the weight element 6 assumes a spherical shape having a diameter slightly smaller than an Inner diameter of the straight pipe 1; and the rubber cover member 2 is provided with a bulge portion 9 at its grip end while provided with a substantially spherical portion 10 at its striking end. Such ninth embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 10 serves as a baseball swing training aid.

Fig. 11 shows a tenth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention, in which is employed a double-walled straight pipe 1 provided with an annular hollow portion 11 in which are axially slidably mounted three sets of tubular weight elements 12 and the compression coil springs 4.

As is clear from Fig. 11, such tenth embodiment of the present invention is mounted on a golf club in use.

Fig. 12 shows an eleventh embodiment of the swIng training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the tenth embodiment shown in Fig. 11 in that a plurality of small steel ball elements 14 are interposed between the opposite ends of the tubular weight element 12 and the coil springs 4, the remaining construction of the eleventh embodiment being the same as that of the tenth embodiment.

Fig. 13 shows a twelfth embodiment of the swIng training device of the present invention, which is different in construction from the first embodiment shown In Figs. 1 and 2 in that: the cover member 2 of the twelfth embodiment is thicker than that of the first embodiment; and the concave/convex pattern of the cover member 2 of the twelfth embodiment is larger than the concave/convex pattern 3 of the cover member 2 of the first embodiment. The twelfth embodiment of the swing training device of the present invention shown in Fig.

13 is used in athletic sports such as jogging and the like. For example, in jogging sport, a jogger holds the swing training device of the twelfth embodiment of the present invention in his hand, and swings his arm there with so that the muscles of his arm is well built.

In the drawings, the reference numeral 13 denotes a vent hole.

Within the scope of the present invention: it is possible to make the coil spring 4 variable in strength; a diameter of a spring wire of the coil spring 4 can be gradually increased, or a coil pitch of the coil spring 4 can be gradually reduced, or a coil diameter of the coil spring 4 can be gradually increased or decreased, so that the coil spring 4 assumes any shape such as spiral, cylindrical and the like, whereby the resilient force exerted by the thus formed coil spring 4 increases or decreases as the coil spring 4 is compressed; the cover member 2 and the weight element 6 can be formed into any other shape, size and length with the use of any other material, in addition to those of the cover member 2 and the weight element 6 employed in the above embodiments of the present invention; a shaft-like portion and a head-like portions can be integrally provided in a front-end portion of the grip or swing training device; a unit can be constructed of the straight pipe 1 and the remaining components mounted in the straight pipe 1, the unit being detachably attached to a mount portion of an imitation of a striking means such as golf clubs, baseball bats, tennis rackets, badminton rackets and the like; and the above unit can be merchandised as a general-purpose product.

In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine: the strength and the shape of the coil spring 4; the weight and the configuration of the weight element 6; and the weight and the size of the steel ball element 5, on the basis of the applied kinetics through calculations, whereby an ideal balance is realized in the swing training device of the present invention. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an ideal swing training device for simulating the actions of the golf clubs, baseball bats, tennis rackets, badminton rackets and the like.

Actions of the swing training device of the present invention will be hereinbelow described with reference to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2.

The weight element 6 is supported by the coil springs 4 in a floating manner. However, when centrifugal force axially acts on the weight element 6, the weight element 6 is axially moved against the resilient forces exerted by the coil springs 4. When the weight element 6 is released from the centrifugal force, the weight element 6 returns to its initial position under the influence of the resilient forces exerted by the coil springs 4. Namely, when the swing training device of the present invention is subjected to centrifugal force, both of the weight element 6 and the steel ball elements 5 are axially moved to strongly hit the inner wall of the straight pipe 1 of the swing training device, or to completely compress the coil spring 4, whereby an impact noise is produced in the swing training device of the present invention.

During the back swing portion of a golf swing, and at the top of a golf swing position, the steel ball element 5 and the weight element 6 are substantially not subjected to centrifugal force. Consequently, at this time, no impact noise is produced in the swing training device of the present invention to make it possible that a golf player performs his swing action smoothly.

When the player performs the forward swing portion of the golf swing, centrifugal force is applied to any of the weight element 6 and the steel ball elements 5 so as to axially move any of the weight element 6 and the steel ball elements 5 in one direction. The largest centrifugal force is applied to any of the weight element 6 and the steel ball elements 5 when the golf club hits a golf ball. As a result, the weight element 6 is axially moved to its outermost position in the interior of the straight pipe 1 of the swing training device of the present invention, so that a center of gravity of the swing training device of the present invention axially moves toward the front end thereof.

Consequently, the player can feel the substantially same impact as that produced by a real golf club striking the golf ball.

During the follow through portion of the golf swing, the weight element 6 and the steel ball elements 5 returns to their initial positions under the influence of the resilient forces of the coil springs 4. In a finish of the golf swing, the weight element 6 still axially moved back and forth to vibrate the swing training device itself, whereby the player can enjoy a finishing feeling of the golf swing.

Namely, by the use of the swing training device of the present invention, the player can enjoy the substantially same feeling as that obtained in any portions of the golf swing.

As described above, the swing training device of the present invention is easily used in a narrow space.

In addition, the swing training device of the preset invention is enjoyed by the game player and the jogger in shifting the center of gravity thereof and in producing the substantially same impact and vibration as those produced by the real golf club, racket, baseball bat and the like striking the game ball thereof, when held and swung by the player's hand. In case that the swing form of the golf swing is not correct, an abnormal impact noise is produced in the swing training device of the present invention so as to give the player an warning for correcting his swing form. Through use of the swing training device of the present invention, the user can exercise the muscles of his arm. These are practical effects inherent in the swing training device of the present invention.

In addition, the swing training device of the present invention is adapted to perform a successive rhythmical swing motion such as the golf swing composed of the back swing, forward swing and the follow through portions thereof.

Claims

1. A swing training device comprising an elongate tubular member; a weight means axially slidably mounted in said tubular member; and a pair of coil springs which are disposed in said member adjacent opposite end portions of said member and contacting opposite ends of said weight means so as to support said weight means therebetween in a floating manner, said coil springs exerting resilient forces on the opposite ends of said weight means so as axially to pull or push said weight element in opposite directions to balance said weight means in the interior of said member.

2. A swing training device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein: a plurality of sets of said weight means and said coil springs are axially slidably mounted in said member.

3. A swing training device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein: the or at least one said weight means assumes a rod-like shape.

4. A swing training device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein: the or at least one said weight means assumes a spherical shape.

5. A swing training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein: a substantially spherical element is inserted between at least one said coil spring and said weight means.

6. A swing training device as claimed in Claim 5 wherein said spherical element is a steel ball.

7. A swing training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 6, wherein: a ball element is provided in a position adjacent to an outermost end of at least one said coil spring so as to be brought into contact with said outermost end of said coil spring.

8. A swing training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein: at least one said coil spring is a compression spring.

9. A swing training device as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 8, wherein: at least one said coil spring is a tension spring.

10. A swing training device as claimed In Claim 5 or any of Claims 6 to 9 when appendant to Claim 5, wherein: a plurality of said coil springs are so provided as to sandwich said spherical element therebetween.

11. A swing training device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein: said member is a double-walled member housing an annular hollow portion between said walls, and said weight means is substantially tubular and is axially slidably mounted in said annular hollow postion of said member together with said coil spring.

12. A swing training device comprising: an elongate tubular member; a weight means axially slidably mounted in said member; and resilient means in said member for resisting sliding movement of said weight means in opposite directions.