GB2482105A

GB2482105A - A golf swing training aid with an elongate member for coupling to a club shaft

Info

Publication number: GB2482105A
Application number: GB1007264.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Firth
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-04-30
Filing date: 2010-04-30
Publication date: 2012-01-25
Also published as: GB201007264D0

Abstract

A golf swing training aid for providing visual and tactile to a golfer comprising a coupling 610 for connection to a shaft of the golf club, a boom member 620 connected to the coupling 610 and extending in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the shaft, an elongate indicator member 640 supported on the boom 620 and capable of being orientated so that its longitudinal axis is parallel to that of the shaft and at least one clutch member 622 and 642 between the indicator 640 and the coupling 610 to allow the indicator 640 to be displaced upon impact with a users body. The clutch mechanism 622 and 642 may comprise a hinge with 3 plates with serrated edges which can be tightened by a nut and bolt. The lengths of the boom 620 and the indicator 640 may be adjustable and the indicator 640 may be telescopic. The device can be used to provide feedback on the form of a users swing and the clutch mechanism 622 and 642 provides a safety means.

Description

GOLF SWING TRAINING AID

[0001] The present invention relates to sports training equipment and more specifically to a golf training aid.

[0002] Golf is a game in which good physical form is the key to good performance, and more important than athletic ability. The proper fundamentals of the required form must be learnt in order for the golfer to develop the co-ordinated movement for a good golf swing. To assist in efficient learning, learning theory teaches that the learner needs to be provided with immediate, accurate and reliable feedback. In the area of golf training, a considerable number of training aids have been invented with the objective of assisting the golfer in the development of the required co-ordinated movements by providing performance feedback which the golfer would not have in the absence of such training aids. Indeed, much practice without suitable feedback often ingrains bad habits that have to be corrected at a later stage thus further reducing the effectiveness of a golfer's practice time.

[0003] The requirement for devices to give feedback during golf practice comes from the fact that the nature of the golf swing means that much of the physical motions take place outside the scope of vision of the golfer. Indeed, one of the fundamental requirements of a good golf swing is the fact that the golfer focuses visual attention on the ball from address until the point of impact.

[0004] A golfer's swing actions prior to and following hitting a golfball using a golf club may take a number of different forms. A typical stroke begins with the club in an address' position where the leading edge of the head of the club is positioned behind the golf ball with the shaft of the club lying in or close to a substantially vertical plane.

The club is then swung backwards (back swing phase') to a position behind the golfer, to a top of back swing' position. The club is then swung through the address position where the head strikes the ball.

[0005] US41 70356 discloses an attachment in the form of a small rod fixed at right angles to the shaft of a club just below the grip. When the golfer has completed the back swing the tip of the rod touches a golfer's shoulder to indicate that a complete back swing has been made. This prevents over-swinging' of the club past the required parallel-to-target top of back swing' position.

[0006] US4682775 discloses an attachment to the club shaft in the form of a rod that is angled back such as to almost make contact with the golfer's rear leg at a position between the ankle and knee. This allows a golfer to ensure that he does not open the clubface up during the downswing as such a condition would cause the rod to make contact with the leg. Such a condition is undesirable as it leads to slicing' of the ball that causes the ball to bend in flight instead of travelling straight.

[0007] U53918721 discloses an attachment in the form of a flexible and shapeable feeler' fixed at the top of the grip and extending beyond the top of the grip. The feeler is positioned such as to barely miss contact with the left forearm of a right-handed golfer when the ball is being addressed. The feeler provides several functions as regards non-contact and contact with various parts of the golfers arms throughout a correct back swing and down swing.

[0008] U54145054 discloses an attachment to a club fixed to the shaft just below the grip shaft and angled back above the golfer's hands to be set in a central position between both forearms at address. During a correctly executed golf swing the rod will not make contact with the forearms, but when an error in the swing is made then contact indicates the point in the swing when that error was made.

[0009] U55846143 discloses an attachment to a club fixed to the lower part of the grip and angled back above the golfer's hands, the device provides a rest' against which the forearms contact at the top of the back swing and at the completion of the follow-through on a correctly executed golf swing.

[0010] U57455595 discloses a golf training aid adapted to be worn by a user. The training aid includes a forearm support secured to the leading forearm of the golfer.

Rotatatively mounted to the forearm support is an arm that extends past the hands of the golfer. Secured by the remote end of the arm is a shaft retainer that receives and holds the golf club shaft while the golf club is gripped and held by the golfer. The arm extending from the forearm support to the shaft retainer permits rotation of the arm about a first axis, but generally prevents or limits movement of the arm except about the first axis.

[0011] According to the disclosure the restrictions to movement imposed by the arm generally prevent the golfer from flipping his hands during the impact portion of the swing. That is, during the impact portion of the swing at least, the back of the leading hand apparently remains generally fixed with respect to the adjacent forearm.

[0012] W02006/055775 discloses a golf training apparatus that includes an elongated shaft having a clamp attached to an end thereof which is adapted to be removably attached to the shaft of a golf club so that the training apparatus shaft and the golf club shaft are disposed in spaced apart parallel relation. The training apparatus elongated shaft has first and second shafts slidably disposed for telescopic length adjustment and a handle is provided on the elongated shaft to allow a user to execute swings of the golf club by means of the elongated shaft.

[0013] US4819944 discloses a golf club swing training device having a shaft with a grip at one end and a weight at the other, and a second lower grip parallel to the first, attached to the shaft between the first grip and the weight and offset from the first grip.

According to the disclosure, by swinging the device in a swing similar to that of a golfer the correct muscle memory is built up to enable the golfer to swing a golf club in a natural and correct manner.

[0014] The device of US4819944 is therefore similar to that of WO2006/055775 in purpose and manner of operation.

[0015] W093/22009 discloses a gold swing training device attachable to the shaft of a gold club to promote proper positioning of the arms during the golf swing.

[0016] US7244187 discloses a training aid for attachment to a putter having an elongate member with a ball at its end adapted to contact the golfers arm, sternum or, when formed with a Y-piece at its end, each shoulder, whereby the tactile contact of the ball assists correct swing action.

[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a golf swing training device that assists training both of a full swing for the purpose of distance and chipping shots, as well as short swings for putting purposes. Moreover, it is an object to provide a training device that provides both tactile and visual cues, depending on the application, but which will not damage the equipment or hurt the trainee in the event of impact with the body of the trainee.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf swing training aid for providing visual and tactile feedback to a golfer comprising: a boom member arranged to be coupled to a shaft of a golf club such that the boom member projects in a direction away from a longitudinal axis of the shaft, and an elongate indicator member supported on the boom member and arranged in an orientation whereby a longitudinal axis of the of the indicator member can be substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the aid including at least one clutch member between the indicator member and the shaft when connected thereto whereby the indicator member is displaceable relative to the shaft in the event of an impact of the indicator member with the body of a user.

[0019] The spatial separation of the support for the indicator member on the boom member and the coupling to the shaft may be adjustable. Other than the connection to the boom member, the indicator member is free and, in use, is arranged to be spaced from, or only in contact with and not connected to, the body of the trainee.

[0020] An advantage of the present invention is that it provides instructional value on many aspects of the golf swing and includes teaching value in almost all variations in strokes and club selection, even including instructional value in the putting stroke. Most of the training aids developed in the past have emphasised just a few particular aspects of the swing. A further advantage is that the combination of tactile and visual feedback (including peripheral vision) allows the golfer to focus more on the ball position allowing the golfer to generally maintain the normal head position and sense of balance of a normal swing. Still a further advantage is to visually amplify the position of the wrists, the position of which plays a crucial role throughout the golf swing. Such is the extent of feedback provided by the present invention that it is able to speed up the learning process of the golfer during practice sessions by grooving the correct positions and swing motions into muscle memory'.

[0021] The present invention differs from U57455595 in that U57455595 teaches to secure an end of an arm of the aid to the forearm of the user. The purpose of the aid is to prevent flipping' of the wrists of the user.

[0022] In embodiments of the present invention the elongate indicator member is coupled only to the shaft of the golf club and not to the user in addition to the shaft.

This allows an aid according to embodiments of the present invention to be used in a wider variety of training situations.

[0023] In terms of prevention of a flipping action being executed by the user's wrists, U57455595 seeks to prevent this by physical restraint whereas embodiments of the present invention provide feedback to the user that flipping is occurring without a requirement to impose a physical restraint. Thus embodiments of the invention are less intrusive and require fewer physical components than the aid described in U57455595.

[0024] Preferably the device is further operable to allow an axial position of the indicator member with respect to the boom member to be adjusted. This may be accomplished by the indicator device being telescopic. Alternatively, the device may be operable to allow an axial position of the indicator member to be adjusted by sliding the indicator member in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the indicator member.

[0025] One or more of the following features that may be present in a training aid according to the present invention: * the clutch member comprises the support of the indicator member on the boom member.

* the clutch member comprises an indicator hinge between the indicator member and the boom member having an indicator axis of rotation perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the boom member.

* the indicator rotation axis is perpendicular the golf club shaft axis when the aid is coupled thereto.

* the clutch member comprises the connection between the boom and the coupling.

* the clutch member comprises a boom hinge between the coupling and the boom member having a boom axis of rotation perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the boom member.

* the boom rotation axis is parallel the golf club shaft axis when the aid is coupled thereto.

* the hinge comprises two plates having a central aperture through which a nut and bolt passes to interconnect the plates and form the hinge, the rotation axis being the axis of the bolt.

* serrations are provided between the plates inhibiting mutual rotation of the plates around said rotation axis.

* bias means in the hinge keep the serrations effective even when said nut and bolt is partially loosened.

* said bias means comprises an elastomeric washer between said plates, which washer is deformed by said serrations on tightening of said nut and bolt.

* the hinge further comprises a third plate, a slot being defined between first and third ones of the plates in which the second plate is a sliding fit.

* said first and third pates are connected to one member on one side of the hinge, and the second pate is connected to another member on the other side of the hinge, the slot between the first and third plates being biased apart, whereby tightening of the bolt clamps the second plate between the first and third plates.

* said bias is provided by the material of the first and third pates and the connection thereof to said one member.

* said nut and bolt each have a hand grip for manual adjustment of the tightness of the hinge.

* the axial position of the indicator member with respect to the boom member is

adjustable.

* with the boom member coupled to a shaft of a golf club the indicator member is of sufficient length to make light contact with the player's body above the leading hip of the golfer in an address position when the coupling is below a location of the club at which a player grips the club.

* the indicator member comprises a hollow rod member.

* the indicator member is provided with at least one marker element arranged to enhance a user's awareness of the position of a particular portion of the indicator member relative to another portion.

* a marker element is provided at a free end of the indicator member.

* a length of the indicator member is adjustable.

* the length of the indicator member is adjustable by means of a telescopic action.

* the coupling allows the boom member to be attached to the shaft at any angular position about the longitudinal axis of a shaft.

* the coupling comprises a clamp member.

* the indicator member is arranged to be positioned so as to extend away from the boom member in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis of the indicator member.

* the indicator member is removably attachable to the boom member.

* the indicator member is removably attachable to the boom member by means of a clamp member.

* the indicator member is removably attachable to the boom member such that the indicator member may be released form the boom member without damage to the aid if a suitable force is applied to the indicator member in a direction lateral of the longitudinal axis of the indicator member, thereby to prevent injury to a user.

* the clamp member comprises at least one resiliently flexible jaw element, the clamp member being arranged to clamp the indicator member by means of a snap-lock action.

* the clamp member has a substantially C-shaped inner wall arranged to abut the indicator member when the indicator member is received by the clamp member.

* with the boom member clamped to a shaft of a golf club the indicator member is of sufficient length to make light contact with the player's body above the leading hip of the golfer in an address position.

* with the boom member clamped to a shaft of a golf club the indicator member is of sufficient length to make light contact with a front of the player's body around the belt area of the golfer in the address position.

* the clamp position is below a location of the club at which a player grips the club.

* the clamp position is above a location of the club at which a player grips the club.

* the indicator member is resiliently flexible.

* the indicator member is arranged to flex when contact is made with a golfer's body thereby to prevent injury.

* the indicator member comprises a rod member.

* the boom member is substantially hollow.

* a marker element is provided at a free end of the indicator member.

* at least one marker element is provided at a location away from the free end of the indicator member.

* the marker element is provided with a different colour to that of a portion of a surface of the indicator member away from the marker member.

* the length of the indicator member is adjustable by attachment or detachment of one or more elongate indicator member elements to one another.

* the indicator member elements are connectable to one another by means of coupling elements.

* at least one coupling element comprises a marker member.

* the indicator member is formed from a resiliently flexible plastics material.

* the boom member is formed from a plastics member.

* the boom member is provided with a plurality of indicia arranged to allow a distance of the indicator member form the golf club shaft to be set to one of a plurality of prescribed values.

* the boom member is provided with a slide member whereby the distance of the indicator member from the golf club shaft may be adjusted.

* the length of the boom member between the coupling and the indicator member

is adjustable.

* the boom member is connected to the coupling by a C-clamp on the coupling that clamps the boom member at a position along its length to the coupling.

* the boom member comprises cross bores and in which the C-clamp is pressed into engagement with the boom member against the coupling by a bolt that passes through one of said cross bores.

* the indicator member is provided with a plurality of indicia arranged to allow an axial position of the indicator member with respect the boom member to be moved from a first prescribed position to a second prescribed position axially spaced from the fist prescribed position.

* the aid is provided with a shaft clamp member whereby the aid may be attached to the shaft of a golf club, preferably removably attached.

* an angle of the longitudinal axis of the indicator member with respect to the boom member may be changed by rotation of the indicator member about at least one axis of rotation.

* the axis of rotation is at least one selected from amongst an axis parallel to a longitudinal axis of a golf club shaft to which the device is to be attached, and at least one of a pair of mutually orthogonal axes perpendicular to said longitudinal axis of the golf club.

* the aid comprises an aid attachment member arranged to allow the aid to be attached to a shaft of a golf club.

* the aid attachment member is arranged to allow the aid to be removably attachable to the shaft of the golf club.

* the aid attachment member is arranged to allow the boom member to be rotated with respect to the aid attachment member about a longitudinal axis of a shaft of a golf club to which the aid is attached, the aid attachment member remaining in a substantially fixed position with respect to the shaft.

* the aid attachment member comprises a clamp member.

[0026] In a second aspect of the invention there is provided a golf club fitted with an aid according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0027] When fitted, the golf club and aid may have the following features: * the golf club is arranged whereby the boom member extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to a leading edge of a head of the club.

* the boom member extends from the shaft of the club in a direction forward of the leading edge of the head of the club.

* the boom member extends in a direction substantially parallel to the leading edge of the head of the club.

* the indicator member is arranged to extend beyond a butt of the club.

* the indicator member is arranged to make contact with a sternum area of a golfer's chest when the golfer is holding the golf club in the address position.

[0028] Preferably the aid is used whereby the end of indicator member lies substantially midway between arms of the golfer, or contacts the sternum of the golfer, or contacts the leading hip of the golfer.

[0029] Preferably the aid arranged to allow the training device to be configured for use by right-and left-hand players alike by virtue of its symmetry of shape and alternative positioning of attachment capability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which: FIGURE 1 shows a training aid having some features of the present invention; FIGURE 2 illustrates the use of a training aid of Figure 1 in the address position ready for a forward press or straight back take-away; FIGURE 3 illustrates the use of the training aid in practising the one-piece take-away; FIGURE 4 illustrates the use of the training aid in the position where the club should be parallel to the target line, just before wrist set commences; FIGURE 5 illustrates the use of the training aid in the position where the setting of the wrists should be complete; FIGURE 6 illustrates the use of the training aid at the top of the back swing; FIGURE 7 illustrates the use of the training aid to get on the correct downswing plane; FIGURE 8 illustrates the use of the training aid to check that the impact position is correct in particular ensuring that the wrists have not pronated at impact; FIGURE 9 illustrates the training aid indicator rod either clearing or making possible light and momentary contact with the side of the body during the correct through swing after a correct impact position; FIGURES ha to c show a golfer, respectively, in a position prior to swing through of a putting shot, in an address position for a putting shot (also the contact position during the putting shot); and in a position following a swing-through action of the putting shot; FIGURE 12 shows an embodiment of the invention; FIGURE 13 shows a close up of the coupling of the device shown in Figure 12; FIGURE 14 is an exploded view of a hinge of the aid of FIG. 12; and FIGURES iSa to f show perspective views of further embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Referring to FIG. 1 a training aid 100 is shown. The aid 100 has a boom member 120 having a club clamp 110 at a first end arranged to couple the aid 100 to a shaft of a golf club. The club clamp 110 is arranged to secure the aid 100 to the shaft at a point below where hands of a golfer grip the club.

[0032] The aid 100 is also provided with a slide member 130 arranged to be slidable along a portion of a length of the boom member 120, the slide member 130 being arranged to be fixed at a required position by a user. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the club clamp 110 is provided with screw fixings 116 to fix the aid 100 to a golf club shaft.

[0033] The slide member 130 is arranged to support an elongate indicator member 140. In the embodiment of FIG. 1 the indicator member 140 is in the form of a hollow rod. The indicator member may be positioned in a required configuration with respect to the slide member 130 by releasing screw fixings 136, sliding the indicator member in an axial direction and tightening the screw fixings 136. In the embodiment shown, releasing the fixings 136 also releases the slide member 130 to slide along the boom member 120.

[0034] With reference to the embodiment of FIG. 1, in use the boom member 120 is positioned to be 90 degrees to the leading edge of the face of the club head and screws 116 are tightened. With screws 116 finger tight, the position of the indicator member 140 is adjusted by hand in directions 101, 102 so that a tip of the indicator member 140 is positioned so as just to make light contact with the golfer's body just above the hip with the golfer holding the club 50 in the address position as shown in FIG. 2.

[0035] The precise positions of the slider member 130 and indicator member 140 (which may be referred to as set up positions') depend upon the ball position in the address position and as the ball position varies with different types of clubs then so the set up will need to be altered slightly to accommodate the changes. In addition, different golf teachers may have different preferences for the set up and these can be accommodated by adjusting the aid 100.

[0036] Throughout the swing the position of the indicator member 140 and its tip 145 (upper free end with respect to the club 50 in the address position) will reflect the angular position of the club 50 in relation to the arms and body and also will amplify any movement in the wrists. This is found to be of immense value to a golfer practicing golfing shots.

[0037] Referring to FIG. 2, the training aid 100 may be used with the club 50 in the address position to ensure the club 50 is set square to the ball. There is a possibility for the club shaft 55 to not be set square to the intended line of flight of the ball if this position is not checked. If the hands incorrectly lead' ahead of the club head 58 at address then the indicator member 140 will not rest at the point just above the hips on the side of the body. The indicator member 140 will also physically stop the club head 58 from being placed ahead of the hands because the indicator member 140 will press against the side of the golfer resisting any tendency for the hands to incorrectly lead ahead of the club head 58.

[0038] The club head 58 is considered to be placed ahead of the hands when the club head 58 is closer to the target than the hands. For example, with the golfer viewed face on in the orientation shown in FIG. 2 (i.e. the golfer is viewed along a direction perpendicular to a direction from the ball to the target), if the club head 58 is placed ahead of the hands the club head 58 would appear to be closer to the target than the hands of the golfer.

[0039] In the correct address position (shown in FIG. 2) the club head 58 is not closer to the target than the hands of the golfer and the indicator member 140 lightly touches the side of the body above the hips (referred as "the hip" in the appended claims). It is to be understood that abutment of the indicator member 140 against the body of the golfer prevents the club head 58 from being placed ahead of the hands of the golfer as described above.

[0040] In this mode of use, an aid 100 according to embodiments of the invention will promote the keeping of the arms and wrists still whilst club 50 movement is generated by the rocking of the shoulders. With the correct rocking motion the indicator member will stay in contact with the golfer's rib cage and work itself around towards the back of the rib cage on the follow through of the stroke.

[0041] For a forward press from the address position shown in FIG. 2, the indicator member will stay in contact with the body while the forward press is carried out with a slight whole body sway.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 3 a training aid according to embodiments of the invention supports the teaching of the one piece takeaway' in which the shoulders, arms and body all turn together as the initial motion in the golf swing up until the position shown.

In this move, the indicator member should still be making contact with the golfer's side if the move is being carried out correctly.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4 the training aid 100 supports the checking of the correct position of the club in the takeaway just before wrist setting commences. In this position the indicator member should be parallel to the target line, if it is not then the club is drifting off the correct swing plane and needs to be corrected. To view this position it is only necessary to practice a move and stop in this position to make the check, peripheral vision can be used for this while the main focus is on the ball as it should be in the normal swing.

[0044] From the position shown in FIG. 4 a practice drill to develop the feel of the correct and connected swing-through to the all important impact area with the ball can be carried out. From the starting position as shown in FIG. 4 a practice mini-swing' is carried out through the impact point and up to the opposite position in the through swing (as shown in FIG. 9) and back, repeating this over and over again. When done correctly the indicator member 140 will barely if at all make contact with the side of the body just above the hip on the through swing. The main concern in this drill is to let the arms respond naturally to the movement of the body, it is the body that is swinging the arms and the club 50 and not just the arms alone taking the lead in the swinging of the club 50.

[0045] Referring to FIG. 5 the training aid 100 supports checking of the alignment of the club 50 at the completion of wrist setting in order to keep the clubhead 58 on the correct plane. The wrists should be fully set when the leading arm is approximately parallel to the ground and in this position the indicator member 140 should point down to the ball to target line which is an imaginary line that extends from the target back and through the ball. If the indicator member 140 is pointing substantially away from this line then the club head 58 is not following the correct swing plane on the backswing and needs to be corrected. Ordinarily, in this position the angle of the club shaft 55 is hidden from the golfer's view and could therefore be off plane without the golfer even being aware and thinking that the correct plane is being followed. This is where bad habits can quickly be built up as the motion begins to feel normal' whether it is correct or not, simply by the repetition of the motion. The indicator member 140 of the training aid 100 however stays in peripheral view while the golfer's focus remains on the ball.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 6 the indicator member 140 is now out of sight of the peripheral vision of the practising golfer. However, the indicator member 140 can be used by the golfer taking the decision to stop the back swing as soon as the indicator member 140 is out of peripheral view.

[0047] At the point at which the indicator member goes out of view the club 50 will not actually be at the top of the back swing but it will be significantly before this position is reached. However, the function it serves is to prevent swinging past the position of having the club 50 parallel to the target line at the top of the back swing which is a serious error.

[0048] As the conscious decision to stop the back swing is made as soon as the indicator member 140 goes out of view, the club 50 will keep moving back due to the momentum in the motion and will actually stop at approximately the correct position at the top of the back swing.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 7 the training aid 100 allows for peripheral vision to check that the down swing has entered the downswing plane that is at a shallower angle than the plane of the back swing. It is fundamentally incorrect for the downswing to follow the same plane as the back swing, instead a shallower plane is required in order to ensure a square attack on the ball comes from the inside and not from outside the ball-to-target-line. As the indicator member 140 projects beyond the top of the grip, when the downswing is commenced it is the first thing to come into the peripheral view of the golfer. To ensure a flattened plane, the indicator member should appear to be coming into view at approximately a 45 degree angle to the ball.

[0050] To practice getting on this correct plane the golfer should carry out the swing with deliberation and then stop the swing at this point when the indicator member 140 comes into view.

[0051] Although not show in the Figures, the next step would be to check for what is known as the delivery position. This is the position where the arms in the downswing are substantially at their lowest point but the wrists are still cocked just prior to club 50 release. In this stage of the swing, the indicator member 140 should be pointing towards the direction of intended ball travel and from the line of sight of the golfer it will approximately line up with the imaginary ball to target line which extends outwards on both sides of the ball. A check for this can therefore be made with a practice swing executed and stopped at this point in the swing.

[0052] Referring to FIG. 8 the training aid allows for a final check on the swing around the point of impact with the ball. Before and at impact the wrists should not have broken down (pronated) but rather remain supernated at impact. If the wrists do break down significantly then the club head will be ahead of the hands at impact and the indicator rod will make contact with the golfer before contact with the ball is made. This condition is also associated with the problem known as early release' of the wrists during the downswing.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, if the through swing after impact has been carried out correctly, the indicator rod on the training aid makes light brushing' contact in a downward direction or even no contact at all with the golfer's body before coming out in front and clearing the golfer's body. Factors affecting this are the golfer's correct hip turn through the impact point (known as the clearing of the hips') and the correct action of the arms, especially with regards to the left arm folding just after both arms have straightened out after the point of impact.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 10 the training aid allows for a final check to be made at the completion of the downswing as the indicator rod is again in the peripheral vision of the golfer. In this position a check can be made to ensure that the angle of the club is approximately square across the middle of the back of the golfer's head. The projection of the indicator rod which is parallel to the club shaft allows this check to be made.

[0055] It is to be understood that an advantage of an aid according to embodiments of the invention is that it is very flexible in set up and can therefore be configured to accommodate a very wide range of teaching scenarios. For example, the aid can be used to teach normal golf swing when driving a ball a considerable distance, chipping (where the ball is chipped a relatively short distance) and putting, where the ball is also moved a relatively short distance compared with normal golf swing.

[0056] These benefits come from the fact that in some embodiments the indicator member can be positioned in space relative to the shaft of the club with multiple degrees of freedom, for example 2, 3, 4 or more degrees of freedom.

[0057] In some embodiments having at least three degrees of freedom these degrees may correspond to (1) the distance of the elongated member from the golf club shaft along a direction normal to the shaft, which is adjusted by moving the slider member along the boom member 120; (2) an axial position of the indicator member 140 with respect to the boom member 120, adjusted by sliding the indicator member 140 parallel to its longitudinal axis so that a tip 145 of the indicator member 140 closest to the butt 51 of the club 50 varies in distance away from the butt of the club; and (3) a rotational position of the boom member 120 about the golf club shaft 55. In some embodiments the boom member 120 may be positioned at any rotational position of the club shaft (360° rotation).

[0058] Other degrees of freedom are also useful, such as an angle between the boom member 120 and the golf club shaft 55 and/or an angle between the boom member 120 and the indicator member 140.

[0059] The flexibility in set up to provide a range of visual and tactile feedback allows the invention to be used in a variety of configurations including certain configurations that achieve a similar or improved effect to those of some known practice aids described above. This is in addition to creating new configurations (or modes) of use as described herein that have currently not been possible without the use of an aid according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] One area of use of an aid according to embodiments of the present invention is to provide feedback to a player at around the point of impact of the club head 58 with the ball and the immediate through-swing from the point of impact. In this area not only is it preferable that the hands are positioned slightly forward of the ball and the point of impact of the club head 58 against the ball, but also that on the immediate through-swing the arms should be extended and the wrists rolled after impact.

[0061] This is known as arm extension through the ball. The set up of the training aid in the mode where the boom member 120 is oriented substantially perpendicular to the leading edge of the club 58 (i.e. the indicator member 140 is positioned towards the target at the address position relative to the golf club shaft 55, the indicator member being oriented substantially parallel to the club shaft 55) encourages the extension of the arms during the through-swing phase of play in order to avoid contact of the indicator member 140 with the golfer's body.

[0062] It is to be understood that a suitable position of the indicator member 140 with respect to the club shaft 55 to give best results may be determined by a suitably qualified golf professional and can be included in training material provided with the training aid 100.

[0063] The configuration of aids according to the present invention as described above in which the boom member 120 is aligned substantially perpendicular to a leading edge of a face of the club head 58 such that the indicator member 140 is located towards a target of the ball with respect to the shaft 55 of the club 50 may be described as a general set up' or normal set up' configuration or mode.

[0064] This configuration offers substantial advantages over known devices as described above and below.

[0065] A further use of the invention is the development of a late release' technique.

This is a technique where un-cocking of the wrists during the downswing phase (from top of back swing to address positions of the club 50) is delayed as late as possible.

This is widely recognised as a key to powerful shots since it is understood to maximise a speed of the club head 58.

[0066] Training in this playing technique is facilitated in the normal set up mode of the training aid 100 as described above. From the top of the back swing the golfer aims to drive the tip of the indicator member 140 and then the length of the indicator member 140 through the sight-line of the ball along the ball to target line. This mental picture (which can also be rehearsed as a training drill') assists the golfer in ensuring that the wrists stay cocked right up until the point that the hands are ahead of the ball.

[0067] This is a component aspect of the ideal delivery position' of the golfer and club with respect to one another and to the ball.

[0068] The wrists will be forced to release the club head 58 towards the ball during an actual swing at the ball (due at least in part to centrifugal forces generated during the down swing).

[0069] One of the key aspects of this training mode is that the golfer's mental picture described above can actually be held in mind whilst practicing and even during a round of golf which gives teaching advantages even when the training aid 100 is not attached to the club 50.

[0070] Other mental pictures from other modes of use can also be used to extend the teaching capability of the aid even when it is not attached to the golf club 50. This is because the images are ingrained in the mind and are triggered by the various physical positions such that this can act as a guide in the mind to confirm that the correct positions are being achieved. This would more typically be during a practice stroke or some pre-shot routine that many of the top golfers can be seen carrying out before actually making the shot.

[0071] Other set ups of the aid 100 accommodate teaching in more than just the normal full golf swing (or part swing, e.g. quarter swing, half swing and three-quarter swing etc), for example chipping and putting, bunker shots and lob shots that require different set ups to the normal golf swing. A selection of these will now be described.

[0072] In chipping, the keeping of the club shaft 55 essentially parallel to the leading forearm is important and this can be ensured by setting up the training aid 100 so that there is contact by the indicator member 140 with the forearm. This can be the leading or lagging forearm of the stroke for example, but preferably the leading one. Contact can also be arranged to occur on the inside or the outside of the forearm.

[0073] In order to facilitate this set up the rotational position of the boom member 120 may need to be rotated slightly away from the normal set up to make suitable contact between the indicator member 140 and the golfer's forearm. Clearly, this mode of use facilitates tactile rather than visual feedback.

[0074] In putting, positioning of the boom member 120 substantially perpendicular to the position of the boom member 120 in the normal set up mode enables the indicator member 140 to be adjusted such that its upper tip comes in contact with the golfer's sternum 60 in the normal putting set up position (FIG. 11 b).

[0075] In some configurations such as that shown in FIG. lib the boom member 120 is oriented substantially parallel to the leading edge of a face of the putter club.

[0076] During the putting stroke the tip 145 of the indicator member 140 should remain in contact with the golfer's sternum 60 and the indicator member remain central to the arms. By doing this the so-called triangulation of the arms and shoulders is maintained to facilitate a good putting stroke. In other words it will encourage the rocking of the shoulders to create the putting stroke. Any deviation from the correct putting stroke would be immediately apparent by either the breaking away of the tip 145 of the indicator member 140 from the sternum 60 or non-central alignment of the indicator member 140 between the arms of the golfer during the putting stroke.

[0077] FIG. 11 a shows a position of the golfer and golf club 50 after swinging the club away from the ball from the position shown in FIG. 11 b prior to executing a through swing to strike the ball, the aid 100 assisting the golfer in maintaining substantially constant relative orientations and positions of the golfer's arms and shoulders with respect to one another and to the golf club 50 by means of abutment of the indicator member 140 with the sternum 60 of the golfer at a substantially fixed position of the sternum 60.

[0078] FIG. 11 c shows a position of the golfer after executing a through swing from the position of FIG. ha through the position of FIG. lib, maintaining the tip 145 of the indicator member 140 in abutment with the sternum 60 throughout the range of positions of the club.

[0079] In carrying out the key steps of the normal golf swing, there could be some comment from some professional teachers that the swing plane in which the club shaft moves due to pointing of the elongated member at the ball-to-target line is not technically correct.

[0080] The swing plane will be slightly steeper than that in which the club 50 would move if the butt of the club 50 pointed towards the ball-to-target line (which is part of some traditional swing plane teaching philosophies). However, some teachers would say that the swing plane is not exact and that there are allowable deviations from the ideal' swing plane that would not cause any detriment to the swing (this has been referred to be some as a corridor of success' for the swing plane).

[0081] Furthermore, some teachers would say that having a slightly more vertical swing plane during the back-swing is preferable to a more laid-off' swing which would have a slightly flatter back swing plane. So in this sense the training aid 100 when used as a swing plane trainer actually encourages the safest swing plane position to be assumed by the club 50.

[0082] However, should the golfer require that the butt of the club 50 actually points to the ball-to-target line then it would merely be a matter of creating another reference line (either real or imaginary) outside the actual ball-to-target line that would flatten the plane sufficiently to create the required angle at the half way back position in the golf swing. Once this has been calibrated', it can then be practised by pointing the elongated member at that line rather than the true ball-to-target line.

[0083] As a variation on this and for practising the more specialty shots that may require a more vertical back swing and down swing, this secondary reference line could actually be placed at inside the ball-to-target line (using a marker member, e.g. an elongate marker member) rather than outside it in order to steepen the plane of the back swing. This might be more typical for example in the practicing of bunker shots or lob shots.

[0084] Therefore it is clear that the merits of the invention include providing immediate visual feedback form peripheral vision rather than providing precise positioning information in relation to the back swing plane relative to the ball-to-target line.

[0085] Furthermore, the visual and tactile feedback offered and the flexibility of set up in relation to the golf shaft makes the invention suitable for golf tuition in a wide range of styles. At the most fundamental it is even suitable for such opposing swing theories as the one-plane and two-plane swing as they are known that is currently the subject of much debate in the golfing world.

[0086] Although the main source of visual and tactile feedback would appear to come from the indicator member 140, the boom member 120 can also be used as a reference in terms of visual and tactile feedback. For example, the position of the boom member 120 relative to feet of a golfer as the golfer looks down may be used as a reference to confirm a correct set up position. Furthermore, such a set up would enable the golfer not to over-swing during the back-swing phase since the boom member 120 could be arranged to come into contact with the golfer's back. This could be achieved by repositioning the boom member 120 at a position rotated one hundred and eighty degrees away from the position in which it is placed in the normal set up mode, and the indicator member 140 detached from the boom member 120.

[0087] In some embodiments, the indicator member 140 is variable in length. In some embodiments a jointing element (not shown) is used to connect indicator member elements together to extend a length of the indicator member 140. This feature also facilitates storage of the aid since the indicator member 140 may be disassembled to reduce its overall length.

[0088] Various means of attaching the boom of the invention to the golf club can be envisaged. Preferably the means for attachment is arranged not to interfere with the golfer's gripping of the club 50 and the aid 100 is sufficiently strong that the aid 100 will not move significantly during the execution of the golf swing. Attachment can be either to the grip of the club 50 or to the shaft 55 of the club 50 away from the grip.

[0089] In some embodiments indicia are provided on the boom member 120 so as to enable the set up of a position of the slider member 130 to be repeated in a rapid manner.

[0090] The indicator member 140 may also be provided with indicia, so as to position the indicator member 140 axially relative to the boom member 120 at a prescribed position in a reproducible manner. Other locations of indicia may also be useful, such as on a shaft of the golf club 55 to facilitate rotational alignment of the boom member 120 about the club shaft. In embodiments in which the attachment means of the boom member 120 to the shaft 55 is an attachment with a rotator mechanism whereby the boom member 120 is movable relative to a portion of the attachment member fixedly attached to the shaft 55, indicia may be provided to allow the rotational position of the boom member 120 about the shaft 55 to be reproducibly set.

[0091] Preferably the means for attaching the aid to the club 50 is such that attachment and detachment may be effected rapidly, for example by means of a quick-release mechanism. This allows the aid to be fitted to different clubs during the course of play.

[0092] The tip 145 of the indicator member 140 may be colour differentiated from the remainder of the indicator member in order to assist a user in detecting the location of the indicator member 140 (and thereby the golf club 50), for example using peripheral vision.

[0093] Further colour or other differentiation markings may be provided at one or more locations along a length of the indicator member 140 to assist a user in readily detecting an angular plane in which the indicator member 140 (and thereby the golf club 50) lies.

[0094] In some embodiments the indicator member 140 has a fixed length of from around 30cm to 150cm, preferably around 50cm to around 100cm, more preferably around 60cm.

[0095] In some embodiments the length of the indicator member 140 may be changed from around 30cm to around 150cm or more, preferably from around 30cm to around 120cm. Other length variations are also useful. In embodiments having a plurality of indicator member elements the elements may be around 5cm in length.

[0096] In some embodiments the boom member 120 has a length of from around 15cm to around 30cm. Other lengths are also useful. In some embodiments the position of the indicator member 140 with respect to a longitudinal axis of the golf club is adjustable in the range from around 1cm to around 30cm, optionally from around 2 cm to around 20cm. Other ranges of adjustment are also useful.

[0097] FIGURE 12 shows an embodiment of the invention in which an aid 600 is provided having an indicator member 640 that is hingedly coupled to a boom member 620 which is in turn hingedly coupled to a coupling 610 in the form of a clamp.

[0098] The indicator member 640 is arranged to be adjustable in length by means of a telescopic action. The length of the boom member 620 could be similarly telescopic or otherwise adjustable in length.

[0099] The boom member 620 is coupled to the clamp member 610 in such a manner as to allow the boom member 620 to project away from a shaft of a golf club to which the clamp member 610 is attached in use. A boom hinge 622 is provided between the clamp member 610 and the boom member 620 allowing the boom member 620 to rotate about an axis 621 substantially normal to the boom member 620 and parallel to the shaft (axis 51) of the golf club (not shown) to which the aid 600 is attached.

[00100] An indicator hinge 642 is arranged to allow the indicator member 640 to rotate about an indicator hinge axis 641 substantially normal to a longitudinal axis of the boom member 620 and to the longitudinal axis 51 of the shaft of the golf club.

[00101] The hinge couplings 622, 642 are arranged to allow the clamp member 610 and boom member 620, and the boom member 620 and indicator member 640 to be rotated with respect to one another by applying a sufficiently high torque to the couplings by physical manipulation of the clamp member 610 and boom member 620 or boom member 620 and indicator member 640. Thus, the couplings 622, 642 are arranged to provide a clutch action.

[00102] In use, if a portion of the aid 600 strikes a user, such as the indicator member 640, the coupling 642 between the indicator member 640 and the boom member 620 is arranged to allow relative rotation of the members 640, 620 thereby to reduce a risk of injury to the user or damage to the aid 600.

[00103] Furthermore, coupling 622 allows a position of the indicator member 640 relative to the shaft of the golf club to be adjusted to allow the aid 600 to be used in a variety of different golfing practice scenarios.

[00104] Turning to Fig 13, an enlarged view of the device 600 is shown, showing the coupling 610 in more detail. A flap 672, including a captive nut 674, is hinged to the body 676 of the coupling 610 to give access to the club shaft. A bolt with a hand grip (not visible), can screw into the nut 674 and clamp the flap 672 around a cushion 678 and the shaft. It is to be noted that, in this Figure, the axis 612 is orthogonal the shaft axis 51. This is a function of the connection of hinge 622 to body 610.

[00105] Referring to FIG. 14, an exploded hinge 641 is shown, which hinge is substantially identical to the hinge 622. In the end of hollow tubes forming the boom member 620 and indicator member 640 are plugs 680, retained in the ends by catches 682 adapted to snap into drillings 684. Face 686 of each plug has a central aperture 688 and a series of indentations 689. First and second hinge plates 690 are identical and have a base member 692 that has catches 694 and a ring of pimples 696. The catches fit into the aperture 688 and snap into engagement therewith in any angular orientation. However, once engaged, the pimples 696 fit in the dimples 689 so that the angular orientation of the hinge plate 690 becomes fixed.

[00106] Each hinge plate 690 has a round hinge section 698a,b with a central hole 699 through which a bolt 651 passes. A nut 653 clamps two hinge plates 698a,b together with a slippery elastomeric washer 655 between. Each hinge plate 698a,b has a ring of serrations 657 radially disposed around the hole 699 and centred thereon. When the nut and bolt is screwed tight, there is little or no slip possible between the hinge plates 698a,b, but when the nut is loosened to an intermediate degree, the hinge defines a clutch that will only release when a sufficiently large (but adjustable) force is applied.

[00107] From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the body 610 is formed with an aperture (not visible in FIG. 13) corresponding with the face 686 of the plugs 680 whereby the base 692a of the hinge 622 can be fitted at any desired angular orientation with respect to the axis X that is orthogonal to the shaft axis 51, but once inserted is fixed in that orientation. However, a through bore 611 (which provides space for the catches 694) also enables a tool to be inserted to release the catches should it be desired to change the orientation of the hinge 622 with respect to the shaft 55.

[00108] The boom 620 in FIG. 12 is shown as fixed in length. However, it can easily be rendered adjustable in length by being telescopic, like the indicator member 640. That has a free end 645 that is notched along its length but can be pulled out of the base 647 with a ratcheting type movement. If better fixing is desired at a given length, a squeeze type clamp can be provided. The main requirement is that the boom should not be rotatable about its longitudinal axis such that the indicator member can rotate about that axis relative to the coupling 610 when a club to which the aid is attached is swung.

[00109] Turning now to FIGS. iSa to f, a further embodiment of the invention as described above with reference to FIGS 12 to 14 is illustrated. Here, golf training aid 700 differs from that 600 just described in several features: [00110] Referring to Figures 15a, d and f, coupling clamp 710 has the same connection features for attachment to the golf shaft but, instead of the hinge 622, a sleeve clamp 722 is arranged, comprising a C-shaped sleeve having an internal half-cylindrical surface 721 and two depending legs 723. The boom member 720 is a simple tube or rod having a plurality of cross bores 725. The boom member is a sliding fit between the legs 723 and under the surface 721. A bolt 751 (having a knob for turning it by hand) passes through a top aperture (not visible) in the sleeve clamp 722 and through one of the cross bores 725 to screw into a nut (not visible) disposed in the cavity 711 in the body 710. The nut may be moulded into the body 710 because it would be difficult to reposition once the bolt 751 was extracted. When it is extracted, the position of the boom 720 can be adjusted, effectively altering its length. The cross bores prevent any possibility of rotation of the boom member 720 about its own longitudinal axis.

However, the boom member can be positioned at any angular orientation with respect to the body 710 about an axis 713 being the longitudinal axis of the bolt 751.

[00111] Referring to Figures iSa, b, d and e, the boom member 720 is connected to the indicator member by a modified hinge 742. Instead of one hinge plate, one of the boom and indicator members has a double hinge plate 798a,b, defining a slot 799 between. The other member has a single plate 798c that is a fit between them. This provides a more rigid connection about axes different from the hinge axis 741, so that inappropriate flexing of the hinge can be inhibited. A bolt and nut (not shown) connect the hinge 742 as in the previously described embodiment.

[00112] With the embodiment shown in FIGS iSa to f, a similar arrangement of serrations and washer may be provided to enable the tightness of the clutch formed by the hinge 742 to be selected between wide limits. However, neither are absolutely necessary and, if the width of the slot 799 is greater than the width of the plate 798c, the bolt and nut can be quite tight (so that they do not become loose) and yet the hinge still be relatively free. Only when the nut and bolt are very tight would the gap between the tongue 798c and slot 799 be fully taken up (by elastic deformation of the hinge plates 798a,b), and the hinge 742 itself be largely inhibited from easy movement. Even then, a sharp impact would be expected to dislodge its angular position.

[00113] While the clutch formed by the hinges 742, 722 provides a safety mechanism, they also play a role in alerting the golfer to problems with their swing. While this is very evident with impacts when a full swing is implemented, the clutch also has application with smaller swings such as in putting. As described above, the swing aid can be employed with the indicator mechanism touching the golfers sternum and this encourages the retention of the triangular form between shoulders and club face. For this to be achieved, minimum wrist movement is required, with all the swing coming from shoulder movement. It is wrist movement that is responsible for much variation in putting consistency. An application of the present aid is to shorten the indicator mechanism and arrange the hinges so that the tip of the mechanism rests on the (preferably leading) forearm of the user. The hinges are in this instance quite loose and the golfer concentrates on avoiding disturbing the hinge position during a putting stroke through wrist movement and contact with the indicator mechanism. It would be feasible for the indicator tip to be inside the forearm, or on the trailing forearm also, depending on the fault exhibited.

[00114] FIG. 15c shows a boom member 720' that has a double hinge plate 798a,b at each end. This boom member employs a hinge plate 798c arrangement on the coupling body 710 (such arrangement not being shown). Consequently, like the embodiment of FIGS 12 to 14, this device 700a is not adjustable in the length of the boom. This is largely satisfactory because the contact with the hip of differently sized golfers that the present invention teaches can be achieved by adjustment of the angle between the boom and indicator members. However, if that angle is not perpendicular, then some of the benefits of the alignment with intended shot line, or with the vertical, are not available. Consequently, the variable length boom member is preferred, although for many normal sized people, a single length that suits them is perfectly adequate. Consequently, a professional who needs to train many different people will want adjustability in the boom length, whereas an individual acquiring one for him or herself may not need a boom-length adjustable one.

[00115] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise" and "contain" and variations of them mean "including but not limited to", and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[00116] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[00117] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

CLAIMS: 1. A golf swing training aid for providing visual and tactile feedback to a golfer corn prisi ng: a coupling for connection to a shaft of the golf club a boorn rnernber connected to the coupling so that that the boorn mernber projects in a direction away frorn a longitudinal axis of the shaft when the aid is coupled thereto, an elongate indicator rnernber supported on the boorn rnernber and capable of orientation whereby a longitudinal axis of the of the indicator rnernber can be arranged substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the shaft when the aid is coupled thereto, and at least one clutch rnernber between the indicator rnernber and the coupling whereby the indicator mernber rnay be displaced relative to the shaft in the event of irnpact contact of the indicator rnernber with the body of a user of the aid.
2. An aid as clairned in clairn 1, wherein the clutch rnernber cornprises the support of the indicator rnernber on the boorn rnernber.
3. An aid as clairned in clairn 2, wherein the clutch rnernber cornprises an indicator hinge between the indicator rnernber and the boorn rnernber having an indicator axis of rotation perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the boom mernber.
4. An aid as clairned in clairn 3, wherein the indicator rotation axis is perpendicular the golf club shaft axis when the aid is coupled thereto.
5. An aid as clairned in any preceding clairn wherein, the clutch mernber comprises the connection between the boorn and the coupling.
6. An aid as claimed in clairn 5, wherein the clutch rnernber cornprises a boorn hinge between the coupling and the boom member having a boom axis of rotation perpendicular a longitudinal axis of the boorn rnernber.
7. An aid as clairned in clairn 6, wherein the boom rotation axis is parallel the golf club shaft axis when the aid is coupled thereto.
8. An aid as clairned in any of claims 3, 4, 6 or 7 wherein the hinge cornprises two plates having a central aperture through which a bolt passes to interconnect the plates and forrn the hinge, the rotation axis being the axis of the bolt.
9. An aid as clairned in clairn 8, wherein serrations are provided between the plates inhibiting mutual rotation of the plates around said rotation axis.
10. An aid as claimed in clairn 9, wherein bias rneans in the hinge keep the serrations effective even when said nut and bolt is partially loosened.
11. An aid as claimed in claim 10, wherein said bias means comprises an elastomeric washer between said plates, which washer is deformed by said serrations on tightening of said nut and bolt.
12. An aid as claimed in claim 8, wherein the hinge further comprises a third plate, a slot being defined between first and third ones of the plates in which the second plate is a sliding fit.
13. An aid as claimed in claim 12, wherein said first and third pates are connected to one member on one side of the hinge, and the second pate is connected to another member on the other side of the hinge, the slot between the first and third plates being biased apart, whereby tightening of the bolt clamps the second plate between the first and third plates.
14. An aid as claimed in claim 12, wherein said bias is provided by the material of the first and third pates and the connection thereof to said one member.
15. An aid as claimed in any of claims 8 to 14, wherein said nut and bolt each have a hand grip for manual adjustment of the tightness of the hinge.
16. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the axial position of the indicator member with respect to the boom member is adjustable.
17. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein, the length of the boom member between the coupling and the indicator member is adjustable.
18. An aid as claimed in claim 17, wherein the boom member is connected to the coupling by a C-clamp on the coupling that clamps the boom member at a position along its length to the coupling.
19. An aid as claimed in claim 18, wherein the boom member comprises cross bores and in which the C-clamp is pressed into engagement with the boom member against the coupling by a bolt that passes through one of said cross bores.
20. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein with the boom member coupled to a shaft of a golf club the indicator member is of sufficient length to make light contact with the player's body above the leading hip of the golfer in an address position when the coupling is below a location of the club at which a player grips the club.
21. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the indicator member comprises a hollow rod member.
22. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim herein the indicator member is provided with at least one marker element arranged to enhance a user's awareness of the position of a particular portion of the indicator member relative to another portion.
23. An aid as claimed in claim 22 wherein said marker element is provided at a free end of the indicator member.
24. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein a length of the indicator member is adjustable.
25. An aid as claimed in claim 24 wherein the length of the indicator member is adjustable by means of a telescopic action.
26. An aid as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the coupling allows the boom member to be attached to the shaft at any angular position about the longitudinal axis of a shaft.
27. An aid as claimed in claim 26, wherein the coupling comprises a clamp member.
28. A golf club fitted with an aid as claimed in any preceding claim.
29. Use of an aid as claimed in any preceding claim attached to a golf club with the indicator member positioned substantially parallel to the shaft of the golf club and spaced apart from the shaft of the club in a direction substantially parallel to an intended direction of travel of a ball to be struck.
30. Use as claimed in claim 29, wherein the end of the indicator member touches a leading hip area of a golfer.
31. Use of an aid as claimed in any preceding claim attached to a golf club with the indicator member positioned substantially parallel to the shaft of the golf club and spaced apart from the shaft of the club in a direction substantially perpendicular to an intended direction of travel of a ball to be struck.
32. Use as claimed in claim 31 wherein the end of the indicator member touches a sternum area of a golfer's chest.
33. An aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
34. Use of an aid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.