US20040204260A1

US20040204260A1 - Golf swing training system

Info

Publication number: US20040204260A1
Application number: US10/411,538
Authority: US
Inventors: Masanori Kobayshi
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-04-10
Filing date: 2003-04-10
Publication date: 2004-10-14
Also published as: JP2004313776A

Abstract

A golf swing training system for aiding a user in learning how to grip and swing a golf club. In addition, the golf swing training system also teaches a user the proper stance of their feet when using golf clubs of different lengths. The golf swing training system includes an elongate shaft that has an elongate channel extending therein. Air flowing in the elongate channel generates a sound when the elongate shaft is swung. When the elongate shaft is properly swung the sound is terminated.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to golf training devices and more particularly pertains to a new golf swing training system for aiding a user in learning how to grip and swing a golf club.

2. Description of the Prior Art

The use of golf training devices is known in the prior art. More specifically, golf training devices heretofore devised and utilized are known to consist basically of familiar, expected and obvious structural configurations.

Known prior art includes U.S. Pat. No. 5,984,799; U.S. Pat. No. 6,001,023; U.S. Pat. No. 5,911,635; U.S. Pat. No. 5,868,634; U.S. Pat. No. 5,082,283; and U.S. Pat. No. Des. 430,249.

In the game of golf, how well a player performs during a game is largely dependent upon how the player swings a golf club. Therefore, it is not surprising that there have been a number of inventions pertaining to teaching a user the proper golf swing. Conventional golf swing training systems have included electronic devices that attach to a golf club shaft that provides physical feedback to a user as to their swing. Other conventional devices have included attaching mechanical devices to a golf club that measures the speed of a club head. All of the conventional devices add weight to a golf club thereby creating an inaccurate measure of a user's golf swing. Once the conventional devices are removed from the golf club there is a change in weight that results in a change in a user's swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of golf training devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new golf swing training system construction wherein the same can be utilized for aiding a user in learning how to grip and swing a golf club.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new golf swing training system which has many of the advantages of the golf training devices mentioned heretofore and many novel features that result in a new golf swing training system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, or even implied by any of the prior art golf training devices, either alone or in any combination thereof.

While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose a new golf swing training system. The inventive device includes an elongate shaft that has an elongate channel extending therein. Air flowing in the elongate channel generates a sound when the elongate shaft is swung. When the elongate shaft is properly swung, the sound generated terminates.

An object of the present invention is to provide a new golf swing training system that permits a user to learn how to properly swing a golf club by associating a proper swing with a sound. When the golfer swings properly a sound is produced that terminates at a specific point in the swing. When a golfer improperly swings the golf club, the sound does not terminate at the particular moment in the swing.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new golf swing training system that is lightweight and compact in design. The present invention can be used anywhere. Its design permits it to be used indoors and out.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a new golf swing training system that trains a user a proper golf swing stance when using golf clubs of various lengths. This particular advantage trains a user in proper feet placement with respect to the golf ball.

There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features and objects of the golf swing training system in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description. Additionally, the present invention is not limited to the construction illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Therefore, the claims should be regarded as including such equivalent constructions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings of the preferred embodiment annexed herein include: [0015]
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a new golf swing training system according to the present invention. [0016]
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the present invention. [0017]
FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the present invention taken along line [0018] 3-3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a front in-use view of the present invention illustrating an incorrect swinging motion. [0019]
FIG. 5 is a front in-use view of the present invention illustrating a correct swinging motion. [0020]
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the positioning of a user's feet and alignment of a golf ball with respect to the invention. [0021]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1 a new golf swing training system is designated by the [0022] reference numeral 10. The golf swing training system 10 generally comprises an elongate shaft 12 that has an elongate channel 13 extending therein. As a golfer properly swings the elongate shaft 12 air flows in the elongate channel 13 thereby generating a whistling sound.
In one embodiment of the present invention the [0023] elongate shaft 12 has first 14 and second 15 opposed ends and first 16 and second 17 opposed surfaces. The elongate channel 13 may extend in the first opposed surface 16 and extend generally from the second opposed end 15 toward the first opposed end 14 of the elongate shaft 12. The elongate channel 13 may have a length of approximately one-half a length of the elongate shaft 12. However, one skilled in the art can appreciate that the length of the elongate channel 13 may vary.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 3, the [0024] elongate channel 13 defines a pair of opposed side walls 18 that have a length equal to the elongate channel 13. The elongate channel 13 also defines a pair of opposed end wall surfaces 19. Air flowing passed the pair of pair of opposed side walls 18 and entering the elongate channel 13 generates a whistling noise when the elongate shaft 12 is swung.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the [0025] elongate shaft 12 may comprise a substantially rigid material such as, for example, an aluminum material. However, other materials such as, for example, plastics may also be employed in the manufacture of the elongate shaft 12.
The [0026] elongate shaft 12 may have a generally rectangular transverse cross section taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft 12. However, the elongate shaft 12 may also have other shapes such as, for example, a generally circular transverse cross section taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft 12.
As illustrated in FIG. 1, the [0027] elongate channel 13 may have a generally rectangular transverse cross section taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft 12. However, it is to be understood that the elongate channel 13 may have a variety of transverse cross sectional shapes that can generate a whistling noise when the elongate shaft 12 is swung.
As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 6, the first [0028] opposed surface 16 of the elongate shaft 12 may include a plurality of spaced first depressions 32 for receiving fingers of a user grasping the elongate shaft 12. The plurality of spaced first depressions 32 may be positioned generally adjacent to the first opposed end 14 of the elongate shaft 12. The plurality of spaced first depressions 32 permit a user to learn how to properly grip a golf club.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, at least one [0029] second depression 33 may extend into the second opposed surface 17 for receiving a thumb of a user grasping the elongate shaft 12. The at least one second depression 33 is opposed to the plurality of spaced first depressions 32 and adjacent to one of the plurality of first depressions 32 furthest away from the first opposed end 14 of the elongate shaft 12. A user learns to properly grip the elongate shaft 12 by placing their fingers in the plurality of spaced first depressions 32 and their thumb in the at least one second depression 33.
As also illustrated in FIG. 6, an [0030] elongate indicating member 38 having first 60 and second 61 opposed ends may be removably couplable to the elongate shaft 12 such that a longitudinal axis of the elongate indicating member 38 is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft 12. The elongate indicating member 38 aids a user in learning proper placement of a user's feet and proper placement of a golf ball.
In one embodiment of the present invention, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 6, a width of the [0031] elongate indicating member 38 may taper toward the first end 60 of the elongate indicating member 38. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the first end 60 of the elongate indicating member 38 may be pointed for indicating placement of the golf ball with respect to the elongate shaft 12.
The [0032] elongate indicating member 38 has first 62 and second 63 opposed surfaces and first 64 and second 65 lateral surfaces. The second opposed surface 63 of the indicating member 38 may include a notch 66 for receiving a portion of the elongate shaft 12. The notch 66 may extend into the second opposed surface 63 and may extend through the first 64 and second 65 lateral surfaces of the elongate indicating member 38.
The [0033] notch 66 is defined by first 67 and second 68 opposed inner side wall surfaces. A length of the notch 66 may taper from the first opposed surface 62 toward the second opposed surface 63.
The [0034] elongate shaft 12 may include a groove 69 that extends into the second opposed surface 17 and is positioned opposite to the elongate channel 13. The groove 69 and elongate channel 13 each receives a portion of the elongate indicating member 38. The first end 14 of the elongate shaft 12 may be insertable into the notch 66 of the elongate indicating member 38 and the first inner side wall surface 67 is insertable in the elongate channel 13 and the second inner side wall surface 68 is insertable into the elongate groove 69. The elongate indicating member 38 is slidably positionable along the longitudinal axis of the elongate shaft 12.
When the indicating [0035] member 38 is removably coupled to the elongate shaft 12, a first portion 42 of the elongate indicating member 38 extends beyond the second opposed surface 17 of the elongate shaft 12 and a second portion 43 of the elongate indicating member 38 extends beyond the first opposed surface 16 of the elongate shaft 12.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the indicating [0036] member 38 may comprise a substantially rigid material such as, for example, an aluminum or plastic material. However, the indicating member 38 may comprise a variety of materials.
As illustrated in FIG. 6, [0037] indicia 45 may be marked on the second lateral surface 36 of the elongate shaft 12 for permitting a user to learn the proper position of the user's right foot with respect to the elongate shaft 12 and the indicating member 38.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the [0038] indicia 45 may include first indicia 46 for indicating a position of a user's right foot when using a particular golf club, such as, for example a pitching wedge, 9-iron and 8-iron. A second indicia 47 for indicating a position of a user's right foot when using particular golf clubs such as, for example, a 7-iron, 6-iron and 5-iron. Lastly, a third indicia 48 may be provided for indicating a position of a user's right foot when using particular golf clubs, such as, for example, a 4-iron, 3-iron and woods.
The [0039] indicia 45 may include a variety of shapes such as, for example, circle and lines. However, the indicia 45 may also include more graphic shapes such as, for example, golf balls and stars.
As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the [0040] elongate shaft 12 may include an aperture 70 positioned generally adjacent to the first end 14 of the elongate shaft 12. The aperture 70 may extend through the first 36 and second 37 lateral surfaces of the elongate shaft 12. The aperture 70 may be employed to store the elongate shaft 12 when not in use. The aperture 70 may receive a hook or nail mounted on a wall surface.
In use, the present invention teaches a user the technique of “swinging inside-out” which places a bit of topspin on the golf ball and draws the golf ball toward the left (for a right-handed golfer) as it travels away from the user. The topspin and drawing of the golf ball are a result of the club head striking the golf ball at a slight angle when the user rotates their wrist. [0041]
When grasping the [0042] elongate shaft 12, a user positions their fingers in the plurality of first depressions 32 and their thumb in the at least one second depression 33. By grasping the elongate shaft 12 in this manner, a user is taught the correct hand position for grasping and swinging a golf club. If the user is left-handed the user grasps the elongate shaft 12 with their right hand. If the user is right-handed they grasp the elongate shaft with their left hand.
As illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, once the hand of the user is correctly positioned, the user then swings the [0043] elongate shaft 12 into a backswing with the user's forehand facing away from the user. During the backswing the elongate channel 13 is positioned such that it faces away from the user. Once at the top of the backswing a user then begins the downswing with the forehand still facing away from the user. As the elongate shaft 12 is moved from the backswing to the downswing air enters the elongate channel 13 creating and emitting a whistling sound, thereby indicating to the user that their downswing is correct.
As the user reaches the bottom of the downswing, or where a club head of a golf club would strike a golf ball, the user rotates their wrist such that a palm of the user's hand faces away from the user. The rotation of the wrist terminates the sound as the user swings from the bottom of the swing into the follow through. At a top of the follow through the [0044] elongate channel 13 faces away from the user.
The present invention may also be employed to teach a user a proper stance for hitting a golf ball with a variety of golf clubs. For example, when practicing putting, a user may lay the present invention on the ground with the [0045] elongate channel 13 facing upward. A user may then position a golf ball between themselves and the elongate shaft 12. A user then aligns the elongate shaft 12 parallel to a line of intended travel of the golf ball. The user then swings the putter such that the putter hits the golf ball. The putter strikes the elongate shaft 12 when a user improperly swings the putter. In one embodiment of the present invention, the elongate shaft 12 may tip over, such that the elongate channel 13 is adjacent to the ground, when the putter strikes the elongate shaft 12.
A user may employ the [0046] elongate indicating member 38 to practice their stance when practicing using golf clubs of various lengths. During practice the user removably couples the elongate indicating member 38 to the elongate shaft 12. The user then lays the elongate shaft 12 and indicating member 38 upon the ground. The user then positions the golf ball at the pointed first end 60 of the indicating member 38.
Once the golf ball is positioned, a user may positioning their left foot adjacent to the [0047] second portion 43 of the indicating member 38, as illustrated in FIG. 6, and adjacent to the elongate channel 13. Depending upon the length of the golf club being used a user positions their right foot adjacent to the indicia 45 marked on the second lateral surface 36 of the elongate shaft 12.
When using golf clubs having a short length such as, for example, a pitching wedge, 9-iron, or 8-iron, the user positions their right foot adjacent to [0048] first indicia 46 marked on the second lateral surface 36 of the elongate shaft 12, wherein the user has a shorter stance. When using medium length golf clubs such as, for example, a 7-iron, 6-iron or 5-iron a user positions their foot adjacent to a second indicia 47 marked on the second lateral surface 36 of the elongate shaft 12, wherein the user has a wider stance than when their right foot is positioned adjacent to the first indicia 46. When using longer golf clubs such as, for example, a 4-iron, 3-iron or any of woods, the user positions their right foot adjacent to a third indicia 48, wherein the user has a wider stance than when their right foot is positioned adjacent to the second indicia 47.
Although the present invention has been discussed with reference to particular embodiments it will be understood that other variations and modifications to the discussed embodiments is possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. [0049]

Claims

1. A golf swing training system for aiding a user in learning how to grip and swing a golf club, said device comprising:

an elongate shaft having first and second opposed surfaces, said first surface having an elongate channel extending therein, whereby a sound is generated by air flowing in said elongate channel when said elongate shaft is swung by a user, wherein the sound terminates with a proper swing of said elongate shaft.

2. The golf swing training system of claim 1, wherein said elongate shaft has first and second opposed ends, said elongate channel extends generally from said second end toward said first end, wherein a user grasps said first end of said elongate shaft for swinging.

3. The golf swing training system of claim 1, wherein said elongate shaft has a generally rectangular transverse cross section taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft.

4. The golf swing training system of claim 1, wherein said elongate shaft comprises a substantially rigid material.

5. The golf swing training system of claim 2, wherein said first surface of said elongate shaft includes:

a plurality of spaced first depressions adjacent to said first end for receiving fingers of a user; and

at least one second depression extending into said second surface and opposed to said plurality of spaced first depressions for receiving a thumb of a user, whereby a user learns to properly grip said elongate shaft by placing their fingers in said plurality of spaced first depressions and their thumb in said at least one second depression.

6. A golf swing training system for aiding a user in learning how to grip and swing a golf club and for permitting a user to learn how to stand and where to place a golf ball, said device comprising:

an elongate shaft having first and second opposed surfaces, said first surface having an elongate channel extending therein, whereby a sound is generated by air flowing in said elongate channel when said elongate shaft is swung by a user, wherein the sound terminates with a proper swing of said elongate shaft; and

an elongate indicating member being removably coupled to said elongate shaft, whereby a user removably couples said elongate indicating member to said elongate shaft such that a longitudinal axis of said elongate indicating member is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft, wherein a user employs said elongate indicating member to indicate placement of a user's left foot and placement of a golf ball.

7. The golf swing training system of claim 6, additionally includes indicia being marked on a second lateral surface of said elongate shaft for indicating a position of a user's right foot with respect to the elongate shaft.

8. The golf swing training system of claim 6, wherein said elongate channel extends generally from a second end of said elongate shaft toward a first end of said elongate shaft, wherein a user grasps said first end of said elongate shaft.

9. The golf swing training system of claim 6, wherein said elongate shaft has a generally rectangular transverse cross section taken substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft.

10. The golf swing training system of claim 6, wherein said elongate shaft comprises a substantially rigid material.

11. The golf swing training system of claim 6, wherein said first opposed surface of said elongate shaft includes:

a plurality of spaced first depressions extending therein for receiving fingers of a user; and

at least one second depression extending into said second opposed surface and opposed to said plurality of spaced first depressions for receiving a thumb of a user, whereby a user learns to properly grip said elongate shaft by placing their fingers in said plurality of spaced first depressions and their thumb in said at least one second depression.

12. The golf swing training system of claim 6, wherein a width of said elongate indicating member generally tapers toward a point to said first end for indicating placement of the golf ball with respect to said elongate shaft.

13. The golf swing training system of claim 12, wherein said elongate indicating member has first and second opposed surfaces and first and second lateral surfaces, said second opposed surface having a notch extending therein for receiving a portion of said elongate shaft, said notch extends through said opposed first and second lateral surfaces.

14. The golf swing training system of claim 13, wherein said notch is defined by first and second opposed inner side wall surfaces.

15. The golf swing training system of claim 14, wherein a length of said notch tapers from said first opposed surface toward said second opposed surface.

16. The golf swing training system of claim 15, wherein said elongate shaft has a groove extending into said second opposed surface and opposite to said elongate channel for receiving a portion of said elongate indicating member, wherein said first end of said elongate shaft is insertable into said notch of said elongate indicating member and said first inner side wall surface is insertable in said elongate shaft and said second inner side wall surface is insertable into said elongate channel and said elongate indicating member is slidably positionable with respect to said elongate shaft.

17. The golf swing training system of claim 7, wherein said indicia includes:

a first indicia for indicating a position of a user's right foot when using a particular golf club;

a second indicia for indicating a position of a user's right foot when using a particular golf club; and

a third indicia for indicating a position of a user's right foot when using a particular golf club, whereby a user's left foot is positionable adjacent to said elongate indicating member when coupled to said elongate shaft thereby creating a correct stance for a user.

18. The golf swing training system of claim 6, wherein said elongate shaft having an aperture positioned generally adjacent to a first end thereof, said aperture extending through a first and second lateral surfaces of said elongate shaft.

19. A method of using a golf swing training system comprising the steps of:

providing an elongate shaft having an elongate channel extending therein adapted to producing a sound;

swinging said elongate shaft in a backswing position with said elongate shaft facing away from a user;

swinging said elongate shaft in a downswing motion such that air flows into said elongate channel producing a sound;

rotating a hand of a user holding said elongate shaft at a bottom of the swing such that said elongate channel faces toward a user, whereby air is prevented from entering said elongate channel terminating the sound; and

following through swinging said elongate shaft such that said elongate shaft is positioned generally adjacent to a head of a user and said elongate channel faces away from a user.

20. The method of using a golf swing training system of claim 19, additionally including the steps of:

providing a putter for a user to swing;

providing a golf ball;

laying said elongate shaft on the ground adjacent to said golf ball;

aligning said elongate shaft parallel to a line of intended travel of said golf ball;

swinging said putter by a user such that said putter hits said golf ball; and

hitting said putter against said elongate shaft when a user improperly swings said putter.

21. The method of using a golf swing training system of claim 19, additionally including the steps of:

providing a plurality of golf clubs for a user to swing;

providing a golf ball;

providing an elongate indicating member;

coupling said elongate indicating member to said elongate shaft such that a longitudinal axis of said elongate indicating member is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said elongate shaft;

laying said elongate shaft and said indicating member on the ground;

positioning said golf ball at a first end of said elongate indicating member;

positioning a left foot of a user adjacent to a portion of said elongate indicating member and adjacent to a second end of said indicating member;

providing indicia marked on a lateral side surface of said elongate shaft;

positioning a right foot of a user adjacent to said indicia, whereby a user is positioned in a correct golf swing stance;

hitting said ball by a user swing one of said plurality of golf clubs.

22. The method of using a golf swing training system of claim 21, additionally including the step of:

positioning a right foot of a user adjacent to a first indicia marked on said lateral surface of said elongate shaft when a user swings a shorter golf club, whereby feet of a user are positioned generally closer to each other.

23. The method of using a golf swing training system of claim 21, additionally including the step of:

positioning a right foot of a user adjacent to a second indicia marked on said lateral surface of said elongate shaft when a user swings a medium length golf club, whereby feet of a user are positioned generally further apart from each other than when the right foot is positioned adjacent to said first indicia.

24. The method of using a golf swing training system of claim 21, additionally including the step of:

positioning a right foot of a user adjacent to a third indicia marked on said lateral surface of said elongate shaft when a user swings a longer length golf club, whereby feet of a user are position generally further apart form each other than when the right foot is positioned adjacent to said second indicia.