US20050272519A1

US20050272519A1 - Golf training seat and method

Info

Publication number: US20050272519A1
Application number: US10/860,732
Authority: US
Inventors: Mark Mitchum
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-06-02
Filing date: 2004-06-02
Publication date: 2005-12-08

Abstract

A method and training device for practicing golf strokes that comprises a seat supported by one telescopically adjustable post that the golfer positions between the legs to maintain the proper stance, swing and follow through with only pivoting of the seat and post around a longitudinal axis of the post and not sway or.vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a training device and method for golf strokes which enables a user to practice his/her golf strokes and particularly to a golf training device that comprises a seat supported by one telescopically adjustable leg that the golfer positions between the legs to maintain the proper stance, swing and follow through by maintaining the device in the same position during the entire swing and follow through with only pivoting of the seat and post around a longitudinal axis of the post and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Golf is a challenging game requiring very specific body movements coordinated together to produce a straight long drive. The feet must be spread apart, the body aligned straight facing the ball with the back arched forward, the knees slightly bent, the arms straight gripping the club with the club positioned behind the ball. One slight alteration of movement can throw the entire shot off. While it is desirable to be able to use a golf swing training device which lines up all of the parts of the golfer's body for the best shot and maintains the body in the appropriate swing and follow through positions, many prior art devices are very complicated and expensive and not always easy to use. Some are not easily transportable.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,125,663, issued Jun. 30, 1992 to Lurowist, Jr., provides a golf swing training apparatus that includes a base; a strut having one end supported by the base; a support retained by a portion of the strut opposite to the one end, the support adapted to project between a golfer's legs and to engage the groin regions thereof; and a rotational coupling allowing rotation of the support means in response to rotational movement of the golfer's hips. This structural combination desirably provides a steady base, allows the hips to pivot around a near vertical axis and keeps the groin area fixed in space.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,005, issued Sep. 9, 1997 to Ritchie, concerns a sport swing training device that has a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the stanchion is attachable to the base assembly. The stanchion further includes a spring to permit tipping of the stanchion when the stanchion is attached to the base assembly, and an adjustable seat secured to the second end of the stanchion. A restraining clutch is attachable to the base assembly such that when attached, the restraining clutch limits the range of tipping of the stanchion during a pre-swing stage and, a swing stage for hitting a ball. The device also includes an adjustable seat plate to which the seat is connected and at least one adjustable extension having opened and locked positions for controlling the range of rotational movement of the seat plate. A stance and stride guiding extension is provided for attachment to the base assembly to accommodate the width of a hitter's stance or the direction and length of a hitter's stride when the hitter is executing the pre-swing stage and the swing stage.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,470,055, issued Nov. 28, 1995 to Ritchie, shows a baseball hitter's training device that comprises a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion on the base assembly and a spring for flexing built into the stanchion. An adjustable seat is for steadying a hitter astride the stanchion, so as to help the hitter to perform a proper weight shift through the executing of a pre-swing stage and a swing stage for hitting a baseball, with a baseball bat. A golf hitter's training device is also provided, comprising a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion on the base assembly and a spring for flexing built into the stanchion. A structure is on the base assembly for holding a golf ball thereto. An adjustable seat is for steadying a hitter astride the stanchion, so as to help the hitter to perform a proper weight shift through the executing of a pre-swing stage and a swing stage for hitting the golf ball on the holding structure with a golf club.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,769,741, issued Jun. 23, 1998 to Ritchie, puts forth a swing training device that comprises a base assembly, a height adjustable stanchion on the base assembly and a spring for flexing built into the stanchion. An adjustable seat for steadying a hitter astride the stanchion, so as to help the hitter to perform a proper weight shift through the executing of a pre-swing stage and a swing stage for hitting a ball. Methods for training a tennis player using the swing training device are also described.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 4,700,914, issued Oct. 20, 1987 to Cheetham, claims a one legged stool that has a saddle-like seat pivotally mounted at the top of a tubular leg. A catch can hold the seat horizontal or vertical, and in the latter position a slot in the seat provides a carrying handle. The catch is a spring-loaded plunger housed in the upper end of the leg and retained by the pivot pin, which extends through a slot in the plunger. The plunger is engageable in holes in the seat and a boss beneath the seat and can be released by pressing its exposed end.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. D308,439, issued Jun. 12, 1990 to Van Winkle, describes the ornamental design for a combined cane and stool.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,638, issued May 16, 2000 to Ferguson, illustrates a portable stool that includes a seat and a single variable length support leg supporting the seat. The support leg can be adjusted to and maintained at a selected length so that the seat is a selected height above the ground, desired by the user, when a normal crouching or seated weight is exerted on the seat by the user. The support leg also includes spring loaded telescoping sections for maintaining a lower end of the support leg in contact with the ground at a selected location when there is an upward or downward movement of the seat from the selected height caused by an upward or downward movement of the user so that the portable stool remains properly positioned beneath the user during such upward and downward movements.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 5,927,797, issued Jun. 27, 1999 to Ferguson, is for a portable work stool that includes a seat, which is secured to and carried by the user adjacent the user's posterior when standing and moving about and a single variable length support leg supporting the seat. The support leg can be adjusted to and maintained at a selected length so that the seat is a selected height above the ground, desired by the user, when a normal crouching or seated weight is exerted on the seat by the user. The support leg also includes a device, such as spring loaded telescoping sections, for maintaining a lower end of the support leg in contact with the ground at a selected location when there is an upward or downward movement of the seat from the selected height caused by an upward or downward movement of the user so that the portable stool remains properly positioned beneath the user during such upward and downward movements.
Prior art U.S. Pat. No. 759,809, issued May 10, 1904 to Farley, provides a cotton, berry or vegetable picking or dairy stool. The stool comprises an upper section with a seat that has a fowardly projecting horn and upwardly projecting arms at its sides. Fastening straps are secured to the upwardly projecting arms of the seat for the purpose of securing the device to the user. The stool further comprises a telescoping leg with upper and lower portions. The upper leg section is secured to the lower base portion of the seat. The lower leg has a foot in the form of a truncated cone on one end and an opposite end that fits within the bottom of the upper leg section. The leg sections may be telescopically adjusted and secured by means of a latch spring on upper leg portion and mating perforations, which are located in the lower leg section.
What is needed is a golf swing training method and device which assists a golfer in lining up all the different parts of the golfer's body and maintaining proper alignment through the entire shot and follow through provided in a simple device which is easy to use, inexpensive and easily transported, especially such a training device that could be carried in a golf bag.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a golf swing training method and device comprising a bicycle type seat mounted on an adjustable post to be used while swinging the golf club by placing the bottom of the post on the ground halfway between the feet aligned with the balls of the player's feet and the seat positioned as if it were a bicycle seat on which the player is riding, which golf swing training device assists a golfer in lining up all the different parts of the golfer's body and maintaining proper alignment through the entire shot and follow through provided in a simple device which is easy to use, inexpensive and easily transported, especially such a training device that could be carried in a golf bag.
A related object of the present invention is to provide a device and method which positions and aligns the body of the golfer in a proper stance with the feet spread apart, the body aligned straight facing the ball with the back arched forward, the knees slightly bent, and the arms straight gripping the club with the club positioned behind the ball while the golfer is just resting very gently against the seat with the seat positioned in straight alignment with the body and the post positioned vertically from side to side but angled slightly forward at the bottom so that the bottom of the post is positioned midway between the feet aligned with the balls of the feet of the golfer.
A further related object of the present invention is to provide a device and method which allows a golfer to feel the positioning of the seat and post and to practice at maintaining that position of the seat and post through the swing and follow through with the club with only pivoting of the seat and post around a longitudinal axis and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through so that the golfer can make a long straight drive with the ball.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf swing training device which is intuitive and allows a golfer to assume the proper stance and coordinated body motions of the swing and follow through by sensing the natural feel of the training device with instant feedback when the positions, body alignment and motions are not proper by positioning the post mounted seat between the legs of the user as if riding a bicycle with the bottom of the post properly positioned so that the golfer must maintain the post and seat in the exact position assumed at the start, the golfer instantly sensing any deviations in the position of the device, signaling an improper stance or motion.
In brief, a training device and method for golf strokes, which enables a user to practice his/her golf strokes. The golf training device comprises a pivotably adjustable seat supported by one telescopically adjustable leg or post. The post is adjusted to a desired height and locked into place by tightening a collar or by engaging a spring pin in a first telescopic section into one of a series of vertical holes in a second section of the adjustable leg. In the preferred embodiment both the locking collar and the spring pin locking system are used together. The angle of the seat is adjusted and locked into position by engaging a clamp over the pivotable connection between the seat and the leg.
The golfer positions the device between the legs as if the golfer were sitting on a bicycle seat with the bottom of the post positioned on the ground midway between the feet of the golfer in alignment with the golfer's balls of his/her feet, to maintain the proper stance, swing and follow through with only pivoting of the seat and post around a longitudinal axis of the post and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.
The device may be stored by inserting the post into a golf bag with the seat outside the golf bag for storage and transportation.
An advantage of the present invention is that it gives instant sensory feedback to the golfer.
An ensuing advantage of the present invention is that it guides proper body alignment through an entire shot.
Another advantage of the present invention is that it is inexpensive.
An additional advantage of the present invention is that it is easily transported.
One more advantage of the present invention is that it saves on the cost of golf lessons.
Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it is easy to use.
Still another advantage of the present invention is that it is economical to manufacture.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other details of my invention will be described in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are furnished only by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention, and in which drawings:
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic side elevational view of the invention positioned between the golfer's legs in the appropriate swing position.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In FIG. 1, a golf swing training device 20 for learning the proper stance, body alignment, swing motion and follow through comprises a seat 21 attached to a vertical post 22. The vertical rigid post 22 has a telescoping means of adjusting the length of the post comprising preferably two, but possibly more, telescoping sections 22A and 22B on the post 22 that are slidably interconnected. A means for locking the post 22 at a desired length may comprise a threaded collar 25 adapted to tighten, thereby preventing movement between the two telescoping sections 22A and 22B. The means for locking the post 22 at a desired length may alternately comprise a spring loaded pin 23 in a first of the two telescoping sections 22B adapted to be removably insertable in one of a series of vertically spaced holes 24 in a second of the two telescoping sections 22A to prevent movement between the two telescoping sections 22A and 22B. In the preferred embodiment, the means for locking the post 22 at a desired length preferably comprises both a threaded collar 25 adapted to tighten to prevent movement between the two telescoping sections 22A and 22B and a spring loaded pin 23 in a first of the two telescoping sections 22B adapted to be removably insertable in one of a series of vertically spaced holes 24 in a second of the two telescoping sections 22A to prevent movement between the two telescoping sections 22A and 22B.
A bottom means for retaining a bottom of the post 22 in one place on the ground comprises a rubberized foot 26 attached to a bottom end of the post 22. The post 22 is adapted to be positioned midway between a golfer's 30 feet in alignment with the balls of the golfer's 30 feet and with the golfer's 30 knees slightly bent. The rubberized foot 26 on the post 22 easily creates an indent 61 in the ground 60, or artificial turf or thick carpet.
The seat 21 is mounted on top of the post 22. The seat 21 preferably comprises a narrow seat 21 attached to the post 22 by a means for adjusting the angle of the seat 21 relative to the post 22 and a means for locking the seat 21 at a desired angle to the post 22. The means for adjusting the angle of the seat 21 relative to the post 22 preferably comprises a pivotable connection 27 between the seat 21 and the post 22, the means for locking the seat 21 at a desired angle to the post 22 preferably comprises a clamp 28 for binding the pivotable connection 27 at a desired angle.
The seat 21 is adapted to be positioned between a user's legs at a height which simulates a riding position of the golfer 30 on the seat 21. The device 20 is adapted for positioning a golfer's 30 stance with a golfer's body 30 properly aligned for a successful golf swing, as shown in FIG. 1. The device 20 is also adapted for maintaining the proper alignment of a golfer's body 30 during a swing at a golf ball 50 and during the follow through after a shot, so that a golfer 30 feels the position and alignment of the seat 21 and post 22 throughout a stance, body alignment, swing, and follow through to assist a golfer 30 in attaining a proper stance, body alignment, swing, and follow through by feeling the position and alignment of the post 22 and seat 21 during the entire swing and attempting to maintain the position of the device 20 in a vertical position with only pivoting of the seat 21 and post 22 around a longitudinal axis of the post (shown by arrow) and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.
In practice, a golf swing training method for learning the proper stance, body alignment, swing motion and follow through comprises a first step of positioning the vertical rigid post 22 midway between a golfer's 30 feet in alignment with the balls of the golfer's feet, adjusting the length of the post 22, locking the post 22 at a desired length so that the golfer's knees are slightly bent, and securing a bottom of the post 22 in one place on the ground by the rubberized foot 26 easily creating an indent 61 in the ground 60, or artificial turf or thick carpet, at the proper location, as shown in FIG. 1.
The golf swing training method also comprises a second step of positioning a seat 21 mounted on top of the post 22 between a user's legs at a height which simulates a riding position of the golfer 30 on the seat 21, adjusting the angle of the seat 21 relative to the post 22 and locking it at the desired angle and height so that the device 20 is positioned for a golfer's proper golf driving stance with a golfer's body 30 properly aligned for a successful golf swing, maintaining a proper alignment of a golfer's body 30 during a swing at a golf ball 50, and during a follow through after a shot, so that a golfer 30 feels the position and alignment of the seat 21 and post 22 throughout a stance, body alignment, swing, and follow through. The device 20 assists a golfer 30 in attaining a proper stance, body alignment, swing, and follow through by feeling the position and alignment of the post 22 and seat 21 during the entire swing and attempting to maintain the position of the device 20 in a vertical position with only pivoting of the seat 21 and post 22 around a longitudinal axis of the post and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.
The device 20 may be stored by inserting the post 22 into a golf bag with the seat 21 outside the golf bag for storage and transportation.
It is understood that the preceding description is given merely by way of illustration and not in limitation of the invention and that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention as claimed.

Claims

1. A golf swing training device for learning the proper stance, body alignment, swing motion and follow through, the device comprising:

a vertical rigid post comprising a means for adjusting the length of the post, a means for locking the post at a desired length, and a bottom means for retaining a bottom of the post in one place on the ground, the post adapted to be positioned midway between a golfer's feet in alignment with the balls of the golfer's feet with the knees of the golfer slightly bent;

a seat mounted on top of the post, the seat comprising a narrow seat attached to the post by a means for adjusting the angle of the seat relative to the post and a means for locking the seat at a desired angle to the post, the seat adapted to be positioned between a user's legs at a height which simulates a riding position of the golfer on the seat, the device adapted for positioning a golfer's stance with a golfer's body properly aligned for a successful golf swing, adapted for maintaining a proper alignment of a golfer's body during a swing at a golf ball and during a followthrough after a shot, so that a golfer feels the position and alignment of the seat and post throughout a stance, body alignment, swing, and followthrough to assist a golfer in attaining a proper stance, body alignment, swing, and follow through by feeling the position and alignment of the post and seat during the entire swing and attempting to maintain the position of the device in a vertical position with only pivoting of the seat and post around a longitudinal axis of the post and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for adjusting the length of the post comprises at least two telescoping sections on the post slidably interconnected.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for locking the post at a desired length comprises a threaded collar adapted to tighten to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections.

4. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for locking the post at a desired length comprises a spring loaded pin in a first of the at least two telescoping sections adapted to be removably insertable in one of a series of vertically spaced holes in a second of the at least two telescoping sections to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for locking the post at a desired length comprises both a threaded collar adapted to tighten to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections and a spring loaded pin in a first of the at least two telescoping sections adapted to be removably insertable in one of a series of vertically spaced holes in a second of the at least two telescoping sections to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the bottom means for retaining a bottom of the post in one place on the ground comprises a rubberized foot attached to a bottom end of the post, wherein the foot is adapted for creating an indent in the ground and adapted for pivoting but not swaying or moving vertically during a swing.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the means for adjusting the angle of the seat relative to the post comprises a pivotable connection between the seat and the post, the connection adapted to be adjusted and secured.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the a means for locking the seat at a desired angle to the post comprises a clamp for binding the pivotable connection at a desired angle.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein the post is adapted for fitting in a golf bag with the seat outside the golf bag for storage and transportation.

10. A golf swing training method for learning the proper stance, body alignment, swing motion and follow through, the method comprising:

a first step of positioning a vertical rigid post midway between a golfer's feet in alignment with the balls of the golfer's feet, adjusting the length of the post by a means for adjusting the length of the post, locking the post at a desired length by a means for locking the post at a desired length so that the golfer's knees are slightly bent, and securing a bottom of the post in one place by a bottom means for retaining a bottom of the post in one place on the ground;

a second step of positioning a seat mounted on top of the post between a user's legs at a height which simulates a riding position of the golfer on the seat, the seat comprising a narrow seat attached to the post by a means for adjusting the angle of the seat relative to the post and a means for locking the seat at a desired angle to the post, adjusting the angle of the seat relative to the post and locking it at the desired angle so that the device is positioned for a golfer's proper golf driving stance with a golfer's body properly aligned for a successful golf swing, maintaining a proper alignment of a golfer's body during a swing at a golf ball, and during a followthrough after a shot, so that a golfer feels the position and alignment of the seat and post throughout a stance, body alignment, swing, and followthrough to assist a golfer in attaining a proper stance, body alignment, swing, and follow through by feeling the position and alignment of the post and seat during the entire swing and attempting to maintain the position of the device in a vertical position with only pivoting of the seat and post around a longitudinal axis of the post and not sway or vertical motion allowed during the entire swing and follow through.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the means for adjusting the length of the post comprises at least two telescoping sections on the post slidably interconnected and the second step includes sliding the at least two telescoping sections to adjust the length.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for locking the post at a desired length comprises a threaded collar adapted to tighten to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections and the second step further comprises tightening the threaded collar to lock the length of the post at a desired length.

13. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for locking the post at a desired length comprises a spring loaded pin in a first of the at least two telescoping sections adapted to be removably insertable in one of a series of vertically spaced holes in a second of the at least two telescoping sections to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections and the second step further comprises engaging the spring loaded pin in one of the vertically spaced holes.

14. The method of claim 11 wherein the means for locking the post at a desired length comprises both a threaded collar adapted to tighten to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections and a spring loaded pin in a first of the at least two telescoping sections adapted to be removably insertable in one of a series of vertically spaced holes in a second of the at least two telescoping sections to prevent movement between the at least two telescoping sections and the second step further comprises tightening the threaded collar to lock the length of the post at a desired length and engaging the spring loaded pin in one of the vertically spaced holes.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the bottom means for retaining a bottom of the post in one place on the ground comprises a rubberized foot attached to a bottom end of the post and the first step further comprises easily creating an indentation by the rubberized foot in the ground at the proper location.

16. The method of claim 10 wherein the means for adjusting the angle of the seat relative to the post comprises a pivotable connection between the seat and the post and the second step further comprises pivoting the seat relative to the post.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein the a means for locking the seat at a desired angle to the post comprises a clamp for binding the pivotable connection at a desired angle and the second step further comprises binding the pivotable connection.

18. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of storing the device by inserting the post into a golf bag with the seat outside the golf bag for storage and transportation.