US2222499A

US2222499A - Golf device

Info

Publication number: US2222499A
Application number: US313848A
Authority: US
Inventors: Roy C Byrd
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1940-01-15
Filing date: 1940-01-15
Publication date: 1940-11-19
Anticipated expiration: 1957-11-19

Description

R.. C. BYRD GOLF DEVICE Nov. 19, 1940;

Filed Jan; 15. 1940 Fmm. 5%

RW C.BYRD

ATTORNEY.

Patented Nov. 19, 1940 UNETED STATES PATENT OFFICE 4 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in golf devices.

My object is to provide a construction, combination and arrangement of parts constituting 5 a jointed figure capable of being actuated to perform movements similar to those of a human being. In the present embodiment this jointed figure is exemplified in form representing a golfer, the said parts being so coordinated with i each other 'and with a handled shaft that the user, by the application of certain skill in manipulating said shaft, is enabled to so actuate the jointed figure as to obtain movements thereof which are similar to those of a golfer in the acts of addressing, poising for, and of hitting the ball.

The invention, as typified in the following specification, is intended for use by the professional instructor, and for amateurs or professionals, young or old, in indoor or in outdoor practice and play. Also it is contemplated that the invention may constitute the nucleus of the acquiring, assembly and use of accessories related to the game, such as fairways, greens and hazards.

9 The general object of my invention, as well as other and more specific aims thereof, as will presently appear, are accomplished by and the invention is embodied in the new construction, combination and arrangement of parts described Tm in the following specification and illustrated in the accompanying drawing.

The different parts of the invention are identified by suitable characters of reference applied to them in the views in the drawing, in which 35 Figure 1 is a front view'of my improved golf device, a portion of the handled shaft being broken away.

Figure 2 is a top plan View, taken in the direction of arrow 2 in Figure 1. 40 Figure 3 is a side View, taken in the direction of arrow 3 in Figure 1.

Figure 4 is a modification of the weight arm member.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the device 45 showing the appearance of the jointed figure,

costumed, and addressing the ball.

Figure 6 illustrates the appearance of the device when the back swing has been made.

Figure 7 illustrates the appearance of the dea') vice when the follow through swing or stroke has been made.

The parts constituting my new mechanical organization comprise a footed fulcrum member adapted to be poised in substantially upright 55 attitude, a handled shaft articulated therewith,

a weight arm structure articulated with the fulcrum member and embodying a striking head, and a power transmitting member interconnecting the handled shaft and the said weight arm structure.

A fulcrum member consists of oppositely disposed similar uprights I and l simulating legs, and which at their upper portions are integrated with a body structure 2 simulating a torso. This body structure extends upwardly and it is in- 10 clined forwardly and is provided at its top with a neck 3 which may consist of a rod tightly fitted into a suitable aperture provided therefor.

A slotted lug 4 formed integral with the said fulcrum member at its rear side, will presently be referred to. To the bottom of each of the said uprights l and I, is secured a foot piece 5 made of cork, rubber, or other suitable nonskid material.

A handled shaft 8 of suitable length substan- 20 tially as shown, is articulated with the lug 4 as by a cotter or pivot pin I0.

A weight arm structure consists of a golf club l2 with forked shaft the divergent portions l4 and I4 thereof being integrated with the opposite ends of a transverse portion which is designated as a shoulder or beam l5. In a central aperture l6 provided in said shoulder is received the said neck pin 3 and upon the threaded upwardly protruding portion of which is secured the fanciful head member l1. At a point suitably offset from the axial bore iii of said shoulder member is provided a hole I8.

A power transmitting member interconnecting the said shoulder member and the said handled shaft, consists of a light rod or wire l9 having its rear end secured, as by a slender bolt 20 to said handled shaft 8;. its forward portion being suitably curved and its end being bent at an angle to constitute a wrist 2! which is inserted and retained in the said hole l-8 of the shoulder member l5.

Whereas the several parts of my new jointed figure are shown as of plain and conventional surface contours, it will be understood that in the fabrication or the casting of same, they may be of such fanciful external conformation as may be desired. Also it will be understood that the device lends itself to being costumed in fanciful vestments, as suggested in Figures 5, 6 and '7. Such vestments may be made of light sheet or cast metal, or of flexible material such as textile, fabric, rubber, or leather, the last named material being preferred. In such costuming, the coat 22 covers the shoulder member and the torso, and

20 accordance with the nature of the stroke that is fgo the sleeves 23 cover the arm portions of the figure. Depending from the coat is the trunk 24; and depending from the said trunk are the

leg portions

25 and 25 of said vestments.

The several parts constituting my new jointed figure, coordinated as above described, and with the power member I9 articulated at hole I8 at left side of the axis of the said shoulder member I 5, appear as in Figure 1 and in Figure 2 and Figure 3, the device being in readiness for manipulation by a right handed person. The fulcrum member will have been disposed at a position inclined slightly forwardly, its feet 5 and 5 being The user now by holding the handled shaft at suitable inclination and which he readily learns to do, may obtain the desired poise of the club with reference to the position of the ball, and in intended. 7

In describing the procedure of using my invention, the fulcrum member, for brevity, will be re ferred to as the figure.

. It will be assumed that the user is so holding the handled shaft that the figure is inclined forwardly to the poise wherein the club is in the neutral or addressing position. In this poise of the figure the shoulder member I5 is substantially horizontal and at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the handled shaft.

With a rearward urge now exerted by the user upon the handled shaft 8 there is the inclining rearwardlyof the figure. In this rearwardly inclining movement of the figure (shortening the distance between-the handled shaft and the upper portion of the figure) the wrist 2! of the power member I9 functions as a fulcrum, and as the neck 3 of the figure passes from its initial position in direction rearwardly, there is the moving of the shoulder member I5 accordingly, and the swing of. the club in the direction of arrow BS (counter-clockwise) this motion of the club being the back swing.

I Now, with a forward urge exerted upon the handled shaft, there is the inclining forwardly of'the figure. In this forwardly inclining movement of the figure (lengthening the distance between the handled shaft and the upper portion of the figure) the wrist 2| of the power member I9 again functions as a fulcrum, and as the neck 3 of the figure moves forwardly, there is the moving of the shoulder member I5 accordingly, and the swing of the club in the direction of the arrow FT (clockwise) this motion of the club being the follow through. In each actuating of the jointed figure, as above described, the motion of the club is positive, rapid, and powerful; the path, the degree of speed, and the power thereof depending of course upon the aim, energy, and skill exerted by the user.

The user, in a relatively short period of practice, is soon enabled to acquire a skill and finesse in poising the fulcrum member and in holding the handled shaft. In the exercise of such skill, there is such poising of the club, and such control of theline of its sweep and of the measure of its power, that the energy, nature, and direction of travel of the ball is predetermined to a high degree of precision.

h For use by a left handed person, a weight arm of reverse formation as to the club head and as to the hole in which the power transmitting member is connected, is provided, as shown in Figure 4. The principle of actuation of this left-hand weight arm is similar, but the direction of its movement is opposite to that of the right-hand weight arm hereinbefore described. Now, upon the rearward urge of the handled shaft 8 there is an inclining rearwardly of the fulcrum member and a swing of the club in direction opposite to that indicated by the said arrow BS. This motion of the club may be referred to as a lefthand back swing, and the opposite thereof, as a left-hand follow through.

It is contemplated that the invention, when packed for being handled in merchandising, is in knocked down status. That is to say-the handled shaft 8 and the member I9 are detached from the fulcrum member and the shoulder member respectively.

The invention is applicable as a device for enjoying the diversion, pastime, and practice of indoor golf. Also it is useful to the instructor in teaching, the golf student, and to the user in practicing, the technique of poise, and of the use and control of the muscles of the body so that full efiectiveness of the stroke may be obtained.

My improved golf device in its entirety is economical of construction and manufacture, not liable to get out of order or repair, is durable and dependable, and is capable of being conveniently and economically handled in the merchandising thereof. Capable of being dressed by applying a finish of paint, electroplating or enamel, or by costuming as hereinbefore described, the device may be supplied to markets of wide range, and at selling prices favorable to the consumer. Whereas in the present embodiment and wherein the jointed figure or robot is a representation of a manikin about ten inches in height, and symbolizing a golfer, it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in various forms, representations and sizes. Also, that modifications may be made in the proportioning and arrangement of the several parts, and in detailing of the construction of said parts, without departing from the principles of the invention or sacrificing any of its advantages. Accordingly the invention is to be construed as of the scope as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim as my invention, is-- 1. A device of the kind described, comprising a footed fulcrum member adapted to be poised in substantially upright position, a handled shaft articulated with, and operable to incline the said fulcrum member forwardly, and operable to incline the said fulcrum member rearwardly, a weight arm structure articulated with the fulcrum member at its upper portion and embodying a striking head, and power transmitting member interconnecting the handled shaft and the said weight arm structure, whereby upon manipulating the handled shaft there is obtained an oscillatory movement of the said weight arm structure.

2. A device of the kind described, comprising a footed fulcrum member adapted to be poised in substantiallyerect position, a weight arm structure articulated with the upper portion of the said fulcrum member, for oscillatory movement, a handled shaft articulated with the fulcrum member at an intermediate portion thereof and a power transmitting member interconnecting the handled shaft and the said weight arm structure, whereby upon a movement of the handle shaft there is obtained an inclining movement of the fulcrum member and an actuation of the said weight arm structure.

3. A device of the kind described, comprising a footed fulcrum member adapted to be poised in substantially erect position the upper portion of the said fulcrum member being inclined forwardly of the longitudinal axis of said fulcrum member, a handled shaft articulated with the rear side of said fulcrum member, a weight arm structure embodying a transverse beam at its rear end and which said beam is pivotally connected to the top portion of said fulcrum member, and a connecting rod fast to the said handled shaft and having its forward end pivotatlly connected to the said beam at a point offset from the pivotal axis of the latter.

4. A golf device of the kind described, comprising a footed fulcrum member, a handled shaft connected at its lower portion to said fulcrum member, an upwardly directed and forwardly inclined body member integrated with said fulcrum member, a golf club having a forked handle shaft the divergent arms thereof being integrated with the opposite ends of a transverse shoulder member and the latter being pivotally articulated with the top of said body member, and a power transmittin rod fast at its rear end to the handled shaft and having its forward end pivotally connected with said shoulder member at a point offset from the axis of the latter, whereby with a rearward urge of the handled shaft there is rearward inclination of the fulcrum member and a swing of the shoulder member carrying the golf club a given direction from the vertical axis of the jointed figure, and whereby with a subsequent forward urge of the handled shaft, there is forward inclination of the fulcrum member and a swing of the shoulder member carrying the golf