WO1996016707A1

WO1996016707A1 - Golf stance training aid

Info

Publication number: WO1996016707A1
Application number: PCT/AU1995/000792
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mostyn Farmer
Original assignee: Mostyn Farmer
Priority date: 1994-12-02
Filing date: 1995-11-27
Publication date: 1996-06-06
Also published as: AUPM985694A0

Abstract

Golf stance training aid having two parallel elongated members (11, 12) separated by spacer member (13) which is set perpendicularly to both members (11, 12). Members (11, 12) have indicia (equally spaced markings) and projections (17, 18, 19a, 19b). The separation between members (11, 12) can be varied while maintaining the members (11, 12) parallel. In use member (11) is placed on the ground and spacer member (13) is attached at any point between projections (18), member (12) is attached to the space member (13) at receiving hole (20). The aid is used to correct alignment of the feet, distance from the ball and the positioning of the ball in relation to the feet.

Description

GOLF STANCE TRAINING AID

This invention relates to a Golf Training Aid.

For most golf players, problems in their swing technique arise as a result of continual training with improper positioning of their feet in relation to the placement of the ball, the direction of the stroke and the club selected. Furthermore, many players have difficulties in the spacing of their feet.

The problems that arise are: 1. The distance that the feet need to be spaced apart. 2. Ball position in relation to feet with each club selected.

3. Distance between the players toes and the bail with each club selected.

4. Alignment of feet parallel to intended stroke line.

Many training aids are currently available to help with parts of these problems. Not all of these training aids are suitable for use outdoors where the majority of golf players train.

It is the object of this invention to provide a training aid that will be suitable for use in all training conditions and enable players to place their feet correctly in relation to the ball and direction of stroke for each club selected.

Accordingly, the invention comprises of a golf training aid made up as follows: An elongate first member; an elongate second member; and a spacing means; the spacing means has indicia on either end indicating the desired ball position. The first and second members have a set of reference positions that are located at a set position on the members and equidistant on each member. The spacing means is located substantially perpendicular between the first and second members. It maintains the first and second members at one or more spaced positions at which they are substantially parallel to each other.

In another form of the invention, the spacing means slides along the length of the first member whilst still remaining substantially perpendicularly opposite the first member and keeping the first and second members substantially parallel to each other.

The golf-training aid according to the embodiment comprises an elongate first member, an elongate second member and a spacer member. Each of the members are formed from a suitably rigid material such as timber, metal or plastic.

The invention will be more fully understood considering the following description of one specific embodiment. The description is made with reference to the accompanying drawing (fig 1 ) which is an illustration of the golf training aid according to the embodiment.

Referring to (fig 1 ) the first member 1 1 is provided with a pair of projections 18 that are located to each side of the reference point 14 and are equidistant therefrom. Holes (2 la and 21b) are provided at each end to secure it to the ground if necessary. On member 1 1 at indicia 14 there is a provision made for a gauge to be scribed, marked in degrees, which allows the spacer member 13 to be set at an angle against member 1 1.

The second member 12 has a reference point 15 which in use is intended to be substantially perpendicularly opposite to the first indicia 14. The second member 12 is also provided with a set of second indicia 16a and 16b which comprise a plurality of equally spaced markings (in the form of numerals) which extend to each side of the reference point 15 in a substantially symmetrical manner indicating the spacing of each marking from the reference point 15. The numerals may correspond with a standard linear measure such as centimetres, inches or the like. In addition, a pair of projections 17, on the second member 12, are located to each side of the reference point 15 and are equidistant therefrom These projections are substantially perpendicularly opposite to the projection 18.

The first member 1 1 and second member 12 are associated with the spacer member 13. This spacer member 13 is an elongate member having several holes 20 running longitudinally. It has a hole 22 adjacent to the indicia 19b to enable it to be secured to the ground. The spacer member 13 is received in a recess provided along the first member 1 1. The holes 20 on spacer member 13 will receive the second member 12. Each end of the spacer member 13 is provided with a pointed end ( 19a and 19b) that is intended to indicate ball position. In use, the golf training aid according to the embodiment is located on the ground at a position where a player is intending to practise. A ball is then located on the ground opposite one of projections (18 or 19a) and substantially perpendicular to member 11. The player then addresses the ball by locating the feet opposite the respective indicia 16a and 16b on the second member 12 at a spacing appropriate to the body size. In order to achieve this result, the players' shoulders are measured and the position of the feet is located such that the spacing between the feet is substantially equal to the shoulder width and such that they are disposed equidistant to each side of the spacer member 13. The projections (17 and 18) serve to provide a guide in assisting the player in determining ball and feet position whilst using golf clubs referred to as "woods". The projections (19a and 19b) serve to provide a guide in assisting the player in determining ball and feet position whilst using golf clubs referred to as "irons" or "a putter". The spacing between the first member 1 1 and the second members 12 is chosen according to the golf club being used by the player. In the case of the embodiment, multiple positions are available for the second member on the spacer member. These positions may be marked with indices relating to different golf club numbers or types. Once the player has located the ball correctly the aid provides further assistance in determining the direction of the stroke. The longitudinal axis of the first member 11 indicates the direction of stroke that is to be parallel with that axis. The longitudinal axis of the second member 12 indicates the longitudinal axis of a line between the toes of the feet of the player that is substantially parallel to the direction of the stroke. Therefore, once the player has positioned the ball and feet correctly, the direction of the stroke can be monitored during a swing.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

90 1. A golf training aid comprising an elongate first member which in use is substantially parallel to the elongate second member. Both members are connected by a spacer member that is substantially perpendicular to both members AU members are of a plastic material.

2. A golf training aid of claim 1 wherein each member contains indicia, which 95 comprise a plurality of equally spaced markings.

3. A golf training aid of any of claim 1 and 2 wherein the first and second elongate members contain two or more projections.

4. A golf training aid of any of 1 to 3 wherein the spacer member may be provided by an articulated linkage between the first and second members that provides for a

100 variation of spacing between the first and second members and where the first and second members are maintained substantially parallel. If desired, that linkage may be provided with a gauge that gives a visual indication of the spacing between the first and second members. Furthermore, that guide may be of a form that provides an indication of the spacing appropriate to the particular club to be used.

105 5. A golf training aid of any of 1 to 4 wherein the material of the product is that of cloth, rubber, wood, aluminium, steel or paper.

6. A golf-training aid substantially herein described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

SlffiSTiTUTE SHEET (Rule 26)