WO2015189765A1

WO2015189765A1 - A golf training device

Info

Publication number: WO2015189765A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/054345
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael O'meara
Original assignee: Michael O'meara
Priority date: 2014-06-09
Filing date: 2015-06-09
Publication date: 2015-12-17
Also published as: GB2525092B; GB2525092A; GB201504424D0; GB201410225D0

Abstract

The present invention relates to golf training device. The golf training device comprises: a base (10) having an upper surface (12), a lower surface (14), a long axis (20) and a short axis (22) perpendicular to the long axis; a guide rail (50) provided on the upper surface of the base aligned with the long axis; at least one first linear guide means (42) on the upper surface of the base and at least one second guide means (72,74) on the guide rail; a slider (26) arranged in use to engage with the first and second guide means, the slider configured to be slidably moveable in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the device provides at least a first rest position for the slider; and a resistance release means (40) for bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistive force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.

Description

A golf training device

Field of the Invention The present invention relates to golf training devices and in particular to devices to train a golf swing or a putting action.

Background Numerous designs for golf training aids are known in the prior art. Each is adapted to train a specific aspect of golf, for example swing power, alignment of the club for accuracy, and putting. Each has drawbacks however, for example resulting from lack of similarity of feel and action to a real golf swing striking a ball, or lack of convenience in that the training aid only trains one aspect of the game, the device is large and unwieldy, or difficult to anchor to a surface and to use in a range of training circumstances. A small selection of the large patent literature is outlined below, illustrating a number of approaches to the problem. A common drawback is that the devices need a modified club, or a club attached to the training aid, which is clearly disadvantageous in training to use a golfer's own, free moving, club. The problem of providing an accurate simulation of a golf action, and hence high quality training, remains outstanding. In particular, a real golf ball undergoes compression when hit, and this is an essential part of the feedback from the club to the player that guides the correct swing action. The present invention overcomes drawbacks of the prior art devices by providing a means to provide such feedback during training amongst else.

Prior Art UK Patent Application GB 1 472 795 (De Kremer) discloses a golf training device to perfect golf swing comprising a guide track, slide and golf ball connected to the device. Korean Patent Application KR 20130001573 (Yeon) discloses a training device for golf swing comprising a main body, rail medium, reconstructions spring and noise damper where the main body has a rectangular shape of cover plate bonded to a top surface of the bottom plate.

United States Patent US 4 423 875 (Miller) discloses a golf training aid having first and second pairs of telescopically extendable rails and a pair of adjustable slide rails. United States Patent US 5 501 452 (Halvorson) discloses a putting training device and method for training a golfer's muscles comprising a rigid guide rail and a vertical plate wherein the face of the putter head is held against the vertical plate in use. Korean Patent Application KR 20100134264 discloses a golf putting training device is provided to enable a user to train the putting by linearly moving a putter along a base plate. A golf putting training device includes a putter, a rectangular base plate, a guide unit, a fixing unit, and a handle. A plurality of guide grooves is formed on the upper side of the base plate in a longitudinal direction and guides a putter on the upper side of the base plate.

Japanese Patent Application JP 200901 1543 discloses a swing trajectory guide for a training gear for training how to guide to a target trajectory by a backswing when starting to swing, which is the most important matter for an ideal golf swing. A trainee applies a pressure to a guide body while pushing backward with a club head applied to the tip face of the guide element in the backswing, and the both integrally guide the club head to the target trajectory.

Japanese Patent Application JP 2004033559 discloses a golf practice machine to enable a user to grasp a method to push in a ball immediately after impact by a club head. When a head collides with a hitting point part, a piston is linearly pushed into a shock absorbing cylinder to compress air in a cylinder corresponding to the stroke. Korean Patent Application KR 20130001773 (Lee) discloses a golf swing exercise apparatus with a main body, rail medium, turning medium, reconstruction spring and noise dampener.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a golf training device comprising: a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis; a guide rail provided on the upper surface of the base aligned with the long axis; at least one first linear guide means on the upper surface of the base and at least one second guide means on the guide rail; a slider arranged in use to engage with the first and second guide means, the slider configured to be slidably moveable in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the device provides at least a first rest position for the slider; and a resistance release means for bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistive force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.

Ideally the rest position is located approximately intermediate on the length of the guide means in order that the slider travels in either direction to allow for left and right handed users. In some embodiments the rest position may be adjustably situated in addition or the alternative.

Ideally the linear guide means provides both a planar face opposing the slider and parallel to the slider's movement axis, and linear guide demarcations. Advantageously this may provide a useful means of practising putting strokes, wherein a putting stroke requires back and fore movements of equal length, the demarcations aiding this and the planar face guiding a putter head.

The present invention thereby provides a golf trainer device to improve body positioning and swing technique and solves the problem relating to, at least in part, effective alignment of a club and body positioning. It was often the case that striking a golf ball is a difficult skill to master and it can be hard to make positive changes to technique. The device of the invention allows for easy alignment to practise the striking contact and to develop the core strength required to drive through a stroke whilst maintaining a balanced stance.

In preferred embodiments there is an adjustable resistance setting to the resistance release means which acts also to achieve better hip/weight positioning and balance. In this way resistance can be tailored to skill level of a user. For example the resistance may start off low and increase as a user's drive and stance improves.

According to the preferred embodiments, one or more benefits of the device include: the invention is easy to use for left and right handed users; the invention provides a consistent platform to practise in any desired location; there is a putting aid included, which provides forward and back distance markers to perfect the putting motion.

In some embodiments the resistance release means may comprise an adjustable member such as a ball mounted on or held within the guide rail and a recess on the slider configured to receive said adjustable member.

In some embodiments the resistance release means may be provided on the base.

Preferably the adjustable member is connected to a means that are adapted to press the adjustable member into the recess. Typically the means may comprise a spring means, in this way the sprung adjustable member acts to resist movement of the slider from the rest position, in a similar manner to a ball catch in holding a door closed.

By recess herein is meant a depression in a surface of the slider, or a space adjacent to a projection from the surface, such as a tooth or boss, such that the adjustable member contacts the tooth or boss as the slider begins to move from the rest position.

The adjustable member may have a shape, such as a sphere, hemisphere, or a cylinder, or a substantially cylindrical body having an ovoid or pointed cross- sectional shape, or a triangular prism, such that a portion of the adjustable member such as a ball engages with the recess.

Preferably the portion of the adjustable member that engages with the recess is rounded so as to permit smooth movement from the recess to reflect a golf swing and so as to reduce wear of the portion during use.

In this way the device provides a golf training action, in which a user may train their swing by contacting the slider on either the first or the second edge, the impact then moving the slider off and away from the resistance release means and along the guide means. The resistance release means simulates the compression of a golf ball when hit, so giving a more realistic sensation of the strike than in prior art training devices. Advantageously the golf training device enables structured teaching through a method of using the device wherein a person must correctly engage with, and move, the slider in order to achieve an optimal strike therefore recreating the technique of striking a golf ball for various shots including improving a person's swing and for putting shots.

In order to move the slider away from the rest position the user needs to contact the slider with a force greater than the resistance force. The resistance felt by the user is decreased thereafter, in the same way that would be felt in a real golf situation. Motion of the slider along the guide means is controlled by friction between the slider and the upper surface of the base. The degree of friction may be determined by the nature of the slide portion of the upper surface of the base on which the slider moves and on the nature of the portion of the lower surface of the slider in contact with it. In some embodiments the resistance release means may be adjustable to provide an adjustable resistance force. In some embodiments the resistance release means comprises a spring adjustment means to adjust the compression of the spring, so adjusting the force retaining the portion, such as a rounded end or a ball, within the recess in the slider when in the rest position.

In some embodiments the resistance release means comprises: a transfer bearing unit; and a compression spring bearing on the transfer bearing unit at its distal end; in which, for example, the position of the proximal end of the spring is arranged in use to be adjustable by means of a screw thread mounted on the base. Preferably the means of adjusting the resistance, such as the screw thread may include increments so that resistance can be incrementally adjusted and so that resistance can be measured. The means of adjusting the resistance may include a dial with increments to display amount of resistance set on the device. In some embodiments the means of adjusting resistance may be linked to a display so that amount of resistance can be displayed on a face of the device. For example a display may be provided on the guide rail adjacent to the means for adjusting resistance.

In this way the screw thread allows compression of the spring to be adjusted, and hence the resistance force imposed on the slider by the ball in the transfer bearing unit.

In some embodiments the device comprises two rest positions, at opposite ends of the device, each provided with a resistance release means. In this way the device is adapted for left and right-handed use so that the full length of the device can be utilised during a stroke. In some embodiments the device additionally or alternatively has a rest position at a mid-point along length of the device thereby also permitting left and right handed use of the device. In some embodiments at least one of the first and the second edges of the slider, that engages with the golf club head during use, comprises a cover for receiving impact such as an elastomeric material. Such a material may be for example a hard rubber material suitable to receive the impact of a golf club without damaging the club. In some embodiments both edges of the slider may include the cover so as to permit left and right handed use on one device.

The slider is engaged with the base and guide rail by means of the linear guide means, for example a slot arranged on the upper surface of the base and front face of the guide rail suitable for receiving corresponding projections on the slider. The guide means and the projections together define a slide portion. Therefore the guide means and projection engage so as to permit movement of the slider along the guide means.

In some embodiments one or both of the slide portion (s) of the upper surface of the base and the lower surface of the slider, and a rear face of the slider and front face of the guide rail are configured to provide a low friction contact. For example, one or both may comprise a low friction material, such as a low friction coating or addition of a low friction material. Such a coating may comprise a nylon or silicone material. In some embodiments the slider comprises one or more ball bearing supports configured to run on the slide portion. In some embodiments the slider comprises two or more roller bearings provided on its lower surface to provide low friction movement.

In other embodiments the device is configured to provide a chosen degree of friction between the slider and the base once the slider is away from the rest position. The guide means comprises a slot in the base and the slider comprises one or more guide projections provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot. This serves to ensure linear movement of the slider. The base comprises a guide rail mounted on its upper surface parallel to the guide means, the guide rail having a front edge, a rear edge and an upper surface.

The guide rail is a raised portion mounted on the base preferably having a guide means arranged on a front face so as to engage with a rear face of the slider. In this way the slider is connected to the device by the guide means arranged on two different surfaces of the device. Advantageously this ensures the slider is secure during use. The guide rail may be positioned relative to the rear edge of the slider such that in use the golf club is positioned adjacent the base wherein a front edge of the guide rail acts to guide the toe of the golf club during the swing. The guide rail may comprise guide markings, for example a distance scale, to indicate the distance the slider moves.

The guide rail includes a second guide means for receiving a portion of the slider. Advantageously this also serves to aid with linear movement of the slider and also prevents lifting of the slider relative to the base or guide rail during use.

In some embodiments the resistance release means is mounted in the guide rail, for example projecting from the front surface of the guide rail so as to engage a recess provided in the rear surface of the slider.

In other embodiments the resistance release means may be mounted on the base. In some embodiments the resistance release means comprises a screw threaded component mounted on the guide rail, adapted to advance the adjustable member such as the ball or hemisphere forward from the front surface of the guide rail, so as to adjust the rest position of the adjustable member and hence the resting compression of the spring holding the adjustable member in place.

In some embodiments the slider accepts a mass to alter the momentum of its movement in response to the swing. For example the slider may comprise a removable component that may be mounted on it, to adjust its mass, for example mounted on its upper surface or located within the slider.

Alternatively sliders of different masses may be provided for use with the device.

In some embodiments the device comprises a golf swing trainer and a putting trainer.

In some embodiments the putting trainer comprises: a putting surface forming part of the upper surface of the base, the guide rail having a rear surface arranged in use to extend at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale provided on the upper surface of the guide rail.

In some embodiments the device comprises extendible side rods mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it. In this way the track of the swing or putt may be guided relative to the side rods.

In other embodiments the device may be provided with at least one sensor to so as to detect information during use such as force applied to the slider and position of a user.

For example, in some embodiments the device may include a strain gauge in order to determine the force applied to move the slider during a stroke when using the device. In this way it is possible for the user or coach to analyse the results to understand at what point force is applied to the slider during the swing and for example how consistent the application of force is. The sensor is mounted on the device. Typically the sensor may be mounted on resistance release means for example to monitor force applied to the resistance release means such as the ball in the recess.

In some embodiments at least one of the sensors may be mounted on the slider so as to detect contact of the golf club head with the slider and to determine force applied to the slider. For example the sensor may be embedded in the cover of one of the slider edges.

The device may include an alert such as an audible or visual cue, for example a light or an alarm that is activated when correct or incorrect contact is made on the slider by the golf club face. This can aid a user to quickly identify if they are correctly contacting the slider and therefore to more quickly improve their contact, swing and take-off skills. For example the alert may be triggered if a face of the golf club head does not fully engage with the edge of the slider, therefore indicating that the club has not squarely contacted the slider.

Preferably the sensor may include a transmitter so as to transmit information from the sensor to a remote electronic device having a receiver, such as a mobile phone, tablet or computer. In this way the information obtained by the sensor can be transferred and recorded on the remote electronic device. Furthermore the remote electronic device may includes a means to analyse the data received from the at least one sensor. For example the electronic device may include a program or application that can record results over a period of time and has capability to compare the results. In this way it is possible for a user to monitor improvement and identify weakness.

In some embodiments the device may include a display to display the data obtained by the sensors. This may negate the requirement for communication with a remote device or may be provided in addition. For example the display may show data obtained by the sensors such as force applied to the slider.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the Figures in which:

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 shows an exploded view of a preferred embodiment of the golf training device;

Figure 2A shows an isometric view of part of the slider;

Figure 2B shows a side view of part of the slider;

Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment of a golf training device;

Figure 4 shows a top view of the embodiment in figure 3;

Figure 5 shows a bottom view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 6 shows a front view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 7 shows a rear view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 8 shows an end view of the embodiment in figure 3; Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the embodiment in figure 3;

Figure 10 shows an exploded view of a slider;

Figure 1 1 shows a partial exploded view of the embodiment in figure 2; Figure 12A shows an overview of an adjustment means; and Figure 12B shows an exploded view of the adjustment means.

Detailed Description of Figures

Referring to Figure 1 a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular base 10 with a pair of parallel guide means 42A, 42B and a guide rail 50. A guide means 42A and 42B are identical, longitudinal recesses/slots provided on an upper face of the base. The guide means 42 receive a portion 44 of the slider 26 so as to aid with guiding linear movement of the slider to and fro along the length of the guide means 42A, 42B. A guide rail 50 is substantially cuboid and located on an upper face of the base 10. Therefore the guide rail 50 is a raised portion atop the base 10. The slider 26 is arranged in use to be adjacent the base 10 and guide rail 50 wherein the guide rail 50 extends perpendicular to the base 10 therefore creating a right angle between the base 10 and guide rail 50 into which the slider 26 is positioned.

The guide rail 50 includes a second guide means 72, 74 for receiving a portion of the slider 26. Advantageously this prevents lift of the slider 26 during use. In this way the slider 26 is engaged on the device at two points, the base 10 and the guide rail 50.

The guide rail 50 houses a resistance release means 40 at each end and an adjustment means 60 so as to adjust the resistance release means 40 in order to alter the ease with which the slider 26 can be moved away from the resistance release means 40.

In Figure 1 the resistance release means 40 is a bearing resistance adjuster (as shown in Figure 10) which contains an adjustable member 41 in the form of a ball bearing, a spring (not shown in Figure 1 ) and a resistance adjuster in the form of a drive gear (not shown in Figure 1 ) that engages with a finger adjuster in the form of a screw thread 43. The adjustable member 41 engages with the recess 27 on the slider 26. The adjustable member 41 is adjusted by a screw thread 43 so as to change the resistive force applied to the recess 27 by the adjustable member 41 . A higher resistive force resulting in the slider 26 being harder to move away from the release means 40. The screw thread 43 is positioned on an upper face of the guide rail 50 so as to be easily adjusted by a user.

The guide rail 50 has displaceable ends 51 so as to easily locate, repair and remove the release means 40. The guide rail 50 includes increments.

The base 10 has four feet 1 12, one arranged at each corner. The feet 1 12 are removable. The base also includes holes 1 14 that are adapted to receive a tee so as to aid with fixing the device in position during use.

The slider 26 is substantially cuboid. A lower face of the slider 26 includes two projections 44A, 44B for engaging with the pair of guide means 42A, 42B. A side face of the slider 26 that is adjacent the guide rail 50 in use also includes a projection 44C for engaging with the second guide means 72, 74.

Therefore the slider is engaged with the device on two faces. This ensures linear movement of the slider relative the base 10 and guide rail 50. The slider 26 is free moving in the guide means 42A, 42B.

The mass of the slider 26 can be altered by addition of weights (not shown) to the slider 26 in order to increase overall mass of the slider 26. This causes friction of the slider whilst moving in the guide means 42A, 42B to increase due to the slider being heavier. This is serves to represent a user training with a heavier ball. Figures 2A and 2B show a portion of the slider 26 having a recess 27 arranged on an outer wall for receiving the adjustable member (not shown).

Referring to figures 3 to 9 show a second embodiment of a device according to the present invention comprising: a base 10 having an upper surface 12, a lower surface 14, a front edge 16 and a rear edge 18, a long axis 20 and a short axis 22 perpendicular to the long axis, and a linear guide means 42 provided on the upper surface aligned with the long axis. A slider 26 adapted to slide guided by the guide means, the slider comprising a body 28 having an upper surface 30, a lower surface 32, a first edge 34, a second edge 36 and a rear edge 37.

The slider 26 is mounted on the upper surface 30 of the base and configured to slide along it guided by the guide means in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the first and second edges being substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement.

At least one of the first and the second edges comprises a cover, wherein the device provides a first rest position 38 for the slider and a resistance release means 40 mounted on the base and bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistance force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 , 3, 4 9 and 1 1 the guide means comprises a slot 42 in the base. The slider shown in Figure 10 shows an exploded view of the slider having two guide projections 44 provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot 42.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the base comprises a guide rail 50 mounted on its upper surface parallel to the guide means, the guide rail having a front edge 52, a rear edge 54 and an upper surface 56. The guide rail is positioned relative to the rear edge of the slider such that in use the front edge of the guide rail acts to guide the toe of the golf club during the swing. The guide rail comprises guide markings, for example a distance scale, to indicate the distance the slider moves.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 3 the resistance release means (not shown) comprises a ball and a recess on the slider configured to receive the ball, and spring means adapted to press the ball into the recess. In this way the sprung ball acts to resist movement of the slider from the rest position, in a similar manner to a ball catch in holding a door closed. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 1 1 the resistance release means 40 is mounted in the guide rail 50, projecting from the front surface 52 of the guide rail 50 so as to engage a recess provided in the rear surface of the slider 26. In this embodiment the resistance release means 40 comprises a threaded component 60 mounted on the guide rail 50, adapted to advance the transfer bearing unit 62 that includes a ball as the adjustable member that engages with the slider forward from the front surface of the guide rail, so as to adjust the rest position of the ball and hence the resting compression of the spring holding the ball in place. The threaded component 60 is typically a grub screw that can be turned by an Allen key thumb screw to increase tension of the spring and thereby the force applied to the ball which is in contact with the slider so as to alter resistance.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 1 the resistance release means 40 comprises a transfer bearing unit 62 and a compression spring (not shown) bearing on the transfer bearing unit 62 at its distal end, the position of the proximal end of the spring being adjustable by means of a screw threaded unit 60 mounted on the base.

In this way the screw thread allows the compression of the spring to be adjusted, and hence the resistance force imposed on the slider by the ball in the transfer bearing unit. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the device comprises a first rest position 38 and a second rest position 68, at opposite ends of the guide means, each provided with a resistance release means 40. In this way the device is adapted for left and right-handed use.

Referring to Figure 10, the lower surface of the slider is configured to provide a low friction contact and comprises a low friction material 70 such as nylon. In this embodiment also the device comprises a second guide means 72 in the form of a slot 74 in the front face of the guide rail, and the slider comprises second projections 76 on its rear edge 37 to interfit with the slot 74. In this way the slider has two orthogonal guide means to provide a solid and robust sliding movement in response to the strike.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 10 the slider comprises a removable component 78 that may be mounted on it, to adjust its mass, for example mounted on its upper surface, and a first 80 and second 82 edge components that interfit with the body of the slider to provide a striking surface for the club. Preferably the edge components are removable from the slider body to allow them to be replaced. As shown in Figure 10 in this embodiment the edge components comprise a profile that may be slotted into a matching retaining recess on the slider body, in this case a T-profile.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the golf training device comprises a golf swing trainer portion as described above, indicated as 90 in Figure 4, and a putting trainer portion generally disposed on the base at the opposing side of the guide rail from the swing trainer and indicated as 100 in Figure 4.

The putting device 100 comprises: a putting surface 102 forming part of the upper surface of the base, the guide rail 50 having a rear surface 54 at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale 104 provided on the upper surface of the guide rail. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4 the distance scale comprises a datum or zero point substantially at the midpoint of the guide rail and a scale in inches or centimetres extending both sides of the datum.

To practise putting, the distance scale on top face of the guide rail 50 of the device shows distances for the back and forward swing and allow the putter to be aligned perfectly horizontal to where the ball contact would be. In the embodiment shown in Figure 9 device comprises an extendible side 1 10 mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it. In this way the track of the swing or putt may be guided relative to the side rods.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, this embodiment of the device comprises: a base 10 comprising a planar sheet 1 1 1 for example formed from a metal such as aluminium. Four feet 1 12 are provided to support the base on a solid surface, the feet being optionally removable for use on grass fixing through holes 1 14 to receive a golf tee 1 16 to fix the base to grass. A slot 42 in the sheet 1 1 1 forms the guide means for the slider 26.

A guide rail 50 as described above fixed to the sheet 1 1 1 , the guide rail having a slot 72 formed in its front face to form the second guide means. The guide rail may be formed from a metal extrusion, such as aluminium, having the slot formed as a recess in its front side.

The guide rail has holes 1 18 to mount the resistance release means 40 and holes 120 to house golf tees when not in use to fix the base to grass, shown in this storage position as 122.

The guide rail is capped by end pieces 124, for example formed from moulded polymer, that also support and provide a retractable mounting for side rods 1 10.

Figures 12A and 12B show a release resistance means 40. The release resistance means 40 includes a housing 45, a ball bearing 46, a spring 47, a spring spacer 47A a support 48 and an adjustment assembly 29. The housing 45 houses the ball bearing 46. The ball bearing 46 is held in the housing 45 by means of the spring 47 arranged within in a spring spacer 47A.

The resistance release means 40 comprises a support 48 receives and adjustment assembly 49 and attaches it to the housing 45. The adjustment assembly 49 includes a finger wheel 49A that is exposed in use and can be turned by a user to drive a gear 49B so as to adjust force applied to the spring 47 and thereby the ball bearing 46 against the slider 26. In use the embodiment provides a Golf Training Aid that concentrates on 3 main actions of the Golf swing at impact. These are described briefly below:

1 : Impact Position - The edge of the slider is aligned at a 90 degree angle to the guide rail and will therefore ensure the correct impact position and target line. By visually positioning the club face not to be open or closed with the edge of the slider the club will be in the correct impact position.

2: Pressure / Compression - To assist the golfer to achieve the correct hip position and weight distribution at the compression of the ball. This is simulated by an adjustable pressure control in the form of the adjustable resistance release means which loads the slider to put resistance on the slider to its being released to slide along the guide means. As a user develops their training the resistance release force can be increased, representing an increased compression on the ball therefore simulating a greater travel distance for the ball on the course.

3. Release Position - After Compression the slider is released and slides down the guide means coming to a stop at the end of the user's swing. The club toe is guided by the front face of the guide rail giving the user the correct line of release and with the side rods extended the golfer is enabled to practise their position for the correct release and direction of the ball. Additional Uses: With the side rods extended the device assists the user to line-up their shoulders and hips parallel to the putt. The top face of the guide rail comprises a line numbering system which can be used to practise and equalise the putting stroke, as a user guides their putter along the rear face of the guide rail enabling a user to develop a straight back and thorough technique with a controlled length of swing. The device can be used either indoors or outside on the training ground.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention as defined by the claims.

Claims

1 . A golf training device comprising: a base having an upper surface, a lower surface, a long axis and a short axis perpendicular to the long axis; a guide rail provided on the upper surface of the base aligned with the long axis; at least one first linear guide means on the upper surface of the base and at least one second guide means on the guide rail; a slider arranged in use to engage with the first and second guide means, the slider configured to be slidably moveable in a direction of movement parallel to the long axis, the device provides at least a first rest position for the slider; and a resistance release means for bearing on the slider when in the rest position, the resistance release means being configured to provide a resistive force to resist movement of the slider away from the rest position.

2. A golf training device according to claim 1 wherein the resistance release means comprises a recess arranged on the slider for receiving an adjustable member arranged on the guide rail.

3. A golf training device according to claim 1 wherein the resistance release means comprises a recess arranged on the base for receiving an adjustable member arranged on the base.

4. A device according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the adjustable member comprises a ball mounted on the guide rail or base and a means adapted to press the ball into the recess.

5. A device according to claim any preceding claim wherein the resistance release means is adjustable to provide an adjustable resistance force.

6. A device according to claim 4 wherein the resistance release means comprises a spring adjustment means to adjust the compression of the spring, so adjusting the force retaining the ball within the recess in the slider when in the rest position.

7. A device according to claim 5 wherein the resistance release means comprises: a transfer bearing unit; and a compression spring arranged in use to bear on the transfer bearing unit at its distal end; in which the position of the proximal end of the spring is arranged in use to be adjustable by means of a screw thread mounted on the base.

8. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the guide means comprises a slot in the base and the slider comprises one or more guide projections provided on its lower surface adapted to fit into the slot.

9. A device according to claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the resistance release means is mounted in the guide rail, projecting from a surface of the guide rail so as to engage a recess provided in a surface of the slider.

10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the slider comprises a removable component that may be mounted on it to adjust its mass.

1 1 . A device according to any preceding claim wherein the device comprises a golf swing trainer and a putting trainer comprising: a putting surface forming part of the upper surface of the base, in which the putting surface is arranged in use such that the guide rail provides a rear surface extending at a right angle to the putting surface, and a distance scale provided on the upper surface of the guide rail.

12. A device according to any preceding claim comprising extendible side rods mounted on the guide rail and extendible parallel to it.

13. A device according to any preceding claim including at least one sensor.

14. A device according to any preceding claim including a display.

15. A method of training a person to correctly strike a golf ball using the device according to any preceding claim.

16. A golf training as substantially herein described with reference to the Figures.