WO2023220231A1

WO2023220231A1 - Sports swing training device

Info

Publication number: WO2023220231A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/021822
Authority: WO
Inventors: John A. DIFRANGIA; Steven A. Sauer
Original assignee: Difrangia John A
Priority date: 2022-05-11
Filing date: 2023-05-11
Publication date: 2023-11-16
Also published as: US20230364483A1

Abstract

A sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is disclosed herein. The sports swing training device includes a grip portion configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement, and the grip portion configured to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement; a first attachment leg connected to the first end of the grip portion, the first attachment leg configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg connected to the second end of the grip portion, the second attachment leg configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement. The sports swing training device is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

Description

SPORTS SWING TRAINING DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Nonprovisional Patent Application No. 18/195,909, entitled “Sports Swing Training Device”, filed on May 10, 2023, and additionally claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/340,603, entitled “Sports Swing Training Device”, filed on May 11, 2022, all of the disclosures of which are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entireties.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[0002] Not Applicable.

NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

[0003] Not Applicable.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK

[0004] Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The invention generally relates to a sports swing training device. More particularly, the invention relates to a sports swing training device that is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of a sports implement, such as a golf club.

2. Background

[0006] Sports swings are used in sports that require the use of a device to make contact with a ball or puck. Proper sports swings require a full turn on the proper swing plane. Many players of these sports do not make the proper turn while swinging and travel on an improper swing plane, thus resulting in poor performance. Understanding the proper technique requires years of experience or the help of an industry professional. Many participants in sports that require a swing do not have the time or financial resources to learn the proper sports swing. [0007] Therefore, what is needed is a sports swing training device that induces an athlete using a sports implement to make a full turn on the proper swing plane. In addition, a sports swing training device is needed that gradually establishes the proper swing plane muscle memory so that the proper swing plane is eventually achieved by the athlete without even using the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a sports swing training device that substantially obviates one or more problems resulting from the limitations and deficiencies of the related art.

[0009] In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement. The sports swing training device includes a grip portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion, the grip portion configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement, the grip portion configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement; a first attachment leg connected to the first end of the grip portion, the first attachment leg configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg connected to the second end of the grip portion, the second attachment leg configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. When the sports swing training device is used with the sports implement during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the present invention, the sports implement is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a golf club, (ii) a hockey stick, and (iii) a lacrosse stick. [0011] In yet a further embodiment, the grip portion of the sports swing training device is configured to be disposed generally parallel to the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device is attached to the sports implement. [0012] In still a further embodiment, at least one of the first attachment leg and the second attachment leg are configured to extend generally perpendicular to the grip portion of the sports swing training device.

[0013] In yet a further embodiment, the first attachment leg comprises a first shaft concave recess formed therein for accommodating a curvature of the shaft of the sports implement.

[0014] In still a further embodiment, the second attachment leg comprises a second shaft concave recess formed therein for accommodating the curvature of the shaft of the sports implement, the first shaft concave recess in the first attachment leg being larger than the second shaft concave recess in the second attachment leg so as to accommodate a larger shaft cross-sectional area of the shaft at the first location on the shaft of the sports implement.

[0015] In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the first shaft concave recess and the second shaft concave recess comprises a plurality of vertically extending ribs that facilitate a more securement engagement with the shaft of the sports implement.

[0016] In still a further embodiment, the grip portion of the sports swing training device comprises a central rod member and a tubular grip member disposed over the central rod member, the tubular grip member being formed from a grip material that emulates a material forming the gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement.

[0017] In yet a further embodiment, the sports swing training device further comprises a first strap member configured to attach the first attachment leg to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement, and a second strap member configured to attach the second attachment leg to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement.

[0018] In still a further embodiment, the first attachment leg comprises one or more first apertures formed therein for receiving one or more portions of the first strap member, and the second attachment leg comprises one or more second apertures formed therein for receiving one or more portions of the second strap member.

[0019] In yet a further embodiment, at least one of the first attachment leg and the second attachment leg comprises a resilient spring member for applying tension on the first strap member or the second strap member so as to retain the first strap member or the second strap member in secure engagement with the shaft of the sports implement.

[0020] In still a further embodiment, the grip portion of the sports swing training device is in a form of a molded rod with a textured outer grip surface for accommodating the first hand of a user during the swinging of the sports implement. [0021] In yet a further embodiment, the sports swing training device further comprises a first cable tie member configured to attach the first attachment leg to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement, and a second cable tie member configured to attach the second attachment leg to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement.

[0022] In still a further embodiment, at least one of the first cable tie member and the second cable tie member comprises a release mechanism for allowing the at least one of the first cable tie member and the second cable tie member to be removed from the shaft of the sports implement.

[0023] In yet a further embodiment, the sports swing training device further comprises a first elastic cord member configured to attach the first attachment leg to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement, and a second elastic cord member configured to attach the second attachment leg to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement.

[0024] In still a further embodiment, the sports swing training device further comprises an elastic cord tightening member disposed in the grip portion of the sports swing training device, the first elastic cord member and the second elastic cord member being operatively coupled to the elastic cord tightening member; and, when the grip portion of the sports swing training device is rotated by a user, the first elastic cord member and the second elastic cord member are configured to be tightened against the shaft of the sports implement.

[0025] It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are merely exemplary and explanatory in nature. As such, the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention should not be construed to limit the scope of the appended claims in any sense.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sports swing training device, according to a first illustrative embodiment of the invention;

[0028] FIG. 2 is a first side elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ;

[0029] FIG. 3 is a second side elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ; [0031] FIG. 5 is a rear elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1; [0032] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ;

[0033] FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ;

[0034] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the sports swing training device of

FIG. 1, wherein a golf club is illustrated with the sports swing training device;

[0035] FIG. 9 is another first side elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1, wherein the sports swing training device is provided without a tubular grip on the grip portion of the device;

[0036] FIG. 10 is another first side elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1, wherein the sports swing training device is provided with a tubular grip on the grip portion of the device;

[0037] FIG. 11 is an exploded longitudinal sectional view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1, wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line A- A in FIG. 4;

[0038] FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the first attachment leg of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1, wherein the attachment of the first strap to the first attachment leg is illustrated;

[0039] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a sports swing training device, according to a second illustrative embodiment of the invention;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a first side elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 13;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a second side elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 13;

[0042] FIG. 16 is a front elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 13;

[0043] FIG. 17 is a rear elevational view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 13;

[0044] FIG. 18 is a top plan view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 13;

[0045] FIG. 19 is a bottom plan view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 13;

[0046] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 being used on a golf club by a golfer, wherein a first hand of the golfer is disposed on the grip portion of the device and a second hand of the golfer is disposed on the grip of the golf club;

[0047] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 being used on a golf club by the golfer, wherein both hands of the golfer are disposed on the grip of the golf club; [0048] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a golfer swinging a golf club using the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ;

[0049] FIG. 23 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 22 (Detail “A”), wherein the hand placement of the golfer on the sports swing training device and the golf club are illustrated;

[0050] FIG. 24 is another perspective view of a golfer swinging a golf club using the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ;

[0051] FIG. 25 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 24 (Detail “B”), wherein the hand placement of the golfer on the sports swing training device and the golf club are illustrated;

[0052] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a sports swing training device, according to a third illustrative embodiment of the invention;

[0053] FIG. 27 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sports swing training device of FIG.

26, wherein the section is generally cut along the cutting-plane line B-B in FIG. 26;

[0054] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a sports swing training device, according to a fourth illustrative embodiment of the invention;

[0055] FIG. 29 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 28 (Detail “C”), wherein a release mechanism of a releasable cable tie member is illustrated;

[0056] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a sports swing training device, according to a fifth illustrative embodiment of the invention;

[0057] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a lacrosse player swinging a lacrosse stick using the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ;

[0058] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a baseball player swinging a baseball bat using the sports swing training device of FIG. 1 ; and

[0059] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a sports swing training device, according to a sixth illustrative embodiment of the invention.

[0060] Throughout the figures, the same parts are always denoted using the same reference characters so that, as a general rule, they will only be described once.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0061] A first illustrative embodiment of a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is seen generally at 100 in FIGS. 1-12. In the first illustrative embodiment, referring initially to FIGS. 1-3 and 8, the sports swing training device 100 generally comprises a grip portion 102, 104 having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion 102, 104 being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion 102, 104, the grip portion 102, 104 configured to accommodate a first hand 162 of a user during a swinging of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142 - see FIG. 23), the grip portion 102, 104 configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100 is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion 102, 104 to accommodate a second hand 164 of a user 166 gripping the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142 - see FIG. 23); a first attachment leg 110 connected to the first end of the grip portion 102, 104, the first attachment leg 110 configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement (see FIGS. 9 and 10); and a second attachment leg 130 connected to the second end of the grip portion 102, 104, the second attachment leg 130 configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement (see FIGS. 9 and 10), the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, when the sports swing training device 100 is used with the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142) during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device 100 is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

[0062] Advantageously, the sports swing training device 100 is able to be used with various types of sports implements. For example, in addition to being used with a golf club 142, the sports swing training device 100 also may be used with a lacrosse stick, a baseball bat, and a hockey stick. FIGS. 22-25 depict the sports swing training device 100 being used on a golf club 142 in order to improve the golf swing of the golfer 166. When used with a golf club, the sports swing training device 100 can be used for training of the full golf swing, chipping, and/or putting. As another example, FIG. 31 depicts the sports swing training device 100 being used on a lacrosse stick 186 by a lacrosse player 184 to improve his swing of the lacrosse stick 186. As yet another example, FIG. 32 depicts the sports swing training device 100 being used on a baseball bat 190 by a baseball player 188 to improve his swing of the baseball bat 190 when hitting a baseball 192.

[0063] When using the sports swing training device 100 (e.g., for a golf swing), the athlete places his or her back hand on the device 100 and his or her lead hand on the sports implement (i.e., the club or stick - see FIG. 20). Initially, using the device 100, the athlete begins his or her swing on the proper swing plane. The athlete is then forced to make a full shoulder turn. As shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, when the golfer 166 is taking the backswing with the device 100 on the golf club 142, the left hand of the golfer is slightly over the right hand in generally the same manner as when both hands are on the golf club 142. When using the device 100, the golfer applies approximately equal grip strength to both hands. The downswing may then begin on the proper swing plane. The device 100 induces full turn and proper swing plane muscle memory. At impact, the golfer is going to be square with the golf ball virtually every time when using the device 100. Also, for a right-handed golfer, it is almost impossible for the golfer to break his or her right wrist when using the device 100. The athlete may then put the back hand on the sports implement (i.e., club or stick - see FIG. 21), without removing or being interfered with by the device 100 and practice a swing on the proper swing plane. Advantageously, as shown in FIG. 21, the device 100 allows both hands to be placed thereon (i.e., the placement of both hands on the golf grip 143 is not obstructed by the grip portion 102, 104 of the device 100). For a right-handed golfer, the sports swing training device 100 advantageously allows the golfer to build up his or her left hand as the power driver during the swing.

[0064] Now, referring collectively to FIGS. 1-3, 9, 10, 20, and 22-25, in the illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the grip portion 102, 104 of the sports swing training device 100 is configured to be disposed generally parallel to the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100 is attached to the sports implement (e.g., golf club 142). Also, in the illustrative embodiment, the first attachment leg 110 and the second attachment leg 130 are configured to extend generally perpendicular to the grip portion 102, 104 of the sports swing training device 100 (refer to FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0065] In the illustrative embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 6-8, it can be seen that the first attachment leg 110 comprises a first shaft concave recess 116 formed therein for accommodating a curvature of the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., the curvature of a golf club grip 143 - see FIG. 10). Similarly, the second attachment leg 130 comprises a second shaft concave recess 136 formed therein for accommodating the curvature of the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., the curvature of a golf club grip 143 - see FIG. 10). In the illustrative embodiment, the first shaft concave recess 116 in the first attachment leg 110 is larger than the second shaft concave recess 136 in the second attachment leg 130 so as to accommodate a larger shaft cross-sectional area of the shaft at the first location on the shaft of the sports implement (i.e., because the golf club grip 143 has a downwardly tapered cross-section, the top portion of the golf club grip 143 has a larger cross-sectional area than the bottom portion of the golf club grip 143 to compensate for the wider golf club grip 143 at the top - see e.g., FIG. 10). In the illustrative embodiment, with reference to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, it can be seen that the first shaft concave recess 116 may have a recess shape that resembles a half hexagon or flattened V-shape. Similarly, in the illustrative embodiment, with reference again to FIGS. 1, 6, and 7, it can be seen that the second shaft concave recess 136 also may have a recess shape that resembles a half hexagon or flattened V-shape, but with a smaller cross-sectional area than the first shaft concave recess 116. Advantageously, the shapes of the first and second shaft concave recesses 116, 136 provide points of contact on opposite sides of the shaft (e.g., on opposite sides of the golf grip) of the sports implement to stabilize the sports swing training device 100 when it is attached to the sports implement (e.g., the golf club 142). The shapes of the first and second shaft concave recesses 116, 136 advantageously prevent the rocking back-and-forth of the device 100 on the sports implement.

[0066] As best shown in FIG. 8, in one or more illustrative embodiments, the grip portion 102, 104 of the sports swing training device 100 comprises a central rod member 104 and a tubular grip member 102 disposed over the central rod member 104. The tubular grip member 102 may be formed from a grip material that emulates a material forming the gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a grip material that is similar to the golf club grip 143 of FIGS. 9 and 10). In an alternative embodiment, the sports swing training device 100 may be used without the tubular grip member 102 (see FIG. 9), in which case, the user directly grasps the central rod member 104 of the sports swing training device 100.

[0067] With combined reference to the first illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 8 and 11, it can be seen that the central rod member 104 may be detachably connected to the first and second attachment legs 110, 130 so that the grip portion 102 is able to be selectively changed by a user to enable a custom grip to be used (e.g., a user is able to use a grip portion 102 that matches the golf club grip on his or her club). Advantageously, the detachable nature of the central rod member 104 enables a user to easily dissemble the sports swing training device 100 so that he or she is able to add his or her own preferred grip to the device 100. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the first threaded end portion 106 of the central rod member 104 is attached to the first attachment leg 110 by means of a first end cap 150 with an internally threaded bore 152. The internal threads in the bore 152 of the first end cap 150 correspond to the external threads on the first end portion 106 of the central rod member 104. In FIG. 11, it can be seen that the aperture 112 in the first attachment leg 110, which receives the first end portion 106 of the central rod member 104 and the first end cap 150, has opposed counterbore recess ends 114 to accommodate recessed mounting of the flange portion of the first end cap 150 and the annular ledge of the first end portion 106 of the central rod member 104. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 11, the second threaded end portion 108 of the central rod member 104 is attached to the second attachment leg 130 by means of a second end cap 154 with an internally threaded bore 156. The internal threads in the bore 156 of the second end cap 154 correspond to the external threads on the second end portion 108 of the central rod member 104. Also, referring to FIG. 11, it can be seen that the aperture 132 in the second attachment leg 130, which receives the second end portion 108 of the central rod member 104 and the second end cap 154, has opposed counterbore recess ends 134 to accommodate recessed mounting of the flange portion of the second end cap 154 and the annular ledge of the second end portion 108 of the central rod member 104.

[0068] Also, in the first illustrative embodiment, referring again to FIGS. 1 and 8-10, the sports swing training device 100 further comprises a first strap member 158 configured to attach the first attachment leg 110 to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., to the golf club grip 143 of a golf club), and a second strap member 160 configured to attach the second attachment leg 130 to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., to the golf club grip 143 of a golf club). In the first illustrative embodiment, the first attachment leg 110 comprises a plurality of first elongate apertures or slots 118, 120 formed therein for receiving portions of the first strap member 158, and the second attachment leg 130 comprises a plurality of second elongate apertures or slots 138, 140 formed therein for receiving portions of the second strap member 160. Turning to FIG. 12, in the first illustrative embodiment, the first end of the first strap member 158 is attached to the first attachment leg 110 by means of a strap fastener member 128 (e.g., a set screw 128) that is received within a fastener aperture 122 disposed in the first shaft concave recess 116. As shown in FIG. 12, the first end portion of the first strap member 158 passes through the first slot 118, and then the first strap member 158 is wrapped around the shaft of the sports implement and inserted through the second slot 120 such that the first strap member 158 is able to be wrapped around the shaft of the sports implement several times (see FIGS. 1 and 6). In the first illustrative embodiment, the first slot 118 extends approximately halfway through the first attachment leg 110, while the second slot 120 extends completely through the first attachment leg 110. Similarly, in the first illustrative embodiment, the first end of the second strap member 160 is attached to the second attachment leg 130 by means of a strap fastener member 148 (e.g., a set screw 148 - see FIG. 8) that is received within a fastener aperture disposed in the second shaft concave recess 136. The first end portion of the second strap member 160 passes through the first slot 138, and then the second strap member 160 is wrapped around the shaft of the sports implement and inserted through the second slot 140 such that the second strap member 160 is able to be wrapped around the shaft of the sports implement several times (see FIGS. 1 and 7). In the first illustrative embodiment, the first slot 138 extends approximately halfway through the second attachment leg 130, while the second slot 140 extends completely through the second attachment leg 130. In the illustrative embodiment, the notched portions of the first and second attachment legs 110, 130 wrap approximately 180 degrees or less around the shaft of the sports implement, and the first and second strap members 158, 160 provide the remainder of the securement to the sports implement.

[0069] In the illustrative embodiment, the first strap member 158 and the second strap member 160 may be formed from a double- sided hook-and-loop fastener textile material (e.g., Velcro®) that has a first side with small hooks and a second, opposite side with tiny loops such that the two sides of the double-sided hook-and-loop fastener textile material stick to one another. Advantageously, the double-sided construction of the hook-and-loop fastener textile material allows the first and second strap members 158, 160 to be wrapped around the grip of the sports implement and then to be attached to themselves.

[0070] A second illustrative embodiment of a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is seen generally at 100’ in FIGS. 13-19. Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in many respects, the second illustrative embodiment is similar to that of the first illustrative embodiment. Moreover, many elements are common to both such embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the elements that the second embodiment of the sports swing training device has in common with the first embodiment will not be discussed in detail because these components have already been described above.

[0071] Like the sports swing training device 100 described above, the sports swing training device 100’ of the second illustrative embodiment (see FIGS. 13-19) generally comprises a grip portion 102, 104 having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion 102, 104 being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion 102, 104, the grip portion 102, 104 configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club), the grip portion 102, 104 configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100’ is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion 102, 104 to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club); a first attachment leg 110’ connected to the first end of the grip portion 102, 104, the first attachment leg 110’ configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg 130’ connected to the second end of the grip portion 102, 104, the second attachment leg 130’ configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, when the sports swing training device 100’ is used with the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142) during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device 100’ is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement. [0072] However, unlike the first illustrative embodiment of the sports swing training device 100 described above, the first and second attachment legs 110’, 130’ of the sports swing training device 100’ of the second illustrative embodiment comprise respective resilient C-shaped spring members 126, 146 for applying tension on the first and second strap members 158, 160 so as to retain the first and second strap members 158, 160 in secure engagement with the shaft of the sports implement (refer to FIGS. 13, 18, and 19). As shown in FIG. 18, the first attachment leg 110’ is provided with a strap gap 124 for receiving the first strap member 158 passing therethrough. The resilient C-shaped spring member 126 compresses the first strap member 158 against the upstanding wall of the first attachment leg 110’ so as to allow the first strap member 158 to be tightened securely around the shaft of the sports implement. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 19, the second attachment leg 130’ is provided with a strap gap 144 for receiving the second strap member 160 passing therethrough. The resilient C-shaped spring member 146 compresses the second strap member 160 against the upstanding wall of the second attachment leg 130’ so as to allow the second strap member 160 to be tightened securely around the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, the resilient C-shaped spring members 126, 146 may be formed from a flexible plastic material.

[0073] A third illustrative embodiment of a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is seen generally at 100” in FIGS. 26 and 27. Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in many respects, the third illustrative embodiment is similar to the preceding embodiments. Moreover, many elements are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the elements that the third embodiment of the sports swing training device has in common with the first two embodiments will not be discussed in detail because these components have already been described above.

[0074] Like the sports swing training devices 100, 100’ described above, the sports swing training device 100” of the third illustrative embodiment (see FIGS. 26 and 27) generally comprises a grip portion 102’ having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion 102’ being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion 102’, the grip portion 102’ configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club), the grip portion 102’ configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100” is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion 102’ to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club); a first attachment leg 110 connected to the first end of the grip portion 102’, the first attachment leg 110 configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg 130 connected to the second end of the grip portion 102’, the second attachment leg 130 configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, when the sports swing training device 100” is used with the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142) during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device 100” is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

[0075] However, unlike the first and second illustrative embodiments of the sports swing training devices 100, 100’ described above, the grip portion 102’ of the sports swing training device 100’ ’ of the third illustrative embodiment is in a form of a molded rod 102’ with a textured outer grip surface for accommodating the first hand of a user during the swinging of the sports implement (refer to FIGS. 26 and 27). That is, the grip portion 102’ of the third illustrative embodiment is of one-piece construction, rather than the two-piece construction described above for the first and second illustrative embodiments of the sports swing training devices 100, 100’. [0076] A fourth illustrative embodiment of a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is seen generally at 100”’ in FIGS. 28 and 29. Referring to these figures, it can be seen that, in many respects, the fourth illustrative embodiment is similar to the preceding embodiments. Moreover, many elements are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the elements that the fourth embodiment of the sports swing training device has in common with the first three embodiments will not be discussed in detail because these components have already been described above.

[0077] Like the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100” described above, the sports swing training device 100” ’ of the fourth illustrative embodiment (see FIGS. 28 and 29) generally comprises a grip portion 102, 104 having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion 102, 104 being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion 102, 104, the grip portion 102, 104 configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club), the grip portion 102, 104 configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100”’ is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion 102, 104 to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club); a first attachment leg 110” connected to the first end of the grip portion 102, 104, the first attachment leg 110’ ’ configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg 130’ ’ connected to the second end of the grip portion 102, 104, the second attachment leg 130’ ’ configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, when the sports swing training device 100’” is used with the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142) during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device 100’ ’ ’ is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

[0078] However, unlike the first three illustrative embodiments of the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100” described above, the sports swing training device 100’ ” of the fourth illustrative embodiment is attached to the shaft of the sports implement by first and second cable tie members 168, 172, rather than the first and second strap members 158, 160 described above. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 28, the first cable tie member 168 of the sports swing training device 100’ ” is configured to attach the first attachment leg 110” to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142), while the second cable tie member 172 of the sports swing training device 100” ’ is configured to attach the second attachment leg 130’ ’ to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement. Referring collectively to FIGS. 28 and 29, it can be seen that, in the illustrative embodiment, the first and second cable tie members 168, 172 comprise respective release mechanisms 170, 174 (e.g., ratchet buttons) for allowing the first and second cable tie members 168, 172 to be removed from the shaft of the sports implement. That is, in order to remove the sports swing training device 100’ ” from the shaft of the sports implement, the user merely depresses each of the release mechanisms 170, 174 on the respective first and second cable tie members 168, 172 in order to loosen the first and second cable tie members 168, 172, and release the first and second cable tie members 168, 172 from the shaft of the sports implement.

[0079] In addition, unlike the first three illustrative embodiments of the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100” described above, the sports swing training device 100’” of the fourth illustrative embodiment is provided with first and second shaft concave recesses 116’, 136’ having shapes that are different than the shaft concave recesses 116, 136 described above. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 28, each of the first and second shaft concave recesses 116’, 136’ has a substantially V-shape, rather than the half hexagon shape of the shaft concave recesses 116, 136 in the first three illustrative embodiments.

[0080] A fifth illustrative embodiment of a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is seen generally at 100’ ” ’ in FIG. 30. Referring to this figure, it can be seen that, in many respects, the fifth illustrative embodiment is similar to the preceding embodiments. Moreover, many elements are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the elements that the fifth embodiment of the sports swing training device has in common with the first four embodiments will not be discussed in detail because these components have already been described above.

[0081] Like the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100”, 100’ ” described above, the sports swing training device 100”” of the fifth illustrative embodiment (see FIG. 30) generally comprises a grip portion 102’ ’ having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion 102” being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion 102”, the grip portion 102’ ’ configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club), the grip portion 102” configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100”” is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion 102” to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club); a first attachment leg 110” connected to the first end of the grip portion 102”, the first attachment leg 110’ ’ configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg 130” connected to the second end of the grip portion 102”, the second attachment leg 130” configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, when the sports swing training device 100”” is used with the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142) during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device 100”” is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement. [0082] However, unlike the first four illustrative embodiments of the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100”, 100’ ” described above, the sports swing training device 100” ” of the fifth illustrative embodiment is attached to the shaft of the sports implement by first and second elastic cord members 176, 178, rather than the first and second strap members 158, 160 or the first and second cable tie members 168, 172 described above. More specifically, with reference to FIG. 30, the first elastic cord member 176 of the sports swing training device 100’ ” ’ is configured to attach the first attachment leg 110” to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142), while the second elastic cord member 178 of the sports swing training device 100”” is configured to attach the second attachment leg 130” to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement. In addition, in the fifth illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the sports swing training device 100’ ’ ’ ’ further comprises an elastic cord tightening member 180 disposed in the hollow grip portion 102” of the sports swing training device 100”” (refer to FIG. 30). As shown in FIG. 30, the first elastic cord member 176 and the second elastic cord member 178 are each operatively coupled to the elastic cord tightening member 180 (which may have an elongated “+” shape). In particular, the looped ends of the first and second elastic cord members 176, 178 are received within notches 182 in the elastic cord tightening member 180. In the illustrative embodiment, when the grip portion 102” of the sports swing training device 100”” is rotated by a user, the first elastic cord member 176 and the second elastic cord member 178 are configured to be tightened against the shaft of the sports implement (i.e., the elastic cord tightening member 180 rotates with the grip portion 102” such that the twisting of the grip portion 102’ ’ tightens the first and second elastic cord members 176, 178 against the shaft of the sports implement, thereby resulting in a self-tightening device 100” ”).

[0083] In the fifth illustrative embodiment, similar to fourth embodiment described above, the first and second attachment legs 110”, 130” of the sports swing training device 100” ” have substantially V-shaped shaft concave recesses 116’, 136’ formed therein. Also, while not explicitly shown in FIG. 30, the sports swing training device 100” ” may further comprise a release button for releasing the tension on the grip portion 102’ ’ so that the sports swing training device 100” ” may be removed from the sports implement.

[0084] A sixth illustrative embodiment of a sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement is seen generally at 100’ ” ” in FIG. 33. Referring to this figure, it can be seen that, in many respects, the sixth illustrative embodiment is similar to the preceding embodiments. Moreover, many elements are common to all of the embodiments. For the sake of brevity, the elements that the sixth embodiment of the sports swing training device has in common with the first five embodiments will not be discussed in detail because these components have already been described above.

[0085] Like the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100”, 100’ ”, 100”” described above, the sports swing training device 100’” ” of the sixth illustrative embodiment (see FIG. 33) generally comprises a grip portion 102’” having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion 102’” being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion 102’”, the grip portion 102” ’ configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club), the grip portion 102’” configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device 100’ ”” is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion 102” ’ to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement (e.g., a golf club); a first attachment leg 110’” connected to the first end of the grip portion 102’”, the first attachment leg 110’ ” configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg 130’ ” connected to the second end of the grip portion 102’ ”, the second attachment leg 130” ’ configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement. In the illustrative embodiment, when the sports swing training device 100’ ” ” is used with the sports implement (e.g., a golf club 142) during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device 100’ ” ” is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

[0086] However, unlike the first five illustrative embodiments of the sports swing training devices 100, 100’, 100”, 100’ ”, 100”” described above, the substantially V-shaped shaft recesses 116”, 136” of the sports swing training device 100’”” of the sixth illustrative embodiment are provided with a plurality of vertically extending ribs 117, 137 that facilitate a more securement engagement with the handle of the sports implement (e.g., the rubber golf grip of the golf club 142). Advantageously, the ribbed surface texture of the substantially V- shaped shaft recesses 116”, 136” makes it less likely that the sports swing training device 100”” ’ will become inadvertently disengaged from the sports implement when secured to the sports implement by the strap members 158, 160 described above. Moreover, in the sixth illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the sports swing training device 100’ ” ” comprises a straight piece of plastic tubing for the tubular grip member 102’”, rather than the tubular grip member being formed from a grip material that emulates a material forming the gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement. Furthermore, in the sixth illustrative embodiment, it can be seen that the undersides of the first and second attachment legs 110” ’, 130’ ” are provided with a plurality of cavities 141 with support ribs disposed between the cavities 141 to, for example, to reduce the amount of plastic needed to form the first and second attachment legs 110’ ”, 130’” of the sports swing training device 100’ ” ” . Also, providing the first and second attachment legs 110’”, 130’ ” with a plurality of cavities 141 reduces the likelihood of sink marks in the exterior of the first and second attachment legs 110’ ”, 130’” when the legs 110’”, 130” ’ are formed from plastic using an injection molding process.

[0087] It is readily apparent that the aforedescribed sports swing training device 100, 100’, 100”, 100’”, 100”” offers numerous advantages. First, the sports swing training device 100, 100’, 100”, 100’”, 100”” induces an athlete using a sports implement to make a full turn on the proper swing plane. Secondly, the sports swing training device 100, 100’, 100”, 100’ ”, 100” ” gradually establishes the proper swing plane muscle memory so that the proper swing plane is eventually achieved by the athlete without even using the device 100, 100’, 100”, 100” ’, 100””. Advantageously, the sports swing training device 100, 100’, 100”, 100’ ’ ’ , 100’ ’ ’ ’ may be used for either right-handed or left-handed athletes. [0088] Any of the features or attributes of the above described embodiments and variations can be used in combination with any of the other features and attributes of the above described embodiments and variations as desired.

[0089] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain embodiment or embodiments, it is apparent that this invention can be embodied in many different forms and that many other modifications and variations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention.

[0090] Moreover, while exemplary embodiments have been described herein, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the exemplary embodiments set forth above are merely illustrative in nature and should not be construed as to limit the claims in any manner. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims and their equivalents, and not, by the preceding description.

[0091] The invention claimed is:

Claims

1. A sports swing training device configured to be attached to a shaft of a sports implement, the sports swing training device comprising: a grip portion having a first end and a second end, the second end of the grip portion being oppositely disposed relative to the first end of the grip portion, the grip portion configured to accommodate a first hand of a user during a swinging of the sports implement, the grip portion configured to be spaced apart from a gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device is attached to the sports implement so as to define an open area between the shaft of the sports implement and the grip portion to accommodate a second hand of a user gripping the shaft of the sports implement; a first attachment leg connected to the first end of the grip portion, the first attachment leg configured to attach to a first location on the shaft of the sports implement; and a second attachment leg connected to the second end of the grip portion, the second attachment leg configured to attach to a second location on the shaft of the sports implement, the second location on the shaft of the sports implement being spaced apart from the first location on the shaft of the sports implement; wherein, when the sports swing training device is used with the sports implement during the swinging of the sports implement, the sports swing training device is configured to assist the user in learning a proper swinging motion of the sports implement.

2. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the sports implement is selected from the group consisting of: (i) a golf club, (ii) a hockey stick, and (iii) a lacrosse stick.

3. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion of the sports swing training device is configured to be disposed generally parallel to the shaft of the sports implement when the sports swing training device is attached to the sports implement.

4. The sports swing training device according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the first attachment leg and the second attachment leg are configured to extend generally perpendicular to the grip portion of the sports swing training device.

5. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the first attachment leg comprises a first shaft concave recess formed therein for accommodating a curvature of the shaft of the sports implement.

6. The sports swing training device according to claim 5, wherein the second attachment leg comprises a second shaft concave recess formed therein for accommodating the curvature of the shaft of the sports implement, the first shaft concave recess in the first attachment leg being larger than the second shaft concave recess in the second attachment leg so as to accommodate a larger shaft cross-sectional area of the shaft at the first location on the shaft of the sports implement.

7. The sports swing training device according to claim 6, wherein at least one of the first shaft concave recess and the second shaft concave recess comprises a plurality of vertically extending ribs that facilitate a more securement engagement with the shaft of the sports implement.

8. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion of the sports swing training device comprises a central rod member and a tubular grip member disposed over the central rod member, the tubular grip member being formed from a grip material that emulates a material forming the gripping area on the shaft of the sports implement.

9. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, further comprising a first strap member configured to attach the first attachment leg to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement, and a second strap member configured to attach the second attachment leg to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement.

10. The sports swing training device according to claim 9, wherein the first attachment leg comprises one or more first apertures formed therein for receiving one or more portions of the first strap member, and the second attachment leg comprises one or more second apertures formed therein for receiving one or more portions of the second strap member.

11. The sports swing training device according to claim 9, wherein at least one of the first attachment leg and the second attachment leg comprises a resilient spring member for applying tension on the first strap member or the second strap member so as to retain the first strap member or the second strap member in secure engagement with the shaft of the sports implement.

12. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, wherein the grip portion of the sports swing training device is in a form of a molded rod with a textured outer grip surface for accommodating the first hand of a user during the swinging of the sports implement.

13. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, further comprising a first cable tie member configured to attach the first attachment leg to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement, and a second cable tie member configured to attach the second attachment leg to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement.

14. The sports swing training device according to claim 13, wherein at least one of the first cable tie member and the second cable tie member comprises a release mechanism for allowing the at least one of the first cable tie member and the second cable tie member to be removed from the shaft of the sports implement.

15. The sports swing training device according to claim 1, further comprising a first elastic cord member configured to attach the first attachment leg to the first location on the shaft of the sports implement, and a second elastic cord member configured to attach the second attachment leg to the second location on the shaft of the sports implement.

16. The sports swing training device according to claim 15, further comprising an elastic cord tightening member disposed in the grip portion of the sports swing training device, the first elastic cord member and the second elastic cord member being operatively coupled to the elastic cord tightening member; wherein, when the grip portion of the sports swing training device is rotated hy a user, the first elastic cord member and the second elastic cord member are configured to be tightened against the shaft of the sports implement.