US20060141434A1 - Training device for golf swing and similar motions - Google Patents

Abstract

A training device (10) is disclosed for use in guiding and coordinating a user's body position when executing a golf swing like motion. The training device has a first actuator (71) for monitoring the movement of the upper torso of the user during the motion, and for applying a resistance force to the upper torso to guide the user in moving the upper torso in a desired manner. The training device also has a second actuator (72) for monitoring the movement of the wrists and arms, and for applying a resistance force to the wrists to guide the user in moving the wrists and arms in a desired manner. A control unit (81) is connected to the first and second actuators for recording the movement monitored by the actuators and for operating the actuators to apply the resistance forces.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention relates to a training device for a golf swing and similar motions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a training device that guides and coordinates a user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational arm and body movement that executes a golf swing or performs other similar motions, and that further can record a golf swing motion and can force the user to repeat the motion or perform another desired similar motion.
BACKGROUND ART
• The present invention has special application to the teaching of a golf swing, and it will be described with particularity with regard to this use. When a golfer properly executes a golf swing, the relatively planar face of a golf club head moving at a relatively high velocity collides with a golf ball that is at rest on or near the ground. The force of the collision causes the golf ball to compress slightly against the face of the club head, which may also undergo some temporary deformation. Because the mass of the golf ball is significantly less than that of the moving club head, the collision also causes the golf ball to become accelerated in the direction of the force being applied to it by the club head. The face of the club head is usually lofted a predetermined number of degrees from vertical and scored with horizontal grooves. The horizontal grooves in the face of the club head engage the relatively soft cover of the golf ball during compression and prevent the ball from sliding up the face. As the golf ball decompresses and begins to spring off of the face of the club head, the horizontal grooves coupled with the loft angle of the club frictionally impart a backward spin and a rising trajectory to the golf ball. The spin axis of a properly struck golf ball is substantially horizontal and perpendicular to a target line, which is an imaginary line extending horizontally in the direction of an intended target from the point at which the golfer struck the golf ball with the golf club. After springing off of the face of the club head, a properly struck golf ball, which is usually dimpled to reduce drag and increase lift, travels in a desired direction for a desired distance and comes to rest again on the ground at the intended target, assuming of course that the flight of the ball is not affected by other forces, such as wind.
• It will be appreciated that the golf ball is in contact with the face of the club head for only a brief period of time during the golf swing. However, if the golf ball is to travel on a straight path to the intended target, meaning that the golf ball generally travels in a vertical plane that contains the target line, it is imperative that throughout the brief period of time the golf ball is in contact with the golf club the golfer maintains the club head such that the horizontal grooves in the club face are substantially perpendicular (i.e., square) to the target line. To hit a straight shot, it is also imperative that the golfer maintain the movement of the golf club such that the club face moves substantially along the target line while it is in contact with the ball. And, for most golf shots, it is also imperative that the golfer cause the club head to be moving at a relatively high rate of speed at the time of the collision with the ball in order to impart a sufficient force to the golf ball to cause it to travel to the intended target.
• If the golf swing is not executed as described, the golf ball will not travel on a generally straight path to the intended target. For example, if the horizontal grooves in the club face are not substantially perpendicular to the target line when the head of the golf club strikes the golf ball, the spin axis of the golf ball will not be substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the target line, and the golf ball will tend to curve in flight to the right or to the left of the direction of the force applied by the club. For a right-handed golfer, a trajectory deviation to the right of the target line caused by an improper spin imparted to the golf ball is referred to as a slice, and a trajectory deviation to the left caused by an improper spin imparted to the golf ball is referred to as a hook. In addition, if the movement of the club head while it is in contact with the golf ball is in a direction other than substantially along the target line, the force transferred to the golf ball will cause it to become accelerated to the right or left of the target line, which for a right-handed golfer is called a push or pull, respectively. These terms are reversed for a left-handed golfer. Other factors, such as the steepness or shallowness of the swing arc of the golf club, the velocity and acceleration of the golf club head at the moment of impact, the point on the face of the golf club which makes contact with the golf ball, and other factors can also have a significant affect on whether the golf ball comes to rest near its intended target.
• Significant practice is required in order for a golfer to learn how to execute a golf swing that will result in a golf ball consistently traveling to an intended target. Unfortunately, if during such practice the golfer learns poor swing mechanics or other bad habits resulting in swing flaws, such flaws can become grooved in the golfers swing. In other words, the golfers muscles become accustomed to executing a golf swing having one or more flaws or faults. A golfer who has grooved a swing with a flaw or fault has a very difficult time correcting the golf swing, primarily because the golfer does not know what a proper swing is supposed to feel like. Accordingly, rather than correcting the swing flaw, the golfer will more likely make a compensation in some other portion of the swing to adjust for the improper flight characteristics of the golf ball caused by the swing flaw. A classic example of this situation is a right-handed golfer with a swing flaw which produces a pronounced slice compensating for the slice by aiming far to the left of the intended target. Making compensations such as this may allow the golfer to hit the golf ball in the general direction of the intended target, but such compensations result in a loss of distance, decreased accuracy, and inconsistency. Furthermore, making such compensations tends to compound the number of swing flaws in the golfer's swing, making it even worse and more difficult to correct. Accordingly, it is better to learn and groove proper golf swing having no flaws or faults.
• A proper golf swing begins from an address position and includes a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through. In the address position, the golfer stands a distance away from and facing the golf ball. The golfer's feet are placed generally astride an imaginary horizontal line that passes through the golf ball perpendicular to the target line. The golfer takes a comfortable grip on the grip end of the golf club and places the club head to the side of the golf ball opposite the target.
• The first part of the golf swing is called the back swing. During the back swing, the golfer takes the club head away from the golf ball while rotating (i.e., turning) his or her hips and upper torso away from the intended target. Ideally, the golfer's shoulders should rotate up to about 90°, and the golfer's hips should rotate up to about 45° from the address position during the back swing. At the same time, the golfer raises the golf club in his or her hands by tilting the wrists. Once the golfer has completed the back swing, the golfer then executes the second part of the golf swing called the down swing. The point at which the golfer transitions from the back swing to the down swing is called the top of the back swing. During the down swing, the golfer turns back toward the golf ball and brings the wrists down to move the club head to the original position. The golfer strikes the golf ball with the face of the club head at the bottom of the down swing. In the brief period of time that the golf ball is on the club face, the down swing transitions into the third part of the golf swing called the follow through. During the follow through, the golfer completes a turn in the direction of the intended target and again moves the wrists to lift the club. Ideally, the golfer's shoulders should rotate up to about 180° and the golfer's hips should rotate up to about 90° from the position they were in at the top of the back swing.
• Videotape recordings and stop-action photographs taken of professional golfers show that, in addition to the rotational body movement previously described, a proper golf swing also involves lateral and vertical movement. From the address position, the upper torso of most professional golfers moves laterally away from the intended target a distance in a direction generally parallel to the target line as the golfer turns or rotates his or her hips and shoulders away from the target during the back swing. This lateral movement coupled with the simultaneous rotation of the golfer's hips and shoulders causes the golfer to also simultaneously move a distance in a generally downward direction (i.e., toward the horizontal plane that includes the target line) during the back swing. During the down swing, the golfer simultaneously counter-rotates by turning his or her hips and shoulders back toward the golf ball while his or her upper torso moves laterally generally parallel to the target line in the direction of the intended target. The uncoiling of the golfer's body during the down swing results in a simultaneous upward or vertical movement relative to the horizontal plane containing the target line. During the follow through portion of the golf swing, the golfer's hips and shoulders complete a body turn toward the target and the golfer continues to move laterally generally parallel to the target line toward the target. As the golfer completes the follow through the golfer simultaneously continues to rise or move in a generally vertical direction relative to the horizontal plane.
• The prior art is replete with training devices that are intended to guide a user through the proper mechanics of a golf swing. Unfortunately, these prior art devices universally fail to account for the lateral and vertical movements of the users body during a properly executed golf swing. In fact, most prior art mechanical training devices force the user to execute a golf swing by rotating about a single fixed axis thereby training the user to attempt to execute the golf swing without making any lateral and/or vertical movements. Clearly, such prior art mechanical training devices do not take into account the dynamic movement of the human body during a properly executed golf swing. A mechanical device is needed that can guide and coordinate a user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement when executing a golf swing so that golfers can learn and practice how to execute a proper golf swing.
• In addition, there is no existing device which can teach the golfer to coordinate the wrist movements which involving lifting and lowering the club head with the shoulder movement of twisting to perform the back swing and the follow through. The speed of these movements and the coordination of the wrist and shoulder movements vary greatly from golfer to golfer. Many golfers who have what is considered to be optimal swings perform these movements in different order and with different speeds. The proper swing for any particular golfer is going to vary and a golfer may which to adopt one of the swings of a professional or amateur golfer with which he or she is familiar, or the golfer may wish to develop his or her own stroke. However, heretofore, the capturing of these movements and the ability of forcing the golfer to perform these movements has been extremely limited.
• Some of these disadvantages have been overcome by the training device disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,863, issued to the present inventor. This device provides guiding and coordinating a user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement when executing a golf swing relative to the target line. However, the motion provided by the device is generally the same for any golfer, and there is nothing to force the golfer to confirm to more desirable swing mechanics. Furthermore, there is no coordination between the movement of the upper torso in swiveling around and the movement of the wrists and arms to lift and lower the golf club during the swing.
• The device of U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,863 is also limited in its applicability to teaching a golf swing. It is not readily adaptable for other uses, such as teaching other similar types of motion, or for use in physical therapy or kinesitherapy where other types of shoulder and arm motion can be repetitively taught to the user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present invention provides an improved training device for various uses, most importantly for training a user how to execute a proper golf swing. The training device according to the present invention guides and coordinates the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement when executing a golf swing relative to a target line extending horizontally in the direction of an intended target from a predetermined point at which the user would strike a golf ball with a golf club. At the same time, the device coordinates the movement of the golfer's wrists and arms in raising and lowering the golf club head with the swinging movement of the shoulders according to the golfers own unique specification.
• The training device of the present invention utilizes servo motors and programmable logic, to guide the user through a predetermined course of motion, in which the upper torso is moved relative to the lower torso, and in which the arms are moved relative to the upper torso. This predetermined course of motion can be programmed to guide the user through a proscribed golf swing motion, in which the user executes a golf swing in a manner different from a swing motion previously employed by the user, or in which the user executes a desired golf swing motion achieved through special lessons. This motion can then be repeated exactly as many times as desired, until the user has achieved a “feel” for the swing, or has fallen into a “groove.”
• To restrain the user within the training device, the training device according to the present invention includes a yoke, a rotatable member, and a guide assembly. The yoke engages the upper torso of the user and includes an attachment point that is preferably positioned above and intermediate the user's shoulders. The rotatable member is connected to the yoke at the attachment point. The rotatable member has an axis of rotation that lies within a first plane that is generally parallel to the target line of the golf swing. The guide assembly maintains the orientation of the rotatable member as it simultaneously rotates and moves laterally and vertically while the user executes a golf swing. Preferably, the guide assembly maintains the orientation of the rotatable member such that a first angle between the first plane and a horizontal plane that contains the target line, and a second angle between the axis of rotation of the rotatable member and a line of intersection between the first plane and the horizontal plane, both remain constant while the rotatable member simultaneously rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line away from the target and toward the horizontal plane as the user executes a back swing and counter-rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line toward the target and away from the horizontal plane as the user executes a down swing and follow through. In a preferred embodiment, the training device further includes an extensible rod that is pivotally connected on one end to the yoke proximal to the user's sternum and is connected on the other end by a hinge to a holder which supports the grip end of a golf club.
• A pair of actuators, preferably comprising servo motors, are attached to this mechanism to monitor and/or drive the rotational shoulder movement of the user and the wrist movement which can tilt the golf club shaft. The actuators are connected to a control unit, which may be a PC, which receives data from the actuators and can use the actuators to drive the mechanism through a desired set of movements, such as that of a golf swing. The device can be set in a learn mode in which the actuators monitor the motion of the torso and shoulders and the motion of the wrists and arms in lifting and lowering the club head during the golf swing and display this information to the user, so that the user and/or a teacher can evaluate the swing. The device can also be set in a teaching mode in which the actuators apply a suitable resistance force to the mechanism to guide the user in the desired movement, such as to execute a preprogrammed golf swing. The teaching can be enhanced by visual displays on the control unit showing a time plot of the measured parameters of the swing and with indicating lights and/or sounds showing visually and/or audibly whether the user is conforming to the desired movement parameters during the swing.
• To use the training device according to the present invention to learn and/or practice the rotational, lateral, and vertical movements involved in executing a proper golf swing or other similar motion, a user first positions his or her upper torso in the yoke. In a preferred embodiment, the yoke includes a front portion disposed generally adjacent to the user's chest, a back portion disposed generally adjacent the user's back, and a connecting portion connecting the front portion and the back portion and extending to an attachment point located above and intermediate the user's shoulders. With his or her upper torso positioned in the yoke, the user takes a comfortable stance a distance away from and facing a golf ball that has been placed on a predetermined point on a target line. The user's feet should preferably be placed generally astride an imaginary horizontal line perpendicular to the target line that passes through the predetermined point on which the golf ball has or would be placed. The user then preferably takes a comfortable grip on the grip end of a golf club that is supported or cradled in the club holder pivotally connected to the end of the extensible rod. The user then assumes an address position with the head of the golf club placed on the side of the predetermined point opposite the target and subsequently executes a golf swing that includes a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through. The training device according to the present invention guides and coordinates the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement during the golf swing by limiting and controlling the position and movement of the user's upper torso which is engaged in and restrained by the yoke. At the same time the actuators monitor the actions of the user and these actions are recorded by the control unit.
• The optional extensible rod and club holder assembly forces the user's hands and arms to be in the proper position relative to the user's body throughout the golf swing, which results in the golf club being maintained in the proper position (i.e., generally perpendicular) relative to the user's spine and in the proper swing plane during the back swing. At the top of the back swing, the hinge connecting the lower portion of the extensible rod to the club holder allows the user to properly cock his or her wrists in the appropriate plane. As the user begins the down swing rotation and lowering of the arms, the extensible rod and club holder assembly forces the user to keep the golf club and the arms moving downwardly while the upper torso is rotating which creates the proper swing plane at all times. At the point in the swing at which the user would impact the golf ball with the head of the golf club, the extensible rod and club holder assembly keeps the user's arms and the golf club in the proper relationship with the horizontal grooves in the face of the club being maintained substantially perpendicular or square to the target line.
• It will be appreciated that a user can use the training device according to the present invention without using the optional extensible rod and club holder assembly. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that a golfer can use the device without gripping a golf club. The golfer can obtain substantial benefits simply by repeatedly executing the body movements of a proper golf swing relative to a target line with or without gripping a golf club or hitting a golf ball. Whether using a golf club or not, the training device according to the present invention permits a golfer to exercise the muscles involved in executing a proper golf swing, which helps the user learn and groove the body positions and rotational, lateral and vertical movements of a proper golf swing.
• The training device according to the present invention is particularly useful for providing the user with the look, sound, and feel (i.e., kinesthesia) of a properly executed golf swing. As the user executes a golf swing, the yoke guides and coordinates the user's body position and rotational, lateral, and vertical movement. The yoke provides resistance to the user's upper torso if the user attempts to move or rotate in an improper manner while executing the golf swing. The device can be programmed to provide a force to create movement, or to provide resistance against which the user must use force. The ability to require the user to exert force against the action of the device allows the device to be used to assist muscle building and/or endurance as well as the development of motor skills.
• Preferably, a user uses the training device according to the present invention while receiving golf instruction from a trained golf teaching professional who can help the user identify and correct swing flaws. After executing repeated golf swings with the training device using his or her own playing clubs, the user's muscles will become accustomed to the feel of a properly executed golf swing, and the user will also know what a properly executed golf swing should look and sound like. Through repeated use of the training device according to the present invention, the user will groove a golf swing which has no flaws or faults. Unlike many of the prior art golf training devices, the training device according to the present invention allows the user to strike golf balls using the user's actual playing clubs during practice which gives the user the ability to feel, see, and hear how a properly struck golf ball reacts.
• While the training device of the present invention has special applicability to teaching golf swings, the device may also be used to repetitively practice other types of similar motions, and may be particularly useful in physical therapy or kinesitherapy. It has been found that many of the motions used in executing a proper golf swing are also useful in doing other common tasks such as walking, in that the rotational motion of the body in a golf swing combined with the vertical motion of the hands and arms is similar to the motion needed for walking. Thus a person who has experienced a loss of motor skills can be rehabilitated by performing these motions using the training device of the present invention.
• These and other advantages are provided by the present invention of a training device for use in guiding and coordinating a user's body position when executing a golf swing like motion, The device comprises a first actuator for monitoring the movement of the upper torso of the user during the motion, and for applying a resistance force to the upper torso to guide the user in moving the upper torso in a desired manner; a second actuator for monitoring the movement of the wrists and arms, and for applying a resistance force to the wrists to guide the user in moving the wrists and arms in a desired manner; and a control unit connected to the first and second actuators for recording the movement monitored by the actuators and for operating the actuators to apply the resistance forces.
• The foregoing and other features of the invention are hereinafter more fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims, the following description setting forth in detail certain illustrative embodiments of the invention, these being indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of the present invention may be employed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one preferred embodiment of the training device of the present invention.
• FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the yoke of the golf training device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a detailed perspective view of a portion of the guide assembly of the golf training device ofFIG. 1 taken from a different perspective.
• FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the portion of the guide assembly ofFIG. 3.
• FIG. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the guide assembly ofFIG. 3 andFIG. 4.
• FIG. 6 is a detailed perspective view similar toFIG. 5 of another preferred embodiment of a guide assembly according to the present invention.
• FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another portion of the guide assembly comprising the drum and cable system of the golf training device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the extensible rod and club holder assembly according of the golf training device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the connection of the control unit to the training device ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the control unit ofFIG. 9 used to operate the training device.
• FIG. 11 is a front elevational view of the training device ofFIG. 1 being used by a user who is in the address position of a golf swing.
• FIG. 12 is a front elevational view similar toFIG. 11 of the training device ofFIG. 1 being used by a user who is in the process of executing the back swing portion of a golf swing.
• FIG. 13 is a front elevational view similar toFIG. 11 andFIG. 12 of the training device ofFIG. 1 being used by a user who is in the top of the back swing position of a golf swing.
• FIG. 14 is a front elevational view similar toFIGS. 11-13 of the training device ofFIG. 1 being used by a user who is in the process of executing the down swing portion of a golf swing.
• FIG. 15 is a front elevational view similar toFIGS. 11-14 of the training device ofFIG. 1 being used by a user who is in the process of transitioning from the down swing to the follow through portion of a golf swing.
• FIG. 16 is a front elevational view similar toFIGS. 11-15 of the training device ofFIG. 1 being used by a user who is in the process of executing the follow through portion of a golf swing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
• Preferred Configuration of the Device
• With reference toFIG. 1, the mechanical elements of thetraining device10 of the present invention are essentially the same as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,863, issued to the present inventor, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thedevice10 includes ayoke11, arotatable member13, and aguide assembly19. A user positions his or her upper torso in theyoke11, which includes anattachment point12 for being positioned above and intermediate the user's shoulders. Anend14 of therotatable member13 is connected to theattachment point12 of theyoke11. Therotatable member13 has an axis ofrotation15 lying within afirst plane16 that is generally parallel to atarget line17. Thetarget line17 is an imaginary line extending generally horizontally in the direction of an intended target from apredetermined point18 at which the user would strike a golf ball with a golf club. Theguide assembly19 maintains the orientation of therotatable member13 as the user executes a golf swing relative to thetarget line17. The orientation of therotatable member13 is maintained by theguide assembly19 as it simultaneously rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line and vertically. Preferably, theguide assembly19 maintains the orientation of therotatable member13 such that afirst angle20 between thefirst plane16 and ahorizontal plane21 that contains thetarget line17, and asecond angle22 between the axis ofrotation15 of therotatable member13 and a line ofintersection23 between thefirst plane16 and thehorizontal plane21, both remain constant while therotatable member13 simultaneously rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 away from the target and toward thehorizontal plane21 as the user executes a back swing and counter-rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 toward the target and away from thehorizontal plane21 as the user executes a down swing and follow through. The various elements comprising the invention are discussed in greater detail below.
• With reference toFIG. 2, in a preferred embodiment, theyoke11 comprises afront portion24 that is intended to be disposed generally adjacent to the user's chest, aback portion25 that is intended to be disposed generally adjacent to the user's back, and a connectingportion26 connecting thefront portion24 and theback portion25 and extending to anattachment point12 that is intended to be positioned above and intermediate the user's shoulders. Theyoke11 preferably includes alinkage27 for adjusting the distance between thefront portion24 and theback portion25 of theyoke11. Thefront portion24 of theyoke11 also preferably includes one or more connection points28 for pivotally connecting an optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 assembly (shown inFIG. 8 andFIG. 9) to theyoke11 proximal to the user's sternum.
• Theyoke11 is used to guide the user's upper torso through the correct rotational, lateral, and vertical movements during a golf swing. Accordingly, it is preferably constructed of a substantially rigid material, such as, for example, metal, wood, plastic, or fiberglass, that can retain its shape and resist deformation when the user exerts pressure against theyoke11 while attempting to move in an improper manner during a golf swing. It will be appreciated that the precise configuration of theyoke11 is not per se critical and that any configuration that is capable of comfortably engaging the upper torso of the user and guiding and coordinating the user's movements during a golf swing could be used. For example, in an alternative embodiment theyoke11 could comprise a fabric vest to be worn by a user that has a substantially rigid extension piece stitched into the back. In such an alternative embodiment, the rigid extension piece would include anattachment point12 located above and intermediate the user's shoulders.
• With reference toFIG. 3 andFIG. 4, theguide assembly19 comprises: ashaft29, acamming surface33 and a generally C-shapedhousing34. Theshaft29 is journaled for rotation on a substantially horizontal axis and has afirst bevel gear30 fixedly attached at one end and acam follower31 attached at the other end. Thefirst bevel gear30 meshes with asecond bevel gear32 that is attached to therotatable member13. The axis of thesecond bevel gear32 is the same as the axis ofrotation15 of therotatable member13. Thecamming surface33 is engaged by thecam follower31. The generally C-shapedhousing34 journals theshaft29 and therotatable member13 in a fixed orientation relative to each other. Theguide assembly19 causes therotatable member13 to simultaneously rotate and move laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 and also toward or away from thehorizontal plane21 as thecam follower31 rolls along in contact with thecamming surface33.
• Preferably, thecamming surface33 causes therotatable member13 to move laterally approximately 4.0 inches (10 cm) generally parallel to thetarget line17 in a direction away from the target and approximately 0.75 inches (1.9 cm) toward thehorizontal plane21 while therotatable member13 rotates up to about 90° on the axis ofrotation15 as the user executes a back swing. Thecamming surface33 also preferably causes therotatable member13 to move laterally approximately 8.0 inches (20 cm) in the opposite direction generally parallel to thetarget line17 and approximately 2.5 inches (6.3 cm) away from thehorizontal plane21 while therotatable member13 counter-rotates up to about 180° on the axis ofrotation15 as the user executes a down swing and follow through. It will be appreciated that by changing the shape and/or length of thecamming surface33, changes can be made in the amount of lateral and vertical movement permitted during the golf swing. Preferably, thecamming surface33 has a generally smooth arcuate profile that is relatively flat (i.e., generally parallel to the horizontal plane21) where thecam follower31 contacts thecamming surface33 during that portion of the golf swing where user would strike the golf ball with the golf club (i.e., the bottom of the down swing).
• Therotatable member13 is connected to arotational actuator71 that is mounted atop theguide assembly19. Therotational actuator71 monitors and/or drives the rotation of themember13. In the monitoring mode, theactuator71 uses its rotational sensor to sense the rotation of themember13 and to provide a digital output in accordance with this rotation. In the drive mode, the rotational actuator drives the rotation of therotational member13 in either direction. As therotational member13 is rotated by theactuator71, it causes theyoke11 to rotate and move horizontally through the golf swing motion. Theactuator71 may comprise a suitable servo motor that is capable providing sufficient torque to drive therotational member13 and that includes a rotary sensor to sense the angular position and/or number of revolutions of therotational member13 and provide a digital signal in response to each incremental angular change and/or revolution. Preferably, the torque applied by the servo motor is variable, so that a small urging force can be applied to the person using thedevice10 which the user can override with his or her own motion, and so that the user is not injured when using thedevice10. Suitable servo motors are commercially available and need not be described in further detail.
• FIG. 5 provides a more detailed view of theguide assembly19. Theguide assembly19 further comprises a pair offirst rails35, acarriage assembly36, aplate39, a pair of opposing rail mounts42a,42b, adrum43, and acable44. The pair offirst rails35 is mounted within the generally C-shapedhousing34 so as to extend generally parallel to the axis ofrotation15 of therotatable member13. Thecarriage assembly36 includes a pair offirst bushings37 that guide and slidably support the pair of first rails35. Thecarriage assembly36 rides on and is supported by a pair ofsecond rails38 that extend generally perpendicular to the axis ofrotation15 of therotatable member13 and that extend generally parallel to thetarget line17. Although a pair offirst rails35 and a pair ofsecond rails38 are shown, a singlefirst rail35 and/or a singlesecond rail38 may be used in each instance. Theplate39 has afront surface40 and a rear surface41. Thefront surface40 of theplate39 includes acamming surface33 for engagement by thecam follower31. Thecamming surface33 thus defines and limits the movement of therotatable member13 laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 and with respect to thehorizontal plane21. The pair of opposing rail mounts42a,42b, project from thefront surface40 of theplate39. The pair ofsecond rails38 are mounted between the pair of opposing rail mounts42a,42bin a fixed relationship generally parallel to thefront surface40 of theplate39. Thedrum43 is mounted concentrically on theshaft29. Thecable44 extends between the pair of opposing rail mounts42a,42band makes frictional contact with thedrum43. The friction between thecable44 and drum43 causes theshaft29 to rotate in relation to the movement of thecam follower31 along thecamming surface33.
• Springs45 are placed around the pair offirst rails35 between thehousing34 and thecarriage assembly36 to provide for smooth operation of theguide assembly19. Preferably, thesprings45 provide sufficient resistance to urge theyoke11 to seek the address position when the training device is not in use, but also have sufficient compressibility to permit therotatable member13 to easily move toward and away from thehorizontal plane21 during the golf swing. When theyoke11 is properly balanced usingsprings45 in this manner, the user does not feel the weight of theyoke11 or any appreciable resistance when executing a golf swing using the training device according to the present invention.
• Another more preferred embodiment of theguide assembly19′ is depicted inFIG. 6. In this embodiment, therotatable member13′ comprises anupper section46 and alower section47 that are connected to each other, such as by a U-joint48. The axis ofrotation15′ of thelower section47 of therotatable member13′ can be adjusted to suit the spine and tilt angle of the user and then fixed prior to use while at the same time keeping the axis of rotation of theupper section46 generally perpendicular to thehorizontal plane21. Preferably, thesecond bevel gear32 is axially disposed with theupper section46 of therotatable member13′.
• In theguide assembly19′ ofFIG. 6, the vertical movement of therotatable member13′ relative to thehorizontal plane21 during the golf swing is determined by the preferably vertical orientation of the longitudinal axis of the pair offirst rails35, and not by the axis ofrotation15′ of thelower section47 of therotatable member13′, which may deviate from vertical (such as when thefirst angle20 and/or thesecond angle22 are other than 90°). This configuration of theguide assembly19′ is presently more preferred because the upward and downward movement of the user relative to thehorizontal plane21 during the golf swing can be maintained in a vertical plane irrespective of the orientation of the axis ofrotation15′ of thelower section47 of therotatable member13′. In contrast, when theguide assembly19 is configured as shown inFIG. 5, the upward and downward movement of the user relative to thehorizontal plane21 deviates from vertical as defined by thefirst angle20 andsecond angle22.
• It will be appreciated that thetraining device10 according to the present invention can be configured for use by right-handed and left-handed golfers simply by reversing the movements defined by thecamming surface33. Preferably, theguide assembly19 is constructed from a rigid and durable material such as aluminum, steel, or plastic. It will be appreciated that there are a multitude of possible configurations for theguide assembly19 that can accomplish the intended function of guiding and coordinating the movement of therotatable member13 as it simultaneously rotates and moves laterally and vertically when a user executes a golf swing.
• The configuration of thedrum43 andcable44 system used in theguide assemblies19 and19′ illustrated inFIG. 5 andFIG. 6 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 7. One end of thecable44 is attached to one of the opposing rail mounts42aand extends laterally generally parallel to thefront surface40 of theplate39 and bends around afirst bearing49 that is mounted on thecarriage assembly36 on the opposite side of theshaft29 from theother rail mount42b. Thecable44 then extends to and wraps clockwise completely around thedrum43 and then extends to and bends around asecond bearing50 that is mounted on thecarriage assembly36 on the opposite side of theshaft29 as thefirst bearing49. Thecable44 then extends from thesecond bearing50 and is attached to theother rail mount42b. As noted above, the friction between thecable44 and drum43 causes theshaft29 to rotate in relation to the movement of thecam follower31 along thecamming surface33.
• The diameter of thedrum43 determines the degree of rotation of theshaft29 in relation to the movement of thecam follower31 along thecamming surface33. Alarger drum43 will not rotate as many degrees as asmaller drum43 in relation to the same distance traversed by thecam follower31 along thecamming surface33. Preferably, the diameter of thedrum43 used in the device will cause theshaft29 to rotate 90° during the user's back swing and 180° in the opposite direction as the user executes a down swing and follow through. It will be appreciated that thedrum43 can have an eccentric shape so as to cause therotatable member13 to rotate more or less during the back swing than during the follow through. It will be appreciated that belts or chains can easily be substituted for thecable44.
• Although acable44 and drum43 system as shown is preferred, it will be appreciated that there are a number of alternative embodiments that could equivalently accomplish the function of thecable44 and drum43 system within the scope of the present invention. For example, a rack and pinion arrangement could be used in which thecamming surface33 could be provided with a number of teeth that mesh with teeth in thecam follower31 causing theshaft29 to rotate. Alternatively, thecam follower31 could be made of a material such as rubber that could frictionally engage thecamming surface33 and cause theshaft29 to rotate. It will be appreciated that the mechanism that causes theshaft29 to rotate is not per se critical to the invention, and that any method of coordinating the rotation of theshaft29 relative to the movement of thecam follower31 against thecamming surface33 would be suitable.
• With reference toFIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment, thetraining device10 according to the present invention further comprises abase51 and at least oneupright52 connected to and extending from thebase51. Theupright52 is connected to the rear surface41 of theplate39 to support theguide assembly19 in the appropriate orientation relative to the user. In an alternative embodiment, theguide assembly19 could be supported by being mounted to a wall, by being hung from a ceiling or other overhead structure, or by being attached to some other support structure.Upright52 has a generally horizontally extending arm52a. Theguide assembly19 is mounted on the end of the arm52aby attachment of the rear surface of theplate39. The height of the arm52aabove thebase51 is preferably adjustable by means located at the junction of theupright52 and the arm52a.
• In the preferred embodiment, the upright52 permits thefirst angle20, thesecond angle22, and the distance between therotatable member13 and thehorizontal plane21 to be adjusted before the user executes a golf swing. Alternatively, theguide assembly19 could be configured such that thefirst angle20, thesecond angle22, and the distance between therotatable member13 and thehorizontal plane21 could be adjusted before the user executes a golf swing. It will be appreciated by those having skill in the art that such adjustability can easily be built into thehousing34 of theguide assembly19.
• With reference toFIG. 1, thetraining device10 according to the present invention can also optionally include abrace53 connected to and extending from thebase51. Thebrace53 makes contact with and limits the movement of at least one of the user's legs as the user executes a golf swing. In a preferred embodiment, the lateral position of thebrace53 can be adjusted by inserting brace pins54 into one of a line of corresponding bracepin receiving holes55 provided laterally in thebase51. Additionally, the height and orientation of thebrace53 can be adjusted using a pivotingclamp assembly56. It will be appreciated that thebrace53 need not be connected to thebase51, but could be a free standing structure independent of thebase51.
• With reference toFIG. 8, thetraining device10 according to the present invention also optionally comprises anextensible rod57, aclub holder61, and ahinge62. Theextensible rod57 has alongitudinal axis58, a first end59, and asecond end60. The first end59 of theextensible rod57 is pivotally connected to aconnection point28 thefront portion24 of theyoke11 that is intended to be proximal to the user's sternum. Theclub holder61 supports, cradles or attaches to the grip end of the golf club shaft. Thehinge62 connects theclub holder61 to thesecond end60 of theextensible rod57.
• Thehinge62 has apivot axis63 that is disposed generally perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis58 of theextensible rod57. Preferably, thepivot axis63 is disposed such that it is near the center line of a right-handed user's left wrist (reversed for a left-handed user) when thetraining device10 is being used. This location of thepivot axis63 ensures that the user's wrist maintained is in the correct position throughout the golf swing. Theclub holder61 is preferably an elongated semicylindral trough into which the grip of the golf club is placed. When the user grips the club with the club holder around the bottom of the grip, the club is held securely in the training device. Alternatively, if the training device is used without a golf club, the user can simply grip the club holder as he or she would ordinarily grip a golf club.
• It will be appreciated that the preferred configuration of theclub holder61 described above is but one possible configuration which would be suitable for use in the invention and that other configurations for theclub holder61 can be used. For example, the coupler configuration disclosed in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 6,371,863 could be employed. Alternatively, theclub holder61 could comprise a socket formed of a resilient material that slides over and frictionally engages the grip end of a golf club. Theclub holder61 could also comprise a rigid collar sized to easily slide over the grip end of a golf club and be attachable thereto using threaded fasteners which press against the grip end of the golf club as they are tightened. Essentially, any configuration which includes means for stabilizing theholder61 to the grip end of a golf club and a source for permitting theholder61 to be connected to thesecond end60 of theextensible rod57 by ahinge62 would be suitable.
• Asecond actuator72 is mounted on thefront portion24 of theyoke11, and is connected by a rotatable shaft73 and gears74 to a longitudinally-movingrod75. Theactuator72 controls or monitors the vertical elevation of the golf club relative to the arc through which the golfer is swinging. As the golfer begins the back swing, the club is elevated as the golfer turns to the back swing position. Then the club is brought downwardly to hit the ball, and it is brought upwardly again after hitting the ball in the follow through. Theactuator72 monitors or controls this vertical movement of the club, through the associated pivoting of theclub holder61 relative to theyoke11. Theactuator72 may be of the same or similar type as theactuator71, i.e., a servo motor with an angular position sensor and a variable drive. Theactuator72 has a rotatable output shaft that is connected by gears74 to therod75, which is connected to theclub holder61. The gears74 translate the rotational movement of the shaft73 to linear movement by therod75. Similarly, the gears74 translate linear movement by therod75 into rotary motion by the shaft73. Therod75 is connected at its distal end to theclub holder61, so that as the club holder pivots as the user moves the club head up and down, therod75 moves longitudinally. This motion is then translated by the gears74 to rotational motion applied by the shaft73 to theactuator72.
• As shown inFIG. 9, theactuators71 and72 are connected by suitable connecting lines or cables to acontrol unit81. Thecontrol unit81 may be located anywhere relative to thedevice10, but it is preferably positioned directly in front of the person who is using the device.
• Thecontrol unit81 is shown in greater detail inFIG. 10. Thecontrol unit81 includes amode switch82 to set the control unit to either the “learn” mode or the “teach” mode. In the “learn” mode, theactuators71 and72 monitor the change in location of theyoke11 and thegrip holder61, and the history of these locations over a short period of time, e.g., 5 seconds, is recorded by thecontrol unit81. In the “teach” mode, the control unit sends signals to theactuators71 and72 so that the actuators drive or power the movement of theyoke11 and thegrip holder61, to force the user to perform the desired motion for a golf swing.
• Thecontrol unit81 also has astart button83, which initiates either the recording of the golf swing in the “learn” mode, or the performance of the golf swing in the “teach” mode. If the desired thestart button83 can be positioned at a location remote from the housing containing thecontrol unit81, so that the user can actuate the start button while standing in thedevice10. Aremote start button83 can be connected to the housing of thecontrol unit81 by an appropriate wire or cable or by suitable remote control communications, such as RF or infrared, used in the remote control of home electronic devices, garage door openers and the like.
• Monitoring lights84-87 are also provided on thecontrol unit81 for use of the control unit in the “learn” mode. The monitoring lights84 and85 provide an indication of the position of theyoke11 as monitored by theactuator71. The monitoring lights86 and87 provide an indication of the position of thegrip holder61 as monitored by theactuator72. Thelights84 and86 indicate to the user that the shoulders and the club, respectively, are in the proper position to begin the swing. These lights are illuminated only if theactuators71 and72 sense that the user's initial position is approximately the same as the golf swing that the user is emulating. The positions need not be exactly the same, but need be the same within a predetermined tolerance. Thelights84 and86 indicate to the user whether the rotation of the swing and the lift of the club, respectively, are outside a predetermined tolerance of the desired swing that the user is attempting to emulate while the user is performing the golf swing motion. The control unit compares the actual positions monitored by theactuators71 and72 and compares them with the desired swing. If the actual position is outside the tolerance, the light85 or87 is illuminated, depending upon which actuator position is outside the desired range. Preferably, thelights84 and86 are green, and thelights85 and87 are red, as indicated by the letters G and R inFIG. 10, but any suitable colors or differentiating indicators can be applied to the lights, so long as the user is able to distinguish them and quickly comprehend what the lights indicate. If desired thelights84 and86 can be replaced or supplemented with an audible device which produces an predetermined sound or audible tone to indicate whether the rotation of the swing or the lift of the club is outside a predetermined tolerance of the desired swing that the user is attempting to emulate.
• Thecontrol unit81 also comprises adisplay screen88 that provides a visual indication to the user of the golf swing being performed. Thedisplay screen88 provides a read-out preferably comprising a time plot of each of the two swing parameters being monitored. Onecurve89 can represent the change in the yoke position over time and theother curve90 can represent the change in thegrip holder61 over time. Thecurves89 and90 can be made different colors on thedisplay screen88 or otherwise differentiated so that they can be easily distinguished. If the user is emulating a golf swing with thecontrol unit81 in the “teach” mode, the desired golf swing can be presented on thedisplay screen88 along with the actual swing being performed by the user, so that both swings can be compared.
• Thecontrol unit81 can suitably comprise a conventional personal computer (PC) programmed to perform the desired functions. A PC would provide thedisplay screen88. Suitable control switches, buttons and lights can be connected to the PC to provide theswitch82, thebutton83, and the lights84-87. PC-controlled drivers for the servo motors which comprise theactuators71 and72 are commercially available and can be suitably employed to connect the actuators to the PC which functions as the control unit. These items are readily available commercially and need not be described in detail.
• Preferred Method of Using the Device
• When thetraining device10 according to the present invention is used to train a user to perform a golf swing, it can be used with or without a golf club, with or without a golf ball, with or without the optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 assembly, and with or without theoptional brace53. Even when the training device is used without a golf club, a golf ball, the optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 assembly, and theoptional brace53, a user nevertheless obtains substantial benefit simply by using the device to practice the rotational, lateral, and vertical movements involved in executing a proper golf swing. Thetraining device10 according to the present invention guides and coordinates the user's body position and lateral, vertical and rotational movement according to predetermined input so that after executing several golf swings using the device, a user's muscles become accustomed to making the movements of a proper golf swing.
• To use thetraining device10 according to the present invention to train a user to perform a golf swing without a golf club, golf ball, the optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 assembly, and theoptional brace53, a user first comfortably positions his or her upper torso in theyoke11. In a preferred embodiment, theyoke11 includes afront portion24 that is intended to be disposed generally adjacent to the user's chest, aback portion25 that is intended to be disposed generally adjacent the user's back, and a connectingportion26 connecting thefront portion24 and theback portion25 and extending to anattachment point12 that is intended to be positioned above and intermediate the user's shoulders. With his or her upper torso positioned in and engaged in theyoke11, the user takes a comfortable stance a distance away from and facing apredetermined point18 where a golf ball would be placed. The user's feet should preferably be placed generally parallel to thetarget line17 and astride an imaginary horizontal line perpendicular to thetarget line17 that passes through thepredetermined point18 on which a golf ball would be placed. Although the position of the user's arms and hands is not critical, preferably the user's arms are extended away from his or her body in the direction of thepredetermined point18 where the golf ball would be placed, with the user's hands lightly clasped together as if the user were holding a golf club. The user is now in the address position.
• Theswitch82 of thecontrol unit81 is now placed in the “learn” position, so that the control unit will record the rotational action of theyoke11 and the vertical angle of theclub holder61. Thestart button83 on thecontrol unit81 is then actuated, and the control unit begins to record the motion of the user through the rotation of theactuators71 and72. The user begins the golf swing by rotating his or her hips and upper torso away from the intended target while simultaneously moving his or her arms away from thepredetermined point18 where the golf ball would be placed. This first part of the golf swing is called the back swing. During the back swing portion of the golf swing, thetraining device10 according to the present invention guides and coordinates the user's body position and rotational, lateral, and vertical movement. Theyoke11 guides the user's upper torso through the proper positions during the golf swing, allowing the user's shoulders to rotate preferably up to about 90° away from the target from the address position while simultaneously allowing the axis on which the users upper torso is rotating to move laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 away from the target a few inches and toward thehorizontal plane21. The extent of this movement and the time it takes to complete the movement is recorded by thecontrol unit81 through the input received from theactuator71. Theyoke11 also prevents the user from moving his or her upper torso into an incorrect position during the back swing. At the same time, the user lifts the golf club into the air by raising the angle at which he or she holds the shaft of the golf club. As the golf club shaft is raised (or if no club is used, the club holder is raised in the user's hands), theother actuator72 monitors this movement and sends the appropriate signal to thecontrol unit81 where it is recorded.
• At the top of the back swing, the user's shoulders have preferably rotated away from the target to a position that is about 90° from the address position. It will be appreciated that some users of thetraining device10 according to the present invention will not have the flexibility to rotate theirshoulders 90° from the address position. However, because thetraining device10 according to the present invention coordinates and guides the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movements during the golf swing, at whatever degree of rotation the user is able to accomplish, the device will maintain the user's body in the proper relative position. Theactuator71 will also record the final position of the user, so that the extent to which the user does not extend the back swing can be analyzed. It will be appreciated that through use of the device, some users will develop the flexibility needed to execute a full 90° rotation, which is sometimes called a turn. The device promotes a more complete body turn, rather than a twisting of the body, thereby reducing back tension.
• From the top of the back swing, the user executes the down swing portion of the golf swing. The movements involved in the down swing are, in essence, the reverse of the movements involved in the back swing. During the down swing, the user's shoulders counter-rotate back toward the address position in the direction of the intended target. Thetraining device10 according to the present invention guides and coordinates the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement during the down swing. Theyoke11 prevents the user's upper torso from moving in an incorrect manner, and causes the user to execute the movements involved in the down swing in a coordinated manner. During the down swing, the user's upper torso rotates back toward the address position on an axis ofrotation15 that simultaneously moves laterally in the direction of the target generally parallel to thetarget line17 and away from thehorizontal plane21. At the same time, the user brings the head of the golf club down so that it will be in position to hit the ball. The speed and coordination of these movements is monitored by theactuators71 and72, and recorded by thecontrol unit81.
• At the bottom of the down swing, the user has essentially returned to the address position. At that point, the user's movements transition into the follow through portion of the golf swing. During the follow through portion of the golf swing, the user's shoulders continue to rotate in the direction of the intended target preferably up to about 180° from the position they were at the top of the back swing and up to about 90° from the address position. Again, some users will not initially possess the flexibility needed to execute a full turn, but such flexibility can be developed through repeated use of the device. Also the extent of the follow through is recorded so that the user can see the extent to which the follow through has been completed. During the follow through, the user's upper torso continues to rotate toward the target on an axis ofrotation15 that simultaneously moves laterally in the direction of the target generally parallel to thetarget line17 and away from thehorizontal plane21.
• After a desired golf swing has been performed and recorded by the device, the user can be positioned in the device at any time to repeat this desired swing motion as many times as the user wishes. The user is positioned in the device and theswitch82 of thecontrol unit81 is placed in the “teach position.” The user positions the shoulders and arms so that bothindicator lights84 and86 are illuminated, indicating that the user is in the proper position to begin the swing. Thestart button83 is actuated, and theactuators71 and72 drive or power the movement of theyoke11 and theclub holder61 to force the user to perform the desired golf swing. The amount of resistance or force provided by theactuators71 and72 is programmable and is determined by the program executed by thecontrol unit81. It may be desirable in certain circumstances to provide light resistance to the user who needs only gentle urging to assume desired swing motion characteristics. In other circumstances, such as with a novice golfer, a more forceful action may be required, so that the user is required to execute the desired motion exactly.
• Through repeated swings, the user's muscles will become accustomed to executing the golf swing as guided and coordinated by thetraining device10 according to the present invention. Initially, the user will most likely bear pressure against theyoke11 in an attempt to move his or her upper body in an improper manner. However, after taking several swings with his or her upper body positioned in theyoke11, the user will become used to the movements involved in executing a proper golf swing. After using the device for a while, the user will be able to execute the golf swing without bearing any significant pressure against theyoke11. Using the device, the user grooves these movements, meaning that the user's muscles acquire a “muscle memory” of the proper golf swing, which the user can then confidently repeat on the golf course when he or she is not using the device.
• Thetraining device10 according to the present invention is useful for teaching novice golfers how to execute the movements involved in the golf swing. It is also useful for helping those persons who golf regularly to identify and correct swing flaws or faults that have been acquired and grooved into their golf swings over time. Because the device trains the user to execute the same movements in a coordinated manner, the device is also useful for helping golfers to quickly regain and restore their golf swings after periods of inactivity. Furthermore, because the device holds the user's upper torso in the proper position during the golf swing, the device is useful for allowing the golfer to stop and hold various positions during a golf swing while receiving instruction from a trained golf teaching professional.
• It is possible to have available and recorded within the control unit81 a number of ideal golf swings, such as those executed by famous professional golfers. With the availability of such golf swing motions, the user can be positioned in the device, set the control unit to the “teach” mode, and experience the performance of a different golf swing and one which may have been highly successful for a famous golfer. While such recorded swings may not be the ideal for another golfer, they do allow the golfer to experience different golf swing motions that are successful for others and allow the golfer to experiment with changes in his or her golf swing.
• In a preferred method of use, a user uses thetraining device10 according to the present invention while gripping and swinging one of the user's golf clubs that are used in actual play. To use the device in this manner, the user simply takes a comfortable grip on the grip end of a golf club and places the head of the golf club near thepredetermined point18 at which a golf ball would be placed on the side opposite the intended target. The user then executes the movements involved in executing the back swing, the down swing, and the follow through while his or her upper torso is positioned in and engaged by theyoke11.
• More preferably, the user also uses a golf ball while using the device. The user places the club head next to the golf ball, which has been placed in a predetermined position on thetarget line17, on the side opposite the intended target and then executes the movements involved in executing the back swing, the down swing, and the follow through while his or her upper torso is engaged in theyoke11. At the bottom of the down swing, the user will strike the golf ball with the golf club. After practicing the golf swing using the device, the golfer will be able to see, hear, and feel a golf club striking a golf ball as the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movements are being guided and coordinated through a proper golf swing by thetraining device10 according to the present invention.
• The sense of touch is very important in the game of golf. It is sometimes difficult for a user to translate the feeling of a practice device to the feeling a user has while gripping the user's own playing clubs. Thetraining device10 according to the present invention is particularly useful because it allows the user to practice hitting golf balls while gripping his or her own playing clubs. Thus, by using thetraining device10 according to the present invention, it is not necessary for the user to attempt to translate the feeling of a practice device to the feeling of the user's own playing clubs.
• To use thetraining device10 according to the present invention to practice a golf swing using the optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 assembly, a user places theclub holder61 around the grip end of a golf club in a manner so as to fix thepivot axis63 of thehinge62 generally perpendicular to the horizontal grooves in the face of the golf club. It will be appreciated that users who have mastered the basic golf swing may vary the fixed relationship between thepivot axis63 of thehinge62 and the horizontal grooves in the face of the golf club in order to practice special shots, such as fades or draws, where the rotation of the golf ball relative to thetarget line17 is intentionally altered from perpendicular. In either event, the user takes a comfortable grip predominantly on the uncovered portion of the grip of the golf club. Because the profile of theclub holder61 is relatively slim, a portion of the golfer's grip may be on theclub holder61. The user then assumes an address position with the head of the golf club placed on the side of the golf ball opposite the intended target.
• FIGS. 11-16 are a series of front elevational views of a right-handed user89 using thetraining device10 according to present invention with the optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 attached to the grip end of agolf club90 to execute a golf swing. In order to demonstrate the lateral and vertical movements involved in a golf swing conducted by auser89 of thetraining device10 according to the present invention, fixed vertical reference line A-A and fixed horizontal reference line B-B have been added toFIGS. 11-16 so that the relationship between such reference lines and theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 can be observed as theuser89 executes a golf swing.
• InFIG. 11, theuser89 is facing agolf ball92 that at rest on apredetermined point18 on the ground. Theupper torso91 of theuser89 is positioned in and engaged by theyoke11. Note that inFIG. 11, the fixed vertical reference line A-A and the fixed horizontal reference line B-B intersect at theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13. Theattachment point12 is positioned above and intermediate the user's shoulders. Theback portion25 of theyoke11 stays in contact with the user's back, and in so doing keeps theattachment point12 in the same position relative to the user's shoulders throughout the swing. Preferably, the axis ofrotation15 passes through at least a portion of the user's spine.
• While in the address position, thehinge62 permits the user to raise and lower the golf club and thereby change the lie angle between the bottom of the club head and the ground to suit the user's stance. Once a comfortable stance has been obtained, the user begins the back swing by turning the shoulders and hips which rotates the golf club away from the golf ball initially along thetarget line17. One of the common swing flaws encountered by golfers is that the back swing is initially executed by the golfer lifting the head of the golf club off the ground by using the arm muscles and/or by bending the joints of the wrist and/or elbow. Theextensible rod57 coupled with thehinge62 prevent the user from initially executing the back swing by using the arm muscles and/or by bending the joints of the wrist and/or elbow. Instead, the user learns to execute a back swing that involves rotating the user's body while simultaneously moving the upper body laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 away from the target and toward thehorizontal plane21. For a right-handed user, brace53 (not shown inFIG. 11) can optionally be used to restrain the user's right leg from making any lateral movement while simultaneously permitting rotational movement, thereby creating a post on which the user's upper body and hips can rotate. For a left-handed user, thebrace53 is used to restrain the movement of the user's left leg.
• As the user continues to execute the back swing and complete the turn away from the intended target, theextensible rod57 attached to theyoke11 operates to keep the user's arms moving together in the proper position relative to one another, and in relation to the user's upper body and, in particular, to the user's sternum. Another common swing flaw involves the bending of the elbows, particularly the left elbow for a right-handed golfer, which causes the golf club to get into an improper position. Theextensible rod57 keeps a right-handed user from bending the elbows in an improper manner and allows centrifugal force from the rotation to extend the user's left arm (a left-handed user's right arm would be extended). Theextensible rod57 also prevents the destruction of centripetal force, which is required to maximize club head speed created by the rotation and centrifugal force.
• FIG. 12 shows the right-handed user89 in the process of executing a back swing while using thetraining device10 according to the present invention. Theupper torso91 of theuser89 has rotated away from the intended target as theuser89 and thegolf club90 has rotated away from thegolf ball92. Note that theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 has moved laterally away from the intersection of the fixed vertical reference line A-A in a direction away from the target and that theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 has also moved toward thehorizontal plane21 and thus is now below the fixed horizontal reference line B-B.
• As the user approaches the top of the back swing, thehinge62 between theextensible rod57 and theclub holder61 allows the user to cock his or her wrists in the appropriate plane at the appropriate point in the swing. By encouraging a full body turn, at the top of the back swing the golf club will preferably be oriented such that the shaft of the golf club is generally parallel to thetarget line17. The left elbow joint, for a right-handed user, will be higher than the right elbow joint at the top of the back-swing. This is the correct position that comes about as thetraining device10 according to the present invention guides and coordinates the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement during the back swing.
• FIG. 13 shows a right-handed user89 at the top of the back swing. At the top of the back swing, the shaft of thegolf club90 is preferably generally parallel to thetarget line17. At the top of the back swing, the shoulders of theuser89 have rotated to a position that is about 90° away from the position they were in at address in a direction away from the target. During the back swing, theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 moves away from the intended target laterally generally parallel to thetarget line17 and toward thehorizontal plane21, as can be seen from its position to the right of and below the fixed vertical and horizontal reference lines A-A and B-B, respectively.
• From the top of the back swing, the head of the golf club reverses direction and begins moving along a path that will eventually cause it to collide with the golf ball. This movement is generated primarily by the user's body, which has previously executed a turn in order to complete the back swing (preferably up to about 90° at the shoulders and up to about 45° at the hips or waist from the address position), turning back toward the ball. As the user's body rotates back toward the golf ball, gravity and centrifugal force cause the user's arms to move back toward the initial address position. Theyoke11 contacts the users upper torso and guides and coordinates the user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement during the swing. Centrifugal force, which is generated by the rotation of the user's hips, upper body, and arms about the axis ofrotation15 causes the golf club head to accelerate on an arc called the swing path. Thetraining device10 according to the present invention keeps the swing path of the club head generally along thetarget line17 when the club head is in contact with the golf ball.
• FIG. 14 shows a right-handed user89 who is in the process of executing the down swing portion of a golf swing. Thegolf club90 is accelerating toward thegolf ball92 as theuser89 rotates back toward the address position. Note that theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 is moving generally parallel to thetarget line17 in the direction of the target and away from thehorizontal plane21 as theuser89 rotates his or her hips andupper torso91 back toward the address position in the direction of the target.
• The head of the golf club accelerates as the shaft of the golf club head moves from a position at the top of the back swing that generally parallels thetarget line17 to a position at the bottom of the down swing where the shaft of the golf club is generally perpendicular to thetarget line17. Thetraining device10 according to the present invention together with the optionalextensible rod57 andclub holder61 assembly insures that the face of the golf club is maintained in a relatively square position relative to thetarget line17. Because theextensible rod57 and hinge62 only permit the golf club to be moved on the proper axis, the horizontal grooves in the face of the golf club will be kept generally square or perpendicular to thetarget line17 while the face of the golf club head is in contact with the golf ball. Also, the device prevents the user from moving in such a manner as to destroy the centripetal force which is necessary in order to maximize the centrifugal force exerted at the head of the golf club.
• FIG. 15 shows a right-handed user89 transitioning from the down swing portion of the golf swing to the follow through portion of the golf swing. Theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 has returned to the point where it is bisected by the fixed vertical and horizontal reference lines A-A and B-B, respectively. At this point in the golf swing, the head of thegolf club90 collides with and begins to transfer energy to thegolf ball92.
• As the user continues the swing rotation, the golf ball springs off the face of the club head and flies in the direction of the target. The user will instantaneously see, hear, and feel what a properly struck golf ball looks, sounds, and feels like. The user finishes the golf swing rotation in a rotational move called the follow-through. As with the back swing, thetraining device10 according to the present invention guides the user's arms in the proper position relative to the golf club, which teaches the user to execute a full turn toward the target.
• FIG. 16 shows the position of a right-handed user89 during the process of executing the follow through portion of a golf swing. Note that theattachment point12 between theyoke11 and theend14 of therotatable member13 is now to the left of and above the fixed vertical and horizontal reference lines A-A and B-B, respectively. Thetraining device10 according to the present invention has guided and coordinated the rotational, lateral, and vertical movements of the upper torso of theuser89 throughout the golf swing.
• In a preferred embodiment, theextensible rod57 includes anupper portion64 that is free to rotate on thelongitudinal axis58 relative to thelower portion65. By permitting this rotation along thelongitudinal axis58, the user can learn to rotate or roll his or her wrists and arms in conjunction with a proper turn as the club face strikes the golf ball during the golf swing. Once learned through kinesthesia (i.e., by feel or muscle memory through sensory perception), this technique allows the user to hit a golf ball farther and with greater force than a swing without a wrist roll. For those users who are just beginning to learn how to execute a golf swing or who are correcting a previously grooved swing flaw, a lockingpin88 can preferably be used to restrict rotation of theupper portion64 of theextensible rod57 relative to thelower portion65 until a swing with proper mechanics is learned and grooved. Thus, thetraining device10 of the present invention allows the user to isolate various aspects of the swing in order to address certain swing flaws during practice.
• Thetraining device10 is intended to involve as many of the user's senses as possible. Thetraining device10 provides a visual reference for the user to see where his or her arms, body, and golf club should be during a properly executed golf swing. Additionally, thetraining device10 involves the user's sense of touch, or kinesthesia, by allowing the user to feel the grips of his or her own actual playing golf clubs as well as the contact between the user's upper torso and the yoke1. Moreover, the user can feel and hear what a properly struck golf ball is supposed to feel and sound like. In a preferred embodiment, thehinge62 also includes a spring-loaded detent which provides an audible click when thehinge62 pivots on itspivot axis63 during the golf swing. If the golf swing is being executed properly, the click of the detent will be heard when the user is in the same position each time.
• It will be appreciated that thetraining device10 according to the present invention can be attached to any of the user's playing actual playing clubs. Thus, a user can practice a golf swing and hit golf balls as noted above with each and every playing club, from a driver to a sand wedge. The device can be used to practice full swings to pitch shots and chip shots. Furthermore, the device can also be used to practice the putting stroke.
• To use theoptional brace53, thebrace53 is connected to thebase51 by inserting brace pins54 in corresponding brace pin receiving holes55. Thebrace53 is then adjusted using the pivotingclamp assembly56 so that it contacts an appropriate point on either of the user's legs or hips. Depending upon the type of instruction being given to the user at a given time, thebrace53 can contact any point on either of the user's legs from the lower shin up to the user's hips. Thebrace53 is used primarily to give the user something to bear against as a reference point during the swing, which helps the user create a stable foundation upon which the dynamics of the full swing are based. Thebrace53 can help the user isolate the user's lower body relative to the upper torso during the golf swing.
• In some respects, learning to properly execute a golf swing is similar to learning to play a musical instrument such as the piano. In both instances, one must engage in substantial practice in order to properly execute the necessary physical movements to accomplish the intended goal. In the case of learning to play the piano, one must train one's fingers to strike the proper keys in the proper order to make music. In the case of learning to properly execute a golf swing, one must train one's entire body to move in the proper position at all times during the swing in order to properly strike the golf ball. The principle difference between the two acts involves the lack of objective “keys” or positions in a golf swing as compared to most musical instruments. The keys on a piano are visible and in a fixed location and thus can be readily found and used as a reference point by one learning to play the piano. Moreover, when an improper key is struck, one can audibly detect the error and strive to correct it. In contrast, one learning to execute a golf swing has no objective positions, keys, or other reference points to consult. The user must find swing positions (i.e., the “keys”) without any fixed visual, audible, or tactile guidance. Furthermore, it is sometimes difficult for a golfer to appreciate the difference between a properly struck golf ball and one which was not hit properly.
• Thetraining device10 according to the present invention provides the user with an objective set of “keys” that a user can use to locate proper, repeatable, consistent positions in a golf swing. Moreover, after practicing and learning the “key” positions of a properly executed golf swing using thetraining device10 according to the present invention, the user can use the device to practice and implement variations on a properly executed swing that can enhance and improve his or her golf game. Continuing with the piano analogy, the ability of the user to learn variations of the golf swing is similar to the pianist learning to strike the keys of a piano in various interpretive ways (e.g., long notes, crescendos, staccato notes, and other interpretive moves). The interpretive shots in golf, which are essential to achieving low scores, involve varying such things as swing tempo, softness of shots, grip pressure, the angle of the blade of the club relative to the swing path, and other minor adjustments. In all cases, however, it is essential that the user have a constant set of positions or “keys” to serve as a reference point for the swing.
• Apreferred training device10 according to one preferred embodiment of the invention preferably allows the user to adjust thefirst angle20 andsecond angle22 prior to executing the swing. The adjustment can be made in the upright52 that supports theguide assembly19, or it can be made in theguide assembly19 itself. The adjustment of thefirst angle20 andsecond angle22 allows the user to adjust the degree to which the golfer bends at the waist forward toward the golf ball at the address position, which is called a spine angle, and also the degree to which the golfer bends at the waist either toward or away from the target, which is called the tilt angle.
• Another feature of the invention involves the ability of a user to use the device to quickly recover a proper swing after a lay off from playing golf or other periods of inactivity. Since there are generally no objective keys in a golf swing to serve as a frame of reference, a golfer who does not swing a golf club for a few days will begin to lose the feeling or kinesthesia of correct swing positions. However, through use of thetraining device10 of the present invention, the golfer can return from a lay off to reasonable performance levels after a comparatively short period of practice because the device will help the golfer recall the “keys” or positions and motions of a properly executed golf swing. Rapidly refreshing one's muscle memory and maintaining the muscle tone for a golf swing can heighten a golfer's enjoyment of the game of golf and raise the golfer's confidence on the golf course.
• While the device of the present invention has particular advantages in the teaching and training of a golf swing motion, the device may be employed to teach or train other similar motions. The motions of rotating one's upper torso and lifting and lowering one's arms are also employed in walking. Teaching persons these motor skills is sometimes important in physical therapy rehabilitation. The user can be positioned within the device, and the device can be programmed to guide the user in the “teach” mode through the motions of the upper torso and arms that are less extreme than those used to execute a golf swing, but are similar to those performed in walking. Through repeated use of the device, a person undergoing physical rehabilitation can be re-taught important motor skills that may have been lost due to illness or injury. Other similar motor skill exercises can be programmed into the device and used with rehabilitation patients or in kinesitherapy.
• Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the preferred embodiments and illustrative examples shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (23)

1. A training device for use in guiding and coordinating a user's body position when executing a golf swing like motion, which comprises:

a first actuator for monitoring the movement of the upper torso of the user during the motion, and for applying a resistance force to the upper torso to guide the user in moving the upper torso in a desired manner;

a second actuator for monitoring the movement of the wrists and arms, and for applying a resistance force to the wrists and arms to guide the user in moving the wrists and arms in a desired manner; and

a control unit connected to the first and second actuators for recording the movement monitored by the actuators and for operating the actuators to apply the resistance forces.

2. A training device as inclaim 1, wherein the control unit also comprises a display for showing the user if the user's movements are within a predetermined tolerance of the desired movements.

3. A training device as inclaim 2, wherein the display comprises a screen display for showing a plot of swing parameters as a function of time.

4. A training device as inclaim 2, wherein the display comprises an indicator to indicate whether swing parameters are within the predetermined tolerance.

5. A training device as inclaim 4, wherein the indicator comprises a plurality of indicating lights which indicate whether swing parameters are within the predetermined tolerance.

6. A training device as inclaim 1, for use in guiding and coordinating a user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement when executing a golf swing, the golf swing including a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through, the golf swing being conducted relative to a target line that extends generally horizontally from a golf ball position to an intended target, wherein the device also comprises:

a yoke for engaging the upper torso of the user;

a rotatable member connected to the yoke; and

a guide assembly for guiding and coordinating the lateral, vertical, and rotational movement of the rotatable member as the user executes the golf swing.

7. The training device as inclaim 1, wherein the rotatable member comprises an upper section and a lower section, the upper section being connected to the lower section, the upper section having a different axis of rotation than the lower section.

8. The training device as inclaim 1, wherein the yoke comprises:

a front portion for positioning generally adjacent to the user's chest;

a back portion for positioning generally adjacent to the user's back; and

a connecting portion connecting the front portion and the back portion.

9. The training device as inclaim 8, wherein the connecting portion includes means for adjusting the distance between the front portion and the back portion.

10. The training device as inclaim 1, further comprising:

a base; and

at least one upright connected to and extending from the base, the upright connected to and supporting the guide assembly.

11. (canceled)

12. A training device for use in guiding and coordinating a user's body position and lateral, vertical, and rotational movement when executing a golf swing, the golf swing including a back swing, a down swing, and a follow through, the golf swing being conducted relative to a target line that extends generally horizontally from a golf ball position to an intended target, the device comprising:

a yoke for engaging the upper torso of the user, the yoke including an attachment point for being positioned above and intermediate the user's shoulders;

a rotatable member having an end connected to the attachment point of the yoke and having an axis of rotation lying within a first plane that is generally parallel to the target line;

a first actuator attached to the rotatable member for monitoring the movement of the upper torso of the user during the golf swing, and for applying a resistance force to the upper torso to guide the user in moving the upper torso in a desired manner;

a guide assembly for maintaining the orientation of the rotatable member such that a first angle between the first plane and a generally horizontal plane that contains the target line and a second angle between the axis of rotation of the rotatable member and a line of intersection between the first plane and the generally horizontal plane both remain constant while the rotatable member simultaneously rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line away from the target and toward the generally horizontal plane as the user executes the back swing and counter-rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line toward the target and away from the generally horizontal plane as the user executes the down swing and the follow through; and

a control unit connected to the first actuator for recording the movement monitored by the actuator and for operating the actuator to apply the resistance force.

13. The training device as inclaim 12, wherein the rotatable member comprises an upper section and a lower section, the upper section having an axis of rotation that is fixed generally perpendicular to the horizontal plane, the lower section being connected to the upper section and having an axis of rotation lying within a first plane that is generally parallel to the target line and an end connected to the attachment point of the yoke, the orientation of the lower section of the rotatable member being maintained such that a first angle between the first plane and a horizontal plane that contains the target line and a second angle between the axis of rotation of the rotatable member and a line of intersection between the first plane and the horizontal plane both remain constant while the rotatable member simultaneously rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line away from the target and toward the horizontal plane as the user executes a back swing and counter-rotates and moves laterally generally parallel to the target line toward the target and away from the horizontal plane as the user executes a down swing and follow through.

14. The training device as inclaim 12, wherein the yoke comprises:

a front portion for positioning generally adjacent to the user's chest;

a back portion for positioning generally adjacent to the user's back; and

a connecting portion connecting the front portion and the back portion and extending to an attachment point for positioning above and intermediate the user's shoulders.

15. The training device as inclaim 14, wherein the connecting portion includes means for adjusting the distance between the front portion and the back portion.

16. The training device as inclaim 12, wherein the guide assembly permits the first angle, the second angle, and the distance between the end of the rotatable member and the horizontal plane to be adjusted before the user executes a golf swing.

17. The training device as inclaim 12, wherein the guide assembly comprises:

a shaft having a first gear fixedly attached at one end and a cam follower attached at the other end, the first gear meshing with a second gear fixedly attached to the rotatable member, the axis of the second gear being concentric to the axis of rotation of the rotatable member;

a camming surface; and

a housing for journalling the shaft and the rotatable member in a fixed orientation relative to each other, the rotatable member rotating and moving laterally generally parallel to the target line and with respect to the horizontal plane as the cam follower passes along in contact with the camming surface.

18. (canceled)

19. The training device as inclaim 12, further comprising:

a base; and

at least one upright connected to and extending from the base, the upright connected to and supporting the guide assembly.

20. The training device as inclaim 19, wherein the upright permits the first angle, the second angle, and the distance between the end of the rotatable member and the horizontal plane to be adjusted before the user executes a golf swing.

21. The training device as inclaim 19, further comprising a brace connected to and extending from the base, the brace making contact with and limiting the movement of at least one of the user's legs as the user executes a golf swing.

22. The training device as inclaim 14, further comprising:

an extensible rod having a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end, the first end of the extensible rod being pivotally connected to the front portion of the yoke proximal to the user's sternum;

a club holder for attachment to the grip end of the golf club;

a hinge connecting the club holder to the second end of the extensible rod, the hinge having a pivot axis being disposed generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the extensible rod; and

a second actuator connected to the club holder for monitoring pivoting of the hinge and associated movement of the user's wrists holding the golf club, and for applying a resistance force to the wrists to guide the user in moving the golf club in a desired manner, the second actuator being operatively connected to the control unit.

23. (canceled)

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