ANTI-SWAY DEVICE

BACKGROUND

Proper hip and leg movement is a key part of a golf swing. It's not uncommon for golfers to sway their hips laterally, rather than rotating the hips and upper body, during the swing. If a golfer commits this error on the downswing, for example, the lack of hip rotation will force his or her arms into the wrong swing path and the golf ball will be pushed rather than struck. Swaying can also rob the golf swing of power when the golf ball is not hit as it should be.

During a golf swing, there is a tendency for the golfer to first swing his hips away from the ball on the backswing and then swing his hips toward the direction of the ball on the downswing. This is referred to a “sway”.

Various methods, exercise programs and devices have been developed to assist the golfer in training to understand and develop the proper golf swing and avoid sway. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,073,075; 4,081,918; 4,118,034; 4,407,506; 4,866,861; 6,543,160; 6,845,575; 8,025,588; 8,109,839; 8,312,648; and 8,677,657 describe various shoes, shoe inserts, wedges, and foot positioning devices designed to maintain the golfer's feet in a position that minimizes sway. However, these devices are not directed to the hips or legs of the golfer directly, and therefore, can be overridden by the golfer's tendency to swing his or her hips (i.e. to sway).

Other devices and/or sensors can be used to inform the golfer when his body deviates from the optimal swing position(s), such as when the golfer sways or assumes another undesirable position. See, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,523,696, 8,216,080, 8,016,690, 5,328,186 and 4,651,994. However, these devices can be cumbersome, often having a cage-like appearance and many are not suitable for use on an actual golf course. See, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,216,080, 8,016,690, 5,328,186 and 4,651,994. Furthermore, many of these devices are not designed to actually prevent swaying, but instead merely provide feedback when swaying occurs. See, for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,523,696 and 4,651,994.

While it can be useful for the golfer to be informed of sway while it is occurring, it can be difficult to correct a swaying motion once learned. A better training aid would prevent the golfer from swaying in the first instance and instead teach the golfer only the correct golf swing motion.

Therefore, the need exists for a training device that prevents the golfer from swaying during a golf swing, can be used in a training environment both on and off the golf course, is compact, lightweight, does not interfere with the preferred golf swing motion, and allows the golfer to learn the correct golf swing without while in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf swing training device comprising: a base configured for engaging a ground surface; a vertical support affixed to the base in an upright position; an arm configured to contact the calf musculature of a golfer at or below the midpoint between the golfer's foot and knee; and a mechanism for rotatably connecting the vertical support to the arm and securing the arm in a rotated position relative to the vertical support.

In certain embodiments of the invention the base is configured to be placed under and held in place by the foot of a golfer. Typically, the base includes a first end region (“foot plate”) configured to be placed under and held in place by the foot of a golfer; a second end region (“stabilizer”) opposite to the first end, configured for stabilizing the device in an upright position; and a middle region (“vertical support connector”) between the first and second end regions to which the vertical support is attached.

The vertical support of the golf swing training device is a generally rectangular shaped plate having a front, a back that is substantially a mirror image of the front, a first vertical side oriented toward the foot plate, a second vertical side opposing and substantially parallel to the first vertical side and oriented toward the stabilizer, a top side and a bottom side, wherein the top and bottom sides are each independently shorter than either of the first and second vertical sides. In certain embodiments of the invention, the first vertical side has a concave curvature configured to accommodate the ankle of the golfer and the second vertical side has convex curvature corresponding to the concave curvature of the first vertical side. In certain aspects, the bottom side of the vertical support is wider than the top side.

The arm of the golf swing training device is typically a generally rectangular shaped plate having a front, a back that is substantially a mirror image of the front, a first vertical side oriented toward the foot plate, a second vertical side opposing and generally parallel to the first vertical side and oriented toward the stabilizer, a top side and a bottom side, where the top and bottom sides are each independently shorter than the first and second vertical sides. In certain aspects of the invention, the top side is configured to contact the leg of the golfer and the bottom side is rotatably connected to the vertical support. For example, the top side can have a convex curve shape or may have a leg contact pad disposed on the top side.

In certain aspects of the invention, the mechanism for rotatably connecting the vertical support to the arm comprises at least one gear, ratchet, hinge, slide, screw, bolt, pin or spring. In certain embodiments the arm and vertical support are mated to fit together at specific increments of rotation. Typically, the angle of rotation between the vertical support and the arm is between about 0 degrees and about 50 degrees. Further rotation can be prevented with stops or other physical elements configured to prevent further rotation. In certain embodiments, the angle of rotation between the vertical support and the arm is such that force placed upon the support arm when it contacts the calf musculature of a golfer is transferred to the vertical support of the device in a substantially downward direction and resistance to lateral motion is maximized.

Also provided by the invention are systems for restricting lateral motion and maintaining knee flexion of a golfer's leg during a golf stroke comprising two golf swing training devices as described herein and a connector, that can be used to join the two devices at right angles. The connector can be L-shaped and include screw threads mated to threaded screw holes provided on each of the two golf swing training devices.

Also provided are method for golf swing training comprising the steps of: placing a portion of base of a golf swing training device described herein under the foot of a golfer; rotating the arm until it contacts the golfer's calf; optionally securing the golf swing training device to the leg of the golfer thereby permitting the golfer to step with the golf swing training device attached to the leg; and directing the golfer to perform a swing with the device in place.

Similarly, methods for golf swing training using the two device systems of the invention are provided comprising the steps of: connecting the two golf swing training devices of the system of described herein with the connector; placing a portion of the base of each system under a foot of a golfer; optionally securing the two golf swing training devices to the leg of the golfer and directing the golfer to perform a swing with the system in place.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to golf training devices and particularly to training devices that prevent sway during a golf swing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

When referring to the drawings, like reference numbers denote like elements throughout the various views. Not all elements are shown or identified with a reference number in every figure and in some figures, only the visible elements pertinent to the embodiment or alternative embodiment are numbered. Structures shown in dashed outline do not form any part of the invention or are not visible in the view shown.

FIGS. 1A-1H illustrate a correct golf swing. FIGS. 1A-1C show the “backswing” or “upswing” motion of the golf swing, from a position in which the golf club is held downward, touching the ground behind the golf ball (FIG. 1A), as the club is lifted upward and away from the downhole direction (FIG. 1B), to a position in which the club is held above the golfer's head (FIG. 1C). FIGS. 1D-1F show the “downswing” motion of the golf swing, in which the raised golf club of FIG. 1C is swung downward (FIG. 1D) to contact the golf ball (contact not shown), and “follow through” (FIGS. 1E and 1F) to complete a full arc in which the swing ends with the golf club raised above the golfer's head on the downhole side of the golfer's body (FIG. 1F).

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate sway. FIGS. 2A-2C show sway in the “backswing” or “upswing” motion of the golf swing, from a position in which the golf club is held downward, touching the ground behind the golf ball (FIG. 2A), as the club is lifted upward and away from the downhole direction (FIG. 2B), to a position in which the club is held above the golfer's head (FIG. 2C). FIGS. 2D-2F show sway in the “downswing” motion of the golf swing, in which the raised golf club of FIG. 2C is swung downward (FIG. 2D) to contact the golf ball (contact not shown), and “follow through” (FIGS. 2E and 2F) to complete a full arc in which the swing ends with the golf club raised above the golfer's head on the downhole side of the golfer's body (FIG. 2F).

FIG. 3 shows an anti-sway device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate alternate embodiments of the base bottom surface 105. FIG. 4A illustrates a planar lower surface of the base bottom 105. FIG. 4B illustrates lower surface of the base bottom 105 that includes spikes 108. FIG. 4C illustrates a non-slip coating or texture 109 on of the base bottom 105.

FIG. 5 is a top view of base 100 showing the dimensions of sub-parts and regions.

FIG. 6 is a back view of the anti-slip device positioned under the foot and lateral to a golfer's leg.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate alternative embodiments of non-slip surfaces on the foot plate of the base. FIG. 7A shows an integrated non-slip surface covering a portion of the upper surface of the foot plate. FIG. 7B shows an integrated non-slip surface covering the entire upper surface of the foot plate. FIG. 7C shows an applied non-slip surface covering the entire upper surface of the foot plate.

FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the base including a foot placement guide 114.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the base including a wedge.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the vertical support and base in which the base slides onto the vertical support.

FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate an alternative embodiment of the vertical support and base in which the base snaps onto the vertical support.

FIGS. 12A-12F are cross sectional views through the vertical support and arm, which have similar construction.

FIGS. 13A and 13B illustrate alternative embodiments that include perforations (FIG. 13A) and through holes (FIG. 13B).

FIGS. 14 (side view) A and 14B (rear view) illustrate the placement of the anti-sway device relative to the leg musculature.

FIGS. 15A-D illustrate alternative embodiments of the leg contact pad. In FIG. 15 A the leg contact pad (330) is extension of the flange or flanges (360) present on the top and leg-facing sides of the arm. In FIG. 15B the leg contact pad (330b) is affixed to the top and/or leg-facing sides of the arm and includes a mechanism for swiveling. FIG. 15C shows a leg contact pad (330) that includes a coating (332). FIG. 15D shows a leg contact pad (330) that includes a coating (332).

FIG. 16 illustrates the rotation of the anti-sway device.

FIG. 17 illustrates one embodiment of the mechanism for rotatably connection the arm to the vertical support.

FIGS. 18A-18F illustrate a correct golf stroke performed with the anti-sway device. FIGS. 18A-18C show the “backswing” or “upswing” motion of the golf swing, from a position in which the golf club is held downward, touching the ground behind the golf ball (FIG. 18A), as the club is lifted upward and away from the downhole direction (FIG. 18B), to a position in which the club is held above the golfer's head (FIG. 18C). FIGS. 18D-18F show the “downswing” motion of the golf swing, in which the raised golf club of FIG. 18C is swung downward (FIG. 18D) to contact the golf ball (contact not shown), and “follow through” (FIGS. 18E and 18F) to complete a full arc in which the swing ends with the golf club raised above the golfer's head on the downhole side of the golfer's body (FIG. 18F).

FIG. 19 illustrates the anti-sway device used behind (posterior to) a leg with bent knee.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of two anti-sway devices connected with a connector.

FIG. 21A is a top view of two connected anti-sway devices. FIG. 21B is a side view of two connected anti-sway devices.

FIG. 22 illustrates two connected anti-sway devices used behind (posterior to) and lateral to a leg with bent knee.

FIG. 23A illustrates a double anti-sway device positioned on a golfer's leg. FIG. 22B illustrates adjusting the arm of an anti-sway device from a standing position.

FIGS. 24A-24C illustrate a downswing with two connected anti-sway devices, in which the raised golf club (FIG. 24A) is swung downward (FIG. 24B) and even further downward (FIG. 24 C).

FIGS. 25A and 25B illustrate a downswing with two connected anti-sway devices. FIG. 25A illustrates the downswing of the raised golf, which is swung downward to contact the golf ball (not shown), and “follow through” (FIG. 25B) to complete a full arc in which the swing ends with the golf club raised above the golfer's head on the downhole side of the golfer's body (FIG. 25B).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The objective of the game of golf is to strike a golf ball, thereby moving it toward and depositing it into a cup for each hole of a golf course. A golfer may use as many strikes as required, but the winner of the game will be the golfer who uses the fewest number of strokes to complete all the holes in the course. Golf professionals understand that it is essential to master a controlled and powerful golf swing to succeed at winning the game of golf. The most powerful golf swing results from both strength and correct mechanics.

“Stroke” or “golf stroke” refer to a swing of a golf club by a golfer that engages and propels a golf ball from a first, static position (e.g., a tee position) to second position, typically downhole and in or toward a “cup”, (a small, sub-surface target vessel on the green of a hole for accepting a golf ball).

“Stance” as used herein, refers the body position of a golfer during a golf stroke. Stance includes the initial position assumed by the golfer when beginning a golf stroke and all intermediate positions of the golfer's body while performing a golf stroke.

A “hole” refers to a section of a golf course from the tee to the cup and includes a “teeing ground” area where the golfers tee off, a “putting green” or “green” where the golfer makes the final strokes that place the golf ball in the cup, and fairway in between the tee and the green. Areas outside of the fairway where the golfer may encounter higher grass, shrubs, trees and the like, are referred to as “the rough”. A hole may also include one or more hazards, such as water traps and sand traps.

A hole may have a direct line-of-sight from the teeing ground to the green, and therefore be relatively linear. Alternatively, the hole may have one or more bends that the golfer must navigate to move the golf ball toward the cup. The general direction from the tee (or other position on the hole) to the cup is referred to as the “downhole” direction. Golf strokes are directed to propelling the golf ball in a generally downhole direction. Holes that include bends, however, may require one or more strokes directed to the right or left of a straight line from the tee to the cup. As used herein, “downhole” direction includes the golf swing direction at any point in the hole that is used to move the ball toward the cup.

As used herein, “tee off”, “tee position” and equivalent expression refer to the initial, static position of a golf ball prior to the first swing for a particular hole. Typically the golf ball will be placed on a small structure (a golf tee), which elevates the ball above the ground to facilitate a long driving stroke. Golf tees are well known in the art.

As used herein, “sway” refers to the lateral (side-to-side) motion of the hips and legs, particularly the sway away from the direction that a golf ball is to be struck during the swing.

Anatomical references to the human body refer to those well known in the art of anatomy. Particularly, “superior” and “inferior” refer to the top (head end) and bottom (foot end), respectively of the human body. The “superior-inferior axis” refers to a reference axis running from the top to the bottom of the human body. “Anterior” as used herein refers to the front (ventral side) of the human body overall, and as a relative direction as in the eyes are posterior to the nose, but anterior to the back of the head; “posterior” as used herein, refers to the back (dorsal side) of the human body overall and as a relative direction, as in to move an arm posteriorly means to move it toward the back of the body.

“Rotatably connected” and equivalent terms e.g., “rotatably connecting”, as used herein, refers to a configuration, mechanism or part of a device that permits or causes movement in a circle around an axis or center (“center of rotation”). In certain embodiments, two parts of the device are “rotatably connected” to each other to permit one of the parts to rotate relative to the other part. In such embodiments, the center of the connection between the two parts forms the center of rotation between the two parts. Typically, the configuration, mechanism or part that permits rotation also enables the arm to be secured in the rotated position relative to the vertical support. Rotation of rotatably connected parts can be continuous about the center or rotation (i.e., to any degree or rotation or fraction thereof), or it can be incremental (e.g. occurring in fixed steps or degrees).

Incremental Rotation

FIGS. 1A-1F illustrate a correct golf swing. FIGS. 1A-1C show the “backswing” or “upswing” motion of the golf swing, from a position in which the golf club is held downward, touching the ground behind the golf ball (FIG. 1A), as the club is lifted upward and away from the downhole direction (FIG. 1B), to a position in which the club is held above the golfer's head (FIG. 1C).

FIGS. 1E-1F show the “downswing” motion of the golf swing, in which the raised golf club of FIG. 1C is swung downward (FIG. 1D) to contact the golf ball (contact not shown), and “follow through” (FIGS. 1E-1F) to complete a full arc in which the swing ends with the golf club raised above the golfer's head on the downhole side of the golfer's body (FIG. 1F).

The backswing is designed to “load” the golfer in preparation for the downswing. A proper backswing positions the golfer's body so that the arms will benefit from accumulated torque force during the downswing. The backswing is also designed to maintain the knees in a slightly bent, flexed position so that the springing force of extending the large muscles of the legs can be employed to power the downswing and follow through.

To initiate a stroke, a golfer generally stands in a position facing perpendicular to the direction that he or she wishes to propel the ball. That is, the front (anterior) of the body is parallel to the “direction of play” or a line from the golfer's position toward the downstream direction. The leg that is proximal to the hole (the leg downhole leg) is referred to as the “front leg”, while the opposite leg is referred to as the “back leg.” In the ideal golf swing, the golfer's hips remain substantially centered over his feet and perpendicular to the direction of play during the backswing, and do not sway side to side. The movement of the hips is rotation around the central (superior-inferior) axis of the body, rather than displacement to the right or left. The back hip thus rotates posteriorly and the front hip rotates anteriorly, while the hips remain centered over the feet.

During the downswing, the golfer's hips rotate in the opposite direction (FIG. 1E) to a position perpendicular to and facing the downhole direction, as shown in FIG. 1H. The golfer's downhole (front) leg, flexed during the backswing, is also extended, thereby providing power to the downswing from the large leg muscles. As the back hip rotates anteriorly, the corresponding leg and foot are also rotated, and springing from the back leg which was flexed during the backswing, provides power to the swing. As the back leg is extended, it is rotated in the downhole direction and the swing completes with the back toe point toward the ground.

Sway defeats loading during the backswing and therefore, the golfer has less mechanical force available to power the downswing. As used herein, “sway” refers to the lateral (side-to-side) motion of the hips (see arrows in FIGS. 2B, 2C, 2E and 2F) and legs, particularly the sway of the front hip in a downhole direction during the downswing (FIGS. 2E and 2F), and of the back hip in the opposite, “uphole” direction (away from the hole) during the backswing. Sway reduces the torque accumulated during the backswing when the hips are rotated around the golfer's superior-inferior axis. Sway also results in a less flexed downhole leg, which reduces the springing force available for powering the swing. When the hips are rotated and the knees are flexed, the mechanical force that can be applied to the golf club to propel the golf ball is maximized. Furthermore, the ideal golf swing positions the golfer's arms and the head of the golf club in-line with the downhole direction at the point where the clubface makes contact with the golf ball, rather than skewing the swing toward the right or left in strokes referred to as “slices” and “hooks”.

As used herein, “affixed” means secured or attached. In certain embodiments, the affixed element is permanently attached to the element it is affixed to. In other embodiments, the affixed element is immovably secured to the element it is affixed to when in use, but can be removed for storage. For example, in certain embodiments of the invention, a vertical support can be fitted into a slot in a base and locked in place during use, but subsequently unlocked and removed for storage.

“Support” as used herein as a verb, means to hold up and bear all or part of the weight of something. Used as a noun, “support” refers to an element or part that bears all or part of the weight of another element or part, or keeps another element or part upright. “Carry” as used herein, means “bears all the weight of”. For example, the phrase “the vertical support is designed to support the arm” means that the vertical support keeps the arm upright and/or supports all or part of the weight of the arm; while the phrase “the vertical support is designed to carry the arm” means that the vertical support bears all the weight of the arm.

As used herein, “configured for” and “configured to” are used interchangeably to refer to structural limitations on the parts, elements or constructions to which these terms are applied. Specifically, the terms refer to a particular shape, structure, design, and/or arrangement that is specific to the recited use, purpose, movement, geometry, or complementarity to another part or reference structure, rather than simply an intended use. In some instances, “configured to” or “configured to” may refer to a reference structure or element that is referenced in the claim but is not recited as an element of the claim, per se. Such reference imposes a structural limitation on the configured structure or element, without limiting the claim to include the reference element unless such reference element is independently and positively included in the claim. For example, an element “A” that is “configured to fit wholly under the shoe of a human being” is limited to a particular structure by a size, shape and complementarity to the specific size and shape of a shoe, yet the shoe is not part of the claimed invention (unless the claim also recites a shoe as a separate element). A claim that recites “a shoe and element A configured to fit wholly under the shoe” includes the shoe whereas a claim that only recites “element A configured to fit wholly under a shoe” is limited by the size and shape of the shoe, but does not include a shoe as part of the invention. For reference and guidance, the element that is “configured to” should be construed as the court construed the term “driver” in the phrase “a driver for setting a joint of a threaded collar” in In re Stencil, 828 F.2d 751 (Fed. Cir. 1987).

“Planar” as used herein, means that an element or surface is flat, and/or is substantially limited to a single plane.

“Plate” as used herein, refers to a flat piece of material of substantially uniform thickness that is generally thinner than it is wide or long.

“Flange” as used herein, refers to protruding rim, edge, rib, or collar, used to strengthen an object, hold it in place, or attach it to another object. A flange can be e.g., unilateral, protruding on only one side of the object; or it can be bilateral, protruding from both sides of an object.

“Perforation” as used herein, refers to holes passing through an object, such as a plate or other part of the invention typically in an organized fashion such as an line or array, that can be made by boring or piercing.

“Hole” refers to an opening into or through an object. A “through hole” as used herein, refers to a hole that passes completely through the object.

“Concave”, as used herein, refers to curving or hollowing in an inward direction relative to the outer surface to which the term “concave” is applied. “Convex” is the opposite of concave and refers to an outward curvature relative to the outer surface to which the term “convex” is applied. For reference and for avoidance of any confusion, the ankle of a golfer is convex; an object mated to the curvature of the ankle will therefore be concave.

“Generally parallel” means that two structures (e.g., lines, planes, sides or other aspects of the claimed device or part thereof) do not meet. Generally parallel includes exactly parallel lines, sides, planes, plates and the like, in which the structures are perfectly straight or perfectly planar and exactly the same distance apart. Generally parallel also includes structures that deviate from perfectly straight or perfectly planar (e.g., include curves) such that the line or plane of the structure were extended beyond the limits of the structure, the deviation or curvature could lead to contact between the generally parallel lines or planes.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a great extent or degree. For example, “substantially planar” can be used to describe a surface that is flat to great extent or degree, although slight variations in the surface can be observed. In certain contexts, the term “substantially means at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or at least 99%.

For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages or proportions are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

“About” as used herein means that a number referred to as “about” comprises the recited number plus or minus 1-10% of that recited number. For example, about 50 degrees can mean 45-55 degrees or as few as 49-51 degrees depending on the situation. Whenever it appears herein, a numerical range, such as “45-55”, refers to each integer in the given range; e.g., “45-55%” means that the percentage can be 45%, 46%, etc., up to and including 55%. Where a range described herein includes decimal values, such as “1.2% to 10.5%”, the range refers to each decimal value of the smallest increment indicated in the given range; e.g. “1.2% to 10.5%” means that the percentage can be 1.2%, 1.3%, 1.4%, 1.5%, etc. up to and including 10.5%; while “1.20% to 10.50%” means that the percentage can be 1.20%, 1.21%, 1.22%, 1.23%, etc. up to and including 10.50%.

The present invention provides a device that restricts lateral movement of the golfer's lower leg and thereby prevents sway of that leg and hip, indicated generally by reference numeral 10. It can be placed laterally to the golfer's back leg to prevent lateral sway in an uphole direction during a backswing. It can also placed laterally to the golfer's front leg to prevent lateral sway in a downhole direction during a downswing. Advantageously, the device of the present invention can also be placed posterior to either leg to maintain a flexed position of the knee.

In a simple embodiment, the device (10) includes four basic parts: 1. a base (100); 2. a vertical support (200); 3. an arm (300); and 4. a mechanism for rotatably connecting the arm to the vertical support (400) as illustrated in FIG. 3. In certain embodiments, part 4, the mechanism for rotatably connecting the arm to the vertical support (400), may be wholly or partially incorporated into either or both of the vertical support (200) and the arm (300). Each of these parts is described below in more detail.

As used herein, “part” refers to a functionally or structurally distinguishable region or area of a whole (entire) device. Parts can be discrete components or pieces that can be separated from other discrete components or pieces. Alternatively, parts can be segments or sub-regions that are integrated with other parts to form a whole during formation of the whole (i.e., during molding or manufacture) or during assembly. To be clear, a part need not be separable from another part. Thus, for example, an arm may be detachable or may be permanently affixed to a support.

Base.

The base (100) is configured for engaging a ground surface as it is held in place by the foot (shoe) of a golfer while standing in a golf swing stance, and for securing the vertical support, which is affixed thereto, in an upright position. Overall, the base (100) is a generally rectangular shaped plate that has a first end region (110; “foot plate”), configured to be placed under and held in place by the foot of a golfer; a second end region (130; “stabilizer”) opposite to the first end, and configured for stabilizing the device in an upright position (by distributing forces applied to it over a broader area); and a middle region (120; “vertical support connector”) between the first and second ends to which the vertical support (200) is affixed.

The base (100) includes a lower surface (105) that engages a ground surface, and at least one upper surface (107). The lower surface may be planar, substantially planar (FIG. 4A) or it may include spikes (108; FIG. 4B)) or other projections to engage the ground surface or a non-slip coating or texture (109; FIG. 4C) if the ground surface it will be used on is slippery. As used herein, “ground surface” refers to any generally flat and typically level surface on which a golfer may strike a golf ball, particularly a teeing ground. The skilled artisan will appreciate that an outdoor golf course or other outdoor ground surface on which the device is used will have varying degrees of deviation from flat (“planar”) and level depending on the region of the golf course or other ground surface and degree to which the course is maintained. The ground surface may be a bare dirt surface or one that includes living turf grass, synthetic turf (e.g., AstroTurf®) or another living or artificial ground cover, mulch, clay, pavement or the like. In certain aspects, the invention may be used on ground surfaces encountered in indoor facilities such as gymnasiums, field houses, driving ranges, and the like and may include such surfaces as wood, vinyl, linoleum, carpet, subflooring, concrete, tile, composites and resilient materials, such as rubber and applied rubberized playground-type surfacing (e.g. GameTime PIP Aliphatic; PlayBound™; and DuraPlay). Such indoor surfaces may be installed over a floor, subfloor, concrete slab or foundation, as well as directly on a dirt surface. The term “ground surface” is intended to include any surface on which golf can be played or practiced.

The base has an overall length (150) and an overall width (160), which are the distances between the longest and widest points, respectively, on the base in the horizontal, ground-contacting plane as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. The end regions (110, 130) and middle region (120) each also include discrete lengths and widths that may be the same or different from each other. The foot plate (110) is typically the widest region of the base, having width (170) and length (175). The foot plate (110) is configured to be held securely in place under the golfer's foot/shoe without interfering with the optimal stance or motion of the golfer's foot during a swing. As such, the foot plate does not extend the entire width and length of golfer's shoe, and in particular, does not lie under the toe, ball or arch regions of the foot/shoe which are used during the golf swing. Thus, the foot plate (110) is shorter and narrower than the sole of a golf shoe. Furthermore, the foot plate (110) does not include a flange, lip or other vertical projection along its periphery that may cause instability should the golfer step on it.

Typically, width (170) is between about 25% and about 75% of the width of a golf shoe. In certain embodiments, width (170) is between about 0.75″ and about 4.5″, typically between 1″ and about 3″, frequently about 1.5″ to about 2.5″, and most often about 2″. Typically, length (175) is between about 10% and about 50% of the length of a golf shoe. In certain embodiments, length (175) is between about 0.75″ and about 7.5″, typically between 1″ and about 5″, frequently about 1.5″ to about 2.5″, and most often about 2″. The foot plate can have any shape, such as rectangular, rounded, curved, polygonal or the like, but typically has about 2″×2″ square size and shape.

Typically, the width of the vertical support connector (180) is less than the width of foot plate, but can be the same or wider than the foot plate. In certain embodiments, width (180) is between about 0.5″ and about 2″, typically between 0.75″ and about 1.5″, and frequently about 1″. Length of the vertical support connector (185) is roughly the same length as the foot plate and at least as long as the vertical support is wide. In certain embodiments, length (185) at least about 0.5″ to about 3″; typically, about 0.75″ to about 2″ inches; and frequently about 1″.

In certain aspects of the invention, the foot plate (110) includes an anti-slip upper surface configured for engaging the sole of a shoe worn by a golfer, to prevent slipping when the device is placed under the shoe. The anti-slip surface is shown generally by reference numeral 112. The anti-slip surface (112b) may cover the entire upper surface of the foot plate as shown in FIG. 7B, in it may cover only a portion or portions of the foot plate as shown in FIG. 7A as 112a. The anti-slip surface (112) may be integral to the upper surface of the foot plate (110) or may be applied thereto. For example, a texture can be integrated into the upper surface of the base (112a and 112b in FIGS. 7A and 7B) by molding, machining, imprinting, etching or any other suitable process, to provide one or more ridges, ribs, grooves, channels, knurls, other patterns, other forms of roughness, or the like, and/or combinations thereof. Applied anti-slip surfaces (see 112c, FIG. 7C) contemplated for use on the top surface of the first end of the base include coatings and layers with a high coefficient of friction including, but not limited to, natural and synthetic rubbers and rubber-like materials, composites, sanded paint, sanded polymer coatings, and other anti-slip coatings and layers that are known to the skilled artisan. By “high coefficient of friction” is meant a value of μ_sof at least about 0.5, typically, at least about 0.6, often at least about 1 and sometimes at least about 2 when measured in combination with the sole of a shoe (e.g., an athletic shoe) under dry and/or wet conditions of contact between the anti-slip surface sole of the shoe.

Notwithstanding the non-slip surface (112), the upper surface of the foot plate (110) may be substantially flat (i.e., planar). Alternatively, the first end may include a foot placement guide (114) adjacent to the support connector (120), for positioning the golfer's foot on the foot plate (110). For example, the foot placement guide (114) may be a curb-shaped elevation (as shown in FIG. 8), lip or ridge that provides resistance to a foot when the foot is slid laterally toward the device, or provides tactile feedback when the foot is directed downward onto the device (i.e., when the device is stepped on). The foot placement guide (114), when present, is immediately adjacent to the support connector (120). The foot placement guide (114) provides a stop against which the device is positioned, aligned and centered relative to the foot (FIG. 8). The foot placement guide (114) may also provide additional tactile feedback to orient the golfer to the correct front to back alignment of his foot in on the device. A bump, for example, at the center of the foot placement guide (114) can be felt by the golfer, who can adjust the center of his foot to the approximate location of the bump as necessary.

In embodiments where the foot placement guide (114) is not present, a side edge of the vertical support (200) serves the positioning purpose as illustrated in FIG. 6. In either embodiment, the golfer can slide the device under his foot until the encounters resistance from either the foot placement guide (114) or the side edge of the vertical support (200), or will slowly step on the device until a position adjacent and contacting foot placement guide (114) or the side edge of the vertical support (200) is detected, and the bottom of the foot/sole of the shoe is firmly planted on foot plate (110). Alternatively, the device can be positioned on the foot while the golfer is seated or is standing on the opposite foot. The foot placement guide or side edge of the vertical support (200) and foot plate (110) are used to determine the correct placement of the device when the golfer is seated or standing on the opposite foot. When present, optional strap (600) can be used to secure the device to the foot and/or leg in the correct position. Advantageously securing the device to the leg allows the golfer to step with the device still attached to reposition the golfer's body at the tee, to allow the leg to move in the follow-through of the stroke, to continue practice at another tee or continue play after hitting the golf ball without removing the device.

In yet further embodiments, the foot plate can include a wedge or lift (116) in place of or in addition to the foot placement guide. The wedge (116) has a generally triangular, wedge shape, including a large end (117) and a short end (118), while a lift may be a rectangular or polygonal shape. When present, the larger end (117) of the wedge is disposed adjacent to the middle region of the base. The wedge is configured to elevate the lateral side of the golfer's foot, which elevation may further reduce sway during a golf swing by requiring a compensatory, medial movement of the corresponding knee inconsistent with lateral sway movement of the corresponding hip. Wedges intended for this purpose are known in the art and have been described as free-standing devices, orthotic-type shoe inserts, lifts that can be attached to shoes or integral parts of specially designed shoes. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,073,075; 4,081,918; 4,118,034; 4,866,861; 6,543,160; 6,845,575; 8,025,588; 8,109,839; 8,312,648; and 8,677,657.

Vertical Support

The vertical support (200) is a generally rectangular support part configured to elevate and carry arm (300), thereby supporting and resisting the force applied to the arm (300) by the golfer's leg. The vertical support has a front (210), a back (212) that is substantially a mirror image of the front, two short, horizontal sides (220, 222) and two long, vertical sides (240, 242). The two short sides include a first short side (220), the “top side”, disposed at the top end (230) of the vertical support (200), and second short side (222), the “bottom side”, disposed at the bottom end region (232) of the vertical support (200) and affixed to the base (100). The top side (220) and bottom side (222) are generally parallel to each other and disposed at the top and bottom of the support, respectively. The top side (220) is configured to be rotatably connected to arm (300) through mechanism (400). The bottom side is configured to be affixed to the support connecting region (120) of the base (100).

In certain embodiments, the bottom end (232) of the vertical support is contiguous with and therefore permanently affixed to the base. For example, the vertical support and the base can be manufactured as a unitary part, such that they constitute a single unit. In other embodiments, the vertical support is configured to be removably affixed to the base (FIGS. 10 and 11). For example, the bottom region of the vertical support may include one or more slots (234) or grooves (236) into which tabs (124) or (126), respectively, on vertical support connector (120) of the base (100) slide or snaps, and optionally may contain additional structures known in the art for retaining the vertical support securely in the base. Advantageously, removability of the vertical support from the base permits the vertical support and base to be disassembled for storage.

The long, vertical sides include a first vertical side (240), (the “leg-facing side”) that is oriented toward the foot plate (110) of the base, and a second vertical side (242) opposing the first side. The first and second vertical sides (240, 242) are generally parallel, and may be straight. Alternatively, the leg-facing side may configured to accommodate the ankle of the golfer such that it does not contact the golfer's leg. For example, the leg-facing side may include a concave curve (244) approximating the convex curvature of the golfer's ankle. When the first side includes a concave curvature mated to a golfers ankle, the opposing side may include a corresponding convex curvature (246), to maintain the same distance between the sides from top to bottom. In certain aspects of the invention, the second side may also include a further convex curvature where it meets the base (248), and/or the vertical support may include a buttress (249) at the bottom of the second side such that the vertical support is wider at the bottom than it is at the top.

In certain embodiments, the vertical support is generally plate shaped, with a thickness (250) of about 1 mm to about 25 mm, typically about 2 to about 15 mm, and frequently about 5 to about 10 mm. The vertical support has a width (280) of generally about 0.5″ to about 3″ wide; typically, about 0.75″ to about 2″ wide; and frequently about 1″ wide. In certain aspects, the vertical support includes a flange (260) or flanges on one or more sides to strengthen the vertical support. The flange(s) can project toward the front of the vertical support, the back of the vertical support, both the front and back or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the flanges are configured to strengthen an otherwise flexible plate such that the vertical support can be made thinner and have overall weight less than would otherwise be required to carry and support the forces applied to arm (300). The vertical support can also be perforated (275) or can include one or more holes, such as through holes (270), to reduce the overall weight of the vertical support without compromising strength. When present, through holes can be any shape, including but not limited to circular, rectangular and irregularly shaped, and have a width up to about 95% of the width (280) and/or height (285) of the vertical support. Holes in the vertical support of the invention will typically be up to about 25 mm wide, and up to about 50 mm long. Perforations can be less than 1 mm up to about 5 mm and cover up to about 95% of the surface area of the vertical support.

Arm

The arm is configured to contact the golfer's calf musculature at or below the midpoint between the golfer's foot and knee. In certain embodiments, the top end of the arm, or an extension thereof, is configured to contact a lateral region of the golfer's calf, under which the gastronomecus and/or soleus muscles are located as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The arm has a structure similar to the vertical support, including a front (310), a back (312) that is substantially a mirror image of the front, two short, horizontal sides (320, 322), two long, vertical sides (340, 342), and optionally, a flange (360) disposed on one or more sides to strengthen the arm. The two short sides include a first short side (320) (the “top side”), disposed at the top end of the arm (300), and a second short side (322), (the “bottom side”), disposed at the bottom end of the arm. The top side (320) and bottom side (322) are generally parallel to each other and disposed at the top and bottom of the arm, respectively. The bottom side (320) is configured to be rotatably connected to vertical support (200) through mechanism (400). The top side is configured to contact the golfer's leg alone or in conjunction with the leg-facing, long vertical side described below.

The long, vertical sides of the arm include a first vertical side (340), which is the “leg-facing side”, and is oriented toward the foot plate (110) side of the base, and a second vertical side (342) opposite the first side. The first and second vertical sides (340, 342) are generally parallel, and may be straight and perpendicular to the short sides. In certain embodiments, the leg-facing side (340) of the arm may be curved toward the top side (320), thereby providing a rounded, convex corner (325) between the leg-facing side (340) and the top side of the arm (320). The arm may also include a leg contact pad (indicated generally as 330) disposed at the leg-facing top corner, (between the leg-facing side and the top of the arm), at the top of the leg-facing side, or on the top side of the arm adjacent to the leg facing side. In certain embodiments, the leg contact pad (330) is extension of the flange or flanges (360) present on the top and leg-facing sides of the arm (330a in 15A). In other embodiments, the leg contact pad (330b) is affixed to the top and/or leg-facing sides of the arm as illustrated in FIG. 15B and may include a mechanism for swiveling as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 15B. The leg contact pad (330) may include a coating (332) or padding (334) to promote comfort and provide a further level of conformity to an individual golfer's leg, as illustrated in FIGS. 15C and 15D.

In certain embodiments, the arm is generally plate shaped, with a thickness (350) of about 1 mm to about 25 mm, typically about 2 to about 15 mm, and frequently about 5 to about 10 mm. The arm is generally about 0.5″ to about 3″ wide, typically, about 0.75″ to about 2″ wide, frequently about 1″ wide. In certain aspects, the arm includes a flange (360) or flanges on one or more sides to strengthen the arm. The flange(s) can project toward the front of the arm, toward the back of the arm, both the front and back of the arm to give an “I-beam” shape or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the flanges are configured to strengthen an otherwise flexible plate such that the vertical support can be made thinner and have overall weight less than would otherwise be required to carry and support the forces applied to arm (300). The arm can also include perforations (375) or can include one or more holes, such as through holes (370), to reduce the overall weight of the vertical support without compromising strength. When present, through holes (370) can be any shape, including but not limited to circular, rectangular and irregularly shaped, and have a width up to about 95% of the width and/or length of the arm. Holes in the arm of the invention will typically be up to about 25 mm wide, and up to about 50 mm long. Perforations can be less than 1 mm up to about 5 mm and cover up to about 95% of the surface area of the arm.

Rotatable Connecting Mechanism

The arm is connected to the vertical support such that when the base is positioned under the foot of the golfer, the arm can be rotated to contact the golfer's leg as illustrated in FIG. 16. In some embodiments, the bottom of the arm and the top of vertical support each include a hole, such as threaded screw holes, that can be aligned at a desired angle and secured. In such embodiments, a securing bolt and nut assembly, or threaded screw provides the mechanism for rotatably connecting the arm to the vertical support. In other embodiments, the arm and vertical support are mated to fit together at specific increments of rotation. For example, the arm and the vertical support can each include radial patterns of groove and ridges in a starburst pattern that will interlock (when contacted as illustrated in FIG. 17. The increment of rotation is the distance from groove to grove. A screw, bolt, pin (410) or the like is used to secure the arm to the vertical support at the desired rotation. In certain aspects, a spring-loaded pin can be used so that the rotation can be readjusted. In such aspects, the pin is pulled away from the device, thereby disengaging the interlock between the arm and the vertical support. The arm is then rotated to the desired angle and the pin released. The spring returns the pin to a tightened position, thereby securing the arm in at the desired angle.

The mechanism can comprise any known structure for rotating the arm relative to the vertical support, including, but not limited to, gears, ratchets, hinges, slides and the like. The mechanism can be affixed wholly or in part to either the arm or the vertical support. In certain embodiments, the one or more parts of the mechanism is integrated into the arm or vertical support. For example, the interlocking radial “starbursts” described above can be molded into the arm and vertical support or can be attached to the arm and vertical support post-fabrication.

Typically, the arm will be rotatable from a vertical position (0 degrees), in which the arm is vertically aligned with vertical support, to an angle of at least about 50 degrees relative to vertical. In certain embodiments, the arm is continuously rotatable. In other embodiments, the arm is incrementally rotatable such as with the radial starburst mechanism, a gear or a ratchet mechanism. In certain aspects, the mechanism includes stops or limits that prevent rotation beyond a desired range, such as between about −10 and about 50 degrees or between about 0 degrees and about 47 degrees, or between about 0 and about 45 degrees. The mechanism of rotation is configured to transfer force applied by the golfer's leg at the leg contact pad (330) to the vertical support, thereby maximizing the resistance to lateral motion of the leg provided by the device. When the angle of rotation is between 0 degrees and about 45-50 degrees, the force is transferred in a substantially downward direction and resistance to lateral motion is maximized. However, if the angle of rotation is between about 50 and about 90 degrees, the force is transferred laterally and the device may be displaced rather than resist movement of the leg.

Size, Construction and Weight

The device of the present invention is designed to be small and lightweight. This permits the golfer to secure the device to his or her leg (e.g., with strap 500) and walk up to the teeing ground or other area on or off the golf course. The device can also be easily positioned and repositioned without strapping it on to the golfer's leg. The device is configured to contact the golfer's mid-calf when the arm is angled between 0 and about 45-50 degrees, and to be used by a range of golfer's, who may vary in height, build, and particularly leg musculature. Typically, the device has an overall height of about 8 to about 12 inches, frequently about 9 to about 11 inches and most often about 10 inches. The arm is generally between about 35-45% of the total height of the device. Typically, the arm is between about 2.5 and 5 inches from top to bottom. The vertical support is generally between about 55-65% of the total height of the device. Typically, the vertical support is between about 5 and about 8.5 inches from top to bottom. The base is generally less than 5% of the total height of the device, typically less than 2% of the total height and frequently less than 1% of the total height of the device.

The device can be constructed of any strong, lightweight, durable and rigid material that will withstand the force of the golfer's leg pressing on it without bending or breaking. For use outdoors, the material should be weather resistant (i.e., moisture- and U.V.-resistant) or may be coated with a weather resistant protectant. Suitable materials include but are not limited to polymers (e.g., thermoset and epoxy polymers), metals, composites (such as fiber reinforced polymers) and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the device is made substantially of a polyoxymethylene polymer such as acetal, polyacetal or polyformaldehyde, while certain parts, such as screw treads, may be constructed of metal, such as zinc plated steel. Any suitable method can be used to manufacture the device of the present invention, including molding (e.g., injection and/or extrusion molding), machining, turning, milling, drilling and combinations thereof. Choice a suitable material also contemplates that the device will have a weight between about 2 and about 6 ounces, typically between about 3 and 5 ounces and frequently about 4 ounces or less.

Use of the Device

In use, the device is placed on the ground surface lateral to the leg the golfer wishes to restrain and the foot plate is slid under the golfer's foot until the foot placement guide (114) or the side edge of the vertical support (200) contacts the golfer's shoe. While standing on the foot plate and keeping the leg aligned with the foot, the golfer adjusts the angle of the arm until the top end or the leg contact pad (330) when present, contacts or nearly contacts the lateral side of the calf muscle, as illustrated in FIGS. 18A-18F and the golfer can complete a swing in the correct position perfectly. The arm is then secured in the angled position and the golfer proceeds with his stroke (FIGS. 18A-18F). Resistance from the device provides tactile feedback (i.e., pressure) to the golfer should his leg begin to sway, and resists lateral leg motion to maintain the proper leg position.

The device can also be fastened to the golfer's leg when the golfer is in a seated position or when standing on the opposite leg, particularly once the angle of arm rotation has been adjusted. Fastening can be accomplished using optional strap (500) or straps that are fed through a slot or hole in the top end of the arm and/or in the slot or hole in the vertical support. Strap (500) can be fastened by any known method, and may include, for example, hook and loop fasteners for this purpose.

The device of the present invention can also be used to maintain either or both legs in a partially bent position by placing the device behind the leg as illustrated in FIG. 19. In this aspect of the invention, the foot plate is slid under the golfer's heel until the foot placement guide (114) or the side edge of the vertical support (200) contacts the back of the golfer's shoe. While standing on the foot plate and keeping the knee bent a desired amount, the golfer adjusts the angle of the arm to contact or nearly contact the back of the calf muscle and then secures the arm at the adjusted angle. As with side placement of the device, the resistance from the rear leg placement of the device provides tactile feedback (i.e., pressure) to the golfer should the leg begin to straighten, and resists straightening of the leg to maintain the proper bent leg position.

Connecting Two Devices for Simultaneous Control of Sway and Knee Flex

The golfer may wish to both control sway and maintain a bent knee, particularly when learning or perfecting his or her golf stroke. For this purpose, two devices may be used simultaneously. As illustrated in FIGS. 18A-D, FIGS. 23A-C and 24A-C, FIG. 25A-B a complete golf stroke can be completed with a correct stance and leg motion while two devices are used simultaneously, with one device behind the back leg and the other device lateral to the back leg. However, it may be awkward to position and stand on two devices independently. Thus, the present invention provides a connector which converts two devices to a single unit or system. In this embodiment of the invention, the connector is typically a rigid rod or bar shaped at an angle (such as an L shape) or arc that is configured to be removably affixed to each of two devices and hold the two devices at right angles to each other. The connector can include terminal clips, pins or other connectors to attach to each of the devices. In certain embodiments, the device is configured to accept the connector. For example, the ends of the connector can be mated to acceptor holes (370) in the vertical supports of the device. The ends of the connector are inserted into the acceptor holes on each of two devices and secured by a tight frictional fit (e.g. similar to vacuum cleaner wands), by detents, tabs, compression fittings or the like. In certain embodiments, the connector (600) includes screw threads (610) on each end that are mated to threaded screw holes (370) integrated into the vertical support. The length of the screw threads determines the distance between the connected devices. Thus the connector includes a longer region of threading than is needed to engage the screw holes to allow adjustment in the positioning of the devices relative to each other. When the screw holes pass through the vertical support, any excess connector length will pass through the vertical support.

In certain embodiments, an optional hook (605) or hooks, or a similar structure(s) can be provided on the connector to which a bungee cord, elastic strap or a similar material can attached, as illustrated in FIG. 20. A bungee or elastic strap (215) (illustrated in FIG. 20 by the broken line) attached to the hooks (605) or a similar structure can be wrapped around the leg to secure the device to the leg in the correct position. Advantageously securing the device to the leg allows the golfer to step with the device attached to reposition the golfer's body at the tee, to allow the leg to move in the follow-through of the stroke or to continue play after hitting the golf ball.

ANTI-SWAY DEVICE

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