Device for Improving Golf Swing

Abstract

A device for improving golf swing including a platform having an upper face and a lower face; at least one orifice extending from the upper face to the lower face; a golf tee extending from either of the orifices; the lower face having three mounts and two risers, the first riser attachable to the first mount, and the second riser interchangeably attachable to the second and third mounts; the bottom face being beveled/tapered along two perpendicular edges of the platform.

Description

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION

Not applicable.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an apparatus for practicing golf strokes and more specifically to an apparatus for helping a golfer improve his or her swing.

2. Description of the Related Art

Golf is a popular sport and pastime. Numerous devices exist, each boasting its unique ability to shave strokes off golfers' scores. Such devices span a number of categories: clubs, apparel, optical devices, etc. Several devices have been introduced to improve a golfer's swing, some of which do so by simulating golfing on an incline. Those devices are inadequate, however, to serve several objects of the present invention. For example, those devices are not lightweight and easy to transport. Those devices are not designed with efficient improvement of overall swing in mind. Those devices require the golfer to stand on the incline, rather than a level surface—thereby forcing the golfer to practice in a less stable position. Those devices do not help golfers practice swinging on an inside to outside path; and swinging the driver on an angle of upward attack, on the upward momentum.

The present invention overcomes these inadequacies and improves a golfer's swing in all conditions, not just on an incline (or decline).

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a device for improving golf swing including a platform having an upper face and a lower face; at least one orifice extending from the upper face to the lower face; a golf tee extending from either of the orifices; the lower face having three mounts and two risers, the first riser attachable to a first mount, and the second riser interchangeably attachable to the second and third mounts; the bottom face being beveled/tapered along two perpendicular edges of the platform. The present invention is superior to other known golfing devices for improving swing because it teaches golfers two things: (1) that you cannot come over the top of the ball (because you will hit the device) and it forces the golfer to swing on an inside to outside path; and (2) that you cannot swing down using a driver and it forces the golfer to swing on an angle of upward attack, on the upward momentum.

Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent with further reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

For an improved understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures:

FIG. 1 is a view of the top and front sides of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 2.

FIG. 3B is a front view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 2 sans risers 42p, 42q.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 3A.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 4.

FIG. 6A is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 5.

FIG. 6B is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6A with a different arrangement of risers 42p, 42q.

FIG. 6C is a bottom view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6B sans risers 42p, 42q.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are perspective views of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 6C.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 re perspective views of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 8 in use by a golfer and oriented in two different directions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention teaches golfers to improve their swing by (1) swinging on an inside to outside path (i.e., orientation of the device as shown in FIG. 9); and (2) swinging on an angle of attack, on the upward momentum (i.e., orientation of the device as shown in FIG. 10). Failing to make these changes results in the golfer swinging into the device, rather than the ball. In particular, amateur golfers have a tendency to make these mistakes. If the mistakes are made when using the device, the golfer swings the club into the device which is an awkward and slightly unpleasant experience. Wanting to avoid repeating that mistake, the golfer adjusts (i.e., improves) his or her swing.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-8, a device for improving golf wing, generally designated 20, is provided to train a golfer to properly swing a golf club. In general terms, device 20 includes an upper face 22 and a lower face 24. In certain embodiments, device 20 is generally rectangular in shape with the upper face 22 and lower face 24 sharing a first side 26 and a second side 28, which is perpendicular to the first side 26.

FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show line 30 painted across the upper face 22 and parallel to the first 26. Line 30 is approximately 1.5 inches in width and extends from the second side 28 to the opposite side of the upper face 22. Line 30 is positioned somewhere between the first side 26 and the opposite side of the upper face 22 (slightly offset of middle in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2). Arc 32 is tangential to line 30 and extends from line 30 to second side 28. Although not a requirement of the invention, arc 32 is of equal width to line 30. Line 30 and arc 32 are intended to visually represent for the golfer the path of the golfer's swing (i.e., inside to outside).

First orifice 34 extends from the upper face 22 to the lower face 24 and first orifice 34 is positioned on line 30. Second orifice 36 extends from the upper face 22 to the lower face 24 and second orifice 36 is positioned adjacent to line 30.

Tee 38 is removably attached to device 20. In particular, tee 38 attaches to first orifice 34 and second orifice 36 (one at a time). As shown and discussed below, device 20 can be tilted in different angles relative to a golfer to improve (1) swinging on an inside to outside path (i.e., orientation shown in FIG. 9); and (2) swinging on an angle of attack, on the upward momentum (i.e., orientation shown in FIG. 10). Depending on which skill the golfer desires to practice, the golfer may attach the tee 38 to either the first orifice 34 or the second orifice 36.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1-FIG. 3B. First orifice 34 and second orifice 36 are oriented in different directions relative to upper face 22 and lower face 24. The purpose of the different orientations is to permit tee 38 to orient perpendicular to the ground when the golfer positions device 20 on a level surface. Orienting tee 38 perpendicular to the ground reduces the likelihood that a golf ball will roll off tee 38 when in use.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the device with risers 42p, 42q attached to threaded orifices 40b, 40c. A golfer would arrange the risers in this configuration for this orientation of the device when the golfer desires to improve swinging on an inside to outside path.

FIG. 6A-FIG. 6C show the bottom view of the device subject to different arrangements of the risers. The lower face 24 includes threaded orifices 40a, 40b, 40c. Risers 42p, 42q are removably attached to device 20 at threaded orifice 40b and either threaded orifice 40a or threaded orifice 40c. Attaching a riser to threaded orifice 40a or threaded orifice 40c results in rotation of the device relative to the ground. For transport, storage, or the like, a golfer might desire to remove the risers 42p, 42q from the threaded orifices 40a, 40b, 40c.

An axis exists along (or close thereto) line 30. Attaching a riser to threaded orifice 40a orients device 20 such that it rotationally rolls relative to the axis. A golfer standing next to the first side 26 of the device will perceive the device as extending from the ground nearest the golfer's feet upward and away from the golfer (toward the opposite side of the first side 26). This arrangement will aid the golfer to improve swinging on an inside to outside path (i.e., orientation shown in FIG. 9).

By contrast, attaching a riser to threaded orifice 40c orients device 20 such that it rotationally pitches relative to the axis. A golfer standing next to the first side 26 of the device will perceive the device as extending from the ground near the second side 28 upward and away toward the opposite side of the second side 28. Stated differently, a right-handed golfer will perceive device 20 as extending upwardly from the golfer's right foot toward the golfer's left foot. This arrangement will aid the golfer to swing on an angle of attack, on the upward momentum (i.e., orientation shown in FIG. 10)

To further stabilize the device and promote rotation of the device relative to the ground, the lower face 24 is generally beveled near first side 26 and the second side 28. The bevels are approximately four inches wide and extend approximately the entire lengths of both first side 26 and second side 28.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, there might be a single orifice wherein the tee rotates for perpendicular orientation to the ground depending on how the device is oriented, or the tee attaches to the orifice at different orientations. In further alternative embodiments, there are no orifices for the tee—the tee attaches to the surface of the upper face.

In alternative embodiments, one or more of the riser(s) will not be removably attached to the device. In some embodiments, the riser(s) might be permanently attached and fixed to the device such that the golfer uses the device in a single orientation. In further alternative embodiments, the riser(s) are pivotally attached or tethered to the device.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, there is no line and/or no arc. Alternatively, there might be two arcs to account for right and left-handed golfers. In some alternative embodiments, the line and arcs might not be painted on the upper face but otherwise illustrated.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, there are no bevels along the lower face. In further alternative embodiments, the lower face is beveled along one but not two sides.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, there might be a single riser (or more risers) and there might be a different number of threaded orifices, as well. In further alternative embodiments, the riser(s) might attach to the device by means other than threaded orifices.

Although not required of the invention, it is envisioned that a golfer will not stand on the embodiments of the invention. Similarly, it is envisioned that a golfer will want to easily carry and transport embodiments of the invention. In such embodiments, it is contemplated that the device is constructed of Styrofoam or other lightweight materials (e.g., plastic, vinyl, rubber, wood, plastic). Of course, alternative embodiments could be constructed of heavier materials.

Although not required of the invention, it is envisioned that a golfer will not want to adjust the height of the device. Several embodiments of the invention will feature risers of fixed height. In alternative embodiments, the risers are adjustable or replaceable with risers of varying heights.

The term “tee” is intended to be interpreted more broadly than the types of tees used by golfers in golf tournaments. The term “tee” is intended include devices used to elevate and support golf balls above the ground, such as piping or tubes of appropriate size.

The present invention is described above in terms of a preferred illustrative embodiment in which a specifically described refining plant and method are described. Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative constructions of such an apparatus, system, and method can be used in carrying out the present invention. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for improving golf swing comprising: a platform having an upper face and a lower face;a tee extending away from the upper face; andat least one riser attached to the lower face.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising an illustrated line extending from one side of the upper face to the opposite side of the upper face.

3. The device of claim 2 further comprising an illustrated arc tangential to the illustrated line.

4. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least one orifice and the tee extending from the at least one orifice.

5. The device of claim 1 further comprising at least two points of attachment for the at least one riser.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the at least one riser is a fixed height.

7. The device of claim 1 wherein the lower face is partially beveled.

8. The device of claim 1 wherein the device is constructed of a material from the group consisting of plastic, vinyl, rubber, wood, plastic, Styrofoam.

9. A device for improving golf swing comprising: a platform having an upper face and a lower face;a first orifice and a second orifice, each orifice extending from the lower face to the upper face;the first orifice and a second orifice not oriented in parallel;a tee removably attachable to the first orifice and the second orifice; anda first riser and a second riser;the first riser and the second riser each removably attachable to at least three points of attachment along the lower face;an illustrated line extending from one side of the upper face to the opposite side of the upper face;an illustrated arc tangential to the illustrated line.