FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure relates to a golf posture training aid device. In particular, the golf posture training aid device includes a posture strap member coupling two stand members at a top end portion of each stand member for providing visual and/or sensory feedback to the golfer while practicing their golf swing maneuvers.
BACKGROUND
Many golfers can struggle with the correct posture before and during the swing, resulting inconsistent golf swings. Having the proper posture at address is often a vital skill which most golfers overlook. Having the correct stand and posture can influence and affect how the golf club rotates around the body, maintaining the proper swing and promoting balance.
Currently, there exists conventional golf devices that are can teach and aid golfers with teaching or improving golf stance techniques. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,936,143A (Bernard F. Shea) describes a golf practice apparatus for helping golf players improving or practicing their golf stance. The apparatus includes two parts having a tray with bottom. The apparatus also includes a base that is formed in two parts each having the general configuration of a tray with bottoms and walls. One of the adjacent walls may be provided with hook-like engaging parts adapted to overlie the adjacent wall of the other tray 21 and thus hold the two rigidly together when in use. In one of these trays, there may be disposed a cocoanut fibre mat or the like upon which the golf ball 28 may be placed and from which it may be driven. In the other tray, and with its top surface in the same plane as the top of the cocoa mat there may be disposed a platform upon which the player, practicing his stance, may stand. This platform is adapted to be removable and replaceable by a cocoa-mat, say, if advantage is not to be taken of the foot rests or feet positioning members.
In another example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,623,733 (John J. Cavanaugh) describes an apparatus for practicing swinging of a golf club which comprises a body cage member and a hitting track member to inculcate upon the user proper hip movement during the swing and movement of the golf club head in the proper path when contacting a golf ball. The body cage member is adjustable both vertically and laterally to accommodate a golder's hips. The track member is adjustable to different distances from the cage member to accommodate the different lengths of the various clubs. The track member's alignment is also adjustable to develop various golf club swings, e.g., an inside-out swing.
In yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,569 (John F. Rilling) describes an apparatus a golf stance trainer for monitoring a golfer's stance during a golf swing comprises a superstructure having at least one of a sensor for monitoring buttock positioning, a sensor for monitoring hip positioning, and a sensor for monitoring leg positioning during a golf swing. The sensor is actuated in response to a pivotal movement of a member that engages the golfer's buttocks, hips or leg, and signals the golfer that the swing is improper. The buttocks engaging member pivots about a horizontal axis, and the hip and leg engaging members pivot about vertical axes.
In practice, these training devices described hereinabove are large, bulky, heavy, and generally suited for golf training centers. By design, these training devices are not intended to be taken on the golf course. In addition, these devices are lack mobility and often require dedicated spaces and footprint areas at these training centers. In addition, these devices are complex and time-consuming to set up, requiring tools to setup and having multiple fixed elements which are bolted or welded together, and are not intended to be removed or separated once attached. Overall, most if not all golfers would not be able to bring such devices on the golf course due to their complexity, weight, and lengthy time to set-up and use on the golf course. Therefore, there is a need for golf training devices that can assist, provide feedback, and train the golfer with their golf stance and posture, overcoming several utility, performance and functional deficiencies of conventional devices described hereinabove.
SUMMARY
It is an advantage of the present disclosure to provide a first stand member having a first strap attachment member coupled to a top portion of the first stand member and a first base support member coupled to a bottom portion of the first stand member; a second stand member having a second strap attachment member coupled to a top portion of the second stand member and a second base support member coupled to a bottom portion of the second stand member; and a posture strap member coupling the first strap attachment member to the second strap attachment member, where the first stand member is separated from the second stand member by a distance not exceeding a fixed length of the posture strap member when the golf posture training aid device is in a fully assembled state, and where the first stand member and the second stand member are consolidated into a single piece when the golf posture training aid device is dismantled and in a compact state.
In one aspect, each base support may include a round stabilizing base plate or a rectangular stabilizing base plate. In another aspect, each base support member may include an anchoring stake. In yet another aspect, each strap attachment member may include a peg assembly comprising a strap opening and a peg slot.
In one embodiment, a peg may be coupled to at least one end portion of the posture strap member and configured to mate and attach to the peg slot. In another embodiment, each strap attachment member may have a clip disposed on an outer surface of each strap attachment member. In yet another embodiment, each stand member may include a stand height adjustment member for lowering or extending a total height of each stand member when the posture training aid device is in the fully assemble state. Furthermore, the plurality of reference markers may be applied to at least one side of the posture strap member for visually measuring a lateral shift of a golfer while practicing swing maneuvers.
In still yet another embodiment, touch switches may be disposed on at least one side of the posture strap member and are configured to detect physical contact by a hip or buttocks of a golfer while pressing or moving against the touch switches during golf swing maneuvers.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present disclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments of the disclosure and from the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B illustrate a golf posture training aid device for teaching a golfer the proper golf stance and posture techniques via visual, audio, and touch feedback, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D illustrate a top, front, side, and perspective view of the golf posture training aid device in its fully assembled state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the golf posture training aid device, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 4A-FIG. 4B illustrate a top view and perspective view of the stand member, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B illustrate a top view and perspective view of the base support member, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 6A-FIG. 6C illustrate a top view, front, and perspective view of a peg assembly for connecting and disconnecting the posture strap member to the strap attachment member, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 7A-FIG. 7B illustrate a method of connecting the posture strap member to the strap attachment members using the peg assembly, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 8A-FIG. 8C illustrate a top view, front, and perspective view of a clip and buckle assembly for connecting and disconnecting the posture strap member to the strap attachment member, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B illustrate a method of connecting the posture strap member to the strap attachment members using the clip and buckle assembly, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 10A-FIG. 10C illustrate a top view, front, and perspective view of a magnetic fastening and plate assembly for connecting and disconnecting the posture strap member to the strap attachment member, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 11A-FIG. 11B illustrate a method of connecting the posture strap member to the strap attachment members using the magnetic fastening and plate assembly, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B illustrate a retractable strap assembly for joining the two strap attachment members by the posture strap member, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 13A-FIG. 13B illustrate a top view and a perspective view of a dual c-clip fastener for retaining the two stand members when the posture training aid device is in the dismantled and compact state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 14 illustrates an implementation of the dual ring fastener for retaining the two stand members when the posture training aid device is in the dismantled and compact state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 15A-FIG. 15B illustrate an inner and an outer stand member having an insert and slide configuration for combining the stand members to the compact state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 16A-FIG. 16C illustrate the stand member with a keyed interlocking assembly for combining the stand members to the compact state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 17A-FIG. 17C illustrate the stand member a magnetic retaining assembly for combining the stand into the compact state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 18 illustrates stand stabilizing members for providing back support to the stand members when the posture training aid device is in the fully assemble state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 19 illustrates stand height adjustment members for lowering or extending the total height of the support stand members when the posture training aid device is in the fully assemble state, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 20A-20B illustrate two types of posture strap members applied to the posture training aid device, including a visual feedback posture strap member (FIG. 20A) and a touch feedback posture strap member (FIG. 20B), according to an embodiment.
FIG. 21A-FIG. 21C illustrate a visual feedback application and use of the posture training aid device by a golfer, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 22A-FIG. 22B illustrate a sensory feedback application and use of the posture training aid device by a golfer, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 23 illustrates the posture training aid device fully dismantled in the compact state and stored in a golf bag, according to an embodiment.
FIG. 24 illustrates a front perspective view of the golf posture training aid device having a gap disposed between two end portions of one of the stand members, according to an embodiment.
In the appended figures, one or more elements may have the same reference numeral in different figures indicating previously described elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
FIG. 1A-FIG. 1B illustrate a golf posture training aid device 100 for teaching a golfer the proper golf stance and posture techniques via visual, audio, and touch feedback, according to an embodiment. In practice, the golf posture device 100 is advantageously configured to operate in two states: 1) a fully assembled state as shown in FIG. 1A; and 2) a dismantled and compact state as shown in FIG. 1B. The golf posture training aid device 100 comes equipped with minimal components which allow the golfer to easily setup the device 100 quickly from its dismantled state to the fully assembled and operational state while on the golf course and without the need for any tools. In addition, components on the golf posture training aid device 100 includes lightweight complementary and interlocking members allowing these components to be easily disassembled and rearranged in order to reduce its overall size and shape, thereby forming a single piece for carrying and storing purposes. In the dismantled and compact state, the posture training aid device 100 can be conveniently stored and carried in a golf bag with other golf equipment.
FIG. 2A-FIG. 2D illustrate a top, front, side, and perspective view of the golf posture training aid device 100 in its fully assembled state, according to an embodiment. Components of the golf posture device 100 include a posture strap member 100-1 coupling two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) at a top end portion of each stand member (100-2a, 100-2b). Each stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) includes a strap attachment member (100-3a, 100-3b) disposed and connected to the top portion of each stand member (100-2a, 100-2b), providing an attachment support by which each end of the posture strap member 100-1 is fastened. In addition, each stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) of the golf posture device 100 includes a base support member (100-4a, 100-4b) coupled at a bottom end portion of each stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) in order to stabilize the golf posture device 100 and prevent it from leaning or tipping forward. When fully assembled and in use on the golf course or training platform, the golf posture device 100 has a total working height (H) of approximately 2.0-4.0 feet and a total working width (W) of approximately 3.0-4.5 feet, requiring minimal footprint area to set up and use in limited space training areas. Since the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) are separate pieces that can be moved and positioned on the ground independently, the maximum width (W) of between the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) is determined by the maximum width of the posture strap member 100-1 joining the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) together. The overall weight of the golf posture device 100 may range between pounds, depending on selected component material properties, allowing the device to be easily carried by hand when dismantled.
FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the golf posture training aid device 100, according to an embodiment. In one instance, the golf posture device 100 has a minimalistic design with few components that require assembly. In another instance, these components are symmetrically configured having complementary mating components for reducing the total size and shape of the device 100 when it is dismantled and ready for travel or storage. In one implementation, the posture strap member 100-1 has a fixed height and length which can measure approximately 2″-5″ in height (Hs) and approximately 3.0-4.5 feet in length (Ls) and is composed of natural or synthetic fabrics having a flat surface and semi-flexible body. In another implementation, the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) have a rigid, narrow, and elongated body and may include poles, rods, shafts, or bars which are constructed and fabricated from lightweight yet durable materials such as aluminum, synthetic plastic, carbon-fiber, fiberglass, wood, or composite materials. In yet another implementation, the base support members (100-4a, 100-4b) include any type of stabilizing structure or assembly by which the golf posture device 100 is firmly secured and anchored to the surface of the golf course or playing platform. Such stabilizing structures can be of substantial weight and area relative as compared to the other components in the golf posture device 100. In another implementation, the anchoring structures can include anchoring stakes that are directly inserted into natural surfaces such as grass golf courses.
FIG. 4A-FIG. 4B illustrate a top view and perspective view of the stand member 100-2 (representing 100-2a and 100-2b), according to an embodiment. The stand member 100-2 may include elongated structures such as, but not limited to, solid poles, tubes, tapered poles, tapered cylinders, square rods, square tubes, or tapered tubes. In addition, the stand member 100-2 has a rigid body that withstands bending, twisting, or bowing when secured to the ground in an upright and vertical manner.
FIG. 5A-FIG. 5B illustrate a top view and perspective view of the base support member 100-4 (representing 100-4a, 100-4b) according to an embodiment. The base support member 100-4 may include a base coupling member 4a which is attached to the stand member 100-2 when the golf posture device 100 is in the fully assembled state and disconnected from the stand member 100-2 when the golf posture device 100 is in the dismantled and compact state. The base coupling member 4a may include a threaded shaft that is configured to insert and fasten into a threaded slot (not shown) formed in the bottom end portion of the stand member 100-2. The base support member 100-4 may have a stabilizing structure of various shapes and construction for preventing the golf posture device 100 to tip, sway, or shift while in use. For example, the stabilizing structure may include a round stabilizing base plate 4b, a rectangular stabilizing base plate 4c, or a anchoring stake stabilizing base structure 4c. In other applications, the stabilizing structure may have a hollow body (e.g., a fillable liquid container) with a fill port 4e that is capable of being filled with a liquid in order to increase the weight and stability of the golf posture device 100.
FIG. 6A-FIG. 6C illustrate a top view, front, and perspective view of a peg assembly for connecting and disconnecting the posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment member 100-3 (representing 100-3a or 100-3b), according to an embodiment. The peg assembly is comprised of a strap opening 3a and a peg slot 3b formed in the strap attachment member 100-3 and a peg 1 attached to at least one end of the posture strap member 100-1. In one application, each end portion of the posture strap member 100-1 may have the peg attached via a fastener, mold, or thread. In this example, the peg 1 has a cylindrically shaped body while the peg slot 3b has a complementary shape (i.e., round slot) of the peg 1, allowing the two shapes to fit and mate together. In other implementations, the slot and peg are not limited in shape or design and may include any type of key and keyed slot configuration so long as the slot and peg are complementary in shape and are configured to mate with one another.
FIG. 7A-FIG. 7B illustrate a method of connecting the posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment members (100-3a, 100-3b) using the peg assembly, according to an embodiment. During assembly, the posture strap member 100-1 is secured to the strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b) by inserting the pegs (1a and 1b) through the peg slots 3b of each strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b), as shown in FIG. 7A. When inserted and attached, the posture strap member 100-1 passes through the strap opening 3a of each strap attachment member (100-3a and 100-3b), allowing the posture strap member 100-1 to extend and hang between the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) in the fully assembled state, as shown in FIG. 7B. In addition, the posture strap member 100-1 can be easily detached from the strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b) by withdrawing the pegs (1a and 1b) upwards and away from the peg slots 3b of each strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b) in order to dismantle and consolidate the golf posture device 100 into a compact state for storage or travel.
FIG. 8A-FIG. 8C illustrate a top view, front, and perspective view of a clip and buckle assembly for connecting and disconnecting the posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment member 100-3 (representing 100-3a or 100-3b), according to an embodiment. The clip and buckle assembly is comprised of a clip 5 disposed on an outer surface of the strap attachment member 100-3 and a buckle 6 attached to at least one end of the posture strap member 100-1. The buckle 6 may include a hook member 6a which is detachably coupled to the clip 5 and a strap slot member 6b which provides an opening through which at least one end of the posture strap member 100-1 may be inserted and secured to the buckle 5. In one application, each end portion of the posture strap member 100-1 is attached to a buckle via the strap slot member 6b. In operation, the clip and buckle assembly generally acts as a quick-release locking assembly, allowing the user to easily attach and detach the strap posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment members (100-3a, 100-3b). For example, the clip 5 is in a closed position when no force is applied and is in an open position when pressure is applied to the face of the clip by depressing the clip 5. When the clip 5 depressed, the hook member 6a may pass through an opening of the clip 5 allowing it to be inserted. The clip 5 returns to the closed position once pressure is no longer applied to the clip 5, thereby securing and locking the hook member 6a to the clip 5.
FIG. 9A-FIG. 9B illustrate a method of connecting the posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment members (100-3a, 100-3b) using the clip and buckle assembly, according to an embodiment. During assembly, posture strap member 100-1 is secured to the strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b) by inserting and attaching the hook member 6a of the buckle 6 at each end of the posture strap member 100-1 to the clip 5 at each strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b), as shown in FIG. 9A. When inserted and attached, the posture strap member 100-1 extends and hangs between the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) in the fully assembled state, as shown in FIG. 9B.
FIG. 10A-FIG. 10C illustrate a top view, front, and perspective view of a magnetic fastening and plate assembly for connecting and disconnecting the posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment member 100-3 (representing 100-3a or 100-3b), according to an embodiment. The magnetic fastening and plate assembly is comprised of a magnetic plate 7 disposed on an outer surface of the strap attachment member 100-3 and a magnetic fastener 8 attached to at least one end of the posture strap member 100-1. The magnetic fastener 8 may include 1) a magnetic member 8a which can be magnetically attached to the magnetic plate 7 of the strap attachment member 100-3; and 2) a strap slot member 8b which provides an opening through which at least one end of the posture strap member 100-1 may be inserted and secured to the magnetic fastener 8. In one implementation, each end portion of the posture strap member 100-1 is attached to a magnetic buckle via the strap slot member 8b. In practice, the magnetic buckle and plate assembly generally acts as a magnetic fastening assembly, allowing the user to easily attach and detach the strap posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment members (100-3a, 100-3b) via magnetic forces.
FIG. 11A-FIG. 11B illustrate a method of connecting the posture strap member 100-1 to the strap attachment members (100-3a, 100-3b) using the magnetic fastening and plate assembly, according to an embodiment. During assembly, posture strap member 100-1 is secured to the strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b) by connecting and attaching the magnetic member 8a of the magnetic fastener 8 at each end of the posture strap member 100-1 to the magnetic plate 7 at each strap attachment members (100-3a and 100-3b), as shown in FIG. 11A. When magnetically attached, the posture strap member 100-1 extends and hangs between the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) in the fully assembled state, as shown in FIG. 11B.
FIG. 12A-FIG. 12B illustrate a retractable strap assembly 9 for joining the two strap attachment members (100-3a, 100-3b) by the posture strap member 100-1, according to an embodiment. The retractable strap assembly 9 may be integrated into one of the strap attachment members (100-3b), having a spool and spring assembly located in its interior and a strap release button 9a. During assembly, the golfer may unspool the posture strap member 100-1 from the spring, allowing them to pull out the posture strap member 100-1 and insert one fastening end (e.g., peg, buckle, or magnetic fastener) of the posture strap member 100-1 into a corresponding fastening end (e.g., peg slot, clip, magnetic plate) disposed at the other the strap attachment member 100-3a as shown in FIG. 12B. When dismantling the golf posture training aid device 100, the golfer disconnects the fastened end and then presses the strap release button 9a on the retractable strap assembly 9 in order to release and re-spools the posture strap member 100-1 back into the retractable strap assembly 9.
FIG. 13A-FIG. 13B illustrate a top view and a perspective view of a dual c-clip fastener 10 for retaining the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) when the posture training aid device 100 is in the dismantled and compact state, according to an embodiment. Although the dual c-clip fastener 10 is generally suited for retaining two stand members having a cylindrical or tube-shaped body, a foam or rubber support may be applied to the interior side of the c-clip fastener 10 in order to retain stand members that have other shapes (e.g., rectangular tubing and tapered bodies).
FIG. 14 illustrates an implementation of the dual ring fastener 10 for retaining the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) when the posture training aid device 100 is in the dismantled and compact state, according to an embodiment. Advantageously, the dual ring fastener 10 is configured to retain both stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) at a minimal form and compact state when the posture training aid device 100 is dismantled as shown in FIG. 14. The dual ring fastener 10 may be mounted to at least one of the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) or provided as a separate component.
FIG. 15A-FIG. 15B illustrate an inner and an outer stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) having an insert and slide configuration for combining the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) to the compact state, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, the outer stand member 100-2a has a hollow interior while the inner stand member 100-2b may have either a hollow or solid interior. The outer stand member 100-2a may have an inner diameter Wa while the inner stand member 100-2b may have an outer diameter Wb that is configured to be less than Wa, as shown in FIG. 15A. In this implementation, both stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) are configured to have matching body types (i.e., round tubes). In operation, the inner stand member 100-2b may inserted into the hollow interior of the outer stand member 100-2a, combining the stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) into a single tube shown in FIG. 15B.
FIG. 16A-FIG. 16C illustrate the stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) with a keyed interlocking assembly for combining the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) to the compact state, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, the keyed interlocking assembly may include a tongue 11 disposed along a side portion of one of the stand members 100-2a and a groove 12 disposed along a side portion of the other stand member 100-2b as shown in FIG. 16A. Advantageously, the tongue and groove assembly provides interlocking joints allowing the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) to be joined together in order to reduce its size into a single piece as shown in FIG. 16C. In another implementation, other types of keyed interlocking assembly may applied to the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) having keyed joints and complementary shapes that overlap or fit together.
FIG. 17A-FIG. 17C illustrate the stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) a magnetic retaining assembly for combining the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) into the compact state, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, the magnetic retaining assembly may include a magnetic strip 13 disposed along a side portion of one of the stand members 100-2a and a magnetic metal plate 14 disposed along a side portion of the other stand member 100-2b as shown in FIG. 17A and FIG. 17B. The posture training aid device 100 is able to maintain a minimal form in its compact state when the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) are magnetically joined to form a single piece via the magnetic retaining assembly, as shown in FIG. 17C.
FIG. 18 illustrates stand stabilizing members (100-5a, 100-5b) for providing back support to the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) when the posture training aid device 100 is in the fully assemble state, according to an embodiment. The stand stabilizing members (100-5a, 100-5b) allows the posture training aid device 100 to be kept upright without leaning or leaning forward when assembled and in use. In addition, the stand stabilizing members (100-5a, 100-5b) may include two bars (or poles), one attached to each support stand member (100-2a, 100-2b), connected at one end portion by a lockdown fastener 15 as shown in FIG. 18. Furthermore, the stand stabilizing members (100-5a, 100-5b) are configured to rotate from 0 degrees, so that it is parallel with support stand member, to approximately degrees so that the bars are tilted at an angle T making contact with the ground. The lockdown fastener 15 may include knurled knobs which are clamping knobs specifically designed to provide maximum ergonomics, firm and safe grip to the golfer's hand when tightening or loosening the support stand members. Moreover, the stand stabilizing members (100-5a, 100-5b) may have different shapes, dimensions, and be fabricated from rigid production materials like aluminum, stainless steel, wood, and plastic.
FIG. 19 illustrates stand height adjustment members (100-6a, 100-6b) for lowering or extending the total height of the support stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) when the posture training aid device 100 is in the fully assemble state, according to an embodiment. In one implementation, each stand member (100-2a, 100-2b) is configured to have a hollow interior into which a stand height adjustment member is inserted and freely slides. In addition, a lockdown fastener 15 may be applied at a bottom portion of each stand member in order to lock down the stand height adjustment members at a desired adjust height Ha into the stand member (100-2a, 100-2b), thereby setting the total height of the posture training aid device 100, as shown in FIG. 19.
FIG. 20A-20B illustrate two types of posture strap members 100-1 applied to the posture training aid device 100, including a visual feedback posture strap member (FIG. 20A) and a touch feedback posture strap member (FIG. 20B), according to an embodiment. In one implementation, the visual feedback posture strap member shown in FIG. 20A may include reference markers having a distinguishing mark such as patterns 20 or symbols 21 which are printed or formed onto the face of the posture strap member 100-1. In the example shown, the reference markers may include, but is not limited to, hatch marks or vertical lines having two heights that are arranged at a set distance and spacing, such as those seen on a ruler. In application, these hatch marks can provide the golfer a visual measurement of how far their mid-section (near hip and waistline) has traveled and shifted along the posture strap member 100-1, allowing the golfer to monitor and visually record, via a video camera, a lateral shift when practicing golf maneuvers at address position. Further discussion and application of the lateral shift and use of the visual feedback posture strap member are presented in FIG. 21A-21C and FIG. 22A-22B. In another implementation, the touch feedback posture strap member may include a series of touch switches 30 disposed on the face of the posture strap member 100-1 as shown in FIG. 20B. The touch switches 30 are configured to detect any physical contact made to any of the touch switches such as when the hip or buttocks of the golfer presses and moves against the switches while practicing golf swing maneuvers. When contact is made to any of the touch switches 30, an electrical signal from the touch switches 30 is transmitted to an external computing device or microprocessor 31 which determines and generates an alert response message 32 based on the location and number of switches touched. The alert response message 32 is then conveyed to a visual alert unit 33, an audio alert unit 34, and/or a wireless alert unit 35. In practice, the visual alert unit 33 may include one or more LED lights flashing one or more colors and alerting the golfer via its visual feedback (i.e., flashing lights) if contact has been made to the strap during the practice session. In addition, the audio alert unit 34 may include a speaker that emits an audio message, ring tone, or other audio sound that lets the golfer know that contact has been made to the strap. Moreover, the wireless alert unit 35 may include a wireless device such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or LTE to transmit a signal to an external device 40 such as a smartphone, laptop, or portable tablet which is configured to receive and process the signal via a golf posture mobile application (i.e. App) which can monitor and track the golfer's posture performance over time.
FIG. 21A-FIG. 21C illustrate front side view of a visual feedback application and use of the posture training aid device 100 by a golfer 200, according to an embodiment. With the posture training aid device 100 in the fully assembled state, the training aid device 100 is placed behind the golfer 200 with the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) separated to its maximum width (W) as determined by the fixed length Ls of the posture strap member 100-1 joining the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) together. The base support members (100-4a, 100-4b) of the device 100 are then firmly secured to the ground by either a weighted base plates or stakes which are inserted to the ground. In one application, the posture training aid device 100 provides a visual aid to the golfer 200 allowing them to visually record and track their posture shift movements along the training aid device 100 at various golf swing positions. A smartphone or video camera (not shown) may be placed directly in front of the golfer 200 in order to capture and record images and video of their golf swing positions starting from address to takeaway. For example, FIG. 21A depicts a captured video at the address position with the golfer 200 generally centered between the two stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) along a vertical line C representing a true center line of the training aid device 100. FIG. 21B depicts a captured video at a mid-swing position with the mid-section of the golfer 200 shifted to the left of line C (towards the left stand member 100-2a) as viewed and captured from the front side. FIG. 21C depicts a captured video at the takeaway position with the mid-section of the golfer 200 shifted to the right of line C (towards the right stand member 100-2b) as viewed and captured from the front side. In particular, the captured and recorded images and video captures both swing position and mid-section movement of the golfer 200 along the strap 100-1, showing changes in lateral shift (L1, L2, and L3) of the golfer's mid-section at each swing position. In addition, the hatch marks 20 acting as reference markers on the posture strap member 100-1 provide the golfer 200 a visual feedback, allowing them to measure and track how far their mid-section has traveled and shifted along reference markers the posture strap member 100-1.
FIG. 22A-FIG. 22B illustrate a sensory feedback application and use of the posture training aid device 100 by a golfer 200, according to an embodiment. As viewed from the side, the posture training aid device 100 in the fully assembled state with the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) separated to its maximum width. From the side view, the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b) are shown to be horizontally and vertically aligned with one another with the golfer 200 positioned between the stand members (100-2a, 100-2b). In the sensory feedback application, the posture training aid device 100 may include the series of touch switches 30 disposed on the face of the posture strap member 100-1 for detecting when contact is made to any of the touch switches such as when the mid-section (hip or buttocks) of the golfer presses and moves against the switches while practicing golf swing maneuvers. For example, at address position shown in FIG. 21A, the golfer 200 may slightly press against the touch switches 30 which transmits a signal to an external computing device (not shown) indicating the location and number of switches that have been pressed by the golfer's buttocks along the posture strap member 100-1. A rotation and position of the golfer 200 can be determined by the external computing device based upon the location and number of touch switches 30 that are triggered during the golf practice. For example, the rotation and position at mid-swing shown in FIG. 21B can trigger a different set and number of switches on the strap than at the address position shown in FIG. 21A. A baseline of rotation and position settings may be predefined by the golfer in order to establish a proper swing range zone in which to operate. Since the rotation and position of the golfer 200 can vary depending on the golf position, the external computing device can measure and determine the rotation and position at from address to takeaway, providing sensory feedback to the golfer in the form of an audio alert, visual alert, or wireless alert in event that the rotation and position exceed the baseline settings defined by the golfer.
FIG. 23 illustrates the posture training aid device 100 fully dismantled in the compact state and stored in a golf bag according to an embodiment. For many golf bags, the typical height Hg of the bag is about 50 inches tall, which provides adequate room to store the fully dismantled posture training aid device 100 as shown. In this configuration, the inner stand member is inserted into the hollow interior of the outer stand member, combining the stand member into a single tube as shown in FIG. 23. In addition, the retractable strap assembly 9 on one of the strap attachment members (100-3b) has the strap 100-1 fully retracted and re-spooled in the retractable strap assembly 9. Advantageously, the fully dismantled posture training aid device 100 is capable of being easily and efficiently stored alongside other golf equipment, including golf clubs, rods, flags, and so on.
FIG. 24 illustrates a front perspective view of the golf posture training aid device 100 having a gap 100-7 disposed between two end portions of one of the stand members 100-2b, according to an embodiment. The gap 100-7 may be formed by joining the two end portions of one of the stand members 100-2b with a U-shaped tubing 100-8 forming a notch and projecting toward the back-side of the golf posture training aid device 100 as shown in FIG. 24. In practice, the gap 100-7 and the U-shaped tubing 100-8 serves as an alignment guide for teaching the golfer the proper hip rotation during golf drill maneuvers. For example, an alignment rod (not shown) can be attached to a belt loop of the golfer while practicing their golf swing. With the alignment rod attached near the golfer's hip, the rotation of their hips would also turn the attached alignment rod striking a portion of the U-shaped tubing 100-8, which acts as an alignment guide, before their upper body starts towards the target.
In sum, advantages of the posture training aid device 100 include, for example,
- Provides the golfer a training aid device for teaching appropriate posture during golf swing maneuvers via visual and sensory feedback;
- Is lightweight and has a minimal set of components that are easily and quickly assembled and dismantled without any tools;
- Is configured to be portable, compact in size, and easily carried and stored in a golf bag;
All patents, patent applications, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties.
The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” included plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, as applied in the specification and the appended claims.
It is noted that the disclosure provide herein has been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and is in no way to be construed as limiting of the present disclosure. Although the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to several preferred embodiments thereof, various changes, omissions, and additions to the form and detail thereof, may be made therein, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is understood that the words which have been used herein are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purview of the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in its aspects.
Other implementations and modifications of the present disclosure may occur to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of these teachings in the specification and drawings. Accordingly, the disclosure is to be limited only by the following claims which include all other such embodiments and modifications when viewed in conjunction with the above specifications and accompanying figures.
Patent Application
20240042300
