The present invention relates to a horizontally supported device for helping to improve the swing of a golfer, where such a device contains its own head activation, triggering and cocking or re-setting functionalities within one, self-contained unit.
For over the last 100 years or more various devices have been made available to help to assist the golfer to improve their swing in the game of golf; and to thus prevent slicing, hooking or other imperfections in the golf swing which often led to inaccurate shots. Many hundreds of inventions have been presented all over the world, which in some way have attempted to address this objective in making a person more capable of hitting a straight or more accurate golf shot. However, only a small number of these many inventions were able to make any contribution in utilizing the position of the golfer's head region to help to bring about a more proper and accurate golf shot. The present invention meets an important need, in its structure and functional operation to activate itself based on the position of the head as a golfer is making a shot, so that a straight or more accurate golf swing and shot can be brought about through the use of the present device, which will carry over to the golfer when the golfer is not utilizing the present device and participating in an actual game of golf on the golf course, or on a practicing range. I'm
Accordingly, the foregoing and other objects of the invention can be achieved with the present improved invention's device, method and system. In one aspect, provided is a mechanical device, not requiring an electrical power source.
An improved headpiece device with self-contained assembly and systems is provided for fitting on the sides of a practicing golfer's head and improving the golf swing of a practicing golfer by responding to movement of the head of a practicing golfer during portions of the practicing golfer's swing by reciprocation action in moving away from the sides of a golfer's head. The headpiece device and system is provided with an outside base support member or outside base having first and second ends and a periphery wall, for linear horizontal support, in relation to a standing, practicing golfer, the outside base is provided with and defines an installation channel within the periphery wall, and a slide groove along a portion of the periphery wall which extends to the second end or rearward end of the outside base. The device and system is also provided with an inside slideable member or inside slide, having first and second ends, which is securely and pivotably mounted within the installation channel of the outside base so that the first end of the inside slide can securely move and extend a portion of its length for a linear longitudinal dimensional distance y, beyond the first end of the outside base. The inside slide is also provided with a slide stop member which is attached to the second end of the inside slide. The slide stop member has an extended end which is spaced from the inside slideable member; and placed in a positionally set position for the fitting on the sides of a practicing golfer's head. Also provided is a dual support which is securely attached to the first end of the inside slide, for extension beyond the first end of the outside base the linear dimension y. The dual support, has at least a first side and a second side, and defines a support opening extending throughout the first side and the second side of the dual support. The support opening securely receives and supports at least one cross support member extending throughout the first side and the second side of the dual support. In so installing the cross support member there is defined a first portion of the cross support member extending from the first side of the dual support and a second portion of the support member extending from the second end of the dual support. Also provided is a first temporal member or first temple having elongated first and second ends and being securely but pivotably attached to the first portion of the cross support member, and a second temporal member or second temple having elongated first and second ends and being securely but pivotably attached to the second portion of the cross support member, each temple for extending to rest on the temple areas of a practicing golfer for the fitting on the sides of a practicing golfer's head. Further, the second end of the first temple has attached to it a cable connection shaft or cable shaft, and the second end of the second temple has connected to it a cable connection shaft or cable shaft. Further provided is a trigger spring having first and second ends. The trigger spring is attached at its first end on the dual support, and at its second end on the outside base, for providing biasing tension when the inside slide is extended the linear dimension y from the outside base. Further provided is the trigger member or trigger which has elongated first and second ends. The trigger is securely and pivotably attached to the outside base. The first end of the trigger defines a catch-notch. Further provided is a cable member having first and second ends. The first end of the cable is securely connected to the second end of the trigger and the second end of the cable is bifurcated and defines a first bifurcated end and a second bifurcated end. The first bifurcated end is securely attached to the cable shaft of the second end of the first temple and the second bifurcated end is securely attached to the cable shaft of the second end of the second temple. And further provided is a shaft reception support base or reception base. The reception base is securely attached to the outer base. The reception base defines a receiving hole for receiving a portion of, or means of, a vertical or upright support for the headpiece device or system, when utilized.
In one aspect of the invention, it is provided having a three-dimensionally suspended all-inclusive, head activation system, and having an improved, vertically and horizontally adjustable ground support provided with three-dimensional positioning in or on, or in relation to, a desired outside or inside ground or floor surface. The head activation system is utilized through adjustable positioning in relation to the lateral, temporal or side areas of a practicing golfer's side-head region.
In another aspect of the invention, a headpiece activation system utilizes an outside surfacing base and an internally joining, movable inside sliding surfacing to affect or bring about pivotable (extendable and resting) movement of the head subassembly. The inside slide surfacing is connected to its adjustable head subassembly at one of its ends and a catch or trigger receipt portion at its other end which is supported in a secure position at a middle portion of the outside surfacing base. A biased member is attached to the inside surfacing proximate to the head subassembly of the head activation system and extends to a securement portion on the outside surfacing. Thus, when the biased member is extended and the inside surfacing is in cocked or in set position relative to the outside surfacing, triggering of the movable and pivotable inside surfacing causes the head portion to move or pivot toward the middle portion and end of the outside surfacing of the invention, away from the golfer's front head position. In one aspect of the invention the outside surfacing supports an improved mechanical triggering mechanism and subassembly for contact when the inside surfacing is properly positioned with its special trigger receipt portion releasably holding the inside slide surfacing in position by virtue of a set holding position with a stop member located on the inside surfacing, for pivotable motion release of the inside surfacing to pull the headpiece away from the front position of the practicing golfer's head when activated from the sides of the headpiece itself, a distinct improvement over past devices. The triggering of the inside surfacing is activated by the movement of the golfers head against the lateral portions or temple members of the head subassembly while in the process of making their golf swing. This movement is transferred through the invention's temple member or members as an activating force to the trigger subassembly of the invention and its securement, which releases the inside surfacing and the attached head subassembly to pull away from the golfer's head. The activation force is preferably transferred and communicated by cord, flexible attachment or cable means to the trigger of the invention such that when the golfer moves his head while making their golf shot the trigger is actuated to release the trigger receipt portion of the inside surfacing such that the inside surfacing and the attached head subassembly move away from the person's head as the person follows through with their golf swing. However, the design of the all-inclusive headpiece is to facilitate firing of the cocked and set trigger and pulling away of the headpiece subassembly if the practicing golfer moves their head or flinches prior to making the shot and striking the golf ball, since these movements generally result in a poor or inaccurate shot. Therefore the object of the invention is to encourage the non-movement of the head prior to making a practicing shot, such that the normal follow-through of the golf club in hitting the ball provides the movement of the head which sets off the trigger of the invention and causes the headpiece subassembly to pull away from the golfer's head. If the practicing golfer makes a mistake and moves their head prior to striking the ball the headpiece will then pull away from the side portions of the golfer's head indicating that the golfer has made a mistake or had problematic head movement prior to making their shot.
The invention is provided in preferred, fully mechanical embodiments, but can also be provided in electronic embodiments or in mixed mechanical and electrical components for use by the practicing golfer.
Thus, through the employment of the present invention the head subassembly comfortably guides the head in a proper position while one is making a golf swing such that the head subassembly is not released and withdrawn from the golfer's head portion until movement is sensed by the temple members of the invention while the golfer is making their shot. If a mistake is made in the practicing swing and movement of the golfer's side head is sensed prior to making contact with the ball, the headpiece will pull away indicating mistake or error. If, however, the temporal member is not activated until the ball is hit without prior movement of the head, then this proper shot and movement will simultaneously or contemporaneously engage at least one of temporal members of the head subassembly, properly in the process of completing the normal follow-through in making the practicing golf shot. Other aspects of the present invention more comfortably facilitate the re-cocking or re-setting of the inner surfacing of the all-inclusive headpiece for re-use for another practicing golf shot, preferably through the cable and pulley, and also protect or cushion the golf club during its final follow-through after the golf shot is made using the improved ground support of the invention. Still further aspects of the invention provide a non-rigidly positioned, safety head subassembly which will non-bindingly and adjustably position and guide the user's head in a proper, but comfortable, position for making a proper swing; and which will comfortably remove itself from the user's head after the golf shot is made properly or a mistake in movement of the head is made prior to making the practicing golf shot. If the practicing shot is made properly then the ball is struck by the golf club in a substantially straight manner, and the headpiece does not pull away from the golfer's side head until final contact is made with the golf ball with the practicing golfer's head maintaining downward contact with clear sight to the golf ball until contact with the golfer's golf club is made.
It is also an object of the present invention to fulfill a substantial need in the golf swing device technology in providing a reasonably light, easily transportable unit and system which can be set up and used easily by the practicing golf person; and which can be used by left and right hand golf club-swingers as well as tall or short persons, or children.
It is a further object of the invention to provide a golf practicing device and system which enables its head subassembly to easily and comfortably fit around lateral, side areas of a person's head region, for comfortable and releasable guidance when the golfer is practicing their swing, and to provide the head subassembly so that it can be easily adjusted in three-dimensional adjustment to achieve this positional purpose and advantage. In this regard it is also an objective to provide a golf-swing guidance head subassembly which is removed from around temporal, side or lateral areas of a practicing golfer's head region as soon as movement of the head is detected in the process of a practicing shot.
A further object is present with the novel golf swing device in providing a means for guidance of golf-club follow-through, and protection and guidance for the club when the golfer follows through with their swing after hitting the golf ball, as well as protection, so that the swinging golf club will not veer or move too far to the left side if the swing of the practicing golfer is a right-handed shot; or to the right if the practicing golfer is making a left-handed shot.
A further object of the present invention to provide a golf-swing practice device which is very easy and user-friendly to reset or reload or re-cock for time-efficient reuse of the present head piece system. The present invention is a considerable and distinguishable improvement of the invention patented by the same inventor and applicant in U.S. Pat. No. 9,211,466.
Yet an additional further object and aspect of the present invention is to present a device whose principal parts or members work and move principally along axis lines x, y and z within and as a part of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system in relation to a standing, practicing golfer, who is positioned for a practicing golf shot and functions within the three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system; and where the members of the device move x, y and z dimensions, respectively, along the x, y and z axes within this Coordinate system.
The illustrated operational axis line movements, along which dimension lines; x, y and z, respectively, will be measured or computed; for operation or movement of members of the present invention, doing so within a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system; and also providing a legend reference identifying the axis lines in a small Cartesian coordinate graph to the bottom of the drawing; as also shown in
10 the “IMPROVED GOLF SWING ENHANCEMENT DEVICE WITH SELF CONTAINED HEAD PIECE TRIGGERING AND SUPPORT RECEPTION SYSTEMS” and the invention's Golf device, method and system, of the Invention
13A Head of a practicing golfer
13B Golf ball utilized by practicing golfer
13C Practicing golfer
13D Golf club of practicing golfer
(Head Trigger Subassembly of (10))
14 T-Support Member, T-Support or dual-support (of 12)
15. support opening or hole of (14)
16 cross support member or cross support of (12)
16A first portion cross support of (16)
16B second portion cross support of (16)
17 temple installation holes on 16A and 16B of (16)
20 first temporal member or first temple of (16A)
20-Hin1 first hinge or hinge portion of (20)
20-Hin2 second hinge or hinge portion of (20)
21 stabilization stop of (20) or first stop
22 first padded member of (20)
23 first cable connection or first cable shaft of (20)
24 second temporal member or second temple (of 16B)
24-Hin1 first hinge or hinge portion of (24)
24-Hin2 second hinge or hinge portion of (24)
25 stabilization stop of (24) or second stop
26 second padded member of (24)
27 second cable connection or second cable shaft of (24)
x, y and z dimensions and x, y and z axes: identifying the axis lines; x, y and z; and the dimensional magnitude, dimension or distance x, y or z, respectively located on each axis x, y or z, for operation or movement of members of the present invention within a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system; and providing a legend reference identifying the axis lines in a small Cartesian coordinate graph to the side of the drawing.
29 inside slideable member or inside slide
29SS slide stop member or slide stop of (29)
29T top or upper expanded end of (29SS)
29TP expanded top piece attached to the upper end (29T) of (29SS)
30 outside base member or outside base
30H-1 installation channel
30H-2 slide stop hole or groove, or slide groove
30H-R reinforcement and support ring for forward portion of (30H)
30-END padded end stop of (30)
30-END-S securing member for (30-END)
31 the shaft reception support base or reception base
31 RH hollow receiving hole or aperture
31A first bolted ring member or first ring
31 B second bolted ring member or second ring
31C securing and tightening position bolt or tightening bolt of (31RN)
32 trigger member or trigger
32CN catch-notch of (32)
34 trigger support member or ring support
36 trigger spring member or trigger spring
36SR trigger spring securement ring or securement ring
40 cable member
42 cable y-connection
44 cable pulley or cable guide
45 pulley support member or ring support
(Shaft Receiving and Positioning Subassembly or Ground Support Subassembly)
64 ground support
64-1 first ground wall of (64)
64-2 second ground wall of (64)
64-3 third ground wall of (64)
64-4 fourth ground wall of (64)
64-5 square or rectangular portion of (64)
65 ground shaft installation member or shaft installation of (64)
65H vertical support shaft installation hole of (65)
66 vertical shaft support or vertical shaft of (64)
67 extended sleeve support subassembly or sleeve support of (64)
68 core member
69 flexible plastic guidance extension member or guidance
70 first positioning wheel or first wheel
71 second positioning wheel or second wheel
The following description of the preferred embodiments of the concepts and teachings of the present invention is made in reference to the accompanying drawing and photographic figures which constitute illustrated examples of the teachings, and structural and functional elements, of the present invention's device, method and system; among many other examples existing within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
Referring now to the exemplar drawings and photographs, these illustrations show preferred embodiments of the present invention, entitled the “IMPROVED GOLF SWING ENHANCEMENT DEVICE WITH SELF CONTAINED HEAD PIECE TRIGGERING AND SUPPORT RECEPTION SYSTEMS” and the invention's Golf device, method and system, or the Invention, 10.
As shown in the illustrations; the invention 10 is provided with a novel and distinguishing head-piece triggering subassembly which is extendable to position beside the side or Temple areas of a practicing golfer's head 13A on either side, an example of which is shown in
The invention 10 is further provided with the T-Support Member, T-Support or Dual-Support 14, shown in the referenced FIGS. just above. The dual support 14 is provided with an installation opening or hole 15. The installation opening receives the cross support member 16. In this regard, the cross support member 16 is installed into the hole 15 of the dual support 14, so as to have two sections of the cross support 16 extending out from the hole 15, as shown by example in
To aid in the description of the preferred position, alignment and directional movement of the parts or members of the invention 10 within the scope and spirit of the invention, a three dimensional Cartesian coordinate system is used in the description and claims; and shown in the drawings, in
The first portion cross support 16A and the second portion cross support 16B are each provided with a additional temple installation holes 17 for adjustable installation of the first temple 20 and the second temple 24, respectively, so that the width and size can be adjusted to accommodate for different widths or dimensions of a practicing golfer's head; as shown in
The first temple 20 is also provided with the first stabilization stop 21, above that the first padded member or pad 22 and on the other side of the temple's attachment to the first portion cross support member 16A the first cable connection or first cable shaft 23. The stabilization stop 21 is utilized to support and facilitate the transverse position of the temple 20 when this temple has the pressure of the invention's cable member or cable 40 (discussed herein) upon it through its attachment and pressure or tension upon the first cable shaft 23 when the Head Trigger Subassembly of the present invention is in set position as discussed herein. The padded member or pad 22 serves to provide padding to the temple 20, and a more firm positioning, to the side of a practicing golfer's head when the golfer is in practicing shot position. In like manner and purpose, the second temple 24 is provided with the second stabilization stop 25, the second padded member 26 and the second cable connection or second cable shaft 27. Because of the cable y-connection (or forked connection) (42) discussed and illustrated herein, pressure on the second temple 24 when the second cable shaft 27 is attached to a tensioned cable member (40), will be communicated to the cable member (40) which will fire or trip the set Head Trigger Subassembly and pull both the first temple (20) and the second temple (24) away from the sides of the golfer's head (13A).
The invention 10 is further provided with the inside slideable member or inside slide 29 which is securely housed and secured inside the installation channel 30H-1 of the outside base 30 and able to slide within the outside base member or outside base 30 as illustrated in the referenced drawing figures. These members 29 and 30, are illustrated as made and fabricated from pvc tubing, but can be constructed from plastic metal, polymer or polymer-metal construction and fabrication materials, and be put together in various diverse configurations, as all of the members described and illustrated can be, though preferred configurational embodiments are set forth herein as examples of the present invention. The inside slide 29 is further provided with the slide stop member or slide stop 29SS, discussed herein, in acting in correlation and interaction with the other members or elements of the Head Trigger Subassembly of the present invention 10.
The outside base 30 is further provided with the slide stop hole or groove, or slide groove 30H-2 within which the inside slide 29 and attached slide stop member 29SS are permitted to move and slide as they move within the installation channel 30H-1. The rearward or second end of the outside base 30 is further provided with the padded end stop 30-END, which is further secured by the securing member 30-END-S, as shown by_example in
As can be seen in
Additional improvements are set forth by the shape, dimensions and configuration of the trigger member 32, its catch-notch 32CN; the position, location and support on the outside base 30; and in an improved positional location to the inside slide 29. Additionally it is illustrated in the drawings that the slide stop 29SS has a raised bolt-type end or expanded end 29T which acts to catch within and hold the catch-notch 32CN of the trigger 32. In additional related preferred embodiments of the present invention 10 the raised and expanded end 29T can be expanded further or have a small expanded top piece 29TP attached to the raised end 29T, to facilitate better fitting within the catch-notch 32CN of the trigger 32.
The shaft reception support base or reception base 31 is further provided and securely attached to the outside base member 30. The reception base can be attached to the outside base 31 in a number of ways, but is shown by example in a preferred embodiment of the present invention as attached by the first bolted ring or first ring 31A and the second bolted ring member or second ring 31 B. The reception base 31 is provided with a hollow receiving hole area or aperture 31 RH for receiving a vertical shaft support 66, and is suited for receiving many different types of vertical support. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the invention is further provided with the Shaft Receiving and Positioning Subassembly or Ground Support Subassembly of the invention (discussed herein) to engage with the receiving hole area 31RC. The receiving hole area or aperture 31 RH of the reception base 31 is provided with a securing and tightening position bolt or tightening bolt 31C for tightly securing the vertical shaft 66 (discussed herein) within the receiving hole or aperture 31 RH.
The invention 10 is also provided with its Cable Triggering Subassembly of the invention 10 for supporting and facilitating the ability of the invention to set and reset the Head Trigger Subassembly or Headpiece of the invention for use by the practicing golfer; which includes the trigger member or trigger 32, the trigger support member or ring support 35, the trigger spring member or trigger spring 36, the slide stop member or slide strop 29SS (discussed above), the cable member 40, cable y-connection 42, the cable pulley or cable guide 44 and the pulley support member or ring support 45.
The Shaft Receiving Member Subassembly of the present invention provides a preferred improved means for providing vertical and horizontal support and positioning for the invention when utilized on an installation surfacing where the invention will be used and the golfer will be able to stand and practice thereon. In a preferred embodiment the Shaft Receiving and Positioning Subassembly includes the base square or rectangular ground support or ground support 64 and the vertical shaft support or vertical shaft 66.
The ground support 64; shown in
The free or unfitted end of the vertical shaft 66 as described in its placement above, is fitted within or installed in the aperture 31 RH of the reception base 31. The first ground wall 64-1 of the ground support 64 is further provided with a first positioning wheel or first wheel 70 and the second positioning wheel or second wheel 71. The sliding and securing positioning of the vertical shaft 66 within the aperture 31 RH and the movement of the ground support 63 by virtue of the first wheel 70 and the second wheel 71 permits three dimensional positioning in reference or elation to a ground practicing area on which the invention 10 is installed, and such positioning and support of the head trigger subassembly 12 and its component parts.
The Head Trigger Subassembly or Headpiece 12 of the invention 10 is securely attached and installed in connection with a forward end of the projecting inside slide 29. In so doing the T-Support Member 14 is attached to the end of the inside slide 29. The trigger spring 36 is attached to the T-Support Member 14 and the trigger spring securement ring or securement ring 36SR. The securement ring 36SR, itself is secured around and to the outside base 30. In such a manner, biasing force or pull is placed between the inside slide 29 (attached to the Headpiece 12) and the outside base member 30 when the inside slide 29 is extended away from the outside base 30.
In accord with the device, system, process and method of the present invention 10; the inside slide 29 is extended away from the outside base 30. In so doing, the slide stop 29SS of the inside slide 29, stops and is caught and secured at that time by the trigger member 32. In so doing the headpiece 12 is in set position and ready for the golfer to extend their head into and between each of the temples 20 and 24. At that point each of the temples will rest against the side of the golfer's head in the approximate temple area or generally in that area on each side of the head, as described and shown by example in
When the golfer is in shooting or practicing shot position with the temples on each side of their head and the golf ball is in position for hitting, the golfer will take their practicing shot. If the golfer keeps their head straight and sight on the ball in proper position the shot will proceed normally and the golfer will nudge or move the temple which is closest to the position in which they are aiming; that is, right-handed golfer will move or nudge the left temple or first temple 20 in normal follow-through in taking their shot, and left handed and hitting golfers will move or nudge the right temple or second temple 24 in taking their shot. This will trigger the set position and force the headpiece (attached to the inside slide 29) to pull back and away from the front of the practicing golfer's head as the golfer takes their shot. However, the invention 10 is designed to work in a way such that if the practicing golfer moves their head prior to the shot and takes their eye off the ball the set position and the cable set trigger will release and fire before the golfer can take their shot, indicating that the practicing golfer has made an error in making their practice shot. In such a case the practicing golfer will reset the headpiece and inside slide and position for and take another shot t improve on previous problems.
Thus, while preferred embodiments of the present golfing device invention 10 have been described and illustrated it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes can be made regarding the present invention without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.