BACKGROUND
The golf swing is one of the most difficult moves to perform properly and consistently in all of sports. To strike the golf ball with a square clubface, an inside to out club path, and an ideal angle of attack involves bringing the golf club down in a shallowing plane developed from the top of the backswing, and maintaining that same shallow plane well through impact.
For most amateur golfers, this is extremely difficult to accomplish because it involves moving the body in ways that feel completely unnatural and athletically counter-intuitive which results in doing completely the mirror opposite. Because our instinctual hand-eye coordination wants to ensure we at least make contact with the golf ball, we subconsciously make a swing that is more arm dominant and active since these muscles give a greater sense of control and precision.
Doing so automatically fails a significant important factor in shallowing the downswing plane by putting the shoulders and arms into the wrong and opposite limb rotation which creates a steep club plane that then also directly causes an equally important lack of upper body and chest rotation into and through the impact zone.
There is a need for a golf swing training aid that externally rotates the trailing shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and wrist; or internally rotates the leading shoulder, upper arm, forearm, and wrist, and maintains those external or internal rotations while synchronously rotating the chest and upper body in order to square the clubface all the way to and through impact.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In one embodiment of the invention a golf swing training aid for applying rotational force into a golfer's arm is provided, comprising an arm strap assembly, and a lever mechanism comprising an effort, load, and fulcrum.
Also in one embodiment said lever mechanism comprises a wheel and axle system. Also in one embodiment said lever mechanism comprises an elongated strap: attached at a first end to a point on said arm strap assembly located on the front-facing, anterior, or lateral side of a golfer's arm; then wraps, lays, or goes over around the lateral side of the arm; and a second end positioned on the rear-facing, posterior, or lateral side of the arm. Also in one embodiment said lever mechanism comprises a first class lever system. Also in one embodiment said lever mechanism comprises: a load attached to an anterior, ventral, or lateral point on said arm strap assembly; then proximally lays over the lateral side of an arm; and an effort proximal of the load with an end located on the rear-facing, posterior, or lateral side of the arm.
In another aspect of the invention a method of using a golf swing training aid for applying rotational force into a golfer's arm is provided, comprising the steps (a) an arm strap assembly, and a lever mechanism comprising an effort, load, and fulcrum, and (b) executing a golf swing, wherein said lever mechanism applies rotational force into a golfer's arm.
In one embodiment of a method said rotational force drives a golfer's trail arm into an externally rotating position. Also in one embodiment said rotational force drives a golfer's lead arm into an internally rotating position. Also in one embodiment a connecting strap connects a drive pulley assembly to said lever mechanism to operate as a cross belt drive pulley system. Also in one embodiment said lever mechanism operates as a wheel and axle system during a downswing. Also in one embodiment said lever mechanism operates as a first class lever system during a downswing. Also in one embodiment applying tension force to said arm strap assembly drives a golfer's trail arm to unfold into extension during a downswing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
1. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf swing training aid in its present invention.
2. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an arm strap assembly and lever mechanism.
3. FIG. 3 is a face on and behind the target line views of a golfer at setup address position wearing a golf swing training aid with a wheel and axle lever.
4. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an arm strap assembly with a first class lever.
5. FIG. 5 is a face on and behind the target line views of a golfer at setup address position wearing a golf swing training aid with a first class lever.
6. FIG. 6 is a face on view of a golfer in a downswing illustrating a method of using a golf swing training aid to torque a trail arm into external rotation.
7. FIG. 7 is a face on view of a golfer at setup address position demonstrating the directions of external and internal rotations of the leading and trailing shoulders, upper arms, forearms, and wrists.
8. FIG. 8 is a face on view of a golfer's swing sequence illustrating a method of using a golf swing training aid.
9. FIG. 9 is a behind the target line view of a golfer's swing sequence illustrating a method of using a golf swing training aid.
10. FIG. 10 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the setup address stage of a golf swing sequence.
11. FIG. 11 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the midway backswing stage of a golf swing sequence.
12. FIG. 12 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the top of the backswing stage of a golf swing sequence.
13. FIG. 13 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the downswing transition stage of a golf swing sequence.
14. FIG. 14 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the lead arm parallel downswing stage of a golf swing sequence.
15. FIG. 15 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the midway or slot downswing stage of a golf swing sequence.
16. FIG. 16 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the club shaft parallel downswing stage of a golf swing sequence.
17. FIG. 17 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the release and impact stage of a golf swing sequence.
18. FIG. 18 is a face on and behind the target line view of a golfer in the post release stage of a golf swing sequence.
19. FIG. 19 is a first person perspective view of a golfer's arms illustrating the directions of external and internal rotation without a golf swing training aid on.
20. FIG. 20 is an above top view of a right-handed golfer in a downswing transition illustrating the rotational direction of a drive pulley assembly.
21. FIG. 21 is a face on view of a golfer at setup address positions illustrating a method of using a golf swing training aid in alternative variations.
22. FIG. 22 is an isolated side view of a golfer's right arm illustrating a method of using a golf swing training aid in unfolding the trail arm into extension during a downswing.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The inventor provides a golf swing training aid that applies torque into a golfer's arm. The golf swing training aid incorporates lever mechanisms into the movement of the golf swing training aid. The present invention is described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a golf swing training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention. The golf swing training aid comprises a drive pulley assembly 100, an arm strap assembly 300 with a lever mechanism 320, and a connecting strap 200. The drive pulley assembly 100 is usually fastened to a golfer's torso but can also include a leg, legs, or upper body; and the arm strap assembly 300 and lever mechanism 320 is fastened on the golfer's upper or lower trail arm. One end of the connecting strap 200 is fixed onto the drive pulley assembly 100 towards the lead lateral or rear; the connecting strap 200 then wraps around from the lead side towards the front and across the golfer's front torso; the connecting strap 200 then heads toward the backside of the trail arm where the end is fixed onto the lever mechanism 320 of the arm strap assembly 300.
The drive pulley assembly 100 is a wearable strap which can be tightened and fastened onto a golfer. The drive pulley assembly 100 comprises any flexible material that may be shaped or fastened, such as leather, cotton, and other woven plastics or fibers. The drive pulley assembly 100 has adjustable tightening and fastening capabilities comprising velcro straps, hook and loops, elastic bands, buttons, buckles, snaps, zippers, or any other suitable methods often found in wearable straps. The drive pulley assembly 100 is adjustable and can fit a wide range of different body part sizes; the adjustability also allows a golfer to wear the drive pulley assembly 100 higher or lower on the torso as preferred.
In one embodiment at least one connector clip member 101 is located on the drive pulley assembly 100 to provide as an attachment point for a detachable connecting strap 200. Connector clip members 101 may be fabricated of plastics, alloys, metals, composites, rubber, and other polymers. In one embodiment a connector clip member 101 is not detachable and permanently secures a connecting strap 200 to a drive pulley assembly 100. In one embodiment additional connector clip members 101 may be attached to a drive pulley assembly 100 in varying arrangements to provide more attachment points for a connecting strap 200.
A connecting strap 200 is an elongated member that connects a drive pulley assembly 100 to an arm strap assembly 300. In one embodiment a connecting strap 200 has a connector clip member 201 on each end that is detachable from a drive pulley 100 or arm strap assembly 300. In one embodiment connector clip members 201 are permanently secured and do not have detachable ends. In one embodiment a connecting strap 200 has resilience and elasticity, and may be fabricated of elastic, rubber, nylon, or other resilient materials. In one embodiment a connecting strap 200 may not have any resilience.
Connecting straps 200 can come in a variety of lengths, models, sizes, strengths, or resilience to accommodate a golfer's different strengths and sizes. The connecting strap 200 can also come in a variety of shapes, such as flat, round, malleable, thick, thin, or any other common forms found in elongated members. In one embodiment a cloth, nylon, cotton, or polymer sheet is used as a covering over a connecting strap 200 to provide protection or cushioning to a golfer.
In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300 comprises an arm strap 310 and a lever mechanism 320. The arm strap 310 operates as a wearable band which can be tightened and fastened around a golfer's wrist, forearm, lower arm, elbow, bicep, or upper arm. The arm strap 310 comprises any flexible material that may be shaped or fastened, such as leather, cotton, and other woven plastics or fibers. The arm strap 310 has adjustable tightening and fastening capabilities comprising velcro straps, hook and loops, elastic bands, buttons, buckles, snaps, zippers, or any other suitable methods found in arm bands. The arm strap 310 is adjustable and can fit a wide variety of different arm sizes; the adjustability also allows a golfer to move the arm strap 310 higher or lower on the arm as preferred.
FIG. 2 illustrates perspective views of an arm strap assembly 300, and a lever mechanism 320 which allows a method of using a wheel and axle to apply torque into a golfer's arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300 comprises an elongated lever strap 321 that is permanently secured on one end to the arm strap 310, and a second end comprising a connector clip member 322. The lever strap 321 may be fabricated of nylon, leather, cotton, and other woven plastics or fibers. The lever strap 321 usually has no elasticity or resilience, but may sometimes be resilient and constructed of an elastic material. View A of FIG. 2 shows the lever strap 321 as unwrapped from around an arm strap 310, and View B of FIG. 2 shows the lever strap 321 wrapped around the arm strap 310 from the front with the end connector clip member 322 on the posterior side available to attach to a connecting strap 200; View B also illustrates the rotational direction of the arm strap 310 and direction of the lever strap 321 being pulled when the connecting strap 200 applies tension force during use.
FIG. 3 illustrates a face on A and behind the target line B view of a right-handed golfer wearing a drive pulley assembly 100, an arm strap assembly 300 with a wheel and axle lever mechanism 320, and a connecting strap 200 at setup address position according to an embodiment of the present invention. The trail arm is marked TA and the lead arm is marked LA in the FIG. 3 illustration of a right-handed golfer. In one embodiment a lever strap 321 starting at a fixed attachment point on the anterior of an arm strap 310 then wraps around a right-handed golfer's trail arm TA and arm strap 310 in a clockwise direction. The lever strap 321 continues to wrap around clockwise until the free end reaches at least the lateral side of the arm, but usually wrapping further until near or on the arm's posterior side. In one embodiment the length of a lever strap 321 is usually between 4″ to 30″ with a width usually no greater than the height of the arm strap 310. In one embodiment a connecting strap 200 can operate in place of a lever strap 321 and directly attach to an arm strap 310 in either a permanent or detachable fashion.
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a variation of an arm strap assembly 300, and a lever mechanism 320 which allows a method of using a first class lever 320 to apply torque into a golfer's trail arm according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300 with a first class lever mechanism 320 comprises a rigid elongated brace lever 330 constructed of material such as steel, other metals, graphite, fiberglass, plastic, polymer, polyethylene, or other woven plastics or fibers.
The brace lever 330 comprises a brace lever flange 331 such that is a proximal end increased in width, T shaped, flanged, key shaped, L shaped, non-equilateral triangle shaped, protruding, or other suitable characteristics where one end is wider than the other. The brace lever flange 331 provides spatial clearance and cushion from a golfer's trail arm such that a connecting strap 200 can attach and pull the brace lever 330 in a reasonably un-obstructive way during usage. The brace lever flange 331 may have adjustability features to increase or decrease the width or amount of clearance as desired.
The brace lever 330 may be of a fixed length and width dimension whereby alternative size variations may be interchanged to better fit a golfer. The brace lever 330 may also have features to allow adjustability in length or width or both. The brace lever 330 usually has a minimum length of 7″ or such that matches the length of a junior golfer's forearm; and a length that usually covers a golfer's forearm with reasonable overhang. In one embodiment the width is usually at minimum 3″ or such that a brace lever 330 provides enough surface area to operate as a good support against the lateral side of a golfer's trail arm. In one embodiment a brace lever 330 is of tubular shape or construction.
In one embodiment at least one connector clip member 332 is located on a brace lever flange 331. The connector clip member 332 operates as a connection point for a connecting strap 200, and located on the effort end of a brace lever 330. In one embodiment connector clip members 332 may be detachable or fixed; and near or on the distal edge of a brace lever flange 331 as to provide clearance such that a connecting strap 200 can come across the posterior side of a golfer's trail arm. In one embodiment a connector clip member 332 may appear as a hole on a brace lever flange 331. In one embodiment a brace lever flange 331 may protrude a rounded edge, corner, or bar that provides furthering bracing against the posterior side of a golfer's trail arm to provide additional support.
FIG. 5 illustrates a face on A and behind the target line B view of a right-handed golfer wearing a drive pulley assembly 100, an arm strap assembly 300 with a brace lever 330 mechanism variation, and a connecting strap 200 at setup address position according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment a brace lever 330 configures to be worn against the lateral side of a golfer's trail arm TA whereby the load end of the brace lever 330 is of a distal side of the arm to that of the effort end. The brace lever 330 comprises an arm strap 310 designed to securely maintain the brace lever 330 flush, parallel, or against the lateral side of the arm; the brace lever 330 may have more than one arm strap 310. A drive pulley assembly 100 and connecting strap 200 both have similar positioning and setup to that of an arm strap assembly 300 with a wheel and axle lever mechanism 320.
FIG. 6 illustrates a face on view of a right-handed golfer in a downswing demonstrating methods of using a golf swing training aid comprising a drive pulley assembly 100, an arm strap assembly 300 with a wheel and axle lever mechanism 320, and a connecting strap 200 to achieve trail arm external rotation according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment as a golfer begins a downswing and rotational unwinding of the torso; a drive pulley assembly 100 worn on the golfer's torso with a connecting strap 200 operate together as a winch applying a pulling tension force to the connecting strap 200 whereby the connecting strap's 200 second end is attached to a lever strap 321 wrapped around an arm strap 310.
The arm strap 310 is securely fastened on the golfer's trail arm. The lever strap 321 and arm strap 310 are configured to operate as a wheel and axle with the golfer's trail arm whereby the lever strap 321 functions as the wheel, and the arm strap 310 and golfer's trail arm functions as the axle. As the lever strap 321 is being pulled by the connecting strap 200; the lever strap 321 begins an unwrapping movement from around the arm strap 310 similar to sewing thread unwinding off of a spool. The unwinding motion or force from the lever strap 321 functions as a wheel with spin thereby applying a substantial torque to the axle; subsequently the arm strap 310 operating as the axle transfers the rotational torque into the golfer's trail arm in an externally rotating direction.
In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300 is configured with a brace lever 330 such that the brace lever 330 operates as a first class lever 320 comprising a fulcrum point on a golfer's trail elbow area or upper arm, a load end fixed to a point on the arm distal of the fulcrum, and an effort end located proximal of the fulcrum. As the effort end of the brace lever 330 is pulled by a connecting strap 200; the brace lever's 330 load end is forced into an opposite direction of the effort end similar to that of a playground seesaw. As the brace lever's 330 load end is attached to a distal side of the arm relative to the fulcrum; the lower arm is forced towards the posterior or lateral thereby putting the entire trail arm into an external rotation.
FIG. 7 illustrates a face on view of an aid-free right-handed golfer at setup address position demonstrating methods of rotational directions, forces, and effects applied to a golfer's lead arm LA, lead shoulder, trail arm TA, and trail shoulder by a golf swing training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment using a golf swing training aid applies torque into a golfer's trail arm TA and trail shoulder in an externally rotating direction. In one embodiment using a golf swing training aid applies torque into a golfer's lead arm LA and lead shoulder in an internally rotating direction.
FIG. 8 illustrates face on views of a right-handed golfer demonstrating methods of using a golf swing training aid in a full swing sequence of positions A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I comprising setup address, backswing, top of backswing, transition into a downswing, entire remaining downswing, impact, and post-impact according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 illustrates down the target line views of a right-handed golfer demonstrating methods of using a golf swing training aid in a full swing sequence of positions A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I comprising setup address, backswing, top of backswing, transition into a downswing, entire remaining downswing, impact, and post-impact according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer at setup address wearing an arm strap assembly 300 securely fastened to the trail arm, a drive pulley assembly 100 securely fastened to the torso, and a connecting strap 200 attached to the arm strap assembly 300 on one end and to the drive pulley assembly 100 on the other end without slack according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300 and a drive pulley assembly 100 are securely fastened to a golfer's body such that there is no slippage or twisting as torque is applied. A connecting strap 200 may comprise a resilient tension force as some stretch is applied from pulling at the ends. During the setup address stage, the lever mechanism 320 has minimal engagement and produces little to no torque applying to the arm.
FIG. 11 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer near a midway point during a backswing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment as a golfer is executing a backswing such that the upper body has more rotation than the torso, hips, or legs; the distance increases between a connecting strap's 200 connection points on an arm strap assembly 300 and a drive pulley assembly 100. Stretching the connecting strap 200 further in length causes resilient tension force within the connecting strap 200. The resilient tension force is strong enough to be felt at this swing stage, but weak enough that the tension force does not obstruct the golfer from completing a normal backswing. The tension force applied to a wheel and axle or a first class lever's 320 effort causes torque to the trail arm that can be felt, however the golfer can manage to resist the torque force to maintain normal arm rotations and structure as the golfer would typically execute during their backswing.
FIG. 12 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer at the end or top of a backswing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment the distance between a connecting strap's 100 connection points on an arm strap assembly 300 and a drive pulley assembly 100 has significantly increased more than in FIG. 11 thereby stretching the connecting strap 200 further in length causing significantly stronger resilient tension force within the connecting strap 200: The resilient pull begins or has begun engaging a wheel and axle or a first class lever 320 in a significant way. The wheel and axle effort lever strap 321 is applied with pull force such that the lever strap's 321 fixed point of attachment to the arm strap 310 functions as a load or an anchor; the remainder of the lever strap 321 unwinds or unwraps from around an arm strap 310 as a wheel resulting in rotational torque applied to the arm strap 310 and golfer's trail arm functioning as an axle. In another embodiment a first class lever's 320 effort is applied with pull force such that with a golfer's trail arm functioning as a fulcrum, the load of the first class lever 320 begins moving in an opposite direction of the effort end whereby since a lever mechanism's 320 load end is securely fastened to the golfer's arm at a distal point of the fulcrum, the golfer's trail arm is torqued into an external rotation.
FIG. 13 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer transitioning from the top of a backswing to the beginning stages of a downswing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment the initial downswing stage comprises a golfer's legs and hip torso reversing and unwinding the rotated positions from a backswing. Initially, the upper body unwinds at a slower rate of rotation than the legs and hip torso thereby furthermore increasing the distance between a connecting strap's 200 connection points on an arm strap assembly 300 and a drive pulley assembly 100. Subsequently a resilient connecting strap reaches a point of stretched tension force strength such that the golfer's trail arm can no longer resist the torque applied from the arm strap assembly's 300 wheel and axle or first class lever mechanism 320.
Unwinding of the legs and hip torso is directly connected to the trail arm's desired rotation from the overwhelming torque force thereby both movements are near instantaneous or simultaneous. The behind the target line view illustrates the club plane is more shallow than FIG. 12 indicating a shallow, inside to out club path is forming; and the golfer's trail arm displays external rotation as more lever strap 321 is visible indicating tension pulling the lever mechanism 320, and the angle of the forearm being more vertical as the elbow is moved inward and driven more forward relative to the forearm and upper arm.
FIG. 14 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer in a downswing reaching a point where a lead arm is parallel to the ground according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment as a golfer's legs and hip torso continue unwinding, torque applied from a lever mechanism 320 to the golfer's trail arm continues to further the degree of external rotation the trail arm has turned. As a drive pulley assembly 100 operates like a driver pulley, a connecting strap 200 pulls an arm strap assembly 300 and a wheel and axle's lever strap 321 from a continuously shifting angle and direction as the connecting strap 200 pulls from varying circular points during the torso's rotation thereby the arm strap assembly 300 is pulled closer to and around with the torso and torso rotation. Similar to a winch, the rotation of the drive pulley assembly 100 begins reeling, coiling, or winding up the connecting strap 200 around the torso as a spool. The club plane is even more shallow than FIG. 13 indicating a shallow, inside to out club path continuing; and the golfer's trail arm displays external rotation as even more unwrapped lever strap 321 is visible indicating tension pulling the lever mechanism 320.
FIG. 15 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer near, nearing, or at a midway point in a downswing according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment a golfer's upper body begins to speed up in unwinding rotation in relation to the unwinding rotation of the legs and hip torso. A resilient stretch on a connecting strap 200 begins contraction thereby adding additional and significant power to the pull tension force. The arm strap assembly lever mechanism 320 continues to externally rotate the trail arm to a degree where the inside elbow pit is nearly or facing forward or at an anterior direction, and the back of the elbow is facing in a posterior direction back towards the golfer. The club plane is even more shallow than FIG. 14 indicating a shallow, inside to out club path is maintained and continuing; and the golfer's club is now “in the slot” which is often described as a prime and ideal swing position loaded for a powerful, efficient, and accurate release whereby the trail forearm now closely matches the same angle as the club shaft.
FIG. 16 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer in a downswing reaching a point where a golf club shaft is parallel to the ground and approaching club release into a ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment as an upper body continues to unwind and increase in rotational speed relative to legs or torso hip rotation, a trail arm is held or maintained in an externally rotated position equal to or slightly greater in degree than in FIG. 15. A drive pulley assembly 100 operating as a winch has nearly wound up a connecting strap 200 around the torso such that the majority of the connecting strap 200 is wrapped around the body much like a spool; resulting in an externally rotated trail arm with an outside or posterior side of the trail elbow close to in proximity, up against, or touching the upper body or torso of the golfer thereby maintaining a shallow club plane throughout the remainder of a downswing into impact. The lever mechanism 320 holds or maintains the trail arm in an externally rotated state while also moving around a radius closely matching in rotational speed to that of the upper body's rotation thereby moving in general unison with the upper body as one whole connected unit. The trail arm is maintained in external rotation as the trail arm continues into the remainder of a downswing into impact thereby producing an inside to outside club path.
FIG. 17 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer releasing a golf club into impact or striking a ball according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment a drive pulley assembly 100 discontinues, tapers off, stops increasingly applying, or has stopped applying a pull tension force to a connecting strap 200 such that an arm strap assembly's 300 wheel and axle or first class lever mechanism 320 is discontinuing, tapering off, stopping increasingly applying, or has stopped applying external rotation torque to a trail arm. Subsequently resulting in the trail arm being allowed, beginning to, or having begun an unwinding internal rotation from the previously externally rotated condition.
FIG. 18 illustrates face on A and down the target line B views of a right-handed golfer at post-release or post-impact of a ball strike according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment a connecting strap's 200 connection point on an arm strap assembly 300 begins reducing or has reduced the distance to the connecting strap's 200 connection point on a drive pulley assembly 100. Subsequently the connecting strap begins or has begun a significant reduction in tension force thereby resulting in the arm strap assembly's 300 wheel and axle or first class lever mechanism 320 producing little to no torque force on a trail arm allowing the trail arm to internally rotate unobstructed.
FIG. 19 illustrates a first person perspective view of an aid-free right-handed golfer's left A and right B arms demonstrating methods of external and internal rotations applied to a golfer's lead arm LA and trail arm TA by a golf swing training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment from a first person view, the rotations of both a lead arm LA and trail arm TA are in a clockwise direction.
FIG. 20 illustrates an overhead top view of a right-handed golfer in a downswing demonstrating methods of primary body rotational directions using a golf swing training aid according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment a drive pulley assembly 100, connecting strap 200, and arm strap assembly 300 operate as a cross belt drive comprising a driver pulley, driven pulley, and a belt. During a downswing, the drive pulley assembly 100 rotates counterclockwise with a torso and functions as the driver pulley; the connecting strap 200 functions as the tight side belt; and the arm strap assembly 300 functions as the driven pulley.
In one embodiment a golfer's legs, hips, torso, upper torso, and shoulder plane rotate in a counter-clockwise direction during a golf swing similar to that of baseball swings and throwing motions. During an ideal shallow, inside to out club path golf swing; the golfer's trail arm TA moves contrarily in clockwise fashion, a complete opposite rotational direction relative to the counterclockwise primary body rotation. Centrifugal force from the counter-clockwise rotation of the primary body poses a countering force while executing clockwise rotations of the arms. Torque applied to the arms by the golf swing training aid reduces the difficulty of executing the counter-intuitive body movements.
FIG. 21 illustrates face on views of a right-handed golfer wearing a golf swing training aid at setup address position demonstrating an example of alternate variations, locations, and methods according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Variation A and in one embodiment a golfer wears an arm strap assembly 300 on the leading arm's LA elbow or upper arm thereby introducing forced rotational torque using a golf swing training aid into the golfer's lead arm LA resulting in an internal rotation of the leading arm LA. In Variation B and in one embodiment a golfer wears an arm strap assembly 300 on the leading arm's LA forearm or an arm area distal of the elbow thereby introducing forced rotational torque using a golf swing training aid into the golfer's lead arm LA resulting in an internal rotation of the leading arm LA.
In Variation C and in one embodiment a golfer wears an arm strap assembly 300 on the trail arm's TA forearm or an arm area distal of the elbow thereby introducing forced rotational torque from a golf swing training aid into the golfer's trail arm TA resulting in an external rotation of the trailing arm TA. In Variation D and in one embodiment a golfer wears an arm strap assembly 300 on the trail arm's TA forearm near the wrist, on the wrist, or on the hand thereby introducing forced rotational torque from a golf swing training aid into the golfer's trail arm TA resulting in an external rotation of the trailing arm TA whereby simultaneously unfolding the trail arm into extension.
In one embodiment a drive pulley assembly 100 may be fastened on in a rotated or shifted fashion whereby the connector clip member 101 locations are modified in distance in relation to an arm strap assembly 300 to add or reduce the tension of a connecting strap 200. The connecting strap 200 with an adjusted tension may increase or decrease the force of pull during the use of the golf swing training aid thereby adding additional or lessening the torque effects in. An adjusted drive pulley assembly 100 configured to add more connecting strap 200 tension may assist a golfer to limit, tighten, or shorten up the length of the backswing. An adjusted drive pulley assembly 100 may also modify the amount of torque force needed or needing to be reduced near or in the pre-release and release stages of the downswing.
In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300 may be fastened on in a rotated or shifted fashion whereby connector clip members 322 of a lever strap 321 are modified in distance in relation to a drive pulley assembly 100 to add or reduce the tension of a connecting strap 200. In one embodiment a connecting strap 200 is removed whereby an arm strap assembly 300 attaches directly to a drive pulley assembly 100. In other embodiments, a connecting strap 200 and drive pulley assembly 100 may be replaced by alternative methods of driving force while still maintaining the spirit of using a lever mechanism 320 to apply torque force or external rotation into a golfer's arms. Alternative methods of driving force may or may not be hands free or non-obstructing to a golfer's golf swing. An alternative method of driving force to activate the lever mechanism 320 may even be the arm strap assembly 300 attaching to itself with an elongated member wrapped around the golfer's body. In one embodiment an arm strap assembly 300, drive pulley assembly 100, or connecting strap 200 may or may not be an all one piece system with no separable parts. In one embodiment some or all connector clip members 101 on a drive pulley assembly 100, connector clip members 201 on a connecting strap 200, connector clip members 322 on a lever strap 321, or connector clip members 332 on a brace lever 330 may be in a fixed position which may be movable on a rail or track system for example.
FIG. 22 illustrates a side view of a right-handed golfer's trail arm demonstrating the methods of using a golf swing training aid to achieve trail arm extension during a downswing in sequence of positions A, B, and C according to an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment a golfer securely fastens an arm strap assembly 300 on or near the right wrist area or hand such that a forced pull tension from a connecting strap 200 to the arm strap assembly 300 introduces a greater degree of angle or elbow bend between the trail arm's upper arm and lower arm. The trail arm extension may progressively increase during a downswing. Methods of torque from a lever mechanism 320 may also co-exist and simultaneously apply arm extending and external rotational forces in a downswing.
At the top of a backswing the golfer's trail arm is: held higher above the body, folded at the elbow, and the arm strap 310 obtains a superior or above position thereby the connecting strap 200 is positioned with a steep angle from a point of attachment on a drive pulley assembly 100 to the point of attachment on the arm strap assembly 300. The increased steep angle of the lever strap 321 and connecting strap 200 to the drive pulley assembly 100 introduces a more vertical pull force from the resilient tension during the use of the golf swing training aid. The areas of the trail arm distal of the elbow receives a direct and stronger pull tension force from the connecting strap 200 relative to an area of the trail arm above or proximal of the elbow thereby forcing the trail arm to unfold and extend during the downswing. Unfolding the golfer's trail arm at the transitional start of or during the downswing introduces, continues, and may maintain a shallow club plane angle all the way down into an impact strike from an inside to outside club path.
It will be apparent to one with skill in the art that the golf swing training aid of the invention may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. It will also be apparent to the skilled artisan that the embodiments described above are specific examples of a single broader invention which may have greater scope than any of the singular descriptions taught. There may be alterations made in the descriptions without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Patent Application
20240082677
