Patent Application
20190192945
The present invention relates generally to a golf swing training assembly and method of operation. More so, the present invention relates to a training assembly that helps position the feet and hips in golf movements involving the rotation of the hips, foot placement, follow through, and striking of a golf ball; whereby the assembly provides a training platform that forms a static foundation upon which the golfer stands; whereby a left foot Lazy Susan turntable and a right foot Lazy Susan turntable rotates about a central axle in two directions relative to the platform to follow the feet in their natural rotational movement during the swing; and whereby a rotation restriction mechanism restricts rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables relative to the platform for customizing the type of golf swing and accommodating swinging motions for other sports.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
It is known in the art that striking a golf ball straight and true is difficult and requires skill and training. Fundamentally, if the ball is to fly off the tee straight, the club that hits it must also be squarely aligned. This, of course, depends on how well the golfer has swung the club, which depends on initial stance alignment, and the swinging motion of feet and hips.
Golfers are continually seeking to improve their swing technique in order to maximize both the accuracy and the distance the golf ball travels after contact with the golf club. In the past, the typical golf swing involved throwing the hips forward in the direction that the golfer is attempting to drive the golf ball.
Generally, in striking a golf ball, the golfer should be positioned with the toes of both feet on a line parallel to an imaginary target line for the shot. The stance should also position the ball so that a line intersecting the ball and perpendicular to the target line passes slightly inside of the forwardmost heel of the golfer. Finally, the club face should be “square” to the ball, which is perpendicular to the target line at the point of impact of the club face with the ball.
Further, to swing a golf club or retained to improve the skills required the creation of muscle memory, which is an effective way of learning a golf swing for maximum ball travel distance and directional accuracy. Specifically, if a golfer repeats the desired swing of a golf club multiple times, with the feet, hips, and upper body positioned correctly, the golfer will be able to replicate the feel of the desired golf swing by the use of muscle memory.
In the past, various systems, methods, and golf training devices were designed to repetitively force the golfer to swing a golf club through a certain range of motion. Such prior art systems provide the golfer the opportunity to build muscle memory, but not for all motions of the swing and in many cases not entirely correct motions for a real human golf swing.
Other proposals have involved mats and technological devices for training the positioning of feet during a golf swing. The problem with these golf swing training devices is that they do not align the feet of a golfer at a perfect golf stance at set position; and automatically allow the feet and the body to shift into a perfect finish swing based on the golfer's body type. Even though the above cited golf training systems meet some of the needs of the market, a golf swing training assembly and method of operation that helps position the feet and hips in golf movements involving the rotation of the hips, foot placement, follow through, and striking of a golf ball is still desired.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to a golf swing training assembly and method of operation. The golf swing training assembly is configured to automatically align the feet of a golfer at a perfect golf stance at set position; and automatically allow the feet and the body to shift into a perfect finish swing based on the golfer's body type. The use of a Lazy Susan mechanism enables limited rotation of the golfer during the swing, which trains the feet, legs, hips, and upper body to achieve the perfect golf swing.
In one non-limiting embodiment, the assembly provides a training platform that forms a static foundation upon which the golfer stands. The assembly further provides a left foot Lazy Susan turntable and a right foot Lazy Susan turntable. The Lazy Susan turntables are set apart from each other in an adjacent, shoulder-width distance on the platform. The Lazy Susan turntables rotate about a central axle in two directions relative to the static platform to follow the feet in their natural rotational movement during the swing. Each Lazy Susan turntable may be defined by a generally disc shape.
The golfer positions the left foot and right foot on their respective Lazy Susan turntable to practice a golf stance, a back swing, a down swing, and general body position when striking a golf ball. The golfer initiates the golf swing, and the Lazy Susan turntables rotate to follow the feet in their natural rotational movement during the swing. To help train the feet to the correct position during the swing, a foot fastener may be used on each Lazy Susan turntable to detachably fasten each foot to the Lazy Susan turntable during rotation and to prevent lateral movement by the legs during the golf swing. Further, at least one rotation restriction mechanism may also be operable with the Lazy Susan turntables to restrict or limit the rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables relative to the platform. This restrictive rotation may be useful for customizing the type of golf swing to accommodate different body types and golfing abilities, or accommodating swinging motions for other sports.
In this manner, the training assembly aligns the feet at a perfect golf stance at set position; allows the feet and body to shift into the perfect finish based on body type; allows focus on striking the golf ball; and helps develop golf swing body positioning and muscle memory, so as to correct: inconsistent stances; inconsistent ball strikes; inconsistent direction; inconsistent follow through.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a golf swing training assembly, comprises:
a platform;
a left foot Lazy Susan turntable rotatable in two directions relative to the platform;
a right foot Lazy Susan turntable rotatable in two directions relative to the platform, the right foot Lazy Susan turntable disposed in a spaced-apart, adjacent relationship to the left foot Lazy Susan turntable on the platform;
a left foot fastener disposed on the left foot Lazy Susan turntable, the left foot fastener enabling detachable fastening of a left foot to the left foot Lazy Susan turntable;
a right foot fastener disposed on the right foot Lazy Susan turntable, the right foot fastener enabling detachable fastening of a right foot to the right foot Lazy Susan turntable; and
a rotation restriction mechanism operable to selectively restrict rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables in the two directions relative to the platform.
In one aspect, the platform is bifurcated along a central hinge.
In another aspect, the platform further includes a pair of handles for mobility.
In another aspect, the platform is defined by at least one hole.
In another aspect, the Lazy Susan turntables comprise a Lazy Susan mechanism.
In another aspect, the Lazy Susan turntables comprise a static member detachably attached to the platform, a rotatable member rotatable with respect to the static member, a foot support member riding the rotatable member, and a central axle disposed centrally to the static member, the rotatable member, and the foot support member, the central axle being fixedly attached in the at least one hole forming in the platform.
In another aspect, the foot support member is defined by a central aperture for receiving the central axle, whereby the foot support member rotates about the central axle.
In another aspect, the static member, the rotatable member, and the foot support member are defined by a disc shape.
In another aspect, the Lazy Susan turntables are defined by a disc shape having a perimeter.
In another aspect, the rotation restriction mechanism comprises a pair of hasps fixedly attached to the Lazy Susan turntables, the pair of hasps hingedly extending beyond the perimeter of the Lazy Susan turntables, the pair of hasps hingedly retracting within the perimeter of the Lazy Susan turntables, the rotation restriction mechanism further comprising at least one restriction bar detachably attached in the platform to enable selective restriction of rotation by the Lazy Susan turntables.
In another aspect, the at least one restriction bar detachably fits into the at least one hole that forms in the platform.
In another aspect, the foot fasteners comprise a hook and loop fastener.
One objective of the present invention is to automatically align the feet of a golfer at a perfect golf stance at set position; and automatically allow the feet and the body to shift into a perfect finish swing based on the golfer's body type.
Yet another objective is to help train the feet to the correct position during a golf swing.
Yet another objective is to prevent lateral movement by the legs during the golf swing.
Another objective is to adjust the amount of rotation allowed by the Lazy Susan turntables with the rotation restriction mechanism for customizing the type of golf swing to accommodate different body types and golfing abilities, or accommodating swinging motions for other sports.
Yet another objective is to help develop golf swing body positioning and muscle memory, so as to correct: inconsistent stances; inconsistent ball strikes; inconsistent direction; inconsistent follow through.
Yet another objective is to support the weight of a golfer up to 300 pounds.
Yet another objective is to provide an inexpensive to manufacture golf swing training assembly.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
A golf swing training assembly 100 and method 200 of operation is referenced in
The unique capacity of assembly 100 to train various swings, and from both the right and left handed swinging motion is possible, chiefly because a rotatable Lazy Susan mechanism is used to support and track a golfer 300 during the swing. The Lazy Susan mechanism comprises a right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 and a left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 that rotate up to 360° on a static platform 102. The golfer's feet 302, 304 strap into the respective Lazy Susan turntable 116, 110 with a right and left foot fastener 114, 118 and rotate in tandem with the feet during the swing. Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 rotate to follow the feet 302, 304 in their natural rotational movement during the golf swing. Further, the range of rotation for Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 is adjusted through use of at least one rotation restriction mechanism 130a-b. It is this restriction of rotational range that trains the feet, the hips, and generally the lower body, to the proper golf swing.
Operating the assembly 100 with a right-handed swing involves standing with both feet 302, 304 facing forward, at about 90° (
Similarly, the left-handed swing with assembly 100 involves standing with both feet 302, 304 facing forward, at about 90° (
As referenced above, both the left and right foot rotatable Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 are used to support the golfer 300, and rotate to follow the feet in their natural rotational movement during the swing. The Lazy Susan mechanism is configured to enable the golfer's feet 302, 304 to rotate in a limited range, dependent on the desired swing. The limited rotation of the feet during the swing is effective for training the feet, legs, hips, and upper body to achieve the perfect golf swing.
At the finished position, shown in
Conversely,
It is significant to note that, although the dictionary definition of a Lazy Susan describes a large, revolving tray for food, placed at the center of a dining table; the term “Lazy Susan” has generically come to refer to a number of different types of rotatable storage or supporting devices. The term “Lazy Susan” will be used herein in its generic sense to refer to a rotatable support that supports the weight of a user while rotating in conformance with the motion of the feet; and should not be construed to be limited to devices in accordance with its dictionary definition.
In one non-limiting embodiment, referenced in
Platform 102 may be defined by at least one hole 104a, 104b, 104c, 104d. Hole 104a-d may include multiple openings or cavities that form along the surface of platform 102. Hole 104a-d is used to anchor and reposition other components of assembly 100, Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116, rotation restriction mechanism 130a-b, generally anywhere along the surface of platform 102.
In another non-limiting embodiment, platform 102 is adapted for portability, so as to be carried to different driving ranges and for efficient storage. For this capacity, the platform 102 is bifurcated along a central hinge 108, and includes a pair of handles 106a, 106b extending from the platform 102. For example, platform 102 may be folded in half and carried by the handles 106a-b.
Assembly 100 further comprises a left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 that is rotatable in two directions, and up to 360° relative to platform 102. Left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 is configured to receive and rotate with the left foot 302. In operation, the golfer 300 positions the left foot 302 on the left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 to practice a golf stance, a back swing, a down swing, and general body position when striking a golf ball. Golfer 300 initiates the golf swing, and left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 rotates to follow the left foot 302 in its natural rotational movement during the swing.
To help train the feet to the correct position during the swing, a left foot fastener 118 may be used on left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 to detachably fasten left foot 302 to left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 during rotation, and to prevent lateral movement by the legs during the golf swing (
Adjacent to left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 on platform 102 is a right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110, which is also rotatable in two directions and up to 360° relative to platform 102. Right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 is disposed in a spaced-apart, adjacent relationship to the left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 on the platform 102, which may include shoulder-width distance, or a distance between 6″ to 24″. Though the position of both Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 is adjustable on platform, due to holes 104a-d that allow for position selectivity.
Right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 is configured to receive and rotate with the right foot 304. In operation, the golfer 300 positions the right foot 304 on right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 to practice a golf stance, a back swing, a down swing, and general body position when striking a golf ball. As golfer 300 initiates the golf swing, the right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 rotates to follow the right foot 304 in its natural rotational movement during the swing. In one non-limiting embodiment, both the left and right foot Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 are defined by a disc shape having a perimeter 112. Though n other embodiments, Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 may have other shapes.
To help train the feet 302, 304 to the correct position during the swing, a right foot fastener 114 may be used on right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 to detachably fasten right foot 304 to right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 during rotation, and to prevent lateral movement by the legs during the golf swing (
Looking now at
In one non-limiting embodiment, static member 120, rotatable member 122, and foot support member 124 are defined by a disc shape. Though in other embodiments, other shapes for static member 120, rotatable member 122, and foot support member 124 may be used.
In one non-limiting embodiment shown in
As shown in
Turning again to
In one non-limiting embodiment, rotation restriction mechanism 130a-b comprises a pair of hasps 132a, 132b, 132c, 132d that fixedly attach to each of the outer region of Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116. Hasps 132a-d pivotally extend and retract along a hinge. In this manner, hasps 132a-d may hingedly extend beyond the perimeter of Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116, or may hingedly retract within the perimeter of Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116.
Rotation restriction mechanism 130a-b further comprises at least one restriction bar 134a, 134b, 134c, 134d that detachably fits into the at least one hole 104a-d that forms in platform 102. Restriction bar 134a-d engages extended hasp 132a during its rotation to restrict further rotation in that direction. By enabling selective positioning of restriction bar 134a in this manner, the range of rotation by Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116 may be adjusted.
In operation of rotation restriction mechanism 130a-b, the hasp 132a is extended to engage the restriction bar 134a, and thereby restrict rotation in that direction. Multiple hasps 132a-b and restriction bars 134a-d may be used to restrict rotation of Lazy Susan turntables in two directions. Further, the position of restriction bar 134a-d that is fitted in hole 104a-d forming in platform 102 may be reconfigured to increase or decrease the rotation of Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116.
For example, for the left-handed swing, the left foot 302 rotates, turning outwardly, and left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 rotates approximately 110°, where the extended hasp 132b engages the restriction bar 134b. To decrease the rotation of the left foot 302, the restriction bar 134b may be moved to the at least one hole 104b forming in platform 102 that is more to the left of the left foot 302 by a few inches. In this new restrictive configuration, left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 is then restricted from rotation at less than 110°.
In this manner, assembly 100 aligns the feet at a perfect golf stance at a beginning position. Assembly 100 allows the feet 302, 304 and body to shift into the correct swing based on body type and desired swing type. Assembly 100 allows focus on striking the golf ball. Assembly 100 also helps develop body positioning and muscle memory during the swing, so as to correct: inconsistent stances; inconsistent ball strikes; inconsistent direction; and inconsistent follow through.
Further, assembly 100 works to automatically align the feet of a golfer 300 at a perfect golf stance at set position; and automatically allow the feet and the body to shift into a perfect finish swing based on the golfer's body type. Further, assembly 100 helps train the feet to the correct position during a golf swing, and also prevents lateral movement by the legs during the golf swing.
Method 200 utilizes a platform 102 that forms a static foundation upon which the golfer 300 stands. A left foot Lazy Susan turntable 116 and a right foot Lazy Susan turntable 110 are operable on the platform 102 to rotate about a central axle 126 in two directions relative to the static platform 102 to accommodate a traveling foot of golfer 300 while swinging.
In process of method 200, the golfer 300 positions the left foot and right foot on their respective Lazy Susan turntable to practice a golf stance or swing. A left and right foot fastener 118, 114 on each Lazy Susan turntable 116, 110 detachably fastens feet 302, 304 to their respective Lazy Susan turntables 116, 110 during swing rotation to prevent lateral movement by legs during the golf swing. Method also utilizes at least one rotation restriction mechanism 130a-b to restrict rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables 110, 116 relative to platform 102.
In one non-limiting embodiment, method 200 may include an initial Step 202 of orienting a platform on a ground surface to swing a golf club. In one non-limiting embodiment, method 200 may further comprise a Step 204 of integrating a left foot Lazy Susan turntable and a right foot Lazy Susan turntable on the platform, the Lazy Susan turntables rotatable in two directions relative to the platform. A Step 206 includes integrating a rotation restriction mechanism on the platform, the rotation restriction mechanism operable to selectively restrict rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables relative to the platform.
In one non-limiting embodiment, a Step 208 comprises positioning a left foot on the left foot Lazy Susan turntable. A Step 210 includes positioning a right foot on the right foot Lazy Susan turntable. A Step 212 comprises strapping the feet in the Lazy Susan turntables with a left foot fastener and a right foot fastener. In one non-limiting, a Step 214 comprises standing with both feet facing forward at 90° and spaced-apart between 18 to 25 inches. A Step 216 includes swinging the golf club with the right hand driving the golf club.
In one non-limiting, a Step 218 may include rotating the left foot on the right foot Lazy Susan turntable outwardly approximately 110°, and rotating the right foot on the right foot Lazy Susan turntable inwardly approximately 180°. A Step 220 comprises swinging the golf club with the left hand driving the golf club. A Step 222 may include rotating the right foot on the right foot Lazy Susan turntable outwardly approximately 70°, and rotating the left foot on the right foot Lazy Susan turntable inwardly approximately 0°. A final Step 224 of method 200 is, whereby the rotation of the Lazy Susan turntables is restricted to 110° by the rotation restriction mechanism. This restriction of rotation by the feet is the essence of the training for a swing.
Although the process-flow diagrams show a specific order of executing the process steps, the order of executing the steps may be changed relative to the order shown in certain embodiments. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence in some embodiments. Certain steps may also be omitted from the process-flow diagrams for the sake of brevity. In some embodiments, some or all the process steps shown in the process-flow diagrams can be combined into a single process
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
