Golf Training Aid and Golf Training Assembly

Abstract

A golf training aid (20) which comprises a support member (100) which defines a first axis (102), a support arm (200) which extends from a first side (110) of the support member (100) and defines a second axis (202) at an angle (A1) to the first axis (102), and a pendulum (300) which extends from the support arm (200) to a golf club connector (400) which defines a free end (304) of the pendulum (300). The pendulum (300) is rotatably mounted to the support arm (200) such that the pendulum (300) is rotatable about the support arm second axis (202). The support arm (200) is pivotably attached to the support member (100) by a hinge (210) such that the angle (A1) is variable.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a golf training aid.

In particular, it relates to a golf training aid and golf training assembly for use with a golf club.

BACKGROUND

Improvement of a golfer's swing towards a predetermined preferred technique is known to improve the directional accuracy and the accuracy of the length of a golf shot. This is particularly so for a putting stroke. However, even though a golfer may be instructed theoretically and practically on how to perform a determined preferred putting stroke, every golfer will perceive these instructions differently and will not be able to experience how a predetermined preferred putting stroke should physically feel. Additionally, as each player is physically different (e.g. size and strength) any instruction or advice offered may not apply correctly to them.

A training aid which enables golfers to physically experience an example of a good technique, which is adjustable to their physical size and shape, and which allows them to repeatedly practice an ideal putting stroke, as well as the stance and coordination of body movements required, is therefore highly desirable.

SUMMARY

According to the present disclosure there is provided apparatus as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

Accordingly there may be provided a golf training aid (20) which comprises a support member (100) which extends along a first axis (102); a support arm (200) which extends from a first side (110) of the support member (100) and extends along a second axis (202) at an angle (A1) to the first axis (102); a pendulum (300) which extends from the support arm (200) to a golf club connector (400) which defines a free end (304) of the pendulum (300), the pendulum (300) being rotatably mounted to the support arm (200) such that the pendulum (300) is rotatable about the support arm second axis (202). The pendulum (300) may extend along a third axis (302). The golf club connector (400) may extend along a fourth axis (402). The support arm (200) may be pivotably attached to the support member (100) by a hinge (210) such that the angle (A1) is variable.

The support arm hinge (210) may comprise an angle adjustment mechanism (214) configured to permit adjustment of the angle of the support arm (200) relative to the support member (100).

The support arm hinge (210) may comprise a locking mechanism (216) operable to lock the position of the support arm (200) relative to the support member (100) at a user defined angle.

The angle adjustment mechanism (214) may be operable to limit the adjustment of the angle A1 of the support arm (200) relative to the support member (100) to be no less than 65 degrees and no more than 90 degrees.

The angle adjustment mechanism (214) may comprise an indicator (220) configured to indicate the angle of the support arm (200) to the support member (100).

The golf club connector (400) may be pivotable relative to the support member first axis (102) to alter the angle between the support member first axis (102) and golf club connector fourth axis (402).

The golf club connector (400) may be pivotable relative to the pendulum third axis (302) to alter the angle between the pendulum third axis (302) and golf club connector fourth axis (402).

The pendulum (300) may comprise a first section (310) which extends from the support arm (200), a second section (312) which extends at an angle to the first section (310) and a third section (314) which extends at an angle from the second section (314) and terminates at the golf club connector (400).

The pendulum (300), the first section (310), the second section (312), the third section (314) and the golf club connector (400) may define a common plane (1000).

The golf club connector (400) may be connected to the pendulum (300) by a pivot coupling (410) which is constrained to pivot in the common plane (1000).

The golf club connector (400) may comprise an attachment pin (440). The pendulum (300) may be adjustable in length.

The pendulum (300) may be rotatably mounted to the support arm (200) by a support assembly (330) comprising a bearing assembly (332, 334) which permits rotation between the pendulum (300) and the support arm (200), and a support member (336) which extends between the pendulum (300) and the bearing assembly (332, 334). The golf training aid (20) may further comprise a mount (600) configured to carry the support member (100).

The support member (100) may be locatable in and/or on the mount (600), slideable relative to the mount (600) along the support first axis (102) and/or rotatable relative to the mount (600) around the support first axis (102). A clamp or lock (610) may be provided to fix the support member (100) relative to the mount (600).

The support member (100) comprises a first location feature (130) and the mount (600) comprises a second location feature (630), the first location feature (130) and second location feature (630) operable to engage and fix the position of the support member (100) and mount (600) relative to one another around the first axis (102).

There may be provided a golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) according to the present disclosure and a mount (600), wherein the mount (600) forms part of a tripod (700), the tripod having three legs (702, 704, 706) spaced apart around the support member first axis (102). The support arm (200) may extend away from the support member (100) at an angle of 180 degrees around the support member first axis (102) from the first leg (102).

The second leg (704) may be spaced apart from the first leg (702) around the support member first axis (102) in a first angular direction by at an angle of T3 degrees, and spaced apart from the support arm (200) around the support member first axis (102) in the first angular direction by an angle of T1 degrees.

The third leg (706) may be spaced apart from the first leg (702) around the support member first axis (102) in a second angular direction by at an angle of T4 degrees, and spaced apart from the support arm (200) around the support member first axis (102) in the second angular direction by an angle of T2 degrees.

The second leg (704) may be spaced apart from the third leg (706) around the support member first axis (102) by an angle of (T1+T2) degrees.

T3 may have the same value as T4. T1 may have the same value as T2. The value of the sum of (T1 and T2) may be greater than the value of T3 or T4. The value of the sum of (T1+T2) may be at least 1.2, but not more than 1.5, times the value of T3 or T4.

T1 may have a value of 72.5 degrees. T2 may have a value of 72.5 degrees. T3 may have a value of 107.5 degrees. T4 may have a value of 107.5 degrees.

The length of the pendulum (300), the angle of the pendulum (300) relative to the support member first axis (102), length of second leg (704), and the length of third leg (706) may be such that the pendulum (300) is spaced apart from the legs (704, 706) as it rotates about the support arm second axis (202).

The tripod may comprise an orientation indicator to indicate the orientation of the support member (100) relative to a vertical and horizontal direction.

There may be provided a golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) according to the present disclosure, and a mount (600) wherein the mount (600) forms part of a pole (800), and the pole extends from a base unit (802) configured to secure the pole (800) to a substrate.

There may be provided a golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) according to the present disclosure, and a mount (600) wherein the mount (600) forms part of a wall mount (900) and comprises wall mounting members.

There may also be provided a golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) according to the present disclosure, and a golf club (500), wherein the golf club (500) has a head (502) with an engagement feature (504) for attaching the head (502) of the golf club (500) to the golf club connector (400) of the pendulum (300). The engagement feature (504) may comprise a passage (506) in the golf club head (502). The passage (506) may have a longitudinal axis (508). The passage (506) may be configured to slidably receive the golf club connector (400) therein. The golf club connector (400) head passage (506) may be shaped so that the golf club connector (400) and golf club head (502) are rotatable relative to one another about the passage longitudinal axis (508).

Hence there is provided a golf training aid, which may be mounted and/or assembled in a number of ways to form a golf training assembly, to facilitate a user physically experiencing a predetermined preferred stroke (for example, a putting stroke).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1, 2 are side views of an example of a golf training aid (according to the present disclosure) mounted with a tripod mount (according to the present disclosure), with an example of a golf club provided in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 3, 4, 5 show enlarged views of a support arm hinge of the golf training aid of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 shown an enlarged view of a bearing assembly which supports a pendulum of the golf training aid of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the golf training aid mounted with the tripod mount;

FIG. 8 is a front view of the golf training aid mounted with the tripod mount;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the golf training aid mounted with the tripod mount;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective of the golf training aid mounted with the tripod mount;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of part of a mount for the golf training aid;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a part of a mount for the golf training aid;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a part of a wall mount, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16;

FIG. 14 is a further view of the wall mount, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16;

FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the golf training aid of the present disclosure mounted in the wall mount;

FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the golf training aid of the present disclosure mounted in the wall mount;

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the golf training aid of the present disclosure mounted in pole mount;

FIG. 18 is a rear perspective view of the golf training aid of the present disclosure mounted in the pole mount;

FIG. 19 shows a golf club connector of the golf training aid;

FIG. 20 shows the golf club connector and golf club element it is configured to connect to; and

FIG. 21 shows the golf club connector assembled with the golf club element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a golf training aid 20 which is configured to be supported in a mount 600. In FIGS. 1, 2, 7 to 10 there is shown an example of the mount 600 which is provided as a tripod. In FIGS. 15, 16 there is shown an example of the mount 600 which is provided as a wall mounting arrangement. In FIGS. 17, 18 there is shown an example of the mount 600 provided as a pole which is configured to be mounted to, and extend from, a substrate (for example a floor or ground). In each example the golf training aid 20 is the same, and is compatible with each of the tripod, wall mounting and pole mount. Hence there may be provided a golf training aid 20, which may form part of a kit of parts with a mount 600 provided as a tripod 700, wall mount 900, and/or pole mount 800.

As shown in the figures, for example FIG. 1, the golf training aid 20 comprises a support member 100 which extends along (and/or defines) a first axis 102, a support arm 200 which extends from a first side 110 of the support member 100 and extends along (and/or defines) a second axis 202 at an angle A1 to the first axis 102, and a pendulum 300 (i.e. swing arm) which extends from the support arm 200 to a golf club connector 400. The golf club connector 400 defines a free end 304 of the pendulum 300. The pendulum 300 is rotatably mounted to the support arm 200 such that the pendulum 300 is rotatable about the support arm second axis 202.

The pendulum 300 extends along (and/or defines) a third axis 302. The pendulum 300 may extend perpendicular (i.e. at a right angle) to the support arm 200. That is to say, the third axis 302 may extend perpendicular (i.e. at a right angle) to the second axis 202. The angle between the pendulum 300 and support arm 200 may be fixed. The angle between the pendulum 300 and support arm 200 may be fixed at 90 degrees. The golf club connector 400 extends along (and/or defines) a fourth axis 402. The support arm 200 is pivotably attached to the support member 100 by a hinge 210 such that the angle A1 is variable.

The support arm hinge 210 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 3, 4, 5. In the example shown the support arm hinge 210 comprises a housing 218 which extends from, and is fixed to, the support member 100. The support arm 200 is pivotably connected to the housing 218 by a pin 212. The support arm hinge 210 further comprises an angle adjustment mechanism 214 configured to permit adjustment of the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100. In the example shown the angle adjustment mechanism 214 is provided as a bolt 240 (i.e. a threaded adjuster) which is engaged with the support arm 200 and housing 218 and is operable to fix the support arm 200 relative to the housing 218, and operable to allow adjustment of the distance between the support arm 200 and the housing 218 to thereby allow the support arm 200 to pivot about a axis of the pin 212. As shown in FIG. 4 the support arm hinge 210 further comprises a locking mechanism 216 operable to lock the position of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 at a user defined angle. This may be provided as a bolt which engages with the support arm 200. Hence the support arm hinge 210 comprises a locking mechanism 216 operable to fix (i.e. lock and/or maintain) the angle between the support arm 200 and the support member 100 at a user defined angle.

The angle adjustment mechanism 214 may be operable to limit the adjustment of the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 first axis 102 (that is, angle A1) to be no less than 65 degrees and no more than 90 degrees. In another example the angle adjustment mechanism 214 may be operable to limit the adjustment of the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 first axis 102 (that is, angle A1) to be no less than 65 degrees and no more than 80 degrees. In another example the angle adjustment mechanism 214 may be operable to limit the adjustment of the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 first axis 102 (that is, angle A1) to be no less than 70 degrees and no more than 85 degrees. In a further example the angle adjustment mechanism 214 may be operable to limit the adjustment of the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 first axis 102 (that is, angle A1) to be no less than 70 degrees and no more than 90 degrees. In an additional example the angle adjustment mechanism 214 may be operable to limit the adjustment of the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 first axis 102 (that is, angle A1) to be no less than 70 degrees and no more than 74 degrees.

Also as shown in FIG. 4, the angle adjustment mechanism 214 may comprise an indicator 220 configured to indicate the angle of the support arm 200 to the support member 100 first axis 102. This may be provided as an aperture in the housing 218 with a marker on the external face of the housing 218, and a marker on the support arm 200, with an indication of angle being provided on the external surface of the housing 218 around the aperture to guide the user to identify the angle of inclination A1. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the golf club connector 400 is pivotable relative to the support member first axis 102 to alter the angle between the support member first axis 102 and golf club connector fourth axis 402. The golf club connector 400 is attached to the pendulum 300 with a pivot coupling 410 to allow for alteration of the angle between the support member first axis 102 and golf club connector fourth axis 402. Hence the golf club connector 400 may be pivotable relative to the pendulum third axis 302 to alter the angle between the pendulum third axis 302 and golf club connector fourth axis 402. The pivot coupling 410 may further comprise a lock or fixing to fix the angle of the golf club connector 400 relative to the pendulum third axis 302. This may be provided by any conventional means, for example clamp, threaded fastener or by frictional engagement. Hence in use, and as is desirable, the golf club connector 400 is configured so that its angle relative to the substrate/floor which supports the aid 20 may be adjusted so that the golf club connector 400 (i.e. golf club connector fourth axis 402) is parallel to the surface of the substrate/floor.

Hence the pivot coupling 410 allows a user to alter the angle of the golf club connector 400 relative to the pendulum 300, and the angle adjustment mechanism 214 allows a user to adjust the angle of the support arm 200 relative to the support member 100 to ensure that when a golf club 500 is attached to the golf club connector 400 that the angle of the golf club relative to the pendulum 300 may be configured for the bespoke needs of the user. Hence, for example, regardless of the angle of the pendulum 300, the golf club connector may be horizontal (i.e. parallel to the ground).

The pendulum 300 may comprise a first section 310 which extends from the support arm 200, a second section 312 which extends at an angle to the first section 310 and a third section 314 which extends at an angle from the second section 314 and terminates at the golf club connector 400. The golf club connector 400 may be provided as a cylindrical pin or spigot 440. Hence there may be provided a pivot coupling 410 between the golf club connector 400 and third section 314.

The pendulum 300, the first section 310, the second section 312, the third section 314 and the golf club connector 400 define (and/or extend in) a common plane 1000. By way of example this is presented in FIGS. 15, 16, with the plane illustrated with dotted lines.

The golf club connector 400 may be connected to the pendulum 300 by the pivot coupling 410 which is constrained to pivot in the common plane 1000 such that the golf club connector fourth axis 402 is fixed in alignment with the second section 312 and third section 314 when viewed from above (for example as shown in FIG. 7).

The first section 310 of the pendulum 300 may be adjustable in length. For example the first section 310 of the pendulum may comprise a number of nested tubes which may slide relative to one another (for example are telescopic). In a preferred embodiment the pendulum is formed from three telescopic members such that it is adjustable in length. This enables the user to set the height of the golf club connector 400 relative to the ground as required the user's specific needs.

The pendulum 300 may be rotatably mounted to the support arm 200 by a support assembly 330 comprising a bearing assembly 332, 334 which permits rotation between the pendulum 300 and the support arm 200. There may also be provided a support member 336 which extends between the pendulum 300 and the bearing assembly 332, 334. The bearing assembly may comprise a first bearing 332 and a second bearing 334 spaced apart along the length of the support arm 200. The provision of two bearings 332, 334 provides for a smooth and consistent pivoting action. The golf training assembly 10 may comprise a mount 600 configured to carry the support member 100 of the golf training aid 20.

The support member 100 of the golf training aid 20 may be locatable in and/or on the mount 600, slideable relative to the mount 600 along the support first axis 102, and/or rotatable relative to the mount 600 around the support first axis 102. A clamp or lock 610 may provided to fix the support member 100 relative to the mount 600. Hence the support member 100 may be provided as a tube, and the receiving part of the mount 600 may also be provided as a tube with an opening to receive the support member 100 of the golf training aid 20. However this is merely an example, and the support member 100 and mount 600 may be fitted to, in or on one another in any conventional manner.

When fitted to the mount 600, the mount 600 and golf training aid 20 are operable to be configured such that the pendulum 300 is raised above the ground by the support member 100. That is to say, when fitted to the mount 600, the mount 600 and golf training aid are adjustable so a clearance is maintained between the golf club connector 400 and the ground upon which the golf training apparatus 100 rests so that the pendulum 300 is free to swing relative to the mount 600 and the substrate.

As shown in FIGS. 13, 14, the support member 100 may comprise a first location feature 130 and the mount 600 may comprise a second location feature 630, the first location feature 130 and second location feature 630 operable to engage and fix the position of the support member 100 and mount 600 relative to one another around the first axis 102. In the example shown, the first location feature 130 is provided as a recess on a sleeve 150 fitted to the support member 100, and the second location feature 630 is provided as a tooth or tab which extends from the mount 600 and is configured to be located in the recess of the first location feature 130. Hence when the tooth is located in the recess then the support member 100 is prevented from rotating around the support axis 102 relative to the mount 600.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7 to 10 the mount 600 may be provided as a tripod 700. That is to say, the mount 600 may form part of a tripod 700. Hence in addition to the features for engaging and holding the support member 100, the mount 600 may comprise three legs 702, 704, 706 spaced apart around the support member first axis 102. The legs 702, 704, 704 may extend from a bracket 708 which fixes one end of the legs 702, 704, 706 to the mount 600. The bracket 708 may be slideable relative to the central tube/member of the mount 600. For example the bracket 708 may be movable along the support member first axis 102. The legs 702, 704, 706 may be telescopic such that their length can be extended to raise the height of golf training aid 20 and also to spread their distribution on the ground and account for uneven ground surfaces, provide stability.

The legs 702, 704, 706 may extend from the bracket 708 and be pivotable relative to the bracket 708. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, the tripod 700 may further comprise a second bracket 720 fitted to the mount 600 with arms which extend out to each of the legs 702, 704, 706, and the legs 702, 704, 706 are pivotable relative to each of their respective arms. Hence the legs 702, 704, 706 may be connected to the mount 600 at two points of contact, the points of contact being spaced apart from one another along the length of the support member first axis 102.

When viewed along the support member first axis 102, for example as illustrated in FIG. 7, the support arm 200 extends away from the support member 100 at an angle of 180 degrees around the support member first axis 102 from the first leg 102. The support arm 200 extends away from the support member first axis 102 halfway between the second leg 704 and third leg 706 around the support member first axis 102.

As shown in FIG. 7 (i.e. when viewed along the support member first axis 102), the second leg 704 is spaced apart from the first leg 702 around the support member first axis 102 in a first angular direction (1AD) by an angle of T3 degrees, and spaced apart from the support arm 200 around the support member first axis 102 in the first angular direction (1AD) by an angle of T1 degrees. The third leg 706 is spaced apart from the first leg 702 around the support member first axis 102 in a second angular direction (2AD), where the second angular direction (2AD) is in an opposite direction around the support member first axis 102 to the first angular direction (1AD), by an angle of T4 degrees, and spaced apart from the support arm 200 around the support member first axis 102 in the second angular direction (2AD) by an angle of T2 degrees.

The second leg 704 is spaced apart from the third leg 706 around the support member first axis 102 by an angle of (T1+T2) degrees. T3 has the same value as T4. T1 has the same value as T2. The value of the sum of (T1 and T2) is greater than the value of T3 or T4. The value of the sum of (T1+T2) is at least 1.2, but not more than 1.5, times the value of T3 or T4.

In one example:

• • T1 has a value of 72.5 degrees;
  • T2 has a value of 72.5 degrees;
  • T3 has a value of 107.5 degrees; and
  • T4 has a value of 107.5 degrees.

The length of the pendulum 300 (i.e. the lengths of the first section 310), second section 312, third section 314, the angle of the pendulum 300 relative to the support member first axis 102, the length of second leg 704, and the length of third leg 706 are such that the pendulum 300 is spaced apart from the legs 704, 706 as it rotates about the support arm second axis 202. Hence the unequal distances between the legs 702, 704, 706 around the support member first axis 102 allow the pendulum 300 to swing without collision with the legs 704, 706. That is to say, the spacing between the second leg 704 and third leg 706 around the first axis 102 (i.e. angle T1+T2) being greater than the spacing between the first leg 702 and second leg 704 around the first axis 102 (i.e. angle T3), and greater than the spacing between the first leg 702 and third leg 706 around the first axis 102 (i.e. angle T4) ensures the pendulum 300 is operable to swing without collision with the legs 704, 706.

As shown in FIG. 12, the tripod may comprise an orientation indicator (e.g. a spirit level or array of spirit levels 710, 712, 714 to indicate the orientation of support member 100 and/or mount 600 relative to a vertical and horizontal direction. The spirit levels 710, 712, 714 may each be a bubble spirit level. The orientation indicator may be located on a bracket fitted to the mount 600, for example the bracket 708 from which the legs 702, 704, 706 extend.

At least one of the legs 702, 704, 706 may comprise an anchor feature 730. The first leg 702 may comprise an anchor feature 730. The anchor feature 730 may be provided as a plate with an aperture through which a peg is fitted to fix the leg to the ground.

In an alternative example, as shown in FIGS. 15, 16, the mount 600 for the golf training aid 20 may comprise part of a wall mount 900, and the wall mount 900 may comprise wall mounting members 902 (e.g. brackets).

In an alternative example, as shown in FIGS. 17, 18 the mount 600 may comprise part of a pole or pole assembly 800. The pole or pole assembly 800 may be configured to extend from a base unit 802 configured to secure the pole 800 to a substrate (e.g. the ground).

As shown in FIG. 2, the golf training assembly 10 may comprise the golf training aid 20 and a golf club 500, wherein the golf club 500 has a head 502. As shown in FIGS. 2, 20, 21, the golf club head 502 may be provided with an engagement feature 504 for attaching the head 502 of the golf club 500 to the golf club connector 400 of the pendulum 300. The engagement feature 504 may comprise a passage 506 in the golf club head 502 having a longitudinal axis 508 and configured to slidably receive the golf club connector 400 (e.g. the attachment pin 402) therein. The golf club connector 400 head passage 506 may be shaped so that the golf club connector 400 (e.g. the attachment pin 402) and golf club head 502 are rotatable relative to one another about the passage longitudinal axis 508.

The golf club 500 may be used attached to the golf training aid 20 before being detached therefrom to be used on a golf course.

As described, the pendulum 300 is mounted support arm 200 such that the end having the golf club connector 400 is able to swing in an accurate arcuate manner about the support arm second axis 202. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8, by arrows indicating swings to the left (L) and right (R).

In use, the golf training assembly is set up by extending the legs 702, 704, 706 to suitable lengths to provide stability. The pendulum 300 is adjusted in length such that the golf club connector 400 overlies the practice putting surface (i.e. substrate I ground) without contacting it, or at least not significantly contacting it. A golf club head 502 is attached to the golf club connector 400 such that a shaft 508 of the golf club 500 extends upwardly in a normal position suitable for practising the stroke (for example a putting stroke). The golf club head 502 may be a golf club 500 that can be used in normal play in which case, for example, the club head 502 may have attachment means (e.g. passage 506) that permit the head 502 to be detachably connected to the golf club connector 400.

A user grips the golf club 500 in the normal manner before undertaking a stroke (for example, a putting stroke). In undertaking a stroke the club head 502 is guided by the arc which the pendulum determines, centered on the support arm second axis 202, and drawn with the golf club connector 400. This arc is the predetermined preferred arc for undertaking a correct putting stroke (for example, a putting stroke). Accordingly, the user experiences the biomechanical feedback in her/his own body as to how she/he should be undertaking the stroke and also experiences how it should feel.

The configuration of the golf training aid 20 and the various examples of the golf training assembly 10 allows the optimum putting stroke to be achieved for greater directional and length accuracy. The ability to adjust the angle of the pendulum 300 and the golf club connector 400 ensures the geometric configuration can be tuned to a user's needs.

The tripod of the present disclosure provides for greater stability than examples of the related art while also enabling the pendulum to swing freely relative to, and past, the legs of the tripod.

The alternative mount designs of the wall mount and pole mount provide alternative stable means for supporting the golf training aid.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A golf training aid (20) which comprises: a support member (100) which extends along a first axis (102);a support arm (200) which extends from a first side (110) of the support member (100) and extends along a second axis (202) at an angle (A1) to the first axis (102);a pendulum (300) which extends from the support arm (200) to a golf club connector (400) which defines a free end (304) of the pendulum (300), the pendulum (300) being rotatably mounted to the support arm (200) such that the pendulum (300) is rotatable about the support arm second axis (202);wherein the pendulum (300) extends along a third axis (302);the golf club connector (400) extends along a fourth axis (402); andwherein the support arm (200) is pivotably attached to the support member (100) by a hinge (210) such that the angle (A1) is variable.

2. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support arm hinge (210) comprises: an angle adjustment mechanism (214) configured to permit adjustment of the angle of the support arm (200) relative to the support member (100); and further comprisesa locking mechanism (216) operable to lock the position of the support arm (200) relative to the support member (100) at a user defined angle.

3. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle adjustment mechanism (214) is operable to limit the adjustment of the angle A1 of the support arm (200) relative to the support member (100) to be no less than 65 degrees and no more than 90 degrees.

4. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the angle adjustment mechanism (214) comprises an indicator (220) configured to indicate the angle of the support arm (200) to the support member (100).

5. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the golf club connector (400) is pivotable relative to the support member first axis (102) to alter the angle between the support member first axis (102) and golf club connector fourth axis (402).

6. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the golf club connector (400) is pivotable relative to the pendulum third axis (302) to alter the angle between the pendulum third axis (302) and golf club connector fourth axis (402).

7. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pendulum (300) comprises a first section (310) which extends from the support arm (200), a second section (312) which extends at an angle to the first section (310) and a third section (314) which extends at an angle from the second section (312) and terminates at the golf club connector (400).

8. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the pendulum (300), the first section (310), the second section (312), the third section (314) and the golf club connector (400) define a common plane (1000).

9. A The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the golf club connector (400) is connected to the pendulum (300) by a pivot coupling (410) which is constrained to pivot in the common plane (1000).

10. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the golf club connector (400) comprises an attachment pin (440).

11. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pendulum (300) is adjustable in length.

12. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pendulum (300) is rotatably mounted to the support arm (200) by a support assembly (330) comprising: a bearing assembly (332, 334) which permits rotation between the pendulum (300) and the support arm (200); anda support member (336) which extends between the pendulum (300) and the bearing assembly (332, 334).

13. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a mount (600) configured to carry the support member (100).

14. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the support member (100) is: locatable in and/or on the mount (600);slideable relative to the mount (600) along the support first axis (102); and/orrotatable relative to the mount (600) around the support first axis (102); anda clamp or lock (610) is provided to fix the support member (100) relative to the mount (600).

15. The golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the support member (100) comprises a first location feature (130) and the mount (600) comprises a second location feature (630), the first location feature (130) and second location feature (630) operable to engage and fix the position of the support member (100) and mount (600) relative to one another around the first axis (102).

16. A golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, and a mount (600), wherein the mount 600 forms part of a tripod (700), the tripod having three legs (702, 704, 706) spaced apart around the support member first axis (102); wherein: the support arm (200) extends away from the support member (100) at an angle of 180 degrees around the support member first axis (102) from the first leg (102);the second leg (704) is spaced apart from the first leg (702) around the support member first axis (102) in a first angular direction by at an angle of T3 degrees, and spaced apart from the support arm (200) around the support member first axis (102) in the first angular direction by an angle of T1 degrees;the third leg (706) is spaced apart from the first leg (702) around the support member first axis (102) in a second angular direction by at an angle of T4 degrees, and spaced apart from the support arm (200) around the support member first axis (102) in the second angular direction by an angle of T2 degrees;the second leg (704) is spaced apart from the third leg (706) around the support member first axis (102) by an angle of (T1+T2) degrees, wherein:T3 has the same value as T4;T1 has the same value as T2; andthe value of the sum of (T1 and T2) is greater than the value of T3 or T4;the value of the sum of (T1+T2) is at least 1.2, but not more than 1.5, times the value of T3 or T4.

17. The golf training assembly (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein: T1 has a value of 72.5 degrees;T2 has a value of 72.5 degrees;T3 has a value of 107.5 degrees;T4 has a value of 107.5 degrees.

18. The golf training assembly (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the length of the pendulum (300), the angle of the pendulum (300) relative to the support member first axis (102), length of second leg (704), and the length of third leg (706) are such that the pendulum (300) is spaced apart from the legs (704, 706) as it rotates about the support arm second axis (202).

19. The golf training assembly (10) as claimed in claim 16, wherein the tripod comprises an orientation indicator to indicate the orientation of the support member (100) relative to a vertical and horizontal direction.

20. A golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, and a mount (600) wherein the mount (600) forms part of a pole (800); and the pole extends from a base unit (802) configured to secure the pole (800) to a substrate.

21. A golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, and a mount (600) wherein the mount (600) forms part of a wall mount (900) and comprises wall mounting members.

22. A golf training assembly (10) comprising a golf training aid (20) as claimed in claim 1, and a golf club (500), wherein the golf club (500) has a head (502) with an engagement feature (504) for attaching the head (502) of the golf club (500) to the golf club connector (400) of the pendulum (300); the engagement feature (504) comprising a passage (506) in the golf club head (502) having a longitudinal axis (508) and configured to slidably receive the golf club connector (400) therein; andthe golf club connector (400) head passage (506) being shaped so that the golf club connector (400) and golf club head (502) are rotatable relative to one another about the passage longitudinal axis (508).