Patent Application
20240278102
The present invention relates to a golf training aid for golfers, and more particularly relates to a practice golf swing mat.
The intricacies of the game of golf are such that a golfer is required to put in a number of hours of practice in order to obtain and to maintain a desired level of proficiency. One of the important factors in improving one's golf game is the swing path of the club head throughout the golf swing, and particularly the path and position of the golf head when it strikes a golf ball at an address or hitting position. The failure to consistently swing the golf club such that the club head travels along the desired swing path inevitably imparts unwanted or undesired movement to the golf ball, which can cause the golf ball to hook or to slice, depending upon the path of the club head and the position of the club face at impact.
Although swinging the club along the proper path is important to establishing and maintaining a consistent golf game, as a practical matter, it is one of the most difficult elements of the game to practice properly. Indeed, it is difficult for a golfer to observe and to analyze the path of club head travel during the golf swing without resorting to professional instruction, or expensive and complicated video analysis systems. Many golfers are simply unable to afford the time and cost of a professional instructor, nor can they afford the expense of complex video golf swing analysis systems.
Practice golf swing mats are known which simulate the feel of actual turf and which may include movable portions, such as tees. Other conventional golf training aids can include hitting mats or boards that are configured in such a manner as to train the golfer not to hit the board. If the golfer, during the golf swing, hits the board, then the golfer understands that the golf swing is too shallow.
There does not presently exist in the market a practice that that allows the golfer to understand the swing path of the golf club during their swing, and to enable the golfer to adjust the swing path into a proper position based on immediate feedback from the golf practice mat.
The present invention is directed to a golf training aid, such as a golf swing mat system, that can include a golf swing mat and a plurality of replaceable, flexible and repositionable guide elements, barrier elements, and ball support elements. The golf swing mat can include a number of specially configured and positioned openings that are sized and configured for mounting the guide elements, the barrier elements, and the ball support element. The guide elements can be positioned by the user in various specific openings based on the type of natural golf swing that the user is trying to correct. The golf swing mat system also includes a plurality of flexible barrier elements that enable the user to enhance an attack angle of the golf swing and to enhance a launch angle of the golf ball off of the face of the club. The golf swing mat of the golf swing mat system also includes a plurality of aligned openings for mounting a flexible and repositionable ball support element that allows the user to support a golf ball, with or without a golf tee, and to also allow the user to practice and to improve the attack angle of the golf swing and the launch angle of the golf ball.
The present invention is directed to a golf swing mat system comprising a golf swing mat having a plurality of predefined openings formed therein. The plurality of predefined openings includes a plurality of guide element openings, a plurality of barrier element openings, and a plurality of ball support element openings. The golf swing mat system also includes a plurality of guide elements configured mounting in the plurality of guide element openings, a plurality of barrier elements configured for mounting in the plurality of barrier element openings, and one or more ball support elements configured for mounting in one of the plurality of ball support openings. The system also includes a hitting surface element coupled to the golf swing mat.
The golf swing mat has a main body having first and second opposed lateral sides and first and second opposed longitudinal sides, and the plurality of barrier element openings is formed along the first lateral side. The plurality of barrier element openings is formed in an aligned manner to form a row of barrier element openings. Further, the plurality of guide element openings incudes a first plurality of guide element openings formed along the first longitudinal side of the golf swing mat and a second plurality of guide element openings formed along the second longitudinal side of the golf swing mat. The first plurality of guide element openings is formed in an aligned manner to form a first row of guide element openings and the second plurality of guide element openings is also formed in an aligned manner to form a second row of guide element openings.
The main body of the golf swing mat can further include a top surface and an opposed bottom surface, and the top surface has a central cavity formed therein. The hitting surface element is mounted within the central cavity. The bottom surface of the main body of the golf swing mat can include a first plurality of surface features that correspond in location to the plurality of barrier element openings, a second plurality of surface features that correspond in location to the plurality of guide element openings, and a third plurality of surface features that correspond in location to the plurality of ball support element openings. According to one embodiment, the surface features can be formed as recesses.
The plurality of guide elements has a main body having a base portion and an integrally formed extension portion. The base portion has an outwardly extending bottom portion that is axially and longitudinally spaced from an outwardly extending rib portion. The bottom portion and the rib portion are connected together by an axially extending wall portion. The bottom portion and the rib portion have dimensions that are greater than dimensions of the wall portion, and the dimensions of the bottom portion are greater than the dimensions of the rib portion. Further, the base portion of each of the plurality of guide elements has a shape that is complementary to the shape of each of the plurality of guide element openings and to the second plurality of surface features formed in the bottom surface of the golf swing mat. The outwardly extending bottom portion has a shape that is complementary in shape to the second plurality of surface features and the axially extending wall portion has a shape that is complementary in shape to the plurality of guide element openings.
The plurality of barrier elements includes a main body having a base portion and an integrally formed extension portion, where the base portion of the barrier element includes an outwardly extending bottom portion that is axially and longitudinally spaced from an outwardly extending rib portion. The bottom portion and the rib portion of the barrier element are connected together by an axially extending wall portion. The bottom portion and the rib portion has dimensions that are greater than dimensions of the wall portion, and the dimensions of the bottom portion are greater than the dimensions of the rib portion. The base portion of each of the plurality of barrier elements has a shape that is complementary to the shape of each of the plurality of barrier element openings and to the first plurality of surface features formed in the bottom surface of the golf swing mat. Further, the outwardly extending bottom portion of the barrier element has a shape that is complementary in shape to the first plurality of surface features and the axially extending wall portion of the barrier element has a shape that is complementary in shape to the plurality of barrier element openings.
The ball support element includes a main body having a base portion and an integrally formed extension portion. The extension portion includes a central passage and a plurality of inwardly extending rib elements that extend into the passage. According to another embodiment, the golf swing mat includes attack angle indicia that is formed on the top surface and located adjacent to one or more of the plurality of guide element openings.
These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements through the different views. The drawings illustrate principals of the invention and, although not to scale, show relative dimensions.
The present invention is directed to a golf training aid, such as a golf swing mat system, that includes a golf swing mat and a plurality of removable and replaceable, flexible, and repositionable guide elements, barrier elements, and ball support elements. The golf swing mat can include a number of specially configured openings that are sized and configured for mounting the guide elements, the barrier elements, and the ball support element. The guide elements are configured so as to allow the user to reposition the guide elements in the various guide element specific openings. The guide elements can be positioned within specific or predefined openings formed in the golf swing mat so as to allow the golfer to practice the correct golf swing path and to correct any issues with, and to provide immediate corrective feedback on, the type of natural swing path of the golfer, such as a golfer that has a pronounced outside-in swing path (e.g., over the top) that typically results in slicing or fading the golf ball or a pronounced inside-out swing path that typically results in hooking the golf ball. The guide elements serve as visually indicators and feedback mechanisms that help guide the golfer in following a correct swing path that helps modify and adjust the golfers incorrect natural swing path. The golf swing mat system also includes a plurality of flexible barrier elements that enable the golfer to practice their golf swing and to practice and to enhance the attack angle of the golf swing and to enhance the launch angle of the golf ball off of the face of the club. The golf swing mat of the golf swing mat system also includes a plurality of aligned openings for mounting a flexible and repositionable ball support element that allows the user to support a golf ball, with or without a golf tee, and to also allow the golfer to select a desired attack angle and to practice hitting the golf ball from the selected location or position to achieve the desired attack angle. This helps the golfer improve the attack angle of their golf swing by enabling and guiding the golfer to hit the golf ball in an enhanced or improved ascending manner, which in turn improves the launch angle of the golf ball. The guide elements, the barrier elements and the ball support elements are removable and replaceable, and the guide and ball support elements are repositionable in one or more of the predetermined openings formed in the golf swing mat. The golf swing mat system 10 helps fix or correct incorrect swing paths and helps the golfer learn to increase the angle of attack (e.g., hit up on the ball), thus increasing the ball's peak point (a.k.a. maximum height) and helps maximize the roll of the golf ball for increased distance off the tec.
As used herein, the term “launch angle” in the context of a golf ball being struck by a golf club during a golf swing at an impact position refers to the angle formed between the initial direction of the golf ball when leaving the face of the golf club and the horizontal plane at the moment of impact. Stated another way, the launch angle is the vertical angle relative to the horizon of the golf ball's center of gravity movement immediately after leaving the club face. The launch angle is indicative of how steep or shallow the trajectory of the golf ball is when leaving the club face. The launch angle can be influenced by various factors, including the loft of the golf club, the dynamics or specifics of a golfer's swing, and the point of contact between the clubface and the golf ball. The golfer or user can practice their golf swing in an effort to optimize the launch angle so as to achieve a desired shot distance and trajectory.
As used herein, the term “attack angle” or “angle of attack” refers to a direction and an angle at which the clubhead approaches a golf ball during the downswing. The launch angle is an aspect of the golf swing that influences the launch angle and spin rate of the golf ball and affects a trajectory of the golf ball and a distance of carry. The attack angle is measured in relation to the ground and is determined by the angle formed between the clubhead's path and the ground at the moment of impact with the golf ball. A positive attack angle occurs when the clubhead is moving upward at impact, meaning it is ascending into the ball. A negative attack angle, on the other hand, occurs when the clubhead is moving downward at impact, indicating a descending motion into the golf ball. The ideal attack angle can vary depending on the type of shot a golfer is trying to execute and the specific characteristics of their swing. For example, a positive attack angle is often desirable for hitting high-launching shots with a driver, while a slightly negative or neutral attack angle may be preferred for iron shots to promote a more controlled and accurate ball flight.
As used herein, the term “impact position” refers to a configuration and alignment of the golf club, golfer's body, and golf ball at the moment of contact between the golf ball and golf club during a golf swing. The position encompasses the relative positions of the clubface, clubhead, and the golf ball, as well as the golfer's body posture and alignment during impact. The impact position determines a desired shot outcome, influencing factors such as ball speed, direction, and spin. The position essentially describes the specific geometrical arrangement and physical conditions at the point of impact in the golf swing, with potential variations based on swing techniques and equipment design.
As used herein, the term “guide element” or “gate element”, either singular or plural, is intended to refer to flexible, removable, replaceable, repositionable and reusable elements that can be mechanically connected to a golf swing mat at multiple different positions associated with predefined openings formed therein.
As used herein, the term “barrier element”, either singular or plural, is intended to refer to flexible, removable, replaceable, repositionable and reusable elements that can be mechanically connected to a golf swing mat and positioned therein based on a plurality of predefined openings formed in the golf mat.
The golf swing mat system 10 of the present invention is shown for example in
As shown in
The main body 22 of the golf swing mat 12 has a front lateral side 32A and an opposed back lateral side 32B, as well as connecting opposed longitudinal sides 34A and 34B. The golf swing mat 12 can also include a series of holes or openings that are formed in the main body 22 that are sized and configured for mounting selected structure or elements, such as the guide and barrier elements. According to one embodiment, each of the longitudinal sides 34A and 34B have a plurality of openings 38 formed therein. For example, the longitudinal side 34A includes openings 38A, 38B and 38C that are aligned therealong to form a row. Likewise, the opposed longitudinal side 34B includes openings 38A, 38B and 38C that are aligned therealong to form a row. The openings 38 formed on each opposed longitudinal side 34A, 34B are also aligned relative to each other. For example, the openings 38A and 38A formed on the opposed longitudinal sides 34A, 34B are aligned with each other, as are openings 38B-38B and 38C-38C. The openings 38 are sized and configured for seating the guide element 14. The main body 22 of the golf swing mat 12 also includes a plurality of openings 42 formed along the front lateral side 32A. The openings 42 are aligned relative to each other therealong to form a row. Each of the openings 42 are sized and configured for seating the barrier element 16.
Further, the main body 22 of the golf swing mat 12 includes a plurality of openings 46 that are formed in a central region or area of the central cavity 30. The openings 46 are aligned relative to each other along a straight line to form a row. The openings 46 also correspond to, and are in registration with, the openings 52 formed in the hitting surface element 50 when mounted within the central cavity 30 to form a continuous opening that extends from the bottom 16 of the golf swing mat 12 to the top of the hitting surface element 50. When the openings 46 and 52 are aligned and in registration with each other, the combined aligned openings serve to seat the ball support element 18.
As shown in
As shown for example in
The details and specifics of the guide elements 14 are shown for example in
The details of the barrier elements 16 are shown for example in
The details of the ball support element 18 are shown for example in
In operation, the user or golfer places the barrier elements 16 into the golf swing mat 12 by inserting the extension portion 120 from the underside or bottom surface 26 of the golf swing mat into the opening 42 until the rib portion 118 contacts the recess 60. The flexible nature of the rib portion 118 allows the rib portion to be forcibly pushed through the opening 42 until the rib portion 118 passes fully through the opening 42 and the underside of the rib portion seats on the top surface 24 of the golf swing mat 12. In the final mounting position, as shown for example in
Similarly, the user can also mount the guide elements 14 in the golf swing mat 12 at selected predefined locations depending upon the type of natural swing path of the user. The guide elements 14 can be mounted in the golf swing mat 12 by inserting the extension portion 100 from the underside or bottom surface 26 of the golf swing mat into the openings 38 formed on both longitudinal sides 34A, 34B of the golf swing mat until the rib portion 98 contacts the recess 64. The flexible nature of the rib portion 98 allows the rib portion to be forcibly pushed through the opening 38 until the rib portion 98 passes fully through the opening 38 and the underside of the rib portion seats on the top surface 24 of the golf swing mat 12. In the final mounting position, as shown for example in
Further, the user can mount the ball support element 18 in the golf swing mat 12 at selected locations depending upon the desired attack angle that the user wishes to practice and achieve. The ball support element 18 can be mounted in the golf swing mat 12 by inserting the extension portion 134 from the underside or bottom surface 26 of the golf swing mat into the opening 46 of the golf swing mat and the opening 52 of the hitting surface element 50. In the final mounting position, as shown for example in
The golfer can optionally employ a golf tee 150, which is retained within the central opening 136 of the ball support element 18 by the rib elements 138, and then a golf ball 156 can be placed and supported on the golf tee. Alternatively, the golf ball 156 can be placed directly on the ball support element 18. The user can then swing the golf club 160.
According to one example, the natural golf swing of a right-handed golfer produces a slice, which typically indicates that the golfer has an outside-to-inside swing path (e.g., over-the-top swing path). In an effort to alter or adjust this swing path, the golfer can position and mount the guide elements 14 in selected ones of the openings 38 formed in the golf swing mat 12. For example, the golfer can place a guide element 14 in opening 38C formed along the longitudinal side 34B and in the opening 38A formed in the longitudinal side 34A, as shown in
Similarly, if the golfer has a natural hook style swing, then the golfer's natural swing path follows an exaggerated inside-to-outside swing path. In an effort to alter or adjust this swing path, the golfer can position and mount the guide elements 14 in selected ones of the openings 38 formed in the golf swing mat 10. For example, the guide elements 14 can be mounted in the opening 38A along the longitudinal side 34B and in the opening 38C along the longitudinal side 34A. By positioning and mounting the guide elements 14 in the corresponding openings 38A, 38C, the golfer can practice their golf swing by trying to avoid hitting or contacting the guide elements 14 during the swing. This helps ingrain the feel of the golf swing and helps correct the inside-to-outside swing path. If the golfer wishes to practice a straight shot and has a naturally straight swing path, then the guide elements can be mounted in opposed aligned openings associated with the preferred attack angle opening. For example, the golfer can mount the guide elements 14 in the openings 38B formed in both sides 34A, 34B when the golfer wishes to practice a positive three-degree attack angle.
The golf swing mat system 10 of the present invention thus employs, in combination, barrier elements 16, repositionable guide elements 14, and a position selectable ball support element 18 that allow the golfer to practice their golf swing. The system 10 provides immediate tactile and visual feedback to the golfer on both the swing path and the attack angle at the same time. As such, the golfer that has for example an over-the-top swing path will contact the guide elements 14 during the golf swing. Further, if the golfer has a negative attack angle (e.g., swinging down on the ball), then the golf club 160 will contact the barrier elements 16 during the golf swing. The golfer will feel and hear the golf club hitting either or both of the barrier elements and the guide elements, thus providing immediate feedback.
The golf swing mat system 10 of the present invention can also be employed to allow the golfer to practice their golf swing, especially their iron shots, by positioning the entire system 10 a selected distance behind a golf ball. The golfer then swings the golf club and tries to avoid contacting the barrier elements 16 during the down swing. This helps the golfer practice hitting precise iron shots.
It will thus be seen that the invention efficiently attains the objects set forth above, among those made apparent from the preceding description. Since certain changes may be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover all generic and specific features of the invention described herein, and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.
The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/446,225, filed on Feb. 16, 2023, and entitled GOLF TRAINING AID, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63446225 | Feb 2023 | US |
