Golf Training Apparatus

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed toward a golf training apparatus, and more particularly to an apparatus that is substantially flat and flexible and includes a number of impressions for positioning a user's feet in relation to a golf ball such that striking the ball from different impressions results in different trajectories.

2. Description of Related Art

Golf is a very popular sport worldwide. It is a game played on a large outdoor course, the object being to propel a small hard ball 10 (FIG. 1A) into a series of “holes” with as few strokes as possible, using a variety of wood or iron-tipped golf clubs 20 (FIG. 1B). While golf clubs can typically be broken down into different categories—putter, wood, iron, wedge, and driver (FIG. 1C)—each club 20 comprises a shaft 22 and a head 24, with the head 24 having a substantially flat face 26.

Golf, unlike most ball games, does not use a standardized playing area, and coping with the varied terrains encountered on different courses is a key part of the game. Courses have regions of terrain, including the fairway, rough (tall grass), green, and various hazards such as water, rocks, or sand-filled bunkers. In swinging the club 20 to hit the ball 10, the swing is highly dependent on several sub-motions being properly aligned and timed. These ensure (a) that the head 24 travels up to the ball 10 in line with the desired path, (b) that the face 26 is in line with the swing path, and (c) that the ball 10 hits the center or “sweet spot” of the face 26. The ability to do this consistently, across a complete set of clubs with a wide range of shaft lengths and face areas is a key skill for any golfer and takes a significant effort to achieve.

Part of this involves the player's “stance.” Stance refers to how the golfer positions themselves in order to play a “stroke.” The stance is determined by what stroke is being played. When adopting their stance, golfers start with the non-dominant side of the body facing the target (for a right-hander, the target is to their left). Setting the stance in regard to the position of the ball 10, and placing the head 24 behind the ball 10, is known as being at “address.” When in this position the player's body and the centerline of the club's face 26 are positioned parallel to the desired line of travel, with the feet either perpendicular to that line or slightly splayed outward. The feet are commonly shoulder-width apart for middle irons and putters, narrower for short irons, and wider for long irons and woods.

As shown in FIG. 1D, the ball is typically positioned more to the “front” of the player's stance (closer to the leading foot) for lower-lofted clubs, with the usual ball position for a drive being just behind the arch of the leading foot. The ball is placed further “back” in the player's stance (toward the trailing foot) as the loft of the club to be used increases. Most iron shots and putts are made with the ball roughly centered in the stance, while a few mid- and short-iron shots are made with the ball slightly behind the center of the stance to ensure consistent contact between the ball and face, so the ball is on its way before the club continues down into the turf.

The golfer chooses a golf club and stroke appropriate to the distance. The “drive” or “full swing” is used on the teeing ground and fairway, typically with a wood or long iron, to produce the maximum distance capable with the club. The “approach” or “¾ swing” is used in medium- and long-distance situations where an exact distance and good accuracy is preferable to maximum possible distance, such as to place the ball on the green. The “chip” or “half-swing” is used for relatively short-distance shots near the green, with high-lofted irons and wedges. The “putt” is used in short-distance shots on or near the green.

Having chosen a club 20 and stroke to produce the desired distance, the player addresses the ball 10 by taking their stance to the side of it and grounding the club 20 behind the ball 10. The golfer then takes their backswing, rotating the club 20, their arms and their upper body away from the ball 10, and then begins their swing, bringing the head 24 back down and around to hit the ball 10. A proper golf swing is a complex combination of motions, and slight variations in posture or positioning can make a great deal of difference in how well the ball 10 is hit and how straight it travels.

Accuracy and consistency are typically stressed over pure distance. For example, a player with a straight drive that travels only 150 yards will nevertheless be able to accurately place the ball into a favorable lie on the fairway and can make up for the lesser distance of any given club by simply using “more club” (a lower loft) on their shot. However, a golfer with a drive that may go 220 yards but often does not fly straight will be less able to position their ball advantageously. For example, the ball may “fade,” “draw,” “pull,” “push,” “slice, or “hook” off the intended line and land out of bounds or in the rough or hazards. See, e.g., FIG. 1F.

Maintaining consistency and accuracy can be difficult, especially under different weather conditions and on different terrains (e.g., fairway vs. rough, specific hazards, etc.). Not only does a player have to decide which club 20 to use and their stance, but where their stance should be in relation to the ball 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 1E, for a right-handed player, it would be beneficial to know how far the player's left foot 40A should be in front (to the left) of the ball 10, how far the player's right foot 40B should be behind (to the right of) the ball 10, and how far the player should be standing away from the ball 10. Additionally, the player should be ensured that their stance is parallel to the swing path and that when addressing the ball, the ball is properly aligned with the face 26 of the club 20. As such, there is a need for a new and improved golf training apparatus that would address the foregoing and ensure a more consistent and accurate golf swing under given conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf training apparatus for improving accuracy and consistency while playing golf. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a substrate that is substantially flat and flexible and includes a number of impressions for positioning a user's feet in relation to a golf ball such that striking the ball from different impressions results in different trajectories.

In one embodiment, the substrate includes an upper surface and top, bottom, left, and right edges, where the substrate is substantially flat yet flexible, allowing for it to be placed on a natural terrain (e.g., grass), which may have various imperfections (e.g., bumps, divots, etc.). Preferably, the substrate is constructed from a flexible textile, such as polyester, cotton, a polyester/cotton blend.

In a preferred embodiment, the top edge of the substrate is substantially parallel to the bottom edge of the substrate, and the substrate includes a first series of impressions near the top edge of the substrate and a second series of impressions near the bottom edge of the substrate, where the first series corresponding to ball placement and the second series corresponds to user stance. In each series, each impression is preferably evenly spaced from another.

In one embodiment, the first series of impressions includes a first impression that is substantially equidistant from the left and right edges of the substrate, and the second series of impressions includes a second impression that is substantially equidistance from the left and right edges of the substrate, such that an imaginary line that traverses the first and second impressions is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom edges of the substrate. This provides for substantial alignment between the first and second series of impressions.

As discussed, the first series of impressions corresponds to ball placement and the second series of impressions corresponds to user stance. To center the user with respect to the substrate (for a right-handed user), the user's right foot should be at an impression to the right of the second impression (i.e., right foot impression) and the user's left foot should be at an impression to the left of the second impression (i.e., left foot impression), where the left and right foot impressions are equidistant from the second impression.

While ball placement depends on several factors (e.g., terrain, hazards, weather, etc.), the ball should be placed at or near a particular impression from the first series of impressions to achieve a particular result. For example, for a right-handed user, a high elevation is achieved by placing the ball at an impression to the left of the first impression, where the ball's trajectory increases as the distance from the first impression increases. Similarly, a lower elevation is achieved by placing the ball at an impression to the right of the first impression, where the ball's trajectory decreases as the distance from the first impression increases.

In one embodiment, each impression is created by forming (e.g., cutting, etc.) a through-opening in the substrate, hereafter referred to as an “aperture,” where the aperture is configured to receive the ball. In one embodiment, the aperture is circular and slightly larger than the diameter of the ball. However, other aperture shapes and sizes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, other impressions (e.g., affixed to the substrate) are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, a vertical impression may allow the user to properly align the face of the golf club (or head portion thereof) when addressing the ball. Proper alignment generally involves keeping the club square to the face of the ball, which can be accomplished by orienting the face of the golf club (or head portion thereof) so that it is parallel to the vertical impression.

In one embodiment, the substrate may further include a series of identifiers adjacent to each impression, which may be different for at least adjacent impressions. For example, the first impression may have an identifier of “0” with impressions to the right and left increasing in value (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.). By way of another example, the first 20 impressions may have an identifier of “T” with impressions to the right increasing in value (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) and the impressions to the left decreasing in value (e.g., −1, −2, −3, etc.). Obviously, these are just examples, and other identifiers are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

A more complete understanding of a golf training apparatus will be afforded to those skilled in the art, as well as a realization of additional advantages and objects thereof, by a consideration of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment. Reference will be made to the appended sheets of drawings that will first be described briefly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-C illustrate elements that are used in playing golf, including a ball and golf club(s);

FIGS. 1D-F depict different orientations of the ball with respect to the user's stance prior to striking the ball with the golf club, and results of proper and improper orientation (i.e., different golf shots);

FIG. 2 illustrates different golf swings in relation to a clock face, where different swings result in different golf shots;

FIG. 3 depicts a golf training apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, including a substrate and a plurality of impressions;

FIG. 4 depicts a close-up of area “A” from FIG. 3, showing the ball's location with respect an individual impression and a top edge of the substrate;

FIG. 5 depicts a golf training apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, including a substrate and a plurality of impressions;

FIG. 6 depicts a golf training apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, including a substrate and a plurality of impressions;

FIG. 7 depicts a close-up of area “B” from FIG. 6, showing the ball's location with respect to an individual impression and a top edge of the substrate;

FIG. 8 depicts a golf training apparatus in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, including a substrate and a plurality of impressions; and

FIG. 9 illustrates the golf training apparatus depicted in FIG. 8 and the orientation of the apparatus in relation to the ball and the user's feet.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention comprises a golf training apparatus. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus comprises a substrate that is substantially flat and flexible and includes a number of impressions for positioning a user's feet in relation to a golf ball such that striking the ball from different impressions results in different trajectories. In the detailed description that follows, like element numerals are used to describe like elements shown in one or more of the figures.

As discussed above, the present invention can be used to increase consistency and accuracy when playing golf. There are a lot of factors in playing golf well (e.g., club selection, swing, etc.), including (a) stance and the relationship between the user's stance (e.g., feet position) and ball placement and (b) proper orientation of the face of the golf club (or the head portion thereof) when addressing the ball.

For example, with reference to FIG. 2, a user's swing that travels from 2 to 8 on an imaginary clock face (i.e., 50) will generally result in a “fade” shot (see FIG. 1F). Alternatively, a user's swing that travels from 4 to 10 on the imaginary clock face (i.e., 60) will generally result in a “slice” shot (see FIG. 1F).

In addition to the user's swing, other factors can affect the resulting shot, including ball placement, or more particularly the relationship between the user's stance and the ball. Depending on the terrain, weather, and other factors (e.g., club selection, etc.), the user will have to figure out a relationship (between ball placement and stance) that is best to achieve the desired shot. However, once the user finds this relationship, then the user would want to duplicate that relationship under similar circumstances. The present invention aids the user in doing this, thereby resulting in greater consistency and accuracy when playing golf.

A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3, which includes a substrate 100 having (i) an upper surface and (ii) top, bottom, left, and right edges (see also FIG. 5 at 102, 104, 106, and 108, respectively). In a preferred embodiment, the substrate 100 is substantially flat yet flexible, allowing the substrate 100 to be placed on a natural terrain (e.g., grass), which may have various imperfections (e.g., bumps, divots, etc.). Preferably, the substrate 100 is constructed from a flexible textile, such as polyester, cotton, a polyester/cotton blend. It should be appreciated, however, that the substrate 100 may be constructed using other flexible and/or non-flexible materials (e.g., paper, plastic, cardboard, etc.). However, a textile-based substrate is preferred as it can also be used (e.g., in between play) as an absorbent cloth for drying, wiping, or cleaning surfaces (or materials, e.g., shoes, balls, clubs, etc.).

In a preferred embodiment, the top edge 102 of the substrate 100 is substantially parallel to the bottom edge 104 of the substrate 100. While the size of the substrate can vary, in one embodiment, the substrate has a height (H) of 16 inches and a width (W) of 32 inches. However, other dimensions are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Height (H) of the substrate 100 is generally proportional to the height of the user (i.e., the taller the user, the greater the distance should be between the user's feet and the ball). As such, in a preferred embodiment, the height (H) of the substrate 100 should be between 12 and 18 inches, and in a more preferred embodiment, between 14 and 16 inches.

In this embodiment, the substrate 100 also includes a first series of impressions 110 near the top edge 102 of the substrate 100 corresponding to ball placement. Preferably, these impressions are evenly spaced from one another. Substrate 100 should also include a second series of impressions 120 near the bottom edge of the substrate corresponding to the user's stance. Again, these impressions are preferably evenly spaced from another.

In one embodiment, the first series of impressions 110 includes a first impression 112 that is substantially equidistant from the left and right edges of the substrate 100 (i.e., 70A is substantially equal to 70B). In this embodiment, the second series of impressions 120 also includes an impression (i.e., a second impression 122) that is substantially equidistance from the left and right edges of the substrate 100, such that an imaginary line that traverses the first and second impressions (i.e., C) is substantially perpendicular to the top and bottom edges of the substrate 100. This provides for substantial alignment between the first and second series of impressions.

It should be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to the foregoing embodiments, and variations thereto (e.g., impressions that are not evenly spaced, a first set of impressions that is not aligned with a second set of impressions, etc.) are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It should also be appreciated that the number of impressions illustrated in the figures are merely exemplary and additional or fewer impressions are within the spirit and scope of the invention. Obviously, more impressions provide for more “fine tuning” in ball placement and/or user stance.

As discussed above, the first series of impressions 110 corresponds to ball placement and the second series of impressions 120 corresponds to the user's stance. To center the user with respect to the substrate, with respect to a right-handed user, the user's right foot should be at an impression to the right of the second impression 122 (i.e., right foot impression) and the user's left foot should be at an impression to the left of the second impression 122 (i.e., left foot impression), where the left and right foot impressions are equidistant from the second impression 122. Examples for left and right foot placements are discussed further below.

While ball placement depends on several factors (e.g., terrain, hazards, weather, etc.), the ball should be placed at or near a particular impression from the first series of impressions 110 to achieve a particular result. For example, for a right-handed user, a high elevation is achieved by placing the ball at an impression to the left of the first impression 112, where the ball's trajectory increases as the distance from the first impression 112 increases. Similarly, a lower elevation is achieved by placing the ball at an impression to the right of the first impression 112, where the ball's trajectory decreases as the distance from the first impression 112 increases.

In one embodiment, each impression in the first series of impressions 110 is created by forming (e.g., cutting, etc.) a through-opening in the substrate, hereafter referred to as an “aperture,” where the aperture is configured to receive the ball. This can be seen in FIG. 4, which is an enlargement of area “A” from FIG. 3, where a ball 10 is placed inside an aperture 212, which may correspond to the first impression 112 or an impression to the left or right thereof. In this embodiment, the aperture 212 is circular and slightly larger than the diameter of the ball 10. However, other aperture shapes and sizes are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. This can be seen, for example, in FIG. 5, where apertures in the shape of a plus (or cross) are shown, and FIG. 6, where apertures in the shape of a rectangle are shown. Other shapes are also within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the substrate may further include a series of identifiers (e.g., “W”) adjacent each impression, which may be different for at least adjacent impressions. For example, the first impression may have an identifier of “0” with impressions to the right and left increasing in value (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) (see, e.g., FIG. 9). By way of another example, the first impressions may have an identifier of “0” with impressions to the right increasing in value (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) and the impressions to the left decreasing in value (e.g., −1, −2, −3, etc.) (see, e.g., FIG. 8). Obviously, these are just examples, and other identifiers are within the spirit and scope of the present invention, including ones for each impression (e.g., A, B, C, etc.) and/or other identifiers (e.g., arrows, “Ball Position,” “Stance Width,” “Fade,” “Draw,” etc.). The identifiers can be affixed to the substrate using any method known to those skilled in the art, including, for example, sublimation, heat transfer, HTV, DTG, DTF, embroidery, etc. Sublimation is preferred as it has advantages over other methods (e.g., crisp details, longevity, etc.).

While the impressions may vary, there are advantages to certain shapes and sizes. For example, some may be better suited for receiving a spherical ball (see, e.g., FIG. 3, whereas those that are substantially vertical (see, e.g., FIG. 6) (e.g., perpendicular to the top and bottom edges of the substrate), can be used for proper alignment of the face of the golf club (or head portion thereof) when addressing the ball. Proper alignment generally involves keeping the club square to the face of the ball, which can be accomplished by orienting the face of the golf club (or head portion thereof) so that it is parallel to an impression (e.g., corresponding to ball placement, adjacent to ball placement, etc.), as 5-10% off alignment can result in a drastically different shot (e.g., pull hook, push slice, etc.). In this embodiment, where the impression is not ball-shaped, the ball may simply be placed over impression (not shown) or above the impression (see FIG. 7, showing an enlargement of area “B” from FIG. 6).

It should be appreciated that the impressions do not all need to be the same. For example, the “stance” impressions could be of one type and the “ball” impressions could be of another. It should also be appreciated that the impressions do not need to be apertures, but could be identifiers (e.g., dots, lines, etc.) affixed to the substrate, e.g., via sublimation, embroidered, etc.). See, e.g., FIGS. 8 and 9. To this end, the ball can be positioned over a corresponding impression (not shown) or near the same (see, e.g., FIG. 7).

FIG. 9 is an embodiment of the present invention showing ball placement with respect to the user's feet, or stance. By way of example, with respect to this embodiment, if the user is over six feet and right-handed, a typical stance may be at 4 and 4 (left foot (40A) at 4 to the left of center, right foot (40b) at 4 to the right of center). If the user is using a wood golf club, then he may want to place the ball (10) at 3 to the left of center. This would place the ball just inside the user's left foot and achieve maximum height and yardage. If the user is using a 9 iron, then the user may want to place the ball (10) at 0. However, if the user wants a “low runner” (e.g., due to wind or being under a tree), then the user may change his stance to 3 and 3 and place the ball (10) at 2 to the right of center so that when contact is made the ball will stay low to the ground (i.e., low trajectory). A “punch shot” may require an even narrower stance (e.g., 2 and 2) with the ball (10) at 1 on the top right or left, depending on whether the user wants the ball to come out high or low. Obviously, other examples are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Having thus described a preferred embodiment for a golf training apparatus, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is further defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf training apparatus, comprising: a golf ball having a plurality of dimples;a golf club having a shaft and a head with a substantially flat face that is configured to strike the golf ball; anda substantially flat, flexible substrate having at least an upper surface and top, bottom, left and right edges, wherein (1) the top edge is substantially parallel to the bottom edge, (2) the top edge comprises a first series of evenly spaced impressions, and (3) the bottom edge comprises a second series of evenly spaced impression;wherein a first impression in the first series of impressions is substantially equidistant from left and right edges of the substrate and a second impression in the second series of impressions is substantially equidistant from the left and right edges, such that a line that traverses the first and second impressions would be substantially perpendicular to both the top and bottom edges;wherein the second series of impression is configured for placement of a user's feet based at least on the user's height such that placement of the user's left foot is on the bottom edge of the substrate and to the left of the second impression and the user's right foot is on the bottom edge of the substrate and to the right of the second impression, with both feet both equidistant from the second impression; andwherein each one of the first series of impressions is configured for placement of the golf ball such that striking the golf ball with the golf club has a particular result, including a higher elevation when the golf ball is placed to the left of the first impression, the trajectory of the golf ball increasing as the distance from the first impression increases, and a lower elevation when the golf ball is placed to the right of the first impression, the trajectory decreasing as the distance from the first impression increases.
2. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein a distance between the top and bottom edges is between twelve and eighteen inches.
3. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each one of the first series of impressions is substantially vertical, such that alignment of the golf club's face with one of the first series of impressions results in the head being square with the golf ball.
4. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein each one of the first series of impressions is an aperture through the substrate.
5. The golf training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the aperture is a substantially vertical slit, such that alignment of the golf club's face with one of the first series of impressions results in the head being square with the golf ball.
6. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a textile comprising at least polyester.
7. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the substrate is a textile comprising at least a polyester-cotton blend.
8. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, the substrate further comprises a plurality of identifiers adjacent each one of the first and second series of impressions such that each one of the plurality of identifiers are different from at least adjacent ones of the plurality of identifiers.
9. The golf training apparatus of claim 8, wherein the plurality of identifiers are affixed to the substrate via sublimation.
10. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second series of impressions are affixed to the substrate via sublimation.
11. A method for training a user to play golf, comprising: placing a substantially flat, flexible substrate on a playing surface, the substrate having at least an upper surface, and top, bottom, left and right edges, wherein (1) the top edge is substantially parallel to the bottom edge, (2) the top edge comprises a first series of evenly spaced impressions, (3) the bottom edge comprises a second series of evenly spaced impressions, (4) the first series of impressions includes a first impression substantially equidistant from the left and right edges, and (5) the second series of impressions includes a second impression substantially equidistant from the left and right edges such that a line that traverses the first and second impressions would be substantially perpendicular to the both the top and bottom edges;placing a golf ball having a plurality of dimples adjacent one of the first series of impressions;standing adjacent the bottom edge of the substrate with the user's left foot at a first one of the second series of impressions and the user's right foot at a second one of the second series of impressions such that both feet are equidistant from the second impression, wherein the user is holding a golf club having a shaft and a head with a substantially flat face;positioning the head of the golf club adjacent the golf ball; andstriking the golf ball by raising the golf club back over the user's shoulder via a backswing and rapidly swinging the golf club toward the golf ball via a downswing;wherein placement of the golf ball to the left of the first impression results in a higher elevation when the golf ball is struck such that the trajectory of the golf ball increase as the distance from the first impression increases and placement of the golf ball to the right of the first impression results in a lower elevation when the golf ball is struck such that the trajectory of the golf ball decreases as the distance from the first impression increases.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein a distance between the top and bottom edges is between fourteen and sixteen inches.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein each one of the first series of impressions is substantially vertical and the step of positioning the head of the golf club adjacent the golf ball further includes aligning the golf club's face with one of the first series of impressions, resulting in the head being square with the golf ball.
14. The method of claim 11, wherein each one of the first series of impressions is an aperture through the substrate.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the aperture is a substantially vertical slit and the step of positioning the head of the golf club adjacent the golf ball further includes aligning the golf club's face with one of the first series of impressions, resulting in the head being square with the golf ball.
16. The method of claim 11, wherein the substrate is a textile comprising at least polyester.
17. The method of claim 11, wherein the substrate is a textile comprising at least a polyester-cotton blend.
18. The method of claim 11, the substrate further comprises a plurality of identifiers adjacent each one of the first and second series of impressions such that each one of the plurality of identifiers are different from at least adjacent ones of the plurality of identifiers.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the plurality of identifiers are affixed to the substrate via sublimation.
20. The method of claim 11, wherein the first and second series of impressions are affixed to the substrate via sublimation.

Golf Training Apparatus

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Abstract

Description

Claims