GOLF TRAINING DEVICE AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

Collapsible tripod-like golf training devices to help golfers maintain a proper swing path and alignment are provided. The device is placed behind a golfer, adjusted vertically to fit any height, so a golfer feels their hips and glutes against a horizontal bar including at least two legs. The gold training device prevents early extension and sway by forcing the golfer to maintain a proper spine angle and weight distribution throughout the swing.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to golf training devices and more particularly to swing-stabilization and swing-improvement devices which address the proper ergonomics and kinesthetics of a golf swing.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a challenging sport to learn and improve at. It takes years of practice and dedication to become a good golfer. Traditional golf training methods, such as lessons from a professional or practicing on the driving range can be expensive and time-consuming. Additionally, golf lessons are notoriously difficult to transfer from day to day, from the lesson to the range, and most importantly, to the golf course. Many current swing training devices only focus on arm placement, swing path, tempo, or other tertiary parts of the game but not the main driver of the swing, the hips.

Early extension is a common swing flaw in golf that occurs when a golfer's hips and shoulders extend too far forward during the downswing. This can happen for several reasons, such as improper weight distribution, lack of flexibility, or muscle imbalance. When a golfer extends early, or stands up, they are not able to transfer their weight and power into the ball as effectively. This can lead to shorter, weaker shots, and shots that slice or hook. Early extension can also put stress on the golfer's back and hips, which can lead to injury.

To overcome early extension, the “wall drill” has been suggested, where a golfer positions their backside (or gluteal muscles) to a wall, crosses their arms, and on the backswing feel their right buttock press against the wall, then feel as if they were rolling their backside during the forward swing until they finished with a proper turn and finish where their left hip remained on the wall. While this feel-drill promotes good posture, it does not include a club and an actual swing making it difficult to repeat and transfer to the course.

Swaying is another common swing flaw in golf that occurs when a golfer's hips and shoulders move laterally (i.e., side-to-side, away from the target direction) during the swing. This can happen for a number of reasons, such as improper weight distribution, lack of flexibility, or muscle imbalance. Swaying can lead to a loss of power, accuracy, and can put stress on the golfer's back and hips.

There are millions of golfers around the world who have been looking for ways to improve their game but there has never been a one-size-fits-most solution. Existing training devices are primarily either bungy cord devices or arm/leg wraps designed to sway or restrain a golfer so they mistakenly believe they are learning.

Therefore, a need exists for techniques that actively promote a proper hip turn throughout the full swing and provide immediate feedback of execution.

SUMMARY

An elegant, collapsible golf training apparatus/device comprising cost-effective parts which, assembled in a stable crossbar-style configuration, with optional telescopic and optional tripod members, all with appropriately-tailored clamps, improve the mechanics, kinesthetics and ergonomics of a golfer's swing. The swing trainer device of the present disclosure uses a collapsible tripod-like device to help golfers maintain a proper swing path and alignment. The golf training device is placed behind the golfer, where a hip or feedback bar is adjusted vertically to fit any height, so a golfer feels their hips and glutes against the horizontal hip or feedback bar during their swing. This helps to prevent early extension by forcing the golfer to maintain a proper spine angle and weight distribution throughout the entire swing. Similarly, setting up the golf training device on a golfer's back hip (i.e., the hip farthest away from the target) allows them to instantly feel if they are swaying in their swing for immediate correction. The golf training device can also be placed in front of a golfer with the horizontal hip bar set at shin height in another manner to discourage a golfer from early extension. Finally, the golf training device could be set to the golfer's front hip side (the hip closest to the target) with the hip bar vertically above their front side foot so that a golfer completes a golf swing touching the hip bar, with 90% of their weight on their front foot.

The golf training device of the present disclosure is elegant yet portable and easy to use, making the golf training device ideal for practicing at home in front of a mirror, in the backyard, on the range, during a lesson, or even the course. The golf training device provides real-time feedback helping a golfer/user to identify if they are “coming out of their swing” or swaying and allows the golfer/user to correct flaws in their technique.

The golf training device is effective and easy to use for golfers of any skill level. The golf training device is lightweight and compact to fit in a golf bag for easy transport between the range, a lesson, the course, and at home.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a golf training device includes a support assembly including at least three legs, each leg including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a first tube member and the second end configured to contact a surface; a tactile feedback assembly configured to contact a portion of a body of a user; and a telescoping member include a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescoping member configured to be disposed in the first tube member of the support assembly and the second end of the telescoping member being coupled to the tactile feedback assembly, wherein the telescoping member enables the tactile feedback assembly to be adjusted depending on a height of the user.

In another aspect, the tactile feedback assembly includes a base coupled to the second end of the telescoping member and a feedback bar coupled to the base and configured to contact gluteal muscles of the user.

In a further aspect, the feedback bar includes first and second arms, each arm being rotatably coupled to the base.

In one aspect, the feedback bar is extendable from the base.

In another aspect, the telescoping member is rotatable relative to the first tube member such that the feedback bar is rotatable relative to the support assembly.

In yet another aspect, the golf training device includes a height clamp disposed about the telescoping member to adjust the telescoping member relative to the first tube member of the support assembly.

In a further aspect, the golf training device includes a coupling member slidingly disposed about the first tube member, the first end of each leg being coupled to the coupling member, wherein the coupling member enables the at least three legs to extend and retract relative to the first tube member.

In another aspect, the first tube member includes a first joint for articulating the tactile feedback assembly relative to the support assembly.

In one aspect, the golf training device further includes a second joint coupling the second end of the telescoping member to the tactile feedback assembly for articulating the feedback bar relative to the portion of the body.

In still another aspect, the feedback bar includes first and second arms, each arm being rotatably coupled to the base via a spring-loaded component, and the golf training device further includes a spring-loaded coupling member slidingly disposed about the first tube member, the first end of each leg being coupled to the coupling member, wherein the coupling member enables the at least three legs to extend and retract relative to the first tube member; and a trigger mechanism coupled to the spring-loaded component and the spring-loaded coupling member, wherein upon activation, the first and second arms rotate to be perpendicular relative to the telescoping member and first tube member and the coupling member extends each leg relative to the first tube member.

In one aspect, the golf training device further includes a camera attachment that couples a camera to the device for capturing at least one image of the user.

In another aspect, the golf training device further includes at least one sensor positioned on the feedback bar that senses a distance between the feedback bar and the portion of the user.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a golf training device includes a support assembly including at least three legs, each leg including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a first tube member and the second end configured to contact a surface; a coupling member slidingly disposed about the first tube member, the first end of each leg being coupled to the coupling member, wherein the coupling member enables the at least three legs to extend and retract relative to the first tube member; a tactile feedback assembly including a base and first and second arms rotatably coupled to the base, the first and second arms configured to a portion of a user; and a telescoping member include a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescoping member configured to be disposed in the first tube member of the support assembly and the second end of the telescoping member being coupled to the base of the tactile feedback assembly, the telescoping member enables the tactile feedback assembly to be adjusted depending on a height of the user, wherein in a first state, the first and second arms and the at least three legs are positioned to be in parallel with the first tube member and the telescoping member and, in a second state, the first and second arms are positioned to be perpendicular to the first tube member and the telescoping member and the at least three legs are extended away from the first tube member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent in light of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a right side view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a left side view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a front, perspective view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a right side view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a left side view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a top view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a bottom view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 in a collapsed state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 15 is a front, perspective view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 1 with arms shown in a half-open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 is a rear, perspective view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 15 with arms shown in a half-open state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a front, perspective view of a golf training device in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 17 in an articulating state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the golf training device shown in FIG. 17 in an articulating state in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 is a close up view of an articulating joint of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 21 is close of view of an articulating base of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 22A-22D illustrates a method for correcting early extension using a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 23A-23D illustrates a method for correcting sway using a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 24 is close up of view of a tactile feedback assembly including at least one sensor in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 25 illustrates a feedback system of a golf training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

It should be understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and are not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the disclosure. It should be noted that the features illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of one embodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisan would recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail.

The golf training device of the present disclosure is a unique and innovative product that offers several advantages over traditional training devices and/or methods as the golf training device of the present disclosure focuses on “standing up”, “hip thrust”, “early extension”, “proper swing sequencing”, and “sway”. These faults are estimated to affect 50-80% of amateur golfers, which lead to inconsistent ball striking and poor scores. The training device described herein is designed to help golfers eliminate these common swing flaws and improve their overall game.

The herein-disclosed golf training device is elegant yet portable and easy to use, making it ideal for practicing at home in front of a mirror, in the backyard, on the range, during a lesson, or even the course. The herein-disclosed golf training device provides real-time feedback helping a golfer/user to identify if the golfer/user are “corning-out of their swing” and allows the golfer/user to correct flaws immediately in your technique.

The herein-disclosed golf training device is a simple, yet effective device that uses a collapsible tripod-like device to help golfers maintain a proper swing path and alignment. The tripod-like device is placed behind the golfer, a hip bar/horizontal bar is adjusted vertically to fit any height, so a golfer feels their hips and gluteal muscles (also known as “glutes”) against the horizontal hip bar. This helps to prevent early extension and sway by forcing the golfer to maintain a proper spine angle and weight distribution throughout the swing. The golf training device is easy to use and can help golfers of any skill level, from beginner to pro. The herein-disclosed golf training device is also portable, compact, lightweight and can be used at home, on the range, or even a golf course.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, a golf training device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The device 100 includes a support assembly 102, a telescoping member 104 and a tactile feedback assembly 106. The support assembly 102 includes a first tube member 108 having a first, upper end 109 and a second, lower end 111. Disposed about the lower end 111 is a coupling member 113 configured to slide along the first tube member 108. At least three legs 110 are coupled to the coupling member 113 and are configured to extend away from the first tube member 108 when the coupling member 113 is slid toward the second end 111 and retract against the first tube member 108 when the coupling us slid toward the first end 109. Each leg 110 including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the coupling member 113 and the second end configured to contact a surface, e.g., the ground. Optionally, the support assembly 102 may include brackets 115, each bracket 115 being coupled at one end to the second end 111 of tube member 108 and at the other end to a portion of a respective leg 110. Additionally, each leg 110 may include an end cap fitting (or foot) 112 for stability and floor-friction control, i.e., to prevent slipping or unwanted movement of the device 100.

Telescoping member 104 includes a first, upper end 117 and a second, lower end 119. Member 104 is configured to be slidingly disposed in first tube member 108. Second end 119 of member 104 is disposed in end 109 of member 108. A height clamp 114 is provided to position the telescoping member 104 relative to the first tube member 108. In one embodiment, the clamp 114 is generally circular and engages a threaded portion (not shown) on end 109 of tube 108 and, when tightened, engages the telescoping member 104 causes the telescoping member 104 to be fixed at a predetermined position. Subsequently, the clamp 114 may be loosened so the telescoping member 104 can be moved to a different position adjusting the height of the feedback assembly from a surface or the ground.

The tactile feedback assembly 106 includes a base 116, first arm 118 and second arm 120. Each arm 118, 120 includes at least one end that is rotatably coupled to the base 116 via pivot point 121, 123 respectively. In FIG. 1, the first and second arms 118, 120 are positioned to be parallel relative to the ground upon which the device 100 is placed. In this parallel position relative to the ground, the first and second arms 118, 120 may also collectively be referred to as a feedback, hip, or horizontal bar. As will be described below, the first and second arm 118, 120 may be articulated/rotated so the arms 118, 120 may be parallel to member 104 and/or member 108, as shown in FIGS. 8-14. The base 116 is coupled to end 117 of telescoping member 104 and, thus the height of the arms 118, 120 relative to the ground may be adjusted by adjusting the telescoping member 104 relative to the tube member 108. It is to be appreciated that the telescoping member 104 is also rotatable when disposed in the tube member 108 for adjustments relative to the golfer. In manner, since the telescoping member 104 is rotatable, the first and second arms 118, 120 (or feedback bar) is rotatable for 360 degrees to enable adjustments for various teaching modalities.

As mentioned above, the first arm 118 and second arm 120 are rotatably coupled to the base 116 via pivot points 121, 123 respectively. Referring to FIGS. 15-16, the first arm 118 and second arm 120 are shown adjusted to a midway position or about 45 degrees relative to members 104 and 108. It is to be appreciated that each arm 118, 120 is individually adjustable (e.g., along arc D) and may be positioned for a particular training exercise. As shown in FIG. 1, the first arm 118 and second arm 120 are perpendicular to members 104, 108 when fully extended. As shown in FIGS. 8-12, the first arm 118 and second arm 120 are in parallel to members 104, 108 when retracted.

Referring to FIGS. 8-14, the golf training device 100 of the present disclosure is shown in a fully retracted or fully collapsed state. Here, both arms 118, 120 are positioned to in parallel to members 104, 108. Coupling member 113 is slid toward end 109 of tube member 108 retracting the legs 110 to be adjacent the lower end 111 of tube member 108. Height clamp 114 then may be loosened to allow end 119 of member 104 to slide into member 108. In this manner, the fully retracted or fully collapsed golf training device is portable and easily carried. Additionally, each of the above-described components may be constructed from anodize aluminum or carbon fiber making the device 100 lightweight. When in a fully collapsed state, the device 100 can be, for example, as small as 20 inches or as long as 34 inches depending on whether the device 100 is hinged or non-hinged, where the hinged version will be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 17-21, a golf training device 200 in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure is provided. The device 200 includes a support assembly 202, a telescoping member 204 and a tactile feedback assembly 206. It is to be appreciated that device 200 is configured and operates similar to device 100 described above in relation to FIGS. 1-7 where similar components will have similar reference numbers. Therefore, similar components (e.g., leg 110 in FIG. 1 and leg 210 in FIG. 17) will not be described again here for the sake of brevity, however, structural differences will be described.

In device 200, tube member 208 includes a first joint 250 that couples lower end 211 to upper end 209. Joint 250 enables the upper end 209 including the feedback assembly 206 to articulate relative to the lower end 211 and the support assembly 202. As shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 20, the upper end 209 of member 208 pivots relative to lower end 211 about pivot point 252. Referring to FIG. 20, joint 250 includes U-shaped portion 251 configured to receive portion 253 of end 211 where portions 251 and 253 are rotatably coupled by, for example, a pin disposed at pivot point 252. It is to be appreciated that other means for enabling articulation of the feedback assembly 206 relative to the lower end 211 and the support assembly 202 are contemplated to be within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, tube member 208 may be constructed as a flexible gooseneck or from a flexible material that retains its shape after manipulation.

As shown in FIG. 19, the joint 250 enables the feedback assembly 206 to be positioned closer to a golfer or user when the support assembly 202 is rested on a surface, for example, the ground. In other words, the hinged device 200 allows the golfer to be farther away from the support assembly 202 or tripod base so that legs 210 of the support assembly 202 or tripod base does not get in the golfer's way.

Additionally, device 200 includes a second joint 260 that couples base 219 to upper end 217 of telescoping member 204. As shown in FIGS. 18, 19 and 21, the base 216 including arms 218, 220 pivots relative to member 204 about pivot point 262. In one embodiment, arms 218, 220 may be pivoted in a range of 90 degrees, as illustrated by arrow C in FIG. 19. As shown in FIG. 19, the joint 260 enables the arms 218, 220 to be positioned in parallel to a backside or glutes of a golfer to provide more surface area in contact with the golfer for improved feedback. Referring to FIG. 21, joint 260 includes cavity 261 in base 216 configured to receive portion 263 of member 204 where base 216 and portion 263 are rotatably coupled by, for example, a pin disposed at pivot point 262. It is to be appreciated that although a joint is shown to enable the arms 218, 220 to pivot relative to the member 204 other mechanism may be provided to achieve the same. For example, the base 216 may be coupled to the member 204 by a goose neck, a swivel hinge, etc.

In one embodiment, the arms 118, 120, 218, 220 are extendable from the base 116, 216 respectively. As shown in FIG. 4, arms 118, 120 may extend and retract along double arrow A. As shown in FIG. 19, arms 218, 220 may extend and retract along double arrow B. In one embodiment, each arm 118, 120, 218, 220 may be telescopically coupled to a respective base 116, 216 at a respective pivot point. In embodiment, each arm 118, 120, 218, 220 may be extended away from a respective base 116, 216 and be rotated in an extended state. In this manner, a golfer is enabled to stand away at a greater distance from the support assembly 102, 202.

In a further embodiment, the device 100, 200 may be entirely “self-erecting” like a pop-up-tent. In this embodiment, the device 100, 200 may include springs inside the members 104, 108, 204, 208; the springs would be compressed while the device 100, 200 is in its “collapsed/stored” state (i.e., a first state), then via button or latch or other trigger, the device 100, 200 would self-expand to its proper/usable shape or state (i.e., a second state). For example, in one embodiment, the feedback bar includes first and second arms 118, 120, 218, 220 where each arm is rotatably coupled to the base 116, 216 via a spring-loaded component. Additionally, coupling member 113, 213 is spring-loaded about the first tube member 108, 208, wherein the spring-loaded coupling member enables the at least three legs 110, 210 to extend and retract relative to the first tube member 108, 208. In the collapsed state, the first and second arms 118, 120, 218, 220 and the at least three legs 110, 210 are positioned to be in parallel with the first tube member 108, 208 and the telescoping member 104, 204. A trigger mechanism 125, e.g., a button or the like, (as best shown in FIG. 7) is coupled to the spring-loaded component and the spring-loaded coupling member, wherein upon activation, the first and second arms 118, 120, 218, 220 rotate to be perpendicular relative to the telescoping member 104, 204 and first tube member 108, 208 and the coupling member extends each leg 110, 210 relative to the first tube member 108, 208. In other words, the device 100, 200 transitions from a fully collapsed state (i.e., the first state) as shown in FIG. 8 to a fully open state (i.e., the second state) as shown in FIGS. 1,17.

Throughout, PVC pipe or other appropriate materials may be used. Substitutes for PVC include traditional materials such as fiberglass composites, ceramics composites, linoleum composites, carbon fiber, aluminum, etc. In those cases where traditional materials cannot be used as a replacement, even chlorine-free plastics may be used instead of (or in addition to) PVC. Rubber or polypropylene may be used for extra-sensitive golfers or for children.

A method of using the golf training device for preventing early extension will now be described in relation to FIGS. 22A-22D. Referring to FIG. 22A, a setup of the device 100 relative to a golfer is illustrated. A golfer 270 approaches a golf ball 272 and the device 100 is placed behind the golfer 270. The height of the arms 118, 120 (or feedback bar) is then adjusted such that the feedback bar is behind (or touching) the gluteal muscles (or “glutes”) of the golfer 270. When device 200 is used, the device 200 may be adjusted at the first and second joints 250, 260 for proper placement. The golfer then performs a swing. If executed properly, the golfer's right glute (for a right-handed player) touches the bar confirming a full backswing (FIG. 22B), a rolling of the golfer's glutes across the bar (FIG. 22C) confirming there was no early release or hip thrust (which loses power, distance, and accuracy), then the golfer's left glute and hip against the bar while facing the target confirming a full finish (FIG. 22D). This feedback helps the golfer/user to identify and correct flaws in their swing instantly, so the golfer can improve their game more quickly. For example, if the golfer is in constant contact with the arms 118, 120 (or feedback bar), this is an indication of a proper swing. In contrast, if the golfer feels a separation from the arms 118, 120 (or feedback bar), this is an indication that their swing needs correction.

A method of using the golf training device for preventing sway will now be described in relation to FIGS. 23A-23D. The golf training device 100 is placed 1 inch to the right of the golfer's hip at setup, see FIG. 23A. If the takeaway is executed properly, the golfer should not contact the horizontal bar, and the golfer should gain separation from the device 100 at takeaway (FIG. 23B), contact (FIG. 23C), release (FIG. 23D), and follow-through. If at any point the golf contacts the arms 118, 120 (or feedback bar), this is an indication of sway in the golfer's swing. This right-hip feedback helps the golfer to know instantly if there is sway in their swing, allowing the golfer to improve their game more quickly.

In certain embodiments, the legs 110, 212 may further comprise optionally-retractable casters with wheels and wheel-locks for the golfer to further position and fix the device 100, 200 as desired. It is to be appreciated that the casters would be positioned where the end cap fittings 112 are shown in FIG. 1.

In one embodiment, at least one sensor may be provided (e.g. RFID chip, laser distance finder, pressure sensor, etc.) to monitor/beep/buzz when golfer separates or is too far from the arms (or feedback bar) of the device (e.g. early extension) during any part of the swing (including swing set-up) or when they sway. Furthermore, the device may comprise sensors (RF emitters and detectors) which optionally transmit data to a processor for real time or future imaging for the golfer to visually see the device's ameliorative effect on their swing.

In one embodiment, the device 100, 200 may have at least one sensor along the hip bar, i.e., arms 118, 218, 120, 220 and the golfer would wear a corresponding sensor on their body (e.g. waist, in back pocket, around hips, etc.) as well. When the distance between the two sensors grew too large (e.g. during early extension), an audible device would beep/etc. Another version of measuring this distance may include a laser or electronic measuring device.

Referring to FIG. 24, a close-up view of a tactile feedback assembly including at least one sensor is illustrated. FIG. 25 illustrates components of the feedback system 282, where the system 282 may include at least one sensor 280₁-208₆, and a controller 284. At least one sensor 280₁-208₆ is provided in each arm 118, 218. Although six sensors are shown, it is to be appreciated that the number of sensors may differ, for example, in one embodiment, one sensor configured to equal the length of an arm may be disposed on the arm; in other embodiments, more than six sensors may be used in each arm for finer granularity of sensing. In one embodiment, a signal from the at least one sensor 280₁-208₆ is transmitted to the controller 284. The controller 284 may determine that the golfer is too far away or separated from the at least one sensor 280₁-208₆ or feedback bar, and then, the controller 284 may then send a signal to activate the audible device 288, e.g., beeper, horn, speaker, etc., to alert the user that they are out of position. In another embodiment, a microphone 286 may be provided so a golfer may activate the feedback system 282 by voice command. For example, before each swing, a golfer may provide a voice command of “start” (or other command) so the controller 284 knows that a golfer is starting a swing, to avoid false alerts, for example, when the golfer is merely walking away from the device.

It is to be appreciated that the controller 284, microphone 286 and audible device 288 may be disposed in base 116, 216 or may be disposed in a housing (not shown) attached to device 100, 200.

In one embodiment, multiple sensors may be used to sense the proper mechanics of a swing from setup to release. It is to be appreciated that a proper swing (e.g., for a right handed golfer) may comprise a golfer's right gluteal muscle starting at setup at sensor 280₁ and, as the golfer goes through a back swing to release, the right gluteal muscle rolls along arm 118, 218 passing sensors 280₁-208₃ then rolling the left gluteal muscle along arm 120, 220 passing sensors 280₄-208₆. After the feedback system 282 is activated via voice command, if for a predetermined time after activation, the controller 284 does not sense the sensor are activated in order, the controller 284 will send a signal to activate the audible device 288 to alert the golfer.

A camera may be provided so golfers can film their swing that is intended for or used during instruction/practicing, just for a golfer to record and see their progress. In one embodiment, a camera attachment is provided that fits on the vertical tube 104, 204. This may be a small attachment with a clamp or vise to affix to the tube 104, 204 and a magnet or separate vise to hold a camera such as a mobile phone. In another embodiment, a built-in camera may be provided on the device that allows the golfer to record their swing similar to above. In a further embodiment, a camera attachment may be provided on the base 116, 216 configured to receive a camera or mobile phone. In yet another embodiment, the camera is coupled to controller 284 and the camera may be triggered to capture an image or to start to record a video via a signal from the controller 284 or by a voice command.

It is to be appreciated that the various features shown and described are interchangeable, that is a feature shown in one embodiment may be incorporated into another embodiment.

While the disclosure has been shown and described with reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Furthermore, although the foregoing text sets forth a detailed description of numerous embodiments, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment, as describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. One could implement numerous alternate embodiments, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims.

It should also be understood that, unless a term is expressly defined in this patent using the sentence “As used herein, the term ‘______’ is hereby defined to mean . . . ” or a similar sentence, there is no intent to limit the meaning of that term, either expressly or by implication, beyond its plain or ordinary meaning, and such term should not be interpreted to be limited in scope based on any statement made in any section of this patent (other than the language of the claims). To the extent that any term recited in the claims at the end of this patent is referred to in this patent in a manner consistent with a single meaning, that is done for sake of clarity only so as to not confuse the reader, and it is not intended that such claim term be limited, by implication or otherwise, to that single meaning. Finally, unless a claim element is defined by reciting the word “means” and a function without the recital of any structure, it is not intended that the scope of any claim element be interpreted based on the application of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph.

Claims

1. A golf training device comprising: a support assembly including at least three legs, each leg including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a first tube member and the second end configured to contact a surface;a tactile feedback assembly configured to contact a portion of a body of a user; anda telescoping member include a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescoping member configured to be disposed in the first tube member of the support assembly and the second end of the telescoping member being coupled to the tactile feedback assembly,wherein the telescoping member enables the tactile feedback assembly to be adjusted depending on a height of the user.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the tactile feedback assembly includes a base coupled to the second end of the telescoping member and a feedback bar coupled to the base and configured to contact gluteal muscles of the user.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the feedback bar includes first and second arms, each arm being rotatably coupled to the base.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the feedback bar is extendable from the base.

5. The device of claim 2, wherein the telescoping member is rotatable relative to the first tube member such that the feedback bar is rotatable relative to the support assembly.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising a height clamp disposed about the telescoping member to adjust the telescoping member relative to the first tube member of the support assembly.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising a coupling member slidingly disposed about the first tube member, the first end of each leg being coupled to the coupling member, wherein the coupling member enables the at least three legs to extend and retract relative to the first tube member.

8. The device of claim 7, further comprising an end cap fitting disposed on the second end of each of the at least three legs for stability and floor-friction control.

9. The device of claim 7, further comprising a retractable caster disposed on the second end of each of the at least three legs.

10. The device of claim 2, wherein the first tube member includes a first joint for articulating the tactile feedback assembly relative to the support assembly.

11. The device of claim 10, further comprising a second joint coupling the second end of the telescoping member to the tactile feedback assembly for articulating the feedback bar relative to the portion of the body.

12. The device of claim 4, further comprising a second joint coupling the second end of the telescoping member to the tactile feedback assembly for articulating the feedback bar relative to the portion of the body.

13. The device of claim 2, wherein the feedback bar includes first and second arms, each arm being rotatably coupled to the base via a spring-loaded component, and further comprising a spring-loaded coupling member slidingly disposed about the first tube member, the first end of each leg being coupled to the coupling member, wherein the coupling member enables the at least three legs to extend and retract relative to the first tube member; anda trigger mechanism coupled to the spring-loaded component and the spring-loaded coupling member, wherein upon activation, the first and second arms rotate to be perpendicular relative to the telescoping member and first tube member and the coupling member extends each leg relative to the first tube member.

14. The device of claim 2, further comprising a camera attachment that couples a camera to the device for capturing at least one image of the user.

15. The device of claim 2, further comprising at least one sensor positioned on the feedback bar that senses a distance between the feedback bar and the portion of the user.

16. The device of claim 2, wherein the feedback bar includes first and second arms and further comprising at least one sensor positioned on each of the first and second arms that senses a distance between the feedback bar and the portion of the user.

17. A golf training device comprising: a support assembly including at least three legs, each leg including a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to a first tube member and the second end configured to contact a surface;a coupling member slidingly disposed about the first tube member, the first end of each leg being coupled to the coupling member, wherein the coupling member enables the at least three legs to extend and retract relative to the first tube member;a tactile feedback assembly including a base and first and second arms rotatably coupled to the base, the first and second arms configured to a portion of a user; anda telescoping member include a first end and a second end, the first end of the telescoping member configured to be disposed in the first tube member of the support assembly and the second end of the telescoping member being coupled to the base of the tactile feedback assembly, the telescoping member enables the tactile feedback assembly to be adjusted depending on a height of the user,wherein in a first state, the first and second arms and the at least three legs are positioned to be in parallel with the first tube member and the telescoping member and, in a second state, the first and second arms are positioned to be perpendicular to the first tube member and the telescoping member and the at least three legs are extended away from the first tube member.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the first and second arms are rotatably coupled to the base via a spring-loaded component and the coupling member is spring-loaded about the first tube member, and further comprising a trigger mechanism coupled to the spring-loaded component and the spring-loaded coupling member, wherein upon activation, the device transitions from the first state to the second state.

19. The device of claim 17, wherein the first tube member includes a first joint for articulating the tactile feedback assembly relative to the support assembly.

20. The device of claim 19, further comprising a second joint coupling the second end of the telescoping member to the tactile feedback assembly for articulating the first and second arms relative to the telescoping member.