Ultra-Lightweight Golf Swing Training Aid

Abstract

An ultra-lightweight device configured to be used on a variety of body locations during a golf swing. The training aid device includes a spherical body that attaches to the body (arms, legs, hips, feet) with an adjustable cloth loop. By maintaining requisite pressure and/or proper device orientation, the golf swing shall be improved.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention relate to a golf swing training aid designed to be used in a number of locations around the golfer's body to improve swing performance.

BACKGROUND

Keeping the proper relationship, or structure, between the arms and body is essential for a powerful and repeatable golf swing. Proper structure permits a repeatable sequence of body movements resulting in a desirable golf swing. Through the years many objects have been used to accomplish this task. Approaches for maintaining proper arm/torso structure have included the use of a towel, club head cover, balloon or even foam toys. With all of these approaches, if structure is lost, the training aid must be retrieved and replaced before another swing can begin.

Patented golf training apparatus have been used with varied success to improve the golf swing. In U.S. Pat. No. 10,092,808 B2 Clark et al. a padded device taking the place of a towel or clubhead cover is used between the golfer's upper arms and torso to help correct golf swings. A claim of the invention is the use of a slippery nylon external material making it challenging to hold in place. An attachment tab is disclosed but used only for the attachment to a golf bag. The issue with this apparatus is that it is difficult to use and when learning, the golfer will constantly have to replace the device under the arms after it falls to the ground. Additionally, it may only be used under the arms.

In U.S. Pat. No. 9,737,779 B2 Watson an ellipsoid shaped object is placed between the golfer's forearms. The end points of the ellipsoid are used to help the golfer visualize the proper swing path. Cut outs are made in the device to accommodate placement between the forearms. For different size forearms, padding may be used to alter the cutout size. Although it is stated that the device should have dimensions and weight specifications that do not hamper or impeded with the natural swing of the golfer, it can be up to 12″ long with a weight of 5 pounds. In one embodiment, a lanyard is tethered to the wrist to keep from losing the device during or after the golf swing. Here again the large size and weight of the device leads to complications during use.

In U.S. Pat. No. 9,072,957 B1 Chuck discloses a club swinging training method and apparatus that uses an inflatable ball attached to a lanyard. The device is used to maintain proper separation between the arms. Use of the lanyard prevents the ball from falling to the ground if the golfer cannot maintain adequate pressure between the arms. If the ball comes free it randomly bounces around until the golfer can replace it between the arms. The device is specific to placement between the forearms.

In U.S. Pat. No. 7,758,437 B1 Stewart a very complex carved ball and strap apparatus is described to maintain structure between the arms and legs. This device can weigh between 6 ounces to one pound making it cumbersome for extended practice or use on the course. To accommodate different sized golfers, Stewart describes the use of different diameter balls ranging from 10-25 cm. The complex design and need for multiple ball diameters made it costly to market and manufacture thereby limiting its practical use for the broader golf industry.

In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,839,968 and 6,176,790 B1 Latella discloses a number of training balls to be held between the arms and legs with a variety of sizes and weights, some weighing up to 17 ounces. The balls are not connected to the body with a strap or lanyard resulting in the ball falling to the ground if proper technique is not used. Picking a ball off of the ground when learning a new technique makes the device unattractive for practical use particularly on a crowded practice range where golfers are in very close proximity. This invention was directed more toward strength development than proper swing mechanics.

These and other prior inventions have used designs that weigh from several ounces to a few pounds. This weight can adversely affect the golf swing by changing the dynamics and feel of the swing. The present ultra-lightweight invention weighs a mere 0.8 ounces or half the weight of a golf ball. This is up to 100 times less than previous inventions. In use, the invention is barely noticed and can be easily used by small children. Note that almost all golf inventions are geared for adults. This novel ultra-lightweight device can open the doors for the next generation of golfers due to its simplicity, ultra-lightweight, and versatility. The simple adjustable loop attachment method of the present invention allows it to be used not only with the forearms, but also the biceps, knees, hips, and feet.

Beyond the cost, complexity and weight of prior art is their highly visible nature. Given that golf is a public sport and many golfers, particularly those learning, are reluctant to use practice devices because it brings unwanted attention to them.

The present invention overcomes all of these limitations because the apparatus is ultra-lightweight, unobtrusive and of a practical design to permit ease of use on more than one body location. The device may be used for the full swing as well as for chipping and putting.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes a novel device that will improve a golfer's swing by maintaining and/or identifying critical body positions such as arms, legs, and hips and feet during the swing. The device may be used for full swings as well for chips and putts. The ultra-lightweight nature of the device permits unencumbered use without the distraction of neck lanyards and other attachment mechanisms. The device is so lightweight is can be left attached to the golfer during practice on the driving range or even on the golf course itself. This lightweight nature also makes the device ideal for teaching children at a very young age proper swing mechanics. To date, almost all golf swing inventions have been targeted toward adults. The device may be easily stored in a golf bag encouraging use by the golfer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the device

FIG. 2 depicts attachment of training device to upper left arm, forearm and knee and foot

FIG. 3 depicts attachment of training device to exterior of upper right and left arms

FIG. 4 depicts attachment of training device to left and right hips

FIG. 1 shows the golf swing device 100. Device 100 is comprised of an ultra-lightweight foam ball 200 protected by a stretchy cloth material 201 that attaches to the chosen body location. The device is adjusted for proper fit through the use of O-rings 202 placed between the ball and the body and at the end of the open loop. The device stretches to comfortably attach to the forearm, bicep or knee. Attachment to the hip is through the belt or belt loop. Each location of the ball may be used to improve the golf swing through proper feel/pressure points. In addition, the device will enhance video analysis of key body locations during all aspects of the golf swing.

FIGS. 2, 3 and 4 show the device attached at various locations to include the upper arm, forearm, knee and hip. The black color enables improved video analysis by highlighting key body positions during the swing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a golf swing apparatus 100 according to the embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus of the present invention is comprised of a soft spherical foam ball 200 approximately 4 inches in diameter. The ball is enclosed in a soft stretchy fabric 201 with a loop opening allowing for attachment to a chosen body part (i.e. arm, leg, hip, foot). The chosen fabric is unique because it does not compress the foam ball and is extremely comfortable for use even on bare skin. Many fabrics were tested before selecting the best one for this application.

For size adjustment, two small rubber O-rings 202 with a diameter of approximately ½ inch are used. One ring is placed next to the ball and the other to the opposite of the opening. This outside ring can be moved in or out to accommodate different body sizes.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the user with the apparatus in three different locations. When placed under the arm, the ball compresses slightly encouraging the golfer to maintain adequate pressure thus keeping the arm in proper relationship to the torso during the swing. When placed between the arms, the ball helps maintain the desired extended arm structure for maximum consistency and power during the swing. Use on the left knee is critical for initiating the downswing in the correct sequence. Here, the golfer can observe the left knee rotating counterclockwise and behind the left hip if the downswing is properly executed. Shown also is a view of the ball placed under the outside of the golfer's foot. Many golfers' struggle to keep their lower body stable during the backswing, the ball keeps pressure from rolling to the outside of the foot.

FIG. 3 shows a view of the user with the apparatus on the outside of the upper arms. During the golf swing proper arm rotation is essential for solid ball striking. A golfer can easily observe the orientation of the arms by personally observing the balls during the swing. The balls may also be observed by an instructor or via video replay.

FIG. 4 shows a view of the user of with the apparatus on opposing hips. Proper hip turn is necessary in a golf swing and the use of the device aids in training through enhanced visibility of this important body location.

The foregoing description illustrates and describes the present invention. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes only preferred embodiments of the invention. The description is not intended to limit the invention in form or application disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A golf swing apparatus, comprising: a device configured to include an ultra-lightweight compressible foam ball having a connection method; a soft stretchy cloth material encloses and protects said ball and also serves as the connection method.said connection method may be adjusted for use on a number of body locations using adjustable O-rings.

2. the golf swing training apparatus of claim 1 may be used on any number of a golfer's body including but not limited to the arms, legs, hips, and feet.

3. the golf swing training apparatus of claim 1 may easily be stored in a golf bag.

4. the golf swing training apparatus of claim 1 may be used for the full golf swing and for chipping and putting.