GOLF TRAINING DEVICE

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/616,699, filed on Dec. 31, 2023, entitled “Gyro-Force Ground Up”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter is a golfing teaching and training aid device that allows the golfer to improve the results of the golf swing in terms of efficiency, repetition and accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The fore force foot director comprises of the following parts.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the golf swing teaching and training aid.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the golf swing teaching and training aid.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic view of the orthotics.

FIG. 4 shows a top view of the golf swing teaching and training aid.

FIG. 5 shows a sectional view of the golf swing teaching and training aid device IO. as seen along line I-I, as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows a sectional view of the golf swing teaching and training aid. as seen along line II-II, as shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 shows a pictorial usage diagram of the golf swing teaching and training aid.

FIG. 8 shows a schematic view of the orthotic shell.

FIG. 9 shows an evaluation sheet for a golf coach to use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

As described here, the term “standard” shall be used to describe mid stance phase of gait.

The present subject matter is a device that includes “standard” form orthotics made for all sizes, including small, large, women, and men sizes. The material varies from types of plastics or fiber carbons.

The transformation is performed with standard orthotic mold. The present subject matter provides a change in force, specifically a decrease time of force and an increase force to the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MPJ).

The present subject matter is also a teaching method where a golfing coach or instructor will help the golfer perform a basic fundamental and improved golf swing ground-up force directed, through the feet to the center of gravity, and up through the golfer's imaginary vertical axis in order to complete the golf swing. The present subject matter's vertical axis provides a relationship to the golfer's imaginary vertical axis when being viewed and evaluated by the instructor. The present subject matter allows the instructor to evaluate ground-up levels of the golfer's swing from the start through its completion.

The present subject matter does not require glue or cement to secure it. It can be assembled, re-assembled, adjusted, and fixed as desired with golf trees.

There are objects to the present subject matter:

To improve the golf swing at all levels from beginners to professionals.

To start beginners with the basic golf swing fundamentals.

To provide and improve a more stable vertical axis to provide a more accurate, repeating centrifugal force of the golf swing.

To provide the PGA teaching professional or golf coach a teaching aid which may be altered, changed, and omitted as seen fit.

To address the various parts of the golf swing from the ground up.

The functions and use of the present subject matter are as follows:

To be used indoors with a mat and plastic golf balls.

To be used outdoors as a driving range with mats or grass.

To accommodate left and right-handed golf swings.

To promote and maintain the basic fundamentals of a golf swing.

To promote the repetition of the full golf swing or sections of the golf swing to promote neuromuscular memory.

Designate areas of the present subject matter to address levels of the participant's vertical axis known as the “imaginary vertical axis”. These areas are levels form the present subject matter from the ground up as described herein.

Forefoot wedge of 6 degrees as part of the orthotics to direct force from the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of each foot to the center of gravity (CG) or the bottom of the golf swing.

In FIG. 1, a perspective view of the golf training device 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter is disclosed. The golf device 10, comprises a golf training apparatus that, with the assistance of a golf coach, helps golfers perfect their swing and associated body movements. The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1 would be used on a driving range and large indoor spaces under the supervision of a golf coach.

The preferred embodiment of device 10 includes four (4) main components of a base structure 25, an overhead structure 30, and a vertical axis 35 and a forefoot director 70.

The base structure 25, the overhead structure 30, and the vertical axis 35 are constructed of sections of tubular elements 40 along with elbows 45, tee-fittings 50, and couplings 55.

These components are held together with friction fit to allow for easy disassembly and storage of the device 10 when not in use. Attachment of the base structure 25 to the ground surface 60 will vary per the type of ground surface 60 and will be described in greater detail below.

Placement of the feet 65 of the user 20 are assisted by two (2) forefoot directors 70. The forefoot directors 70 depict the force that is generated to the center of gravity to the user 20. All physical aspects and construction of the device 10 work together to improve the golf swing 15 of the user 20 by emphasizing the action of centrifugal force about the golf swing 15 along a vertical axis defined by the vertical axis 35 with the center of gravity at the bottom of the golf swing 15 where most force is provided as the face of the club impacts the golf ball. The preferred embodiment of the device 10 is universal in design for either a right-handed or a left-handed user 20.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of device 10, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The alternate version of FIG. 2 would be for personal use without a golf coach such as at home or at a driving range. Such action would allow the user 20 to improve his or her own golf swing 15 upon personal and individual training. As with the preferred embodiment, the alternate embodiment of the device 10 provides for a base structure 25 and a vertical axis 35 only, to allow for a smaller overall size and reduced footprint upon the ground surface 60. The alternate embodiment is comprised of sections of tubular elements 40, along with elbows 45, tee-fittings 50.and couplings 55, which are mechanically coupled via friction fit. The alternate embodiment of the device 10 is universal in design for a right-handed or a left handed user 20.

In FIG. 3, a perspective view of the orthotics 75, as used with the preferred and alternate embodiment of the device 10 is shown. The orthotics 75 are provided for a right foot 80 and a left foot 85. The orthotics are similar to a standard orthotic that has a modified fore foot area to create a fore foot director (FFD).

Both the left and right orthotic are provided with a heel cup 90, while the fore foot area 95 is provided with a transversa arch 100. The orthotics 75 provides the same function as the fore foot director 70 as shown in FIG. 1. A longitude arch 105 is provided on the interior portion of each of the right foot 80 and the left foot 85.

The distal edge of the fore foot area 95 is provided with a first metatarsal arch 110, a second metatarsal arch 115, a third metatarsal arch 120, a fourth metatarsal arch 125, and a fifth metatarsal arch 130.

The forefoot area 95, the transversa arch 100, the longitude arch 105, the first metatarsal arch 110, the second metatarsal arch 115, the third metatarsal arch 120, the fourth metatarsal arch 125 and the fifth metatarsal 130 all function as one unit on a subtalar joint 135 which is considered a mid-stance phase of gait or a neutral position. The forefoot area 95 tilts downward from the fifth metatarsal arch 130 to the first metatarsal arch 110 along a six-degree (6°) valgus slope. The six-degree (6°) valgus slope is the major change to create the FFD as compared to the standard othotic. This is shown in more detail in FIG. 8.

While wearing the orthotics 75, the user 20 is ensured that the feet 65 are in the proper position as aided by the forefoot directors 70 and allow for proper transitioning from the heel cup 90 to the forefoot area 95 along a subtalar joint 135.

In FIG. 4, a top view of the device 10, is disclosed wherein the base structure 25 is comprised of a center base 140 and two (2) extension legs 145. The extension legs 145 are shown via a solid line for right-hand use 150 and may be placed in an alternate position as defined by dashed lines for left-hand use 155 via a tee-fittings 50.

The center base 140 is provided with a movable vertical axis mechanism 160 that allows for movement of the vertical axis 35 along a vertical axis travel path “v” 165. Likewise, each extension leg 145 is provided with a moveable overhead structure mechanism 170 that allows for movement of the overhead structure 30 along an overhead structure travel path “o” 175.

Under the supervision of a golf coach, the positions of the movable vertical axis mechanism 160 and the moveable overhead structure mechanism 170 along with usage of the orthotics 75 and the forefoot directors 70, the device 10 aids in producing a straight shot travel path “s” 180, a fade shot travel path “f” 185 or a draw shot travel path “d” 190.

In FIG. 5, a sectional view of device 10 is seen along a line I-I axis. The center base 140 is secured to the ground surface 60 by multiple first fastening means 195 such as a golf tee, spike, or the like, in the case of earth as a ground surface 60.

The vertical axis 35 of the preferred embodiment is comprised of an outer sleeve 200 and an inner sleeve 205. It is noted that the outer sleeve 200 and the inner sleeve 205 are an optional component of the device 10.

The presence or lack of presence of the outer sleeve 200 and the inner sleeve 205 shall not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Additionally, the fastening means 195 may be omitted. The inner sleeve 205 is height adjustable by use of a second fastening means 210, such as a pin, which penetrates and secures both the outer sleeve 200 and inner sleeve 205.

It is noted that the second fastening means 210 is required for adjustability and is not necessarily required for use with the device 10. The outer sleeve 200 is secured in the movable vertical axis mechanism 160 which includes a movable clamp 215 that provides for the vertical axis travel path “v” 165. A cap 220 may be provided on top of the inner sleeve 205.

In FIG. 6, a sectional view of the device 10, as seen along a line II-II, as shown in FIG. 2, according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. As the alternate embodiment would be typically used indoors on surfaces such as carpeting, hard floor, or synthetic grass, the center base 140 is secured to the ground surface 60 by multiple third fastening means 225 such as a hook-and-loop-type fastener (Velcro), double-sided adhesive tape, suction cups, or the like.

The third fastening means 225 are used only if required by the particular installation details of the device 10. The use of the third fastening means 225 is not a limiting factor of the present invention. Additionally, should the alternate embodiment be used on ground surface 60, such as earth, the first fastening means 195 may also be used.

As before, the vertical axis 35 is secured in the movable vertical axis mechanism 160 which includes the inner sleeve 205 shown in FIG. 5 that provides for the vertical axis travel path “v” 165 (as shown in FIG. 4). A cap 220 may be provided on top of the vertical axis 35.

In FIG. 7, a pictorial usage diagram of the device 10, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The vertical axis 35 is provided with five (5) evaluation positions from bottom to top as shown, including a first evaluation position 230, a second evaluation position 235, a third evaluation position 240. a fourth evaluation position 245 and a fifth evaluation position 250.

The base of the vertical axis 35 is referred to a center of gravity 255 about the golf swing 15. The first evaluation position 230 provides for positioning and alignment of the feet 65 of the user 20 (both of which are shown in FIG. 1) as guided by the overhead structure 30 (as shown in FIG. 1) and thus positioned in accordance with a straight shot travel path “s” 180, a fade shot travel path “f” 185 or a draw shot travel path “d” 190 (all three (3) of which are shown in FIG. 4).

The second evaluation position 235 provides for placement of the knees of the user 20 to ensure that they turn back and forth with body weight kept between the inner portion of each knee. It is noted that motion would not extend past the vertical axis 35.

The third evaluation position 240 provides for placement of the hips and spine of the user 20 to ensure that they align with the vertical axis 35 such that the top of the back swing and spine are in alignment with the vertical axis 35.

The fourth evaluation position 245 provides for placement of the shoulders of the user 20 to ensure that they are in alignment with the vertical axis 35.

The fifth evaluation position 250 provides for placement of the eyes of the user 20 to ensure that they are in alignment with the vertical axis 35. It should also be ensured that the eyes are fixated upon the center of gravity 255 where the golf ball is positioned.

The preferred embodiment of the present subject matter can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. It is envisioned that device 10 would be constructed in general accordance with FIG. 1 through FIG. 7.

The present subject matter is assembled according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1 or the alternate embodiment of FIG. 2. The device would be secured to the ground surface 60 using the first fastening means 195 or the third fastening means 225.

Vertical axis 35 would be properly positioned along the center base 140 using the movable vertical axis mechanism 160 along the vertical axis travel path “v” 165 under the supervision of a golf coach; in the case of the alternate embodiment of FIG. 2, the overhead structure 30 would be properly positioned along the extension legs 145 of the base structure 25 using the moveable overhead structure mechanism 170 along an overhead structure travel path “o” 175.

Finally, the user 20, is positioned at the forefoot directors 70 in accordance with the verbal instructions of a golf coach. At this point in time, the utilization of the present subject matter may begin.

Use of the orthotics places the user 20 in the Mid Stance phase of gait (static) when addressing the golf ball and the Subtalor joint (STJ) of the foot along the Subtalor joint line of the orthotic is in the neutral position. The Subtalor joint range of motion is ⅔ supination to ⅓ pronation. During the backswing of the golf club by a right hand user, where it would be reversed with a left hand user, the rear foot position of the both feet remains stationary, while weight is on the left foot with weight shift to the right foot the Force to the rear of the left foot STJ is directed with transverse plane rotation where the STJ allows six (6) degrees of pronation and the knee does not go past the vertical axis 35. The Force is directed to the fore foot direction (FFD) to the first (1^st) MTJ and the area of the CG. The down swing there is an increase in Force, where the rear part of the left foot is stationary, but there is heal lifting of the rear part of the right foot. The left leg is straight with the inside of the left knee producing a more stable imaginary vertical axis along the vertical axis 35 and the centrifugal force resulting in an unbroken more effective swing plane. At the top of the backswing and the forward swing the FFD of the orthotic helps lateral imaginary vertical axis movement. Where the FFD of the orthotic decreases time of Force and increases Force to the first (1st) MTJ.

FIG. 9 show an example of an evaluation sheet that can be used by a golf coach. During utilization of the device 10, the following procedure would be initiated: the golf coach would instruct the user 20 of the proper configuration of a golf swing 15 with regard to the first evaluation position 230 where the feet 65 of the user 20 are evaluated, the second evaluation position 235 where the knees of the user 20 are evaluated; the third evaluation position 240 where the hips and spine of the user 20 are evaluated; the fourth evaluation position 245 where the shoulders of the user 20 are evaluated; and the fifth evaluation position 250 where the head and eyes of the user 20 are evaluated.

This process is repeated in order to form muscle memory and may be performed by the user 20 alone after proper coaching and teaching is learned. After use of device 10, it may be disassembled and stored until needed again whereupon the above-described process is repeated.

The features of the device 10 provide the following benefits: to improve the golf swing 15 for all skill levels of users 20 from beginners to professionals; to start beginning a user 20 with basic golf swing fundamentals; to provide and improve a more stable vertical axis 35 to provide a more accurate repeating centrifugal force of the golf swing 15; to provide the teaching professional, golf coach, or instructor, a leaching aid; repetition of the full golf swing 15 or sections of the golf swing 15 to promote neuromuscular memory; and to address all aspects of improving the golf swing 15.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.