Golf Training Alignment Aid

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/729,354, filed Dec. 7, 2024, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure pertains to the field of art of athletic training aids. More specifically, the disclosure pertains to a golf training alignment aid that facilitates detection of unintentional posture changes.

BACKGROUND

Proper posture and controlled head movement are essential for a golf swing. By keeping the head steady in a fixed position, golfers achieve more consistent ball contact, higher accuracy and produce smoother and controlled golf swings. Moreover, consistent practice with correct posture and head control may also assist golfers with refining swing techniques and optimizing their performances.

Nevertheless, unintentional head movements, or other bodily movements, are often unnoticed. In addition, it may be difficult for golfers to determine the direction of the movement, which results in a misalignment of the golfer.

Therefore, there is a need for a golf training alignment aid that assists golfers to detect unintentional movement during golf swings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following is a concise summary of the disclosure presented herein with the primary aim of providing a preliminary understanding of certain aspects of the disclosure. It should be noted, however, that this summary is not intended to serve as a comprehensive overview of the disclosure, nor does it seek to identify or describe any critical or significant elements of the disclosure or the boundaries of its scope. Its sole purpose is to provide a rudimentary understanding of the disclosure's concepts and features, which will be expounded upon in greater detail in the ensuing sections.

In some embodiments, a golf training alignment aid (herein after as “the golf training aid”) comprises a bottom support; a first rotational joint coupled to the bottom support and comprising a mounting bracket rotatable relative to the bottom support; a first arm rotatably coupled to the mounting bracket; a second arm rotatably coupled to the first arm; a second rotational joint coupled to the second arm, the second rotational joint comprising a ball member and a socket member receiving the ball member, the socket member being rotatable relative to the ball member; and a target ring coupled to the socket member, the target ring comprises a bore extending along a central axis of the target ring.

In some embodiments, a golf training aid comprises a bottom support; a first rotational joint coupled to the bottom support and comprising a mounting bracket rotatable relative to the bottom support; at least one arm coupled to the mounting bracket; a second rotational joint coupled to the at least one arm, the second rotational joint comprising a ball member and a socket member receiving the ball member, the socket member being rotatable relative to the ball member; and a target ring coupled to the socket member, the target ring comprises a bore extending along a central axis of the target ring.

In some embodiments, a golf training aid comprises a bottom support; a first rotational joint coupled to the bottom support, the first rotational joint rotatable relative to the bottom support; at least one arm coupled to the first rotational joint; a second rotational joint coupled to the at least one arm; a target ring coupled to the second rotational joint, the target ring being rotatable relative to the at least one arm.

In some embodiments, the first rotational joint may comprise a first frictional adjustment mechanism configured to regulate rotation of the first arm. In some embodiments, the second rotational joint may comprise a second friction adjustment mechanism to regulate rotation of the target ring.

The present disclosure pertains to a golf training aid designed for detecting unintentional bodily movement during golf swings and determine the direction of the movement, which may optimize a golfer's performance. Notably, the golfer may identify the head movement according to a position of a golf ball relative to a target ring of the golf training aid.

Furthermore, the disclosed golf training aid features rotational joints to allow adjustment of a position of the target circle. Moreover, the golf training aid may be transformed between an in-use position and a collapsed position for compact storage.

The above features and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description taken with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a front perspective view of a non-limiting exemplary embodiment (the “exemplary embodiment”) of a golf training alignment aid (the “golf training aid”).

FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first exploded view of a second rotational joint and a target ring of the golf training aid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second exploded view of the second rotational joint and the target ring of the golf training aid of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 with a golf ball.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 in a collapsed position.

FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of the golf training aid with additional alignment component.

NUMBERING REFERENCE

• • 1—Golf Training Alignment Aid
  • 10—Bottom Support
  • 12—Feet
  • 12a—Distal End
  • 12b—Proximal End
  • 14—Connecting Portion
  • 16—Mounting Ring
  • 20—First Rotational Joint
  • 22—Mounting Bracket
  • 22a—Base
  • 22b—Tab
  • 24—First Collar
  • 25—First Opening
  • 26—First Annular Flange
  • 30—First Arm
  • 32—Second Arm
  • 40—Second Rotational Joint
  • 42—Second Collar
  • 43—Second Annular Flange
  • 44—Ball Member
  • 44a—Sphere Portion
  • 44b—Stud Portion
  • 45—Second Opening
  • 46—Socket Member
  • 46a—Sphere Portion
  • 46b—Notch
  • 50—Target Ring
  • 52—Bore
  • 53—Peripheral Wall
  • 54—Protrusion
  • 60—Golf Ball
  • 72—Glass And Laser Assembly
  • 74—Light Emitting Device
  • 76—Reflective Member
  • 78—Camera
  • 79—Processor
  • 80—Display

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following detailed description and accompanying drawings provide a comprehensive disclosure of an exemplary embodiment for the purpose of facilitating one of ordinary skill in the relevant art to make and use the disclosure. As such, the detailed description and illustration of the one or more exemplary embodiments presented herein are purely exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure or its protection in any matter. It is further noted that the drawings may not be to scale, and in some cases, certain details may be omitted which are not necessary for an understanding of the present disclosure, such as conventional details of fabrication and assembly. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

For purposes of description herein, the terms “left”, “right”, “front”, “top”, “bottom” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the device as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.

Maintaining a steady head position may lead to smoother and more controlled golf swings, which may enhance consistent ball contact and prevent mis-hit shots. The following disclosed a golf training alignment aid designed for users to detect unintentional head or bodily movement during a golf swing and determine the direction of the movement.

A non-limiting, exemplary embodiment (herein after as the “exemplary embodiment”) of a golf training alignment aid 1 (herein after referred to as “the golf training aid”) is disclosed herein. The exemplary embodiment of the golf training aid 1 may at least assist with detecting unintentional head movement and may be adjustable for use and collapsable for compact storage or portability.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of the golf training aid 1 according to the exemplary embodiment. The golf training aid 1 comprises a bottom support 10, a first rotational joint 20 rotatably coupled to the bottom support 10, a first arm 30 coupled to the first rotational joint 20, a second arm 32 coupled to the first arm 30, a second rotational joint 40 coupled to the second arm 32 and a target ring 50 rotatably coupled to the second arm 32.

Referring to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is an exploded view according to the exemplary embodiment. In the exemplary embodiment, the bottom support 10 has a substantially U-shaped configuration with a thin thickness (although any suitable configuration may be provided). The bottom support 10 further comprises two feet 12, each of which having a distal end 12a and an opposing proximal end 12b. The two feet 12 are connected by a connecting portion 14 on the proximal ends 12b, forming the substantially U-shape. The bottom support 10 may further comprise a plurality of through holes 13 configured to receive tees for securement to the ground. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2, the through holes 13 may be positioned on the distal ends 12a of the feet 12 and on the connecting portion 14. In addition, a mounting ring 16 is positioned upon a top surface and a middle portion of the connecting portion 14. The mounting ring 16 comprises external threads on an outer surface configured to receive the first rotational joint 20. Advantageously, the bottom support 10 is designed such that the target ring 50 remains stable in windy conditions. In addition, the thin thickness design of the bottom support 10 provides compact storage under mats at driving ranges.

Turning to the first rotational joint 20, the first rotational joint 20 further comprises a first collar 24 and a mounting bracket 22. The first collar 24 has internal threads on an inner surface and knurling patterns on an outer surface for easy gripping. The first collar 24 further comprises a first annular flange 26 on one end of the first collar 24 with a first opening 25. The mounting bracket 22 further comprises a base 22a having a substantially cylindrical configuration and two spaced-apart tabs 22b extending parallelly from the base 22a. A diameter of the mounting bracket 22 is smaller than a diameter of the mounting ring 16 and greater than a diameter of the first opening 25 of the first collar 24. The mounting bracket 22 is positioned between the mounting ring 16 and the first collar 24. The internal threads of the first collar 24 are configured to engage with the external threads of the mounting ring 16 such that the mounting bracket 22 is retain in place with the two tabs 22 protruding through the first opening 25. Advantageously, the engagement of the internal and external threads provides adjustable friction on the mounting bracket 22. By tightening the first collar 24 and the mounting ring 16, rotational friction of the mounting bracket 22 increases. Conversely, by loosening the first collar 24 and the mounting ring 16, rotational friction of the mounting bracket 22 decreases.

The first arm 30 may be rotatably coupled to the two tabs 22b by a first rotational mechanism and the second arm 32 may be rotatably coupled to the first arm 30 by a second rotational mechanism. The first and second rotational mechanism may include but is not limited to a bolt and nut assembly, a thumb screw and a butterfly screw. Advantageously, the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 are adjustable when in use.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4 and in conjunction with FIG. 2, the second rotational joint 40 comprises a second collar 42, a ball member 44 and a socket member 46. The second collar 42 comprises a second annular flange 43 on one end of the second collar 42 with a second opening 45. Further, the second collar 42 further comprise internal threads on an inner surface and knurling patterns on an outer surface for easy gripping. The ball member 44 further comprises a sphere portion 44a and a stud portion 44b. The socket member 46 comprises a spherical recess 46a (shown in FIG. 4) on a first end receiving the sphere portion 44a (shown in FIG. 3) of the ball member 44 and a notch 46b on an opposing second end configured to receive the target ring 50. The first end of the socket member 46 further comprises external threads. As shown in FIG. 2, the ball member 44 is positioned between the second collar 42 and the socket member 46. The internal threads of the second collar 42 are configured to engage with the external threads of the socket member 46 and retain the ball member 44 between the second collar 42 and the socket member 46, thereby allowing rotation of the ball member 44. The stud portion 44b of the ball member 44 is rotatably coupled to the second arm 32 by a third rotational mechanism. The third rotational mechanism may include but is not limited to a bolt and nut assembly, a thumb screw and a butterfly screw.

Turning to the target ring 50, the target ring 50 has a bore 52 extending along a central axis of the target ring 50 such that a user may view a golf ball. In some embodiments, a diameter of the target ring 50 is greater than a diameter of the golf ball and less than or equal to two time of the diameter of the golf ball. In some embodiments, the diameter of the target ring 50 is 42 millimeters to 100 millimeters. Further, the target ring 50 comprises a protrusion 54 on a peripheral wall 53 of the target ring 50 that corresponds to the notch 46b of the socket member 46. The protrusion 54 is configured to couple to the notch 46b. Consequently, the target ring 50 is rotatable relative to the second arm 32. The target ring 50 may have a circle-shaped cross-section, a rectangle-shaped cross-section, a square-shaped cross-section or any other polygon-shaped cross-section.

The following is a description of an exemplary method of using the golf training aid 1. It is anticipated that several steps may be sequentially interchangeable and equivalent application of one or more permutations of such sequentially interchangeable steps does not alter the spirit of the disclosure in any meaningful way.

A golfer starts with placing the golf training aid 1 adjacent to a golf ball, with the distal ends 12a of the bottom plate 10 towards the golfer. Before a golf swing, the golfer may adjust a position of the golf ball 60 with a club such that the golf ball 60 is positioned in a middle of the target ring 50. During the golf swing, the golfer would look at the golf ball 60 and the target ring 50. The golf ball 60 will remain in the same position if the head is steady and fixed during the golf swing. If the golfer's view of the golf ball 60 shifts within the target ring 50, an unintentional head movement, or other bodily movement, may have occurred during the golf swing. The golfer may also determine the direction of the movement according to the directional shift of the golf ball 60. For example, if, during a golf swing, the golfer's view of the golf ball 60 relative to the perimeter of the target ring 50 is shifted left, an unintentional movement of the head towards the left may have occurred during the golf swing.

Referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the golf training aid 1 with a golf ball 60. As described above, the golf ball 60 will remain in the middle portion of the target ring 50 when the head remains steady.

Referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the golf training aid 1 in a collapsed position. As the first arm 30 is rotatable relative to the bottom plate 10, the second arm 32 is rotatable relative to the first arm 30, the first arm 30 and the second arm 32 may be folded down towards the bottom plate 10 to the collapsed position for compact storage.

Referring to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 is a diagram of the golf training aid 1 with a variety of additional alignment components. The alignment components provide visual feedback to the user for detecting head movement and may include but are not limited to a glass and laser assembly 72, a light emitting device 73, a fiber optic lighting assembly 74, a reflective member 76, a camera 78, a display 80 and a combination thereof. The laser assembly 72, the light emitting device 73, the fiber optic lighting assembly 74, and the reflective member 76 may be coupled to the target circle 50. The camera 78 may be coupled to the bottom support 10, the first arm 30, the second arm 32, the target ring 50 or a combination thereof for swing detection. The display 80 may couple to the base 10. The glass and laser assembly 72 may direct a laser beam on the golf ball 60 and comprise a glass positioned on a circular cross section of the target ring 50 and comprise a target reticle. For the light emitting device 73, the light emitting device 73 may utilize camera obscura effect or keyhole effect, such that the light emitting device 73 may be visible when the head is steady. Alternatively, the light emitting device 73 may also be designed such that the light emitting device 73 may only be seen when a head movement occurs. Further, the fiber optic lighting assembly 74 may comprise fiberoptic pipes and utilize sunlight. Similar to the light emitting device 73, the reflective member 76 may be designed to be visible or invisible according to the position of the head. In addition, the reflective member 76 may also utilize lenticular printing, such that the user may notice a difference when a movement of the head occurred. In some embodiments, the camera 78 may be connected to a processor 79 utilizing artificial intelligence (AI), for example, large language model (LLM), to analyze captured images or videos and provide coaching suggestions. The images or videos may include but are not limited to images and videos of a golfer's posture, positions of a golf club relative to the target ring 50, and the point of ball contact. The processor 79 may identify swing patterns of the golfer according to the captured images and videos. For example, when an upward head movement occurred as a golf club passes the target ring, the processor 79 may match this upward head movement to common golf swing mistakes. In addition, the golfer may also include input to the AI. In some embodiments, the processor may generate videos to show the golfer's swing pattern or generate drills that could assist the golfer for correcting golf swing mistakes. The processor may provide feedback until the golfer's posture is corrected. In some embodiments, the processor 79 may be wirelessly connected to a computing device, including but not limited to a phone, a tablet, a laptop, a smart glass, a smart watch and other wearable devices.

The disclosed golf training aid 1 not only offers a solution for golfers to detect unintentional movement, but also advantageously provides adjustability and compact storage.

While the embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed, certain modifications may be made by those skilled in the art to modify the disclosure without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.