Apparatus, System, and Method for Golf Swing Training

Abstract

A system for golf training is provided. The system includes a golf club having a grip, a shaft, and a club head. The club head has a sole oriented perpendicular to the shaft (e.g. a 90 degree lie angle). The system also includes a hitting board having a base configured to provide a stable platform and a hitting surface extending from the base in a hitting plane. The hitting surface is pivotably connected to the base to allow adjustment of the hitting plane in a plurality of hitting plane angles relative to the base. The present invention likewise provides a method of using the system and a golf club for use with the system.

Claims

1. A system for golf training, comprising: a golf club comprising a grip, a shaft, and a club head, wherein the club head has a sole oriented perpendicular to the shaft (e.g. a 90 degree lie angle); and a hitting board comprising: a base configured to provide a stable platform; and a hitting surface extending from the base in a hitting plane, wherein the hitting surface is pivotably connected to the base to allow adjustment of the hitting plane in a plurality of hitting plane angles relative to the base.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the shaft has an adjustable length and wherein the sole is square or rectangular.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the club head has a transformable shape wherein the golf club further comprises a lie angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the lie angle of the club head.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the golf club further comprises a loft angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the loft angle of the club head.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the golf club further comprises a top line adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the top line of the club head.

6. The system of claim 3, wherein the golf club further comprises a top line adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the top line of the club head.

7. The system of claim 1, further comprising a golf ball affixed to the hitting surface, wherein the golf ball optionally comprises a visual marker, and wherein the golf ball is optionally affixed to the hitting surface by an adhesive and/or a hook and loop fastener.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the hitting board further comprises a transparent or translucent sheet extending in a plane from the hitting surface or the base.

9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a visual marker disposed on the hitting surface.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the hitting surface comprises a surface material that interacts with the sole of the club head to show a swing path of the club relative to the hitting surface.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the golf club further comprises a transparent or translucent sheet attached to and extending perpendicularly from the shaft.

12. A golf club for use in golf training, the golf club comprising a grip, a shaft, and a club head, wherein: the club head has a sole oriented perpendicular to the shaft (e.g. a 90 degree lie angle), wherein the shaft has an adjustable length, wherein the sole is square or rectangular, wherein the club head has a transformable shape, and wherein the golf club further comprises a lie angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the lie angle of the club head.

13. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the golf club further comprises a loft angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the loft angle of the club head.

14. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the golf club further comprises a top line adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the top line of the club head.

15. The golf club of claim 12, wherein the golf club further comprises a transparent or translucent sheet attached to and extending perpendicularly from the shaft.

16. A method for golf training comprising the steps of: (A) providing a system for golf training, comprising: a golf club comprising a grip, a shaft, and a club head, wherein the club head has a sole oriented perpendicular to the shaft (e.g. a 90 degree lie angle); and a hitting board comprising: a base configured to provide a stable platform; and a hitting surface extending from the base in a hitting plane, wherein the hitting surface is pivotably connected to the base to allow adjustment of the hitting plane to a plurality of hitting plane angles relative to the base, (B) adjusting the hitting plane to a first hitting plane angle and allowing a user to swing the golf club at the first hitting plane angle; (C) adjusting the hitting plane to a second hitting plane angle and allowing a user to swing the golf club at the second hitting plane angle.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the club head has a transformable shape wherein the golf club further comprises a lie angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the lie angle of the club head, wherein step (C) further comprises adjusting the lie angle of the golf club by removably attaching the lie angle adjustment piece to the club head.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the golf club further comprises a loft angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the loft angle of the club head, wherein the method further comprises step (D) adjusting the loft angle of the golf club by removably attaching the loft angle adjustment piece to the club head and allowing a user to swing the golf club along the first and/or second hitting plane.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the golf club further comprises a top line adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attach to the club head to adjust the top line of the club head, wherein step (C) further comprises adjusting the top line of the golf club by removably attaching the top line adjustment piece to the club head.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the system for golf training further comprises a golf ball affixed to the hitting surface, wherein during steps (B) and/or (C) the user is allowed to hit the golf ball with the golf club.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a view of the golfer addressing the golf ball.

[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates the golf club and ball.

[0015] FIG. 3 further illustrates the golf club with lie and loft angles.

[0016] FIG. 4 is a perspective of one embodiment of a golf training aid in accordance with the present invention, showing the hitting plane and 90-degree lie angle golf club.

[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates the golfer's body positions at impact of the golf ball.

[0018] FIG. 6 illustrates the infinite number of swing planes for the golf club as the player's arms raise and lower the golf club throughout the golf swing, as well as the hitting plane which is perpendicular to the swing plane.

[0019] FIG. 7(A) illustrates a transformable shape golf club training aid.

[0020] FIG. 7(B) illustrates an additional embodiment of a transformable shape golf club training aid.

[0021] FIG. 7(C) illustrates a 0-degree loft angle golf club.

[0022] FIG. 7(D) illustrates a 90-degree lie angle golf club.

[0023] FIG. 8(A) illustrates a golfer planning to hit a golf ball on the right side of the ball to hit it to the left.

[0024] FIG. 8(B) illustrates a golfer and the various directions the ball can be hit and what vector is responsible for each direction.

[0025] FIG. 8(C) illustrates a horizontal golf swing plane.

[0026] FIG. 9(A) illustrates a horizontal swing plane with a vertical hitting surface.

[0027] FIG. 9(B) illustrates the ambiguous optical illusion created by the angles of the golf club head and the ground.

[0028] FIG. 10 illustrates the vertical hitting surface for the horizontal swing plane being tilted downward to become the hitting surface for the golf swing plane.

[0029] FIG. 11(A) illustrates the swing plane for the golf swing being perpendicular to the hitting plane and vice versa.

[0030] FIG. 11(B) illustrates the necessity to use a 90-degree lie angle golf club when swinging on a horizontal plane and hitting off a vertical surface.

[0031] FIG. 11(C)) illustrates the hitting plane that would be proper when using a golf club with a lie angle while swinging on a horizontal plane.

[0032] FIG. 11(D) illustrates a golfer swinging on a horizontal plane at the hitting or impact position.

[0033] FIG. 12(A) illustrates a transformable shape golf club configured in a 90-degree lie angle form with a variable angle hitting platform configured in an angle equal to 90-degrees minus the lie angle of any particular golf club.

[0034] FIG. 12(B) illustrates the inappropriate nature of utilizing a 90-degree lie angle club while attempting to hit a golf ball of off a hitting surface that is not perpendicular to the swing plane.

[0035] FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0036] FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0037] FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0038] FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0039] FIG. 17 illustrates and embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0040] FIG. 18(A) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0041] FIG. 18(B) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0042] FIG. 18(C) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0043] FIG. 18(D) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0044] FIG. 18(E) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0045] FIG. 18(F) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0046] FIG. 18(G) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0047] FIG. 18(H) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0048] FIG. 18(I) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0049] FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of the present invention with a translucent representation of the hitting plane attached to the golf club shaft.

[0050] FIG. 20(A) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0051] FIG. 20(B) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0052] FIG. 20(C), illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

[0053] FIG. 20(D) illustrates an embodiment of the hitting platform.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0054] The present invention solves the problems of the art and relates generally to a golf training device. More particularly the present invention relates to golf training aids and methods for identification of the golf swing plane and allows a user to understand the proper swing planes of the golf swing.

[0055] From a purely physics standpoint, the two most fundamental elements of the proper golf swing are: (A) putting the golf club on the proper plane; and (B) squaring the golf club head into the proper plane.

[0056] With few exceptions, if a golf club is swung on a plane, and the club head is squared into that plane at the exact moment the club head impacts a golf ball, the ball will travel straight. If the plane is improper, so long as the club head is squared into the plane at impact, the ball will travel in an undesirable direction, but it will still travel straight. If the plane is proper, but the club head is not square at impact, the ball will travel in a variety of mis-directions and shapes depending on the misalignment of the club face to the plane. This to the annoyance of most golfers. While both the proper plane and proper squaring of the club head are important, the proper plane is arguably the more difficult of the two pillars for the golfer to understand.

[0057] A significant deterrent to golfers swinging the golf club on the proper plane is the ambiguous optical illusion presented by the shape of the golf club and the ground upon which the ball rests. Swinging a golf club is not a familiar or intuitive motion to most people.

[0058] The golf club is manufactured with numerous oblique angles and these angles are difficult for the human eye and brain to pattern recognize. For example, almost anyone could draw a right, or 90-degree angle. However, ask that same person to draw a 120-degree angle and the task becomes much more difficult. Humans can see and understand right angles because they are a part of our everyday lives. Doorways, building corners, street signs, book pages, computer screens, and tables all contain square components. However, oblique angles, those uncommon angles, are much less prevalent in society. Hence, they are more difficult to understand and recognize.

[0059] There are no right angles on a golf club. However oblique angles abound, including the face or loft angle (6 to 64 degrees), the lie angle (57 to 64 degrees), the topline to shaft angle (10 to 20 degrees) and the hosel-to-face offset angle (5 to 25 degrees). These angles are difficult at best to recognize, let alone be understood by the player.

[0060] In fact, the average player does not understand why these angles, with the possible exception of loft angle, even exist on a golf club. The angles are present so that the player can swing the golf club more consistently with the kinesiology of the human body. That is, they allow for more flexibility and ultimately increased club head speed which leads to more consistent and further ball flight. Yet, this is one of the least understood aspects of the golf swing because.

[0061] According to the present invention, the Apparatus, System, and Method for Golf Swing Training teaches the player how to consistently swing a golf club on plane, using the most basic and familiar plane to the human mind and body. It then teaches the player how to square the golf club head into that plane, in that elemental approach. From there, the present invention shows the player how that elemental approach is transformed into the golf club plane in a non-obvious manner. The player is able to overcome to ambiguous optical illusions and practice a dramatically improved golf swing.

[0062] The most elemental swing plane for humans is a plane that is horizontal to the ground. This plane allows for excellent kinesiological movement of the body, and the ground serves as an excellent frame of reference for the mind. As the club is swung, the mind can continuously evaluate and correct the swing to keep the golf club parallel to the ground.

[0063] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the Apparatus, System, and Method for Golf Swing Training utilizes a golf club (preferably with a transformable shape club head) having a club head with a lie angle perpendicular to the shaft to simplify the golf club into a device absent the oblique angles that create an ambiguous optical illusion for the human brain, and provides a plane of reference for developing the fundamental aspects of the swing.

[0064] The player develops fundamental aspects of swinging the golf club on a horizontal plane, and then squaring that club into the plane at impact with the golf ball. Over time, the player becomes able to hit the golf ball in numerous directions on command by altering the club from the horizontal plane of reference to deliver different vectors of the impact on the ball, resulting in different ball flights such as left, right, up, and down.

[0065] Once the player becomes more competent at these vectors, an embodiment of the present invention is utilized, which introduces a vertical surface for the player to become accustomed to hitting the golf ball off of (representing what will eventually become the ground in further use of the invention). The player is able to further practice putting the club on the proper plane and squaring the club head into the proper plane while swinging horizontally and hitting off this vertical surface. Embodiments of the present invention assist the player via instant feedback when either the club is off plane, or the club head is not square into the proper plane. The player becomes able to consistently hit the ball left with minimal side spin, affirming that the golf club was on the proper plane, with the club head being squared into that plane at impact with the golf ball.

[0066] An embodiment of the present invention then transforms the simple horizontal swing plane and vertical hitting surface downward approximately 60-degrees, to what is the plane that a golfer will see and feel when addressing the golf ball, but no-doubt a hitting surface that is formerly unfamiliar to the golfer. This transformation serves as a missing link for the golfer in understanding how the plane of the golf swing is ambiguously misunderstood due to the oblique angles of the golf club and the ground.

[0067] The player practices the fundamentals of consistently placing the golf club on plane and squaring the club head into that plane and surface learned through the horizontal practices with the present invention, only now those kinesiological movements are performed at an angle downward towards the ground at approximately a 60-degree angle from horizontal.

[0068] The player becomes comfortable with this new angle of the swing plane and perpendicular hitting surface because they are able to relate it to the fundamentals learned in the horizontal swing, and are still able to understand the elements of the swing plane and squaring the club head into the plane with the simplified version of the golf club absent the oblique angles. The hitting surface becomes the effective hitting surface that will be employed in subsequent steps. The player becomes proficient at consistently putting the golf club on the proper plane and squaring the club head into that plane, while on this new, downward angled approach, as evidence by straight ball flight, indicating continued proper swing plane, and proper squaring of the club head into that plane.

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention assist the player with hitting the ball in different directions while swinging in the new, downward angled plane off of the new angled, but still perpendicular hitting surface. Embodiments also provide instant feedback when either the plane is improper or the squaring of the club head into the plane is improper.

[0070] As the player becomes comfortable and proficient with the downward swing plane into the perpendicular hitting surface, and embodiment of the present invention introduces an adaptive club head shape that allows the player to transition from hitting off of the perpendicular hitting surface, to hitting the golf ball off of a surface parallel to the ground, by adjusting the angle of the formerly perpendicular hitting surface, yet still utilizing the same approximately 60 degree downward angled swing plane. This transformation serves as the second missing link for the golfer as they are able to continue to swing on the downward swing plane, just 60-degrees downward from horizontal, yet are now able to hit a golf ball off of the hitting surface which is no longer perpendicular to the swing plane, but parallel with the ground. The player learns to visualize the effective hitting surface that the proper swing plane is hitting perpendicular into, with that effective hitting surface now having been removed and essentially replaced by the adapted transformational shape of the golf club, which now squares the sole of the club head into the ground, rather than the perpendicular effective hitting plane. The golfer learns to overcome the ambiguous optical illusion created by the shape of the golf club and the ground, by envisioning the effective hitting surface.

[0071] When the player becomes proficient with the downward angled swing and is hitting a ball consistently well, and embodiment of the present invention introduces loft into the golf club head and the player is educated on how the horizontal swing plane is transformed into the golf swing through a series of steps.

[0072] Ultimately, the present invention teaches the player how to disregard the oblique angles of the golf club and the ground that create an ambiguous optical illusion, and visualize a perpendicular hitting surface that allow the player to use as a frame of reference for putting the golf club on the proper swing plane, and square the golf club head into that proper plane at impact with the ball.

Definitions

[0073] Address or address position: As shown in FIG. 1, this describes the position when a golfer 100 has taken his or her stance and places the golf club 110 on the ground 120 with the club head 130 behind the ball, preparing to swing. The address position prepares the golfer for the hitting position but is not the ideal hitting position.

[0074] Golf club: A club used to hit a golf ball. As shown in FIG. 2, golf club 200 generally includes a club head 210, a shaft 220, a grip 230, a face 240 that strikes the ball 250, and a hosel 260 that connects the shaft 220 to the clubhead 210.

[0075] Club Head: As shown in FIG. 2, the club head 210 is located at the end of the golf club 200 that makes contact with the ball 250; it connects to the shaft 220 via a socket called a hosel 260. The face 240 of the club head 210 is the part of the golf club 200 that contacts the ball 250. Opposite the clubhead on the shaft is the grip 230.

[0076] Shaft: As shown in FIG. 2, the golf club 200 shaft 220 is generally a long, slim tapered cylinder having a top end and a bottom end; the bottom end of the shaft 220 is connected to the club head 210 at the hosel 260 near the club head face 240 which contacts the ball 250. The grip 230 is located at the top end of the shaft 220. Golf club shafts may have a variety of diameters; may be weighted to different degrees and in different manners (i.e., at different points along the shaft); and may have a variety of flexes (or combinations of flexes).

[0077] Grip: The grip 230, illustrated in FIG. 2, is typically a leather, rubber, rubber-like material, or multi-compound material configured to fit at the top end of the shaft 220, and configured to be held by a golfer.

[0078] Lie Angle: As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lie angle 330 is the angle created between a line running down the center of the shaft 320 and the ground 305 when the club is in the address position (positioned on the ground, behind the ball, ready to swing). The sole 315 or bottom of the club should rest squarely on the ground 305 (i.e., be parallel to the ground) when the lie angle is proper. Lie angles in most modern golf clubs vary from about 57-degrees to about 64-degrees, depending on the club.

[0079] Loft Angle: As illustrated in FIG. 3, the loft angle 350 is the angle formed between a line running down the center of the shaft 355 and a line 360 that runs along the face 340 of the club. Loft angles in modern golf clubs vary dramatically depending on the club's intended purposefrom about 6-degrees for a driver to as much as about 64-degrees for a lob wedge.

[0080] Hitting Plane: A flat surface on which a straight line joining any two points would wholly lie. As shown in FIG. 4, the hitting plane 410 is 90-degrees to the shaft of the club 420 at address. The hitting plane 410 would rest flat against the sole of the golf club if a player were using a golf club with a lie angle of 90-degrees 430. To simulate a golf club having a lie angle that is not 90-degrees, the hitting plane 410 is the plane that is angled upward from the ground 440 at the complimentary angle 450 of 90-degrees minus the golf club lie angle 460 and used with a 90-degree lie angle golf club. The hitting plane 410 is the plane that a golfer fails to visualize when hitting the golf ball off of the ground due to the distractions of the lie angle and top line of the golf club, as well as the ground. The hitting plane 410 is not always the same as the hitting surface.

[0081] Hitting or Impact Position: As shown in FIG. 5, the specific positions of the individual parts of the golfer's body when the golf club 510 first strikes the ball. The hitting position is different from the address position, particularly with the golfer's lower body 520 achieving lateral shift and rotation vs. the address position.

[0082] Hitting Surface: A planar surface on which a golf ball is placed for hitting. The hitting surface is not always the same as the hitting plane. The ground is the standard hitting surface in golf, but a wall, or any solid surface at any angle could be a hitting surface.

[0083] Player: A golfer, or a person who plays golf, or swings a golf club; described in text and shown in drawings herein for the right-handed player.

[0084] Swing Plane: As shown if FIG. 6, the invisible, infinite number of flat surfaces 610 that a golf club 630 travels along at any point in time throughout the golf swing 620, including back swing and forward swing, regardless of elevation of the swing. The swing plane 610 is roughly parallel to shaft angle of the golf club 630 at address and also 90-degrees (perpendicular) to the hitting plane 640. On the backswing, when the hands raise the golf club, the plane 610 rises and at the top of the swing, the plane 610 is in a higher position than when at address. An individual's swing plane will vary with golf club design, and tends to get flatter (lower slope) as the club shaft length increases, due to decreasing lie angle 650. The swing plane 610 rises as the arms raise the club on the backswing, and lowers during the opposite motions on the downswing.

[0085] Target line: An imaginary line running through the golf ball and the target and extending outwards infinitely in both directions.

[0086] Top line: As shown in FIG. 3, the top line 370 of the head of the golf club as it extends out from the shaft above the face 340.

[0087] Wrist Cock, Set, and/or Release; The action of the player changing the wrist position by rotating the radius and ulna bones in the forearms to cock or set the wrists during the backswing, and the opposite action to release the wrists during the downswing.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0088] The present invention describes a novel apparatus that when combined into a system, and applied in a method, compromise a golf training aid for developing a golf swing with a multitude of objectives, including inter alia: remove the ambiguous optical illusions from the golf club; understand swing planes in the most elemental, horizontal form; understand the concept of a vertical hitting surface; transform the elemental, horizontal swing plane to that of the golf swing plane; understand lie angle and the necessary adaption of the golf club head as the swing plane stays constant, while the hitting surface changes from perpendicular to oblique; understand the addition of loft to the golf club head; and for the player to swing the golf club on the proper plane and square the club head into that plane at impact with the golf ball.

Object: Remove the Ambiguous Optical Illusions from the Golf Club.

[0089] A golf club having angles that are only parallel or perpendicular to the golf club shaft, as well as zero loft, is particularly useful in the context of golf swing training, as it facilitates a golfer's ability to conceptualize or visualize and understand the swing and hitting planes by removing the ambiguous optical illusion created as a result of the complex oblique angles, curves, and planes associated with a modern golf club head and the ground, and allows the golf club to be used in the most elemental or horizontal form of the swing plane.

[0090] Additionally, a golf club training aid that includes modular components that are added or removed from the club head to change shape such that the club head can change from square or rectangular, to the traditional shape with oblique angles and curves is useful in the context that it can be used to train a golfer in the transition from the most fundamental or horizontal swing plane to the swing plane encountered in the golf swing.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 7(A), shown is in an embodiment a golf training aid with a golf club head 700 with 0-degrees of loft that has detachable pieces 701, 703 that when configured in different arrangements with base piece 702 transform the club head from 90-degree lie angle to a lie angle ranging from 54 to 72 degrees, depending on the specifics of selected piece 703. The central piece 702 is first connected to the shaft 740 of the golf club. When piece 701 and piece 702 are connected together, with piece 703 left off, the club 700 becomes a 90-degree lie angle club 710. When piece 702 and 703 are connected together with piece 701 left off, the club head becomes a lie angle club 720 ranging from 54 to 72 degrees depending on the specifics of piece 703 selected.

[0092] In some embodiments the pieces snap together with tongue and groove, dowels, or are screwed together, or attached in another manner to form a solid connection. In some embodiments the pieces of the transformable club head are made of metal, plastic, wood, polymer, graphite, or any other material used for golf club heads.

[0093] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(B), pieces 704, 705 replace piece 703 to form club head 720, and when only piece 704 is attached to piece 702, it transforms the sole of the club head 730 into a two-sided sole with one sole 750 being a 90-degree lie angle and the second sole 751 being a lie angle ranging from 54 to 72 degrees depending on the specifics of base piece 704 selected.

[0094] FIG. 7(c) shows an embodiment, a 0-degree loft of the golf club 700 as the club head 720 (and parallel face) has a 0-degree angle with the golf club shaft 710.

[0095] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 7(D), a golf club 700 is configured such that the lie angle 710 of the club 700 is 90-degrees relative to ground 705 or any other surface of which a player is swinging the golf club 700 at. As shown in FIG. 7(D), when club 700 is in address position, the sole 715 of golf club 700 is parallel to ground 705. In other words, the sole 715 of golf club 700 rests squarely against the ground (or whatever hitting surface is being utilized) 705 in address position. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7(D), the head 720 of the golf club is square or rectangular, rather than having a modern or conventional club head shape. However, so long as the sole of the club is flat, square or rectangular and oriented perpendicular to the shaft of the club, the details and nuances of the overall shape of the club head may vary and the appearance of the overall club head may vary without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0096] For example, in some embodiments, the club head may be configured to zero loft or have a specific loft, such as those typically associated with specific clubs (i.e., 36-degrees to be consistent with a 7 iron, or 44-degrees to be consistent with a 9 iron), without departing from the scope of the invention. In still other embodiments, the club head may be of any of a variety of materials including, but not limited to, wood, plastic, stainless steel, titanium, graphite fiber reinforced epoxy, synthetic polymer foam, polymer materials, ceramics, ceramic composite materials, metal alloys, or the like.

[0097] The shaft and grip of a golf club in accordance with the present invention may be constructed in a manner and materials consistent with standard golf club construction. Thus, in some embodiments, each club in a set of golf clubs may be reproduced with detachable pieces and a transformable 90-degree to 54-72 degree lie angle and a square or rectangular sole while also retaining the other characteristics of the specific golf club, such as shaft length, loft, and head shape. For example, woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters may all be constructed with detachable pieces and a transformable 90-degree to 54-72 degree lie angle in accordance with the present invention.

[0098] In some embodiments, the shaft of the club is telescopic or adjustable in length, for example using a threaded adjustment mechanism, a twist lock, a ratcheting mechanism, a machinist's taper, or the like. The shaft of the club may be a steel shaft, a graphite shaft, a multi-material shaft, wood, or of any other material used for golf club shafts, and in some embodiments may be configured to have a golfer's preferred flex and/or torque without departing from the scope of the invention. By providing for an adjustable shaft length, a single golf club can be adjusted for use with players of varying sizes, and/or to emulate different of golf clubs. In a non-limiting example, a steel 9 iron is typically approximately 36.5 inches long, while a graphite 2 iron is typically approximately 40 inches long. Thus, a golf club having a 90-degree lie angle and adjustable shaft club can be used to emulate any golf club for which a golfer might want to train his or her swing.

[0099] Finally, the grip of the golf club may be any conventional golf club grip, or the club may be configured to have an interchangeable grip, allowing the golf club to be set up in the same manner as a player's preferred golf club(s) to provide for continuity of feel of the 90-degree lie angle club relative to a golfer's own or preferred golf club(s). Continuity of the feel of the golf club facilitates transfer of the swing trained using the 90-degree lie angle club to a golfer's own club(s). Nonlimiting examples of golf club grip materials include cord, plastics, rubber, chamois, multi-compound, and various leathers.

Object: Understand the Golf Swing Plane in the Most Elemental Form.

[0100] The most elemental and easily visualized swing plane is a swing plane that is parallel to the ground. The ground serves as a constant reference plane for the player who learns to swing a club parallel to that reference plane. In accordance with the present invention, utilizing the transformable lie angle golf club, as shown in FIG. 7(a) with pieces 701 and 702 connected to form 90-degree lie angle club head 710, a player can swing the club horizontally to practice the proper swing plane.

[0101] Referring to FIG. 8(a), a perspective view of one embodiment of a golf training aid in accordance with the present invention includes a transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form 830 which the player 800 utilizes to hit a golf ball 810 to the left 840 off of a waist high tee 850 by swinging the golf club 830 parallel to the ground 860. The tee 850 is positioned at approximately waist height where the golf club 830 will be swung on a level parallel to the ground 860 and will contact the ball 810 on the right side 820. The player is able to use the ground 860 as a visual reference for keeping the golf club 830 on plane by keeping the golf club 830 parallel to the ground 860 during the swing.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 8(a), in an embodiment, the player learns that striking the golf ball 810 on the right side 820 with a vector towards the center of the golf ball 810 results in travel of the golf ball 810 to the left 840.

[0103] The horizontal swing plane becomes the initial building block for the player as it is athletically fundamental, and mentally comprehensible. Additionally, the player is able to use the ground as a reference for keeping the club on plane.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 8(B), in an embodiment, the player is able to use the transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form 830, tee 850, and ground 860 to develop consistency in hitting the golf ball on the right side 820 to make it go left 840, or in any desired direction by altering the vector and swing plane to strike to golf ball on the side opposite of the desired direction. For example, if the player 800 wants to hit the golf ball 810 down to the right 875, they hit the golf ball 810 on the opposite side 870, or if they want to hit the golf ball 810 up and to the left 885, they hit the ball on the opposite side 880.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 8(c), in an embodiment, a sheet of translucent or transparent material or any other material 890 representing the horizontal swing plane is positioned on the tee 850 to allow the player 800 to visualize the swing plane 890 while still being able to see the ground 860 and use it as a reference. The player is able to develop a feel for the horizontal swing plane 890 of the hands and golf club 830 as they traverse the swing. The translucent or transparent sheet 890 may be solid or may have an open framed end 895 that allows the player to step into the frame 895 to better see the swing plane 890 from the player's perspective.

[0106] As shown in FIG. 8(C), in an embodiment, ultimately, the player 800 learns that by swinging the transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form 830 parallel with the ground 860, and squaring the golf club 830 at impact (as evidenced by a purely vertical golf club face 835 as it strikes the golf ball 810) the golf ball 810 travels in a straight line, parallel to the ground 860 until gravity pulls it down. For example, hitting the golf ball 810 on the right side 820 directs the ball left 840.

Object: Understanding the Concept of a Vertical Hitting Surface.

[0107] The surface (as used herein, the term surface or hitting surface or hitting board describes a surface from which the golfer hits a ball) from which a golf ball is hit by a player utilizing a golf club can be simplified from the ground, which lies at an oblique angle from the player of approximately 120-degrees, to a surface that is more easily understood by the player, such as a surface perpendicular to the swing plane.

[0108] As shown in FIG. 9(A), an embodiment of the present invention allows the player 900 to use the transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form 930 and hit the golf ball 910 off of a vertical surface 997 made of a translucent or transparent sheet, or any other material in which the golf ball 910 is affixed to. The player 900 learns to hit the golf ball 910 off of a surface that is perpendicular to the swing plane 990, which in the present configuration, is parallel to the ground 960.

[0109] As shown if FIG. 9(A), in an embodiment, the horizontal sheet 990 mounts to the vertical sheet 997 which has legs to stabilize the configuration.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 9(A), in an embodiment, when the player 900 delivers the transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie 930 into the golf ball 910 attached to the vertical plane 997, if the golf club 930 is parallel to the horizontal plane 990, the golf club face 935 will be square with the vertical plane 997. In other words, the vertically oriented sole 936 of the golf club 930 will be flush, or perfectly parallel to the vertical plane 997. If the sole 936 of the 90-degree lie angle golf club 930 is not perfectly aligned with the vertical plane 997, the golf club 930 has not been delivered on the proper swing plane 990. Similarly, if the face 935 of the 90-degree lie angle golf club 930 is not perfectly vertical at impact with the ball, the golf club 930 has not been properly squared into the proper horizontal plane 990.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 9(A), in an embodiment, the player 900 stands inside the frame 995 and learns to hit the golf ball 910 on the right side 920 to drive the golf ball 910 to the left 940 where when hit properly, it will remain in the vertical plane 950.

Object: Transform the Elemental, Horizontal Swing Plane to that of the Golf Swing Plane.

[0112] The horizontal swing plane and vertical hitting surface are non-obvious but comprehensible concepts for the average player. With the ground serving as a reference plane for the golfer, the club can be swung parallel to that plane and the brain can readily visualize a perpendicular vertical surface. This is because the human brain is more accustomed to right angles.

[0113] However, as shown in FIG. 9(B), in an embodiment, when a golfer 900 looks down at the golf ball on the ground 980 with the golf club 970 in front of them, there are no right angles. The scene in front of them resembles nothing like the horizontal swing plane and vertical surface. What the golfer sees is an ambiguous optical illusion cause by the ground and the oblique angles of the golf club.

[0114] As shown in FIG. 9(B), in an embodiment, the transformable shape golf club 970 is configured in a 57 to 64 degree lie angle format and the shaft of golf club 970 is not parallel to anything the golfer sees, like it was parallel to the ground 980 in the horizontal swing plane. In fact, the angle 974 from the shaft to the ground 980 above the shaft of the golf club 970, is approximately 120-degrees (varies slightly with the lie angle of the club and is exactly equal to 180-degrees minus the lie angle 971 of the particular club). Such an angle is exceptionally difficult for the human brain to comprehend. The lie angle 971 from the ground 980 up to the shaft of the golf club 970 (underneath the golf club 970) ranges from 54 to 64 degrees, depending upon the specific lie angle 971 of the club. This is another angle that is very difficult at best for the brain to see and comprehend. The angle 972 which is the angle from the imaginary perpendicular plane to the shaft of the golf club 970 to the ground 980 is 90-degrees minus the lie angle 971, or approximately 26 to 33 degrees, and is extraordinarily difficult to visualize due to the optical illusions of the golf club 970 shape and the orientation of the ground 980.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 9(B), in an embodiment, what is in front of the golfer 900, but is non-obvious and the golfer 900 does not visualize with a traditional golf club, is the angle 973 which is 90-degrees and is the perpendicular plane to the shaft of the club 970. This is potentially the most important angle in the golf swing for the player 900 to visualize. Yet it is virtually impossible to visualize without a training aid that shapes the top of the clubhead to be perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club 930 as in piece 701 shown in FIG. 7(A).

[0116] The present invention solves this need by helping the player understand the transformation of the elemental horizontal swing plane to the golf swing plane by transitioning what was the horizontal swing plane down 60-degrees toward the ground, because in a golf swing the ball rests on the ground, not on a tee or affixed to a wall at approximately waist height.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 10, in an embodiment, a vertical sheet 1097 of translucent or transparent material is attached to an adjustable angle hitting surface 1098 and is part of an adjustable hitting board platform 1050 that can change the angle of the hitting surface 1098 from vertical to horizontal, or any angle in between. The vertical sheet 1097 represents the vertical surface that the golf club 1040 was swung towards in the horizontal golf swing while the hitting surface 1098 represents the same hitting surface now that the golf swing has been tilted down 60-degrees from horizontal.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, a transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form 1040 may be used with a hitting board 1050 to form a system for golf training.

[0119] The adjustable hitting board and transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form are novel in that they teach the player to transform the horizontal golf swing plane that is parallel to the ground, to the proper golf swing which is angled down and not parallel with the ground; as the players spine position changes from nearly vertical with the horizontal swing plane, to angled downward when addressing the golf ball that is on the ground. The horizontal and vertical planes introduced with the present invention exist in the golf swing, albeit at different angles, and are non-obvious. What was the horizontal swing plane angles down approximately 60-degrees towards the ground, as does the associated perpendicular plane that was vertical, which now has moved approximately 60-degrees down as well.

[0120] A shown in FIG. 11(A), in some embodiments, the golf club swing plane 1160 that was horizontal with the golf ball at waist height, prior to addressing the golf ball on the ground 1130 by the player 1100, now becomes angled down approximately 60-degrees (varies with the lie angle 1110 of the golf club 1150), and the hitting plane surface 1140 that was vertical, is now angled down a similar amount. In an embodiment, a golf club swing plane sheet 1160 is utilized to identify the new angle of the swing plane and may be translucent, transparent, solid of any material, or an open frame to allow the player to visualize the swing plane. The player 1100 does not normally see these planes because they do not physically exist during the play of golf and must develop the ability to visualize these planes to understand the proper swing plane 1160 and hitting plane 1140. The proper golf club swing plane 1160 is oblique to the player who is accustomed to more vertical and horizontal orientations, and is best visualized by visualizing the perpendicular hitting plane 1140. The present invention assists the player with visualizing the hitting plane 1140 by providing a physical form of this hitting plane 1140 to practice with.

[0121] A unique approach in accordance with the present invention is the concept of the golf swing plane being oriented with a surface that is not the ground, nor is it parallel nor perpendicular with the ground. Rather, this effective hitting surface is 90-degrees, or perpendicular to the swing plane of the golf club, or 90-degrees to the shaft of the golf club.

[0122] The typical amateur player is aware of the ground, and although the player is hitting the ball off of the ground, the ground affects the player's swing and the player tends to swing the golf club on a plane around, or parallel with the ground.

[0123] In accordance with the present invention, the player is taught to swing the golf club on the proper plane, towards a surface that is perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club, or into the ground (as opposed to parallel to the ground), as that is where the proper golf club plane resides.

Object: Understand Lie Angle and the Necessary Adaption of the Golf Club Head as the Swing Plane Stays Constant, while the Hitting Surface Changes from Perpendicular to Oblique.

[0124] The present invention can be utilized to confirm the ambiguous optical illusion created for the player by the lie angle of the golf club. As shown in FIG. 11(B), in an embodiment, when the transformable golf club 1130 head is set in the 90-degree lie angle configuration 1198 and the adjustable angle hitting plane 1197 is set in the vertical position 1197, the sole of the transformable golf club head 1198 is parallel to the hitting surface 1197 when the club head arrives at the hitting surface 1197 and is on plane during the swing.

[0125] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11(B), if the player 1100 sets the transformable-golf-club head 1130 in the 57 to 64 degree lie angle position 1199 and the adjustable angle hitting platform 1197 is set in the vertical position 1197, when the club is swung into the plane, the sole of the golf club head 1199 is no longer parallel to the hitting surface 1197. In fact, it would break the plane 1197 with the toe of the club 1199 being further forward than the heel. In other words, the sole of the club 1199 would not be parallel to the hitting surface 1197. The player is taught that the sole of a golf club that has a lie angle other than 90-degrees, is not a good reference for either the swing plane or the hitting plane and presents an ambiguous optical illusion for the player.

[0126] To further demonstrate this to the player, in an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11(C), the adjustable angle hitting platform 1197 can be set to accommodate the lie angle of any club. For example, for a lie angle of 60-degrees, the adjustable angle hitting platform 1197 is angled downwards 30-degrees (90-degrees minus the lie angle of the club). When the player 1100 swings the 60-degree lie angle club head 1196 transformable golf club 1130 on the horizontal swing plane 1195 the sole 1194 of the transformable golf club with lie angle of 60-degrees is now parallel with the hitting surface 1197. Yet the hitting surface is not perpendicular to the swing plane 1195. The player is taught that the lie angle of a golf club is an adapter that converts the swing plane from horizontal in this set-up, to some degree of offset depending on the lie angle of the club. Ultimately, the present invention reinforces that the player must visualize the angle that is 90-degrees to the shaft of the club for any club being used, and minimized the influence of the angle of the hitting surface.

[0127] A variable angle hitting surface with transformable golf club head can be particularly useful in allowing the player to understand the various anatomical relationships between the golf club and the player's hands, which hold the golf club; as well as the planes on which various body parts must counter-intuitively travel during the proper golf swing. An understanding of these non-intuitive relationships is necessary to overcome the ambiguous optical illusions presented to the player when addressing the golf ball and swinging the golf club.

[0128] Intuitively, the player swings the hands at the ball during the golf swing. An apparatus, system, and method that teaches the player that as the hands grip the golf club, the angle formed between the forearms and the shaft of the golf club is not 180-degrees, and hence, the hands in a proper on-plane golf swing are not to be swung to a position in space that is between the shoulder, or eyes, and the golf ball. Rather, the hands, and hence the arms, are swung to a position in space that allows for the angle of the forearms and the golf club shaft to then provide for the golf club head to contact the golf ball in an on-plane, square manner. This important and non-obvious relationship is best learned through am apparatus, system, and method that can portray such in a horizontal swing orientation first, prior addressing the downward plane of golf address and swing.

[0129] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11(D), a transparent or translucent or solid sheet 1160 can be attached to the hitting surface 1197 and base 1120 adjusted to any angle such as vertical 1197, at a position and angle 1163 equal to the angle 1162 formed between the golf club shaft 1150 and a line 1161 running down the centerline of the player's left arm 1101, which varies based upon the player's 1100 height, their anatomical attributes, and the lie angle of the golf club.

[0130] As shown in FIG. 11(D), in an embodiment, when the player properly 1100 swings the golf club 1150 on a horizontal plane such that the golf club head 1198 is square to the vertical hitting surface 1197 at impact with a golf ball, unbeknownst to the player 1100, the arms 1101 are swung on a steeper plane 1160, at an angle 1164 downward from horizontal equal to 180-degrees minus the angle 1162 formed between the golf club shaft 1150 and the centerline of the player's left arm 1101. The present invention teaches the player how to transition this important physiological relationship as the horizontal swing is transitioned downward to the golf swing plane by affixing a solid or translucent or transparent sheet 1160 affixed to the hitting board's 1120 hitting plane 1197 to provide the player with a visual reference for where the left arm 1101 is swung in order to keep the golf club shaft 1150 horizontal.

[0131] As was shown in FIG. 9(A), the hitting surface 997 that was vertical, is captured in an embodiment shown in FIG. 12(A) with the hitting surface 1240 angled downward from vertical as a result of the golf address position being angled downward from the horizontal swing plane towards its base 1220. The new swing plane 1260 is no longer horizontal and can now be visualized by the player 1200 as being perpendicular to the now angled downward hitting surface plane 1240. The player is taught to disregard the ground 1230, and focus on the effective surface of the hitting plane 1240 which is perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club 1250 and the golf club swing plane 1260.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 12(B), in an embodiment, the golf club 1220 with transformable shape golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle form 1250, is used to show the player that while that club head is effective for hitting a golf ball off of a perpendicularly angled hitting surface 1240, it is impractical to use that club head to hit a golf ball off of a non-perpendicular surface, such as the ground when the balls lies on such in front of the player. Removing the perpendicular angled hitting surface and placing the transformable shape golf club configured in a 90-degree lie angle on the ground with the golf club shaft on the proper club plane, orients the club head such that a corner of the club head contacts the ground 1210, rather that the entire sole of the club head brushing the surface in a parallel manner as it does on the hitting board, resulting in earth 1230 being struck. This serves as another missing link for the golfer as it shows the golf club has been adapted such that it should be swung into an effective hitting surface or plane (approximately 30-degrees up from the ground, varying with lie angle of the club) that is not the ground, yet the 57 to 64 degree lie angle club head will square to the ground. If the club is swung on a plane other than perpendicular to this effective hitting surface or hitting plane, such as the ground, the club will be off plane and unsquared with the ground.

[0133] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 13, a hitting board 1320 with hitting surface 1330 and square left edge 1300 is configured at an angle where the hitting surface 1330 is parallel to the sole of the transformable golf club head configured in 90-degree lie angle 1370, or perpendicular to the golf club shaft 1350 to receive and provide a stable platform for a golf ball 1305. In some embodiments, a golf ball 1305 may be placed on a conventional golf tee 1310 mounted on or inserted in the hitting board. The hitting board 1300 comprises a base 1320, which sits on the ground and provides stability, and a hitting surface 1330 that extends from the base 1320 in the hitting plane. The hitting surface 1330 provides a planar visual cue or frame of reference for the hitting planethe plane that is 90-degrees to the shaft of the golf club. The angle of the hitting surface 1330 relative to base 1320 may be fixed at a specific angle, or the hitting surface 1330 may be pivotably connected with base 1320, for example at hinge 1340, to provide for adjustability of the angle of the hitting surface relative to the ground. In some implementations, hinge 1340 may be a ratchet hinge that is configured to provide granular adjustability, for example, the ability to adjust the angle of the hitting surface in 0.5 or 1 increments relative to ground.

[0134] As illustrated in FIG. 13, the player 1360 may place a golf ball 1305 on a conventional golf tee affixed to or inserted in the hitting surface 1330 of the hitting board 1320 such that the golf tee 1310 extends perpendicular to the ground. In other embodiments, a golf ball 1305 may be affixed via a removable or temporary adhesive, putty, hook and loop fastener, or the like.

[0135] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the transformable shape golf club head 730 can be configured into a dual lie angle sole with piece 704 alone connected to base piece 702 and can be placed at the junction of the adjustable hitting platform and the ground to educate the player on the role of golf club lie angle in adapting a proper swing plane to an oblique surface, with one angle of the sole square to the hitting board and one angle of the sole square to the ground.

[0136] In some embodiments, the hitting surface is configured to intersect the base at a fixed angle, for example, so that the hitting surface is in a hitting plane that emulates use of a specific golf club.

[0137] For example, a hitting board configured for use with a transformable golf club head configured in a 90-degree lie angle in accordance with the present invention can be used for swing training a sand wedge having a 64-degree lie angle when the hitting plane is configured to be at a 26-degree angle (90-degrees minus 64-degree lie angle) relative to the base/ground. Thus, in this example, the hitting surface would be fixed at a 26-degree angle relative to the base of the hitting board. For each club desired to be emulated, the hitting surface is configured to be oriented at an angle up from the ground that is 90-degrees minus the lie angle of the club to be emulated.

[0138] In another embodiment of the hitting board, the base and the hitting surface are pivotably connected or hinged at their intersection to permit the hitting surface to be adjusted into different hitting planes, depending on the golf club being emulated. In some embodiments, the hinge hardware may be configured with predefined settings, increments, or locks at specific, preset angles (90-degrees minus lie angle of club) intended to emulate different golf clubs. In other embodiments, the hitting surface is supported beneath the surface by one or more fixed or adjustable height risers, ladders, ratchets, legs, or the like intended to support and adjust the height of the hitting surface, therefore adjusting the angle between the hitting surface and the base at their intersection. In some embodiments, this may be manually adjusted. However, it may also be adjusted via a pneumatic or hydraulic shaft that can be controlled manually or via electronic control means (i.e., via a controller, computer, or the like). It should be appreciated that, with mechanized components, and the angle of the hitting plane thus, the hitting surface may be adjusted to meet the training needs of each golfer that uses it.

[0139] In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 14, a golf ball 1405 is affixed to a hitting board 1490 configured to have a pedestal 1450 (fixed to or in the ground 1480) that is connected with hitting surface 1430 at central joint 1460. Golf ball 1405 may be affixed to the surface of the hitting board using, for example, putty or removable adhesive. Pedestal 1450 may be of a fixed height, or may be of an adjustable height pedestal, for example, using mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic mechanisms to adjust (increasing or decreasing) the overall height of the pedestal. In some implementations, pedestal 1450 may sit in a base that provides stability while also allowing for portability over the overall hitting board. In other implementations, such as in a permanent training facility or in a golf simulator setting, the pedestal may be semi-permanently or permanently installed at a location, facilitating the implementation of more complex control systems allowing for fine and virtually infinite adjustment of pedestal height within a defined range from the ground, such as 0-12.

[0140] As shown in FIG. 14, in some embodiments joint 1460 may be a hinge or pivot point, configured to adjust the angle in the x-y plane, such as a ratchet hinge, configured to be fixed at specific increments, for example, 0.5 or 1, so that the angle of the hitting surface can be adjusted to an appropriate (90-degree minus the lie angle of the club to be emulated) angle for swing training. In other embodiments, joint 1460 may be a spheroid or ball and socket joint, which allows for additional adjustability of the hitting surface relative to the ground. More specifically, a spheroid or ball and socket joint provides for adjustability in the x, y, and z planes. Preferably the spheroid or ball and socket joint is adjustable and can be fixed or locked in position. In some embodiments, one or both of the pedestal height and the angle of joint 1460 are adjustable via a combination of electronic and mechanical devices, such as a computer control system configured to control a pneumatic pedestal and to control a hinge or a spheroid joint that is adjustable via electric motors such as servo motors that are configured to facilitate fine adjustment of the angle of the hitting surface in one or more planes, and to hold the hitting surface in a fixed position once the appropriate hitting plane is identified. Further, in the case of computer or electronically controlled adjustments, in some implementations, a preferred settings (height, angle(s)) may be savedmuch like saving one's vehicle seat and mirror settingsfor one or more users, or a plurality of different settings (for example, to emulate different golf clubs) may be saved for each user. Adjustability in multiple planes facilitates, for example, interaction with multiple virtual golf environments by allowing the hitting surface to be adjusted to face different screens or to switch back and forth between different golfers in a training or recreational facility.

[0141] While the dimensions of the hitting board may vary depending on the application, the base must be of a sufficient length and width to form a stable platform for the hitting surface, and the hitting surface must be of a size sufficient to allow a golfer to square the club against it at address, and also to use the hitting surface as a visual cue or frame of reference as a golfer moves through his or her swing. In some implementations, the hitting surface is as small as a 66 square or as large as a 1212 rectangle. The hitting board may vary in size without departing from the scope of invention. Further, in some embodiments, the base and the hitting surface may have the same dimensions or different dimensions.

[0142] It should be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the hitting board may be configured such that the hitting surface is parallel to the ground, and be used with a conventional golf club(s). This might be useful, for example, in maintaining consistency as a golfer works to transition his or her swing from a club have a 90-degree lie angle to his or her own golf clubs.

[0143] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 14, the hitting board 1430 may be configured with the various referenced hinge 1460 mechanism such that the hitting surface is perpendicular to the ground or vertical, to emulate hitting a golf ball of off a vertical wall, or rotated downward to the complimentary angle of any golf club lie angle, such that any position of the hitting board 1430 from vertical to horizontal is achieved, and the shaft of the 90-degree lie angle golf club is positioned 90-degrees to the angle of the hitting board.

[0144] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, a pattern of alignment holes are placed in the adjustable hitting board for accessory training aid translucent or transparent or solid sheets that are affixed to the adjustable hitting board 1530 to represent various swing planes, including the lower golf club plane 1510, the upper golf club plane 1520, or the eye plane 1540.

[0145] In an embodiment, as shown if FIG. 16, alignment sticks 1610 are placed into the alignment holes 1620 in the adjustable hitting platform 1630 to allow the player 1600 to reference body positions during the swing. The player may use the alignment sticks to align such body parts as the shoulders 1640 while addressing the ball or at impact with the ball.

[0146] In an embodiment shown in FIG. 17, the hitting board 1700 is marked by the sole of the golf club 1770 as it brushes the surface of the hitting board 1700 in various manners 1750. Marks show whether the golf club head 1770 was square with the surface 1700 or unsquared as it brushed the hitting board 1700.

[0147] In some embodiments, the hitting board and/or golf club having a 90-degree lie angle as described herein may be implemented with a computerized golf trainer, virtual golf trainer, golf simulator, video golf trainers, virtual reality golf trainers or the like to provide virtually immediate feedback on changes or improvements in one's golf swing during training and/or to provide data for further fine-tuning of the golf swing or adjustment of a golfer's own clubs.

[0148] In some embodiments, the hitting surface, and all embodiments thereof described herein may be transparent or be projected, for example via light or lasers, or be emulated in a 3d, virtual-reality golf environment.

[0149] In some embodiments, the hitting surface may incorporate additional features intended to focus a golfer's training efforts and/or provide additional guidance. Several different embodiments of the hitting board including these features are illustrated in FIGS. 18(A)-18(I), which each show a top view of hitting surface, as seen by a golfer.

[0150] In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 18(A), a channel, groove, or other depression or cut out 1810 runs in a straight line in the swing plane along the surface of the hitting plane, and a golf ball 1805 is configured to slide along a slot (not shown) within the channel along the length of the hitting surface 1830. This provides immediate feedback regarding a golfer's swing, as deviation from the ideal swing plane will cause friction between the ball and the side of the channel because deviation from the ideal swing will push the golf ball 1805 against one of the two sides of the channel.

[0151] In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 18(B), the hitting surface 1830 of the hitting board is used with a golf ball 1805 having a marker 1820, such as a horizontal line, plus sign, or the like, that provides a frame of reference for a golfer to orient the shaft of the club relative to the golf ball or for eye training.

[0152] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18(C) the hitting surface 1830 of the hitting board includes additional visual markers or cues indicating where to initiate and end release/break of wrists. In a non-limiting example, a marker or visual cue 1860 such as a vertical line on the hitting surface is placed 6 to 18 before the center line of the ball to indicate when a golfer should begin release or break the wrists, with the ball 1805 serving as a visual cue to complete wrist release/break at the point of impact.

[0153] In another embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 18(D), a second marker or vertical line 1865 is visible on the hitting surface at the center line of the golf ball 1805 to serve as a cue or reminder to complete the wrist release/break at impact. While a distance of 6-18 before the center line of the golf ball 1805 for mark 1860 on the hitting board 1830 is typical for most golfers, it should be appreciated that the visual cues described herein can be adjusted for the needs/swing of individual golfers or groups of golfers without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the markers or lines may be created using paint, markers, chalk, tape, felt, or an item or material secured to the hitting surface using an adhesive, hook and loop fastener, or the like.

[0154] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18(E), the hitting surface 1830 of the hitting board includes horizontal markers or cues indicating the approximate location of the lower club plane 1870 and the upper club plane 1875 relative to the golf ball 1805, that is, a plane for each that extends out 90-degrees from the angle of the hitting board at the positions where the club shaft exists during the lower back and downswing, or the upper back and down swing.

[0155] In some embodiment, as shown in FIG. 18(F), of the angled hitting board 1800 and hitting surface 1830, a double-right-angled planar surface 1880 serving as a groove in a tongue-in-grove system, either hard or electronically projected 1880, extends out from the hitting surface 1830 at an angle of 90-degrees to the hitting surface 1830 and is located at the line corresponding to the golf club shaft plane when in the lower swing position 1870, with the purpose of limiting the player's ability to place the golf club shaft above the proper lower club plane during the downswing.

[0156] In an embodiment as shown in FIG. 18(F), a double-right-angled alignment stick 1880 is inserted into the adjustable angle hitting platform such that the transformable golf club head configured in the 90-degree lie angle form, passes underneath the angled alignment stick such that the club head and shaft are square to the alignment stick as they pass underneath it during the swing.

[0157] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18(G), an extendable and retractable scale 1890 pulls out of the front of the hitting surface 1830 and serves for a mark of the Player's anatomical positions, such as the hands at address, relative to the hitting surface 1830 and ball 1805, serving as a reminder for the player to return those anatomical parts to their address positions during the down swing. Horizontal markers for such anatomical components such as shoulders 1870 or head 1875 are scribed on the hitting surface 1830.

[0158] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18(H), a point laser 1891 is placed in the hole of the golf club grip 1892 and serves to demonstrate to the player what plane the golf club shaft is on relative to the golf ball 1805 during the downswing, by projecting a laser point which should be roughly on the lower club plane 1870 marking, rather than the upper club plane marking 1875 on the hitting board 1830 in the lower part of the golf swing.

[0159] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 18(I), a substance, chalk, ink, or the like, is placed on the sole of the golf club head and leaves a mark on the hitting surface 1830 during impact, representative of the alignment of the club shaft to the proper club shaft plane at impact, with an ideal mark 1893, being equal in width to the sole of the golf club head, indicating the golf club shaft was 90-degrees to the hitting surface 1830 at impact, and marks representative of a club shaft misaligned to the proper plane, leaving marks 1892 of smaller width.

[0160] In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18(I), the hitting surface 1830 itself is altered by impact of the golf club sole with the hitting surface 1830, through means of a grain in the hitting surface 1830 that is brushed evenly prior to each hit at the surface, and which shows the width of mark 1892, 1893 clearly after each swing.

[0161] In yet another embodiment, shown in FIG. 19, a swing trainer 1930 comprises a transparent or translucent planar surface configured to be detachably coupled to the shaft 1910 of a golf club at an attachment point at any point along the length of the shaft such that the transparent or translucent planar surface is perpendicular to the shaft 1910 of the golf club. When used during a golf swing, the planar surface provides a visual reference for the hitting plane, as defined herein.

[0162] In an embodiment, swing trainer 1930 defines a planar surface perpendicular to the shaft of the golf club, which is parallel to the hitting plane at address. Thus, swing trainer 1930 provides a visual indicator of the hitting plane, whether in the presence or absence of the hitting board. In some embodiments, a frame defines the planar surface of the swing trainer. In other embodiments, the planar surface is defined by a sheet of translucent or transparent material, such as a polycarbonate sheet. In still other embodiments, the sheet of translucent or transparent material may be surrounded by a frame. In still other embodiments, the sheet of translucent material may provide one or more additional visual cues for golfers, as described herein.

Object: Understand the Addition of Loft to Golf Club Head.

[0163] In an embodiment, the pieces shown on FIG. 7(B) can be removed and replaced with pieces that have loft.

Object: Swing the Golf Club on the Proper Plane and Square the Club Head into that Plane at Impact with the Golf Ball.

[0164] An apparatus, system, and method for showing the player the proper planes of the various entities of the golf swing learned in a horizontal format first, followed by the transition downward to the golf swing plane is useful in that these relationships are largely misunderstood by the golfer because they are difficult to visualize and understand. The ambiguous optical illusions presented by the oblique angles of the wrists as they hold the golf club, the lie angle of the golf club, and the top line of the golf club prevent the player from having a reference plane for the swing.

[0165] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20(A), a horizontal surface 2059 extends out the front of the hitting board 2020 in any angle relative to the edge of the hitting board 2000, and contains pegboard or other attachment mechanisms for a translucent or transparent, or solid sheet 2040 to attach to, which extends upward towards the hands of the player, at an angle and position consistent with an extension of the arm plane 2080. The player 2060 is taught to swing the arms 2090 on the plane 2040, rather than at the golf ball, so that when the wrists release towards impact the club head 2070 is moved forward towards, and squares into, the hitting board surface 2030; or when used with the hitting board surface 2030 in a horizontal position, with a traditional golf club, where the lie angle of the club head 2050 squares the sole of the club head with the ground. During the proper downswing of the golf club 2050, the sheet 2040 also serves as a reference for the back of the player's 2060 left hand 2097 (for a right handed player), which will be facing upwards relative to the plane 2040 until the wrists release. The player is taught the proper wrist and arm positions during the golf swing.

[0166] In an embodiment, as with the horizontal relationship of the arms, club shaft, and hitting surface shown in FIG. 11(D), when the golf swing is transitioned downward from vertical as shown in FIG. 20(A), these relationships remain and the proper golf swing is learned by swinging the arms 2090 on the proper arm plane 2040, rather than at the ball, such that when the wrists release to golf club 2050 squarely into impact with the hitting surface 2030, the arms are on a steeper plane 2040 than the golf club shaft 2050.

[0167] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20(B) a moveable alignment line 2041, or a lighted strip 2041, or a reflective strip 2041 is present on the horizontal board 2059 of the hitting board 2020 and hitting surface 2030 and positioned such that the line of sight from the player's eyes 2042 to the alignment mark 2041 is just outside the player's hands 2090 at address, so that during the down swing, if the player 2060 moves the hands 2090 out towards the ball instead of down on the proper arm plane, the alignment mark 2041 is not visible to the player's eyes 2042 as it is blocked by the hands 2090. In some embodiments, a spot laser is inserted into the hole in the grip of the transformable golf club, and as the club is delivered on the proper plane, the laser traverses inside, or on the player's 2060 side of the alignment line 2041. The player learns that the arms are swung on a steeper plane than the golf club shaft.

[0168] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20(C), the target line 2093, and an alignment line 2091, 2094 are positioned on the hitting board 2030 to help a player align the golf club during the swing. The player is taught that an imaginary line extended out in the direction of the shaft beyond the golf club head would project onto the hitting board during the swing, and that the line is generally straight 2091 until the wrist release the club, and then is curved 2092 as the wrists move the golf club head forward, or outwards and above an extension of the generally straight line 2091, as it approaches the golf ball 2095.

[0169] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20(D), a spot laser 2096 is clipped onto the shaft of the golf club 2050 just above the club head 2070, and pointed directly down towards the hitting board surface 2030 such that the player 2060 visualizes the laser with their eyes 2042 during the swing.

[0170] An alignment line 2091, 2094 on the hitting board 2030 is positioned to receive the spot laser 2096 when the player 2060 makes the proper swing of the golf club. The line is straight 2091 as the player 2060 puts the club 2050 on the proper arm plane while holding the wrist cock, and when the wrists release to deliver the club head 2070 towards the ball 2005, the line 2091 becomes a curved line 2094 as the club is moved outward, or upwards towards the ball 2005 as the wrists release. The player learns that the arm plane is inside the target line, and the release of the wrists projects the club out towards the ball.

[0171] The present invention allows the player to practice the fundamentals of the transformable shape golf club head with the horizontal swing and vertical hitting surface, and transition those down towards the ground as in the golf swing, and practice swinging the club on the proper plane by visualizing the effective hitting surface and then squaring the club into that plane. The player can reconfigure the transformable shape golf club and adjustable angle hitting board at any complimentary positions and practice the fundamentals at will.

ADDITIONAL OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0172] In accordance with the description of the invention as herein provided it is understood that present invention provides for various embodiments which may be employed individually or in any combination thereof. Reference throughout the specification to one embodiment, another embodiment, an embodiment, some embodiments, and so forth, means that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, property, and/or characteristic) described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment described herein, and may or may not be present in other embodiments. In addition, it is to be understood that embodiments and/or the described element(s) may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0173] In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a transformable shape golf swing training club configured at a lie angle of 90-degrees and paired with an adjustable angle hitting surface set in the vertical position, to be used in practicing a horizontal swing plane. The swing plane is transitioned downward toward the ground at an angle equal to the lie angle of any particular golf club, representing the golfer addressing the golf ball on the ground, and the adjustable hitting surface is set up from the ground at an angle equal to 90-degrees minus the angle chosen for the plane transition. The square relationship of the golf club sole to the hitting surface remains intact as the player practices the transition swing plane. The training club is reconfigured to the selected lie angle, the hitting surface is set to 0-degrees, and the player learns that with no change in swing plane angle, the sole of the golf club is now parallel to the ground.

[0174] In another embodiment, the present invention provides golf club and a system for golf training. The system includes a golf club and a hitting board (optionally with a golf ball affixed to the hitting board or surface thereof where the golf ball optionally has a visual marker). The golf club comprising a grip, a shaft (preferably extendable), and a club head (preferably transformable). The club head has a sole (preferably square or rectangular) oriented perpendicular to the shaft (e.g. a 90 degree lie angle). The hitting board includes a base configured to provide a stable platform; and a hitting surface extending from the base in a hitting plane, wherein the hitting surface is pivotably connected to the base to allow adjustment of the hitting plane in a plurality of hitting plane angles relative to the base. In further preferred optional embodiments: the hitting board further includes a transparent or translucent sheet extending in a plane from the hitting surface or the base; the hitting surface has a visual marker disposed on the hitting surface; the hitting surface comprises a surface material that interacts with the sole of the club head to show a swing path of the club relative to the hitting surface; and/or the golf club further includes a transparent or translucent sheet attached to and extending perpendicularly from the shaft.

[0175] Where the club head of the golf club is transformable, it preferably has a transformable shape where the golf club further includes: a lie angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the lie angle of the club head; a loft angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the loft angle of the club head; and/or a top line adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the top line of the club head.

[0176] In a further preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a method for golf training. The method includes the steps of: providing a system for golf training as provided in any embodiment herein described; adjusting the hitting plane to a first hitting plane angle and allowing a user to swing the golf club at the first hitting plane angle; adjusting the hitting plane to a second hitting plane angle and allowing a user to swing the golf club at the second hitting plane angle. If the club head has a transformable shape wherein the golf club further comprises a lie angle adjustment piece that is configured to be removably attached to the club head to adjust the lie angle of the club head, the method preferably includes a step selected from the group consisting of: adjusting the lie angle of the golf club by removably attaching the lie angle adjustment piece to the club head; adjusting the loft angle of the golf club by removably attaching the loft angle adjustment piece to the club head and allowing a user to swing the golf club along the first and/or second hitting plane; and/or adjusting the top line of the golf club by removably attaching the top line adjustment piece to the club head. Where the system further comprises a golf ball affixed to the hitting surface, the user is allowed to hit the golf ball with the golf club.