Golf training apparatus

Abstract

A sports training device designed for attachment to the shaft of a swinging sports apparatus, such as a golf club, tennis racket, baseball bat, hockey stick, or any other sports apparatus that is intended to be swung while playing a sport. The training device generally includes a drag panel/chute/airfoil, two (2) distinct connection points to the sports apparatus, and a support rod is disposed between the connection points substantially parallel to the shaft of the sports apparatus and to the length of the drag panel. The connection points include coupling mechanisms (e.g., pipe clips, snap clamps, etc.) that allow for 360 rotation about the sports apparatus. In use, the drag panel provides additional air resistance during the swinging of the sports apparatus.

Claims

1. A swinging sports training apparatus for attaching to a shaft of a sports apparatus, comprising: a proximal coupling mechanism disposed around a proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus and rotates 360 around the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, the proximal coupling mechanism having an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, such that the entirety of the proximal coupling mechanism substantially freely rotates about the sports apparatus; a distal coupling mechanism disposed around a distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus and rotates 360 around the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, the distal coupling mechanism having an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, such that the entirety of the distal coupling mechanism substantially freely rotates about the sports apparatus; a rigid support rod disposed in a substantially parallel relation to the shaft of the sports apparatus, the support rod having a proximal end secured to the proximal coupling mechanism and a distal end secured to the distal coupling mechanism, such that rotation of the proximal and distal coupling mechanisms about the shaft of the sports apparatus is synchronized with rotation of the support rod; and a drag panel having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end directly or indirectly coupled to the proximal coupling mechanism and the distal end directly or indirectly coupled to the distal coupling mechanism, wherein a length of the drag panel is substantially parallel to the support rod, wherein the proximal and distal coupling mechanisms rotate about the shaft of the sports apparatus, thus causing the panel to rotate about the shaft of the sports apparatus, wherein the drag panel rotates to trail the shaft of the sports apparatus during a swinging motion of the sports apparatus in order to provide resistance during the swinging motion, wherein the swinging sports training apparatus rotates around the shaft of the sports apparatus in a direction normal to a velocity vector of the swinging motion so that a user of the swinging apparatus experiences an increased resistance during the swinging motion due to the air resistance created by the panel, wherein none of the proximal coupling mechanism, the distal coupling mechanism, the support rod, and the panel are affixed to the shaft of the sports apparatus, due to all rotating in synchronization around the shaft of the sports apparatus.

2. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the panel is flexible but substantially taut during the swinging motion of the sports apparatus.

3. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising: a proximal stiffener element coupled to the proximal end of the panel, so that a proximal edge of the panel remains perpendicular to the shaft of the sports apparatus; and a distal stiffener element coupled to the distal end of the panel, so that a distal edge of the panel remains perpendicular to the shaft of the sports apparatus.

4. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 3, further comprising a first cable seal that couples the proximal stiffener element to the proximal coupling mechanism, thus indirectly coupling the proximal end of the panel to the proximal coupling mechanism.

5. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 4, further comprising a second cable seal that couples the distal stiffener element to distal coupling mechanism, thus indirectly coupling the distal end of the panel to the distal coupling mechanism.

6. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a clamp positioned on the shaft of the sports apparatus in a position proximal to the proximal coupling mechanism.

7. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the proximal coupling mechanism includes a proximal passageway through which the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus is disposed and a proximal entry/exit opening through which the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus can enter and exit the proximal passageway, wherein a length of the proximal opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus.

8. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the distal coupling mechanism also includes a distal passageway through which the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus is disposed and a distal entry/exit opening through which the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus can enter and exit the distal passageway, wherein a length of the distal opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus.

9. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the support rod is secured to the proximal coupling mechanism by being disposed in a slot within the proximal coupling mechanism.

10. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 9, wherein the distal end of the support rod is secured to the distal coupling mechanism by being disposed in a slot within the distal coupling mechanism.

11. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 10, wherein a bolt, screw, or stud is used to tighten the proximal end of the support rod within the slot of the proximal coupling mechanism, and where an additional bolt, screw, or stud is used to tighten the distal end of the support rod within the slot of the distal coupling mechanism.

12. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the panel has a trapezoidal shape with a shorter side being a proximal edge of the panel and a longer side being a distal edge of the panel.

13. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the support rod includes slip connectors disposed therein for disassembling and folding the support rod.

14. A swinging sports training apparatus as in claim 13, further comprising an elastic cord disposed within an interior of the support rod along the length of the support rod.

15. The swinging sports training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support rod has a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa.

16. A golf training apparatus for attaching to a shaft of a golf club, comprising: a proximal coupling mechanism disposed around a proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus and rotates 360 around the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, the proximal coupling mechanism having an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, such that the entirety of the proximal coupling mechanism substantially freely rotates about the sports apparatus; a distal coupling mechanism disposed around a distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus and rotates 360 around the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, the distal coupling mechanism having an inner diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, such that the entirety of the distal coupling mechanism substantially freely rotates about the sports apparatus; a rigid support rod disposed in a substantially parallel relation to the shaft of the sports apparatus, the support rod having a proximal end secured to the proximal coupling mechanism and a distal end secured to the distal coupling mechanism, such that rotation of the proximal and distal coupling mechanisms about the shaft of the sports apparatus is synchronized with rotation of the support rod, wherein the proximal coupling mechanism includes a proximal passageway through which the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus is disposed and a proximal entry/exit opening through which the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus can enter and exit the proximal passageway, wherein a length of the proximal opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the proximal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, wherein the distal coupling mechanism also includes a distal passageway through which the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus is disposed and a distal entry/exit opening through which the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus can enter and exit the distal passageway, wherein a length of the distal opening is smaller than the outer diameter of the distal portion of the shaft of the sports apparatus, wherein the proximal end of the support rod is secured to the proximal coupling mechanism by being disposed in a slot within the proximal coupling mechanism, wherein the distal end of the support rod is secured to the distal coupling mechanism by being disposed in a slot within the distal coupling mechanism, wherein a bolt, screw, or stud is used to tighten the proximal end of the support rod within the slot of the proximal coupling mechanism, and where an additional bolt, screw, or stud is used to tighten the distal end of the support rod within the slot of the distal coupling mechanism, wherein the support rod includes slip connectors disposed therein for disassembling and folding the support rod and an elastic cord disposed within an interior of the support rod along the length of the support rod, wherein the support rod has a Young's modulus of at least 10 GPa; a drag panel having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end directly or indirectly coupled to the proximal coupling mechanism and the distal end directly or indirectly coupled to the distal coupling mechanism, wherein a length of the drag panel is substantially parallel to the support rod, wherein the proximal and distal coupling mechanisms rotate about the shaft of the sports apparatus, thus causing the panel to rotate about the shaft of the sports apparatus, wherein the panel is flexible but substantially taut during a swinging motion of the sports apparatus, wherein the panel has a trapezoidal shape with a shorter side being a proximal edge of the panel and a longer side being a distal edge of the panel; a proximal stiffener element coupled to the proximal end of the panel, so that the proximal edge of the panel remains perpendicular to the shaft of the sports apparatus; a distal stiffener element coupled to the distal end of the panel, so that the distal edge of the panel remains perpendicular to the shaft of the sports apparatus; a first cable seal that couples the proximal stiffener element to the proximal coupling mechanism, thus indirectly coupling the proximal end of the panel to the proximal coupling mechanism; a second cable seal that couples the distal stiffener element to distal coupling mechanism, thus indirectly coupling the distal end of the panel to the distal coupling mechanism; a clamp positioned on the shaft of the sports apparatus in a position proximal to the proximal coupling mechanism, wherein the drag panel rotates to trail the shaft of the sports apparatus during the swinging motion of the sports apparatus such that the shaft of the sports apparatus is disposed along a middle portion of the drag panel during the swinging motion of the sports apparatus, wherein the swinging sports training apparatus rotates around the shaft of the sports apparatus in a direction normal to a velocity vector of the swinging motion so that a user of the swinging apparatus experiences an increased resistance during the swinging motion due to the air resistance created by the panel, wherein none of the proximal coupling mechanism, the distal coupling mechanism, the support rod, and the panel are affixed to the shaft of the sports apparatus, due to all rotating in synchronization around the shaft of the sports apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a rear perspective of a golf training device, according to an embodiment of the current invention.

(3) FIG. 1B is a side view of the golf training device of FIG. 1A.

(4) FIG. 1C is a front view of the golf training device of FIG. 1A.

(5) FIG. 1D is a front upper perspective view of the golf training device of FIG. 1C.

(6) FIG. 1E is a rear view of the golf training device of FIG. 1A.

(7) FIG. 1F is a rear lower perspective view of the golf training device of FIG. 1E.

(8) FIG. 2A is a close-up view of a connection point between a golf training device and a golf club, according to an embodiment of the current invention.

(9) FIG. 2B is a further close-up view of the connection point of FIG. 2A.

(10) FIG. 2C is a cross-sectional view of the connection point of FIG. 2A.

(11) FIG. 3A is an isolated view of a coupling mechanism, according to an embodiment of the current invention.

(12) FIG. 3B is an end view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 3A.

(13) FIG. 3C is a rear view of the coupling mechanism of FIG. 3A.

(14) FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a proximal stiffener element with cable seals, according to an embodiment of the current invention.

(15) FIG. 4B is an isolated view of the proximal stiffener element of FIG. 4A.

(16) FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a distal stiffener element with cable seals, according to an embodiment of the current invention.

(17) FIG. 5B is an isolated view of the distal stiffener element of FIG. 5A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

(18) In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

(19) As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms a, an, and the include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term or is generally employed in its sense including and/or unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(20) In certain embodiments, the current invention is a swing training device coupled to a swinging sports apparatus, such as a golf club. The invention will be described and illustrated herein as applied to a golf club, but it can be understood how the device can be applied to other swinging sports apparatuses as well. The device has two (2) distinct connection points (proximal and distal connection points) between the device and the sports apparatus shaft, where the proximal connection point is disposed at the proximal end of the device and the distal connection point is disposed at the distal end of the device. The term proximal is used herein to refer to a relative position of a structural component being closer to a user of the underlying swinging sports apparatus, whereas the term distal is used herein to refer to a relative position of a structural component being further from the user of the underlying swinging sports apparatus.

(21) The training device further includes an elongate, rigid support rod and an elongate drag panel/chute (formed of a flexible resistance material) disposed between the two (2) coupling points. Coupling between the training device and the golf club is achieved by a pipe clip, snap clamp, or similar mechanism disposed on each end of the support rod, which, due to being secured to the coupling mechanisms, maintains a spaced distance between the coupling points along the sports apparatus and maintains deployment of the panel/chute. One end of the panel/chute is coupled to either an end of the support rod or one of the pipe clips/snap clamps, and the other end of the panel/chute is coupled to the other end of the rod or the other pipe clip/snap clamp. As such, the lengths of the rod and panel/chute are disposed in substantially parallel relation to each other when deployed on the sports apparatus. The pipe clips/snap clamps each have an inner diameter that is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the sports apparatus shaft, sufficient to allow the pipe clips/snap clamps to rotate 360 around the sports apparatus shaft.

(22) Referring specifically to the drag chute/panel, the panel has a proximal edge and a distal edge. The proximal edge of the panel is kept taut perpendicular to the swing path of the sports apparatus by a proximal stiffener element. Similarly, the distal edge of the panel is kept taut perpendicular to the swing path of the sports apparatus by a distal stiffener element. The panel is kept relatively taut substantially parallel to the length of the shaft of the sports apparatus by the elongate support rod. The support rod has a proximal end and a distal end. The support rod is attached to pipe clips or an equivalent thereof at each of its ends by two screws or other suitable mechanism. These screws secure the pipe clips to the support rod. The proximal stiffener element and the distal stiffener element each can have two cable seals that are coupled to the support rod and are secured in place in between the screws on each pipe clip. The pipe clip at the proximal end of the support rod is stopped from sliding up the sports apparatus shaft by a rubber clamp that is attached immediately proximal to the pipe clip at the proximal end of the support rod. The pipe clip at the distal end of the support rod can also be stopped from sliding down the sports apparatus shaft by a rubber clamp that is attached immediately distal to the pipe clip at the distal end of the support rod. If the current training device is used on a golf club, as is illustrated herein, the head of the golf club prohibits the pipe clip at the distal end of the support rod from sliding down the club shaft.

(23) With this configuration, all components of the training device are capable of rotating simultaneously around the shaft of the sports apparatus (e.g., golf club), thus eliminating any risk of the panel becoming entangled around the club shaft, primarily due to the support rod ensuring that the two coupling points and the chute rotate at the same rate around the club shaft.

EXAMPLE

(24) In certain embodiments, the current invention is a golf training device illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1F, 2A-2C, 3A-3C, 4A-4B, and 5A-5B, which show both the assembled training device and its components. The training device includes panel 100 with proximal edge 102 and distal edge 103. Proximal edge 102 of panel 100 is maintained taut/rigid along its length perpendicular to the length of swinging apparatus 180 by proximal stiffener element 110. Similarly, distal edge 103 of panel 100 is maintained taut/rigid along its length perpendicular to the length of swinging apparatus shaft 180 by distal stiffener element 112.

(25) When the training device is in use (e.g., installed onto swinging apparatus 180), panel 100 can be substantially taut or can have slack, but its length is maintained substantially parallel to swinging apparatus shaft 182 via use of rigid support rod 120. This will become clearer as this specification continues. Support rod 120 is elongate and includes proximal end 122 and distal end 123. Support rod 120 also has one or more optional slip connectors 124 along its axis to facilitate breakdown and storage of the training device. If slip connectors 124 are present, elastic/bungee cord 126 may be positioned within support rod 120 along its length to maintain assembly of the segments of support rod among slip connectors 124. Support rod 120 is secured to coupling mechanisms 130, 132 via proximal end 122 of support rod 120 being inserted into slot 134 of proximal coupling mechanism 130 and distal end 123 of support rod 120 being inserted into slot 134 of distal coupling mechanism 132.

(26) The friction between support rod 120 and coupling mechanisms 130, 132 within slot 134 may be sufficient to hold support rod in place. In certain embodiments, however, if further securement is needed, screws/bolts/studs 140, 142 can be used to tighten support rod 120 within proximal coupling mechanism 130, and screws/bolts/studs 144, 146 can be used to tighten support rod 120 within distal coupling mechanism 132.

(27) As noted, proximal stiffener element 110 is disposed at proximal end 102 of panel 100, and distal stiffener element 112 is disposed at distal end 103 of panel 100. Panel 100 is coupled to support rod 120 via cable seals 150, 152 connecting proximal stiffener element 110 (to which panel 100 is secured) to proximal coupling mechanism 130 (to which support rod 120 is secured) and via cable seals 154, 156 connecting distal stiffener element 112 (to which panel 100 is secured) to distal coupling mechanism 132 (to which support rod 120 is secured). Cable seals 150, 152 may be coupled to proximal end 122 of support rod 120 between screws/bolts/studs 140, 142; and cable seals 154, 156 may be coupled to distal end 123 of support rod 120 between screws/bolts/studs 144, 146. It is contemplated herein that though cable seals 150, 152 have been specifically described herein, alternate mechanisms of coupling panel 100 and support rod 120 together directly or indirectly can be used, as long as they are coupled in a manner to allow them to rotate 360 in synchronization (i.e., at the same rate) about swinging apparatus shaft 182.

(28) Each of coupling mechanisms 130, 132through which swinging apparatus 180 is disposedhas an inner diameter/width that is larger than an outer diameter of swinging apparatus 180. In this way, with coupling mechanisms 130, 132 being the primary connection points between the training device and swinging apparatus 180, the training device can rotate 360 about shaft 182 of swinging apparatus 180 nearly frictionlessly. Coupling mechanisms 130, 132 may contact swinging apparatus shaft 182 during rotation thereabout, but this contact should not significantly alter or slow the rotation of coupling mechanisms 130, 132 about swinging apparatus shaft 182. Support rod 120 secured to coupling mechanisms 130, 132 (and also indirectly coupled to panel 100) permits the entire training device to rotate about swinging apparatus shaft 182 synchronistically, with no component of the training device remaining stationary on swinging apparatus 180 (i.e., all component described thus far rotate about swinging apparatus shaft 182).

(29) Coupling mechanisms 130, 132 can take on any suitable shape or configuration, as long as each of their internal diameters are larger than an outer diameter of swinging apparatus shaft 182. Examples of such mechanisms include, but are not limited to, pipe clips, snap clamps, or even the specific structure illustrated in the figures. Specific to coupling mechanisms 130, 132 illustrated in the figures, entry/exit opening 136 is configured to receive swinging apparatus shaft 182 into and out of passageway 138. Opening 136 should have a length that is smaller than an outer diameter of swinging apparatus shaft 182, so that swinging apparatus shaft 182 cannot freely exit coupling mechanism 130, 132 (specifically passageway 136) when the training device is in use or otherwise implemented on swinging apparatus 180. Other embodiments of the current training device can use alternate structures for coupling mechanisms 130, 132 to attach the training device to swinging apparatus shaft 182 of swinging apparatus 180, where the substitute still permits 360 rotation around the center axis of shaft 180 and allows for movement proximally or distally along the length of shaft 182. This latter movement will now become clearer.

(30) When the training device is applied to swinging apparatus 180 with coupling mechanisms 130, 132 disposed around swinging apparatus shaft 182, the training device would have the ability to shift vertically along the length of swinging apparatus shaft 182. Typically, this vertical translation would not hinder use of the training device or swinging apparatus 180 for the user during a swing of swinging apparatus 180, as the centripetal force experienced by the training device would shift the training device furthest distally. However, if it is desired that the training device not slide at all along the length of swinging sports apparatus 182, rubber clamp 160 can be disposed on swinging apparatus shaft 182 at a position proximal to proximal coupling mechanism 130, thus preventing the training device from sliding proximally. If swinging apparatus 180 is a golf club, the training device can be stopped from sliding distally by the club head. If swinging apparatus 180 is not a golf club or if the training device needs a supplemental component to stop itself from sliding distally, a rubber clamp can be disposed at a position distal to distal coupling mechanism 132.

GLOSSARY OF CLAIM TERMS

(31) Clamp: This term is used herein to refer to any component that can be affixed to the shaft of the sports apparatus and thus prevent another component from sliding past it.

(32) Coupling mechanism: This term is used herein to refer to a structural component that connects the support rod and panel of the current invention to the shaft of the sports apparatus, while also having the capability of rotating 360 about the center axis of the shaft. Examples include, but are not limited to, clasps, hasps, catches, hooks, buckles, clips, and any other suitable mechanism that can be used to accomplish the function and structural configuration described herein.

(33) Distal: This term is used herein to refer to a position further from a user operating the underlying sports apparatus and training device.

(34) Drag panel: This term is used herein to refer to a typically flexible chute or airfoil that provides air resistance when swinging it in a direction normal to its plane.

(35) Proximal: This term is used herein to refer to a position closer to a user operating the underlying sports apparatus and training device.

(36) Sports apparatus: This term is used herein to refer to equipment that is swung during operation thereof when playing a sport. Examples include, but are not limited to, golf clubs, baseball bats, tennis rackets, hockey sticks, and other equipment where it is beneficial to have increased air resistance during use thereof for the purpose of training and exercise.

(37) Stiffener element: This term is used herein to refer to a structural component that provides a rigidity to an edge of the panel. This rigidity facilitates synchronized rotation of the training device about the shaft of the sports apparatus.

(38) Substantially freely rotate: This term is used herein to refer to the ability of a structural component to turn or revolve around a shaft without obstruction or with minimal obstruction (i.e., nearly frictionless). The term substantially is used to indicate that the coupling mechanisms can rotate about the shaft of the sports apparatus but may have contact with the sports apparatus during rotation, thus causing minimal friction to be created between the coupling mechanisms and the sports apparatus. However, this contact should not substantially hinder rotation of the coupling mechanism.

(39) Substantially parallel: This term is used herein to refer to the general disposition of two components having the similar overall direction along their lengths.

(40) Substantially taut: This term is used herein to refer to a structural component being stretched, pulled tight, or otherwise lacking slack or having minimal slack.

(41) Support rod: This term is used herein to refer to any shaft or bar having a predefined elongate shape. In certain embodiments, the rod can be secured on one end to the proximal coupling mechanism and secured on its opposite end to the distal coupling mechanism.

(42) Synchronize: This term is used herein to refer to two events occurring at the same time and with the same speed.

(43) All referenced publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

(44) The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

(45) It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.