Golf swing training template

• US 7,131,910 B2
• Filed: 01/07/2002
• Issued: 11/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/07/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Marshall O. Townsend II
• Original Assignee: Marshall O. Townsend II
• Inventors: Townsend, Marshall O. II
• Primary Examiner(s): Legesse, Nini F.
• Application Number:
  US10/041,836
• Publication Number:
  US 20030130055A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,765 Days
• Field of Search: 473/278, 473/218, 473/266, 473/270, 473/157, 473/290, 473/407
• US Class Current: 473/278
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0694 Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3623 for driving A63B69/3608, A63B69/3658, A63B69/3661, A63B69/3667 and A63B69/3691 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3661 Mats for golf practice, e.g. mats having a simulated turf, a practice tee or a green area
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3667 Golf stance aids, e.g. means for positioning a golfer's feet
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/0038 Sports

Abstract

The present invention comprises a golf swing training device having a graphic design that illustrates a plurality of golf swing variables, including a club path indicator and a club face angle guide. The template is designed so that golfers may practice swinging a golf club over the top of the template to determine whether their swing follows a desired path. A swing reference guide is included and correlates shot selection, ball path, club path, and club face angle.

Claims

1. A golf swing training device, comprising:

a template, the template having a top and a bottom and defining a tee bore; and

,

a graphic design attached to the template, the graphic design depicting (i) a plurality of club path indicators, the club path indicators each comprising an arcuate club path, the arcuate club paths crossing one another at a point of intersection proximate the tee bore, the arcuate paths mapping club head paths of club heads striking a golf ball positioned on a golf tee positioned within the tee bore, the club head paths corresponding to at least two golf ball paths distinct from one another as corresponding to different one or more members of the group consisting of a pull, a hook, a draw, a straight, a fade, a slice, and a push and (ii) a swing reference guide comprising a plurality of shot selection types, and (iii) a link between each one of the plurality of shot selection types and one of the club path indicators, and

a tee bore extending through the template and a generally longitudinal tee slot extending from the tee bore in a direction radially outward from the tee bore.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the graphic design further depicts a foot and ball position guide.

3. The device of claim 2, further comprising a club face angle guide, the club face angle guide comprising a plurality of hash marks extending radially outward from the tee bore.

4. The training device of claim 1, wherein the club path indicators include at least one of a primary club path, inside-out club path, outside-in club path or take away club path indicator.

5. The training device of claim 1, wherein the swing reference guide further comprises a club face angle indicator associated with each of the shot selection types.

6. The training device of claim 1, further comprising a club face angle indicator having at least one of an open club face, closed club face or a square club face indicator.

7. The training device of claim 1, wherein the template is constructed of impact resistant plastic and coated with an ultraviolet protective layer.

8. The training device of claim 1, further comprising a handle.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the graphic design is attached to a top surface of the template.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the graphic design is laminated within the template.

11. The device of claim 1, wherein the link comprises a first insignia associated with at least one of the plurality of shot selection types and a corresponding insignia associated with at least one of the club path indicators.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the first insignia and corresponding insignia each comprise an alphanumeric character.

13. The device of claim 1, wherein the link comprises the use of a plurality of colors, such that each of the club path indicators is formed in a color that is substantially the same as a color used for at least one shot selection type.

14. The device of claim 1, wherein the graphic design further comprises a club face angle indicator centered on the point of intersection, the club face angle marker including markings corresponding to face angles for at least one of an open club face, closed club face and a square club face.

15. A golf swing training device, comprising:

a template, the template having a top and a bottom and defining a tee bore for receiving a golf tee; and

,

a graphic design attached to the template, the graphic design depicting (i) a plurality of club path indicators, the club path indicators each comprising an arcuate club path, the arcuate club paths crossing one another at a point of intersection proximate the tee bore, the arcuate paths mapping club head paths of club heads striking a golf ball positioned on a golf tee positioned within the tee bore, the club head paths corresponding to at least two golf ball paths distinct from one another as corresponding to different one or more members of the group consisting of a pull, a hook, a draw, a straight, a fade, a slice, and a push and (ii) a club face angle indicator centered on the tee bore, the club face angle marker including markings corresponding to face angles for at least one of an open club face, closed club face and a square club face; and

a generally longitudinal tee slot extending from the tee bore in a direction radially outward from the tee bore.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the graphic design further comprises a club face angle indicator centered on the point of intersection, the club face angle marker including markings corresponding to face angles for at least one of an open club face, closed club face and a square club face.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the club face angle indicator includes an inner and an outer circle centered on the tee aperture, a first portion of the outer circle representing a striking target position corresponding to a swing imparting back spin to the golf ball, a second portion of the outer circle on an opposite side of the tee aperture representing a striking target position corresponding to a swing suitable for sand.