Constant force golf swing training device, method of swing plane training and internet operation thereof

• US 7,048,638 B2
• Filed: 12/06/2002
• Issued: 05/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/07/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Milo R. Novotny
• Original Assignee: Milo R. Novotny
• Inventors: Novotny, Milo R.
• Primary Examiner(s): Thai, Xuan M.
• Assistant Examiner(s): RADA, ALEX P
• Application Number:
  US10/313,679
• Publication Number:
  US 20030109324A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,264 Days
• Field of Search: 473/219, 473/221, 473/222, 473/142, 473/206, 473/213, 473/218, 473/229, 473/422, 473/458, 473/461, 473/230, 473/233, 482/94, 482/129, 482/127, 482/122, 482/121, 482/114
• US Class Current: 473/219
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 15/00 Clubs for gymnastics or the like , e.g. for swinging exercises
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/023 Wound springs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/04 attached to static foundation , e.g. a user
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/06 User-manipulated weights
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/151 Using flexible elements for reciprocating movements, e.g. ropes or chains
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/153 wound-up and unwound during exercise, e.g. from a reel
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/1645 for anchoring on a door
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/1663 for anchoring between a door and the door frame
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/169 for anchoring on or against a wall
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4017 to the upper limbs
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 21/4035 for operation by hand
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2208/12 specially adapted for children
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2210/50 Size reducing arrangements for stowing or transport
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/09 Adjustable dimensions
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/093 Height
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/12 with mirrors
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/15 with identification means that can be read by electronic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/20 with means for remote communication, e.g. internet or the like
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/50 Wireless data transmission, e.g. by radio transmitters or telemetry
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2225/70 Coin-operated
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 24/0003 : Analysing the course of a movement or motion sequences during an exercise or trainings sequence, e.g. swing for golf or tennis
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 53/14 : Handles
• 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 69/3632 : Clubs or attachments on clubs, e.g. for measuring, aligning A63B69/3614 takes precedence; clubs for swinging exercises in general A63B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3667 : Golf stance aids, e.g. means for positioning a golfer's feet
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3691 : Golf courses; Golf practising terrains having a plurality of driving areas, fairways, greens special golf games, e.g. miniature golf, A63B67/02; mats for simulating golf greens A63B69/3661

Abstract

Golf swing training device having constant resistive and rewind forces throughout the swings. An anchor positions a constant force unit, supplies a tether to a special contoured handle and is used indoor or out, preferably at a driving range or golf course. The CFU is preferably hung from a door top by a bracket or anchored to a free-standing pole. Kiosks may be located at driving ranges and golf courses for automated, coin or credit-card operation, or attendant operation, and may be linked to local or remote Internet-enabled computer control and monitoring centers. The use of constant force trains the body to learn perfect planar swing muscle memory by pulling the user into a fully-extended back swing position and to be lead side dominant in the down swing. A “perfect” club swing plane is developed with the force acting at or near the interlock by use of the special handles.

Claims

1. A golf swing plane training device for a golfer user comprising in operative combination:

a) an anchor assembly,

b) a constant force unit (CFU) assembly mounted via a pivot to said anchor and having a tether,

i) said CFU is anchored to a support at a height above the highest extent of a golfer'"'"'s hands at the top of a back swing,

ii) said anchor and CFU pivot permitting pivoting of said CFU around a vertical axis during the performance by said user of a golf training swing;

iii) said constant force unit comprises a reverse-wound ribbon spring assembly selectable to have a non-straining force doing both the back swing and down swing in the range of less than about 20 lbs force during extension an retrac-tion, said assembly including a supply reel and an output reel mounted on an axle, said ribbon spring being wound one way in said supply reel with an outer end attached to said output reel axle for winding the opposite way around the output reel axle to provide smooth, truly constant force, contion-ous play out and rewind of said tether through-out the entire golf swing;

c) a tether comprising a line attached at one end to said CFU and having a length selected to provide a full golf swing from at least the top of a back swing through a down swing to an address position;

d) a handle unit attachable to the other end of said line for gasping by a user, said handle comprising;

i) a two-handed, contoured grip of a golf club without either the shaft or head of said club, and

ii) an axially oriented, pivoting shank extending from an out-board end of said handle, said shaft including a distal end having an element to which said tether is attached, and said pivoting shank is configured to direct force from said tether to substantially the center of said said grip

iii) said constant force unit and said axial handle shank, as they pivot during a golf swing, providing an upward and backward substantially constant force pull substantially on the center of said grip of said handle during both said back swing and during the entire down swing to said address position, a proper swing plane being a path of handle swing of least perceived resis-tance; and

e) said golfer user positioning him/her-self with respect to said anchored CFU to provide an upward and backward substantially constant force pull directed substantially to the center of user'"'"'s two handed grip on said contoured handle during said back swing to assist in full extension of the lead arm during said back swing, and substantially constant force during the entire down swing to said address position to promote lead shoulder dominance and arm muscle memory.

2. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 wherein said handle shank configuration includes at least one of:

a rotatable ring to which the tether is attachable;

a fixed ring to which the tether is attachable;

a shepards-crook type shank member extending from one end of said handle;

a contoured, self centering guide for said tether;

a slotted fan type tether guide;

arid a stiff, laterally bendable spring secured to one end of said handle.

3. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 wherein said an-chor includes at least one of a wall-mounted plate, an over-the-door-bracket;

and a free standing pole mount.

4. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 wherein said reels provide at least two ribbon springs.

5. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 wherein said CFU includes at least one of a line brake, a reel stop, a pay station, a counter, or an annunciator associated with said device.

6. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 which includes a training mat having markings associated with usage.

7. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 which includes an instructional video instructing the user on proper use of the training device.

8. A golf swing plane training device as claim 1 wherein said constant force unit includes a plurality of reverse wound ribbon spring assemblies to provide constant force in selected increments ranging from about 4 to about 20 lbs of resistance so that said constant force unit can provide non-straining force of an amount suitable for users selected from men, women and children.

9. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 wherein said configured shank is bent back toward the grip of said handle.

10. A golf swing piano training device as in claim 9 wherein said configured shank is shaped generally like a shepard'"'"'s crook.

11. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 1 which includes at least one controller linked to said CFU, said controller including a program structure permitting auth-orized use of said CPU.

12. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 11 wherein said controller is programmable to permit access on a pay-for-use basis including at least one of a period of use and number of swing repetitions.

13. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 12 wherein said controller is a co-located with said CFU.

14. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 12 which includes a pay station associated with said CFU for use payment by cash, token or credit.

15. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 12 wherein a plurality of said CFUs are placed in an array at a site, and said controller is located in at least one of on-site or remotely.

16. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 15 wherein said controller is remotely located and includes a CPU, input, display devices, and computer program structures for access, management, operation, analysis, reports and accounting functions.

17. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 16 wherein said controller includes computer programs for managing a website related to use of said swing plane training devices.

18. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 17 wherein said web site includes still and video images showing proper use of said device for swing plane training.

19. A golf swing plane training device as in claim 15 wherein said controller is located on-site and is programmable for at least one of automated or attendant monitored operation.

20. A golf swing plane training method for a golfer trainee comprising the steps of:

a) providing a constant force unit;

i) pivotally anchored to a support at an elevated position located at a height above the highest extent of a golfer-trainee'"'"'s hands at the of a back swing, said anchor permitting pivoting of said constant force unit around a vertical axis during the performance by said trainee of golf swing,

ii) said constant force unit including a tether and a handle at the end of the tether,

iii) said handle comprising a two-handed, contoured grip of a golf club without the shaft or head of said club and an axially oriented pivoting shaft extending from an out-board end of said handle, said shaft including an outer end having an element to which said tether is attached, and said pivoting shaft is configured to direct force from said tether to substantially the center of said said qrip, and

iv) said constant force unit comprises a reverse-wound ribbon spring assembly having a supply reel portion and an output reel mounted on an axle, said ribbon spring being wound one way in said supply reel with an outer end attached to said output reel axle for winding the opposite way around the output reel axle to provide smooth, truly constant force, continuous play out and rewind of said tether throughout the entire golf swing;

b) positioning said trainee in a proper golf address stance with respect to said constant force unit;

c) said trainee is positioned in a golf stance suited to the handedness of the trainee to grip said handle in a proper two-handed golf grip;

d) performing by said trainee of at least one of a back swing, a down swing to an address position and a follow through swing;

e) applying a constant force of less than about 20 lbs from said constant force unit to said handle while said trainee performs said swing, said constant force unit and said axial handle shaft as they pivot during a golf swing, providing an upward and backward substantially constant force pull substantially on the center of said grip of said handle during both said back swing to assist in full extension of the lead arm during said back swing, and during the entire down swing to said address position; and

f) repeating by said golf trainee a path of least perceived resistance in said swing under said constant force a plurality of times continuously with smooth play out and rewind of said tether and under said constant force without strain during both the back swing and the don swing to assist in developing muscle memory of a proper golf swing plane and to assist in training the lead side to be dominant during at least the down swing.

21. Golf swing training method as in claim 20 wherein said configuration of said axial pivoting shaft in said handle comprises at least one bend back toward said two-handed grip position and said constant force unit includes plurality of reverse wound ribbon spring assemblies to selectively provide constant force in increments ranging from about 4 to about 20 lbs of resistance so that said constant force unit can provide non-straining constant force of an amount suitable for trainees selected from men, women and children.