Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
094/26358 PCT~S94/03187
2l6l~lo
~WING TP~TNTNG AND EXERCI8E DEVICE
BACRGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates to a swing training
and'muscle exercising device which assists the user in
developing a full range of motion swing enabling the user
to consistently and efficiently transfer power at the
instant of contacting a stationary object, such as a golf
club to a golf ball. Persistent usage of the device can
strengthen the muscles used in the swing and also reinforce
myoneural "muscle memory." Although the principles of the
invention can be adapted to other sports or activities
where a swinging motion is employed, the preferred
embodiment is adapted for use as a golf swing training
device. Consequently, the preferred embodiment of the
invention described herein is directed to a golf swing
training and exercising device.
The optimum golf swing provides for maximum
distance and accuracy of the golf shot. This is achieved
when the golf swing maintains an appropriate swing plane
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W094/2~58 PCT~S94/03187 ~
2l~l4~o
along a determinable inside and outside swing path (inside
of the parallel plane of a line directed through the golf
ball to the target). The body's muscles create, store and
release energy squarely to a golf ball. The physiological
components of the optimum golf swing include physical
agility, flexibility, strength, power, muscular endurance,
balance, coordination, leverage through good posture and
hand-to-eye coordination. When all of these physical
attributes are integrated with the optimum golf swing
mechanics, maximum club head speed and transference of
energy to a golf ball is realized.
The optimum golf swing is a fluid timed motion
which optimizes power, coordination and speed of a user's
swing to deliver an impact to the ball to achieve desired
distance and accuracy. This motion is linked through eight
critical phases of movement.
Executing an ideal, total, full-range of motion
golf swing entails performing complex combinations of
separate motions, or portions, during eight se~uential
phases: (1) the set-up phase, (2) the takeaway phase, (3)
the top of the swing phase, (4) the downswing phase, (5)
the hitting zone phase, (6) the impact phase, (7) the
release phase, and (8) the follow-through phase.
2.
094/2~8 21 61 4 1 0 PCT~S94/03187
1. The 8et-Up Phase
The first phase, the set-up phase, is the initial
stance the golfer takes to strike the ball as illustrated
in Fig. 18. An effective set-up requires balance and
effective posture to set the trunk and limbs of the body in
the most mechAn;cally advantageous position with the body
weight slightly favoring the left foot in the right to left
golf swing. In the set-up phase, the golfer aligns the
club head with the ball and a pre-selected target as
illustrated by the imaginary line 113 in Fig. 18.
Imaginary line 113 defines two regions. The first region
is the side of the line on which the golfer stands facing
the ball. This first region is referred to as the
"inside," and the region on the opposite side of line 113
is referred to as the "outside." Thus, when a golfer's
swing is described as an "inside to outside" swing, the
club head travels in a path, termed the "swing path," from
the inside region before impact with the ball, to impact
with the ball at line 113, and then in a path in the
outside region after impact.
2. The Takeaway Phase or Backswing
In the second phase, the takeaway phase, as
illustrated in Fig. 19, the golfer shifts the body weight
to favor the right foot and initiates the backswing with
3.
wo 94~2~s8 ~Q PCT~S94/031~7 -
the large muscles of the legs and trunk. A triangle formed
by the position of shoulders and hands allows the golfer to
perform a one-piece takeaway, drawing the club back along
the appropriate swing plane to match the selected golf club
and along a determinable inside-to-outside or outside-to-
inside swing path. The swing plane(s) are illustrated in
Fig. 15 as the planes in which the golfer's hands move 560
and the plane in which the club head moves 570 comprising
two parallel planes. The swing plane is dependent upon the
individual anatomical variants of the golfer and the
selected club length. The taller golfer will stand closer
to the ball and therefore have a steeper swing plane. The
shorter club will also require the golfer to stand closer
to the ball and thereby require a steeper swing plane as
illustrated in Fig. 15, the angle ~ between the planes 560
and 570 with the horizontal become larger as the swing
planes 5C0 and 570 become more upright.
3. The wing Ph s~
In the third phase of the swing, the top of the
swing phase, the club is posted with the club shaft
approximately parallel to the ground, as seen in Fig. 20,
and the club head pointing back directly at the target.
The left arm remains relatively straight and the right arm
is folded at the elbow. The back forearm is supinated,
4.
~ 94l2~58 2 I 61410 PCT~S94/03187
i.e., rotated counterclockwise for a right-handed golfer or
rotated clockwise for a left-handed golfer, and the front
forearm is pronated, i.e., rotated clockwise for a right-
handed golfer or rotated counterclockwise for a left-handed
golfer. In the right-handed golfer, the right wrist is
cocked back in extension. The golfer's body coils wherein
the shoulders have turned back more than twice as much as
the hips which are turned back more than twice as much as
the knees. The body has been wound from the top down with
the upper body turned back against the resistance of the
lower body and poised to enter phase four, the downswing
phase.
4. Th~ Down8wing Phase
In the downswing phase, the club is pulled into
action by the uncoiling of the large muscles of the body.
It is the timely unwinding of the downswing phase, while
maintaining the appropriate swing plane and predetermined
swing path, that produces the optimum golf swing. Pulling
the club out of the swing path alters the angle at which
the club head meets the ball and thereby alters the flight
path of the ball. It is therefore important for a golfer
to develop a consistent swing path within a consistent
swing plane to achieve optimum results. A further problem
that occurs during the downswing phase is referred to as
5.
W094/2~8 2 ~6~ PCT~S94/03187 -
casting of the club, wherein the angle formed between the
club and the two arms is drastically increased. Casting
the club results in a deviation from the swing plane and
adversely affects both the power and speed of the club
producing a weak shot.
S. The ~itting Zone Phase
In the fifth phase, the hitting zone phase, as
seen in Fig. 22, the golfer attempts to get the hands as
close as possible to being in-line directly above the ball
while still maintaining the angle ~ formed at set-up
between the club shaft and the arms, the right wrist
remains cocked and the back arm remains folded so that the
stored energy of the swing is maintained until impact with
the ball to ensure maximum energy transference from the
club head to the ball.
6. The Impact Phase
In the sixth phase, the impact phase, as seen in
Fig. 23, the club head is accelerated by a whipping action
created by the straightening of the right arm, pronation of
the right forearm and uncocking of the right wrist in a
timely manner at a fixed point corresponding to the impact
with the ball.
6.
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094/2~58 Zl G ¦ ~ ¦ o PCT~S94/03187
7. The Release Ph~se
In phase seven, the release phase, the right hand
has turned over the left hand so that the club points
toward the target. This ensures complete expenditure of
the energy.
8. The Follow-Throuqh Phase
In phase eight, the follow-through phase, the
arms, trunk and body continue, by momentum, in the swing
plane and path to complete the effective golf swing.
The optimal golf swing training device should
have the ability to activate and train the trainable
physiological components of the swing since they are
inseparable and co-dependent. Sports-specific flexibility
training is accomplished by the full range of motion
movements comprising the physical task. Strength and power
training requires exercise against a resistance, while
muscular endurance requires repetition of the activity.
Good h~ 1 ~nce is developed through repetitive proprioceptive
training movements. Improved leverage is developed when
the golfer adopts an effective sports-specific posture.
Hand-to-eye coordination is improved by focused
concentration and repetitive accomplishment of the task.
W094/263~8 PCT~S94/03187 -
~6~
Agility and coordination result from the integration of all
the physiologic components of the movement.
2. De~cription Of The Related Art
Many attempts have been made to provide golf
swing training and/or exercising devices to assist the
golfer in developing an effective golf swing and in the
strengthening of the muscles attuned to the golf swing.
Known golf swing training and/or exercising devices
implement restrictive control of the golfer's body
movement, restrictive control of the golf club or
restrictive control of a handle attachment in place of the
golfer's club and/or combinations thereof. Since the golf
swing is an individually varying movement, the restrictive
control of the golfer, the golf club or a handle attachment
is not a desirable feature.
U.S. Patent No. 5,050,874 to Fitch attempts to
achieve both objectives in a device where a user executes a
simulated golf swing by rotating a parabolic-shaped arm
against a spring-loaded resistance mech~ni~ which offers
minimum resistance when the swing motion is in the proper
plane. However, this device has major inadequacies whose
significance will be evident from the foregoing discussion,
and which may be summarized as follows: restricting the
8.
~ Y4 ~ 58 1 6l ~l o PCT~594/03187
swing to only a portion of a realistic full-range of motion
golf swing; not providing means of visualizing the
relationship of a club, from grip to club head, to the
ball; pulling the user back into the top of the swing
instead of allowing proper torsion of the shoulders, upper
torso and hips; not adjusting for clubs of different
length; not providing means to adjust swing plane and/or
swing path; not providing means for delivering resistance
to the large muscles of the trunk and legs for unwinding
torsion in the upper body from the top down; not providing
means of altering swing resistance at any point in the
swing or throughout the full range of motion; and not
providing indication of power, force or speed achieved
during the various phases of a swing.
Another device which attempts to combine golf
swing training with strengthening muscles used in the swing
is U.S. Patent No. 3,614,108 to Garten. The user swings a
simulated golf club handle pivotally attached to an arm
Z0 rotatably connected to a wall-mounted plate having
adjustable inclination and adjustable frictional
resistance, the arm rotating about an axis normal to the
plate. In addition to having all the inadequacies of the
Fitch device, the Garten device constrains the swing path
to a circular arc rather than an eccentric arc as required
9.
W094/2~8 PCT~S94/0318~
2~
for an ideal golf swing, and unrealistically generates
resistance during the takeaway phase of the swing.
Yet another device which attempts to combine golf
swing training with muscle strengthening is manufactured by
Perfect Swing Trainer, Inc. of Orlando, Florida. A user
swings a golf club while st~n~;ng within a stationary
planar ring. The ring is adjusted in inclination so as to
match the inclination of the user's swing plane, and is
adjusted in height so that the lowermost portion of the
ring matches the club's "balance point", i.e., its center
of mass. The user must maintain continuous contact between
the club shaft and the ring during both the takeaway and
the downswing. The club head is thereby constrained to
move in a plane parallel to and near the ring plane.
Optionally, an elastomeric cord may be attached between a
point on the ring to one or the other of the user's hands.
The particular hand and point of ring attachment determine
which shoulder and arm muscles can be exercised during
which segment of the swing.
Inadequacies of the Perfect Swing~ device
include: The inability to set a proper swing path, failure
to provide a resistance through the full range of motion,
10 .
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~ 94l26358 21 61 gl a PCT~S94/03187
and failure to provide feedback to the golfer with respect
to the exercise function of the device.
U.S. Patent No. 3,926,430 to Good, Jr. is
directed to a device for exercising the principal sets of
muscles used to play golf against a resistance force, while
moving the muscles to simulate the manner in which they are
moved during an actual golf swing. This device avoids the
deficiencies of friction-type resistance units, viz.,
unpredictable jerkiness, maximum rather than minimum
resistance at the beginning of a swing motion, and
difficulty in accurately adjusting the resistance force
during and throughout the swing motion, by incorporating a
hydraulic torque resistance unit. A user manipulates a
handle connected to a rotatable shaft extending axially
from a hydraulic chamber which generates a progressively
and smoothly increasing resistance torque as the rotational
speed of the shaft increases. However, this device
unrealistically delivers resistance in both directions of
the golf swing, and does not train the swing, serving
solely as an exercise device.
other devices limited to training a golf swing
are disclosed in: U.S. Patent No. 4,486,020 to Kane et al.;
U.S. Patent No. 4,758,000 to Cox; U.S. Patent No. 4,261,573
11 .
wo 94,26358 ~6 ~j PCT~S94103187 ~
to Richards; U.S. Patent No. 3,415,523 to Boldt; U.S.
Patent No. 3,319,963 to Cockburn; U.S. Patent No. 2,626,151
to Jenks; U.S. Patent No. 2,318,408 to Beil et al.; and
U.S. Patent No. 1,983,920 to Perin.
In view of the limitations of the above-cited
devices, there has been a need for a device and/or
t~chn;que whereby a user, whether he or she is a novice
golfer, an intermediate golfer or an advanced golfer, can
train the skills required for an effective golf swing.
These skills include the grooving of the full range of
motion swing plane and swing path and the timed linking of
the eight phases of the golf swing to thereby deliver the
maximum power at the point of impact of the club head with
the ball, more commonly referred to as the swing tempo.
Furthermore, there has been a need for a device that is
sports-specific wherein the golfer utilizes his own clubs
and actually strikes a ball. There has also been a need
for a device that can exercise and thereby strengthen the
muscles required to execute the golf swing and improve
coordination and balance physiology of the golfer. There
has also been a need for a device that provides a feedback
to the golfer relating to his or her golf swing
performance, thereby further enhancing learning.
12.
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~ 94l26358 181 ~ t o PCT~S94/03187
OBJECT8 OF THE l~.v~..lON
Accordingly, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a device which trains a user to
sequentially execute during a full-range of motion golf
swing, movements of the feet, legs, hips, trunk, shoulders,
arms and hands, in tempo and rhythm, which result in
optimum club head speed and clubface-to-ball alignment at
the instant of impact.
A further object of the invention is to provide a
device which enables a user to swing a golf club within a
predetermined swing plane which is adjustable so as to
accommodate differences in physiological characteristics,
swing style, address posture, and club length.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide
a device which enables a user to perform a full-range of
motion golf swing without encountering mec-h~njcal
limitations and/or without visually obstructing the club
head.
A further object of the invention is to provide a
device which enables a user to execute a full-range of
motion golf swing wherein the club head traverses an
optimum, non-circular swing path within a predetermined
13.
WOg4/26358 PCT~S94/03187
swing plane, so as to impact a ball pre-positioned with
respect to the user, as during actual play on a golf
course.
A still further object of the invention is to
provide a device which enables a user to adjust a swing
path with respect to a predetermined target line so as to
achieve at impact a "fade," a shot directly along the
target line, or a "draw".
Another object of the invention is to provide a
device which enables tailoring a full-range of motion swing
for each of a user's wood and iron golf clubs.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide
a device which enables a user to exercise the muscles used
in executing a full-range of motion sport swing.
A further object of the invention is to provide a
device which provides automatically accommodating
resistance during a downswing as a user applies increasing
force, thereby training the muscles used during the swing
by reinforcing the corresponding neurological pathways.
14.
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94l26358 21~ Q PCT~S94/03187
Another object of the invention is to provide a
means of adjusting and controlling movement speed through
the complete range of motion for training golf-specific
muscles to develop strength, power and endurance.
Yet a further object of the invention is to train
a user to execute an inside-to-outside swing path during
both the takeaway and downswing phases, so as to distribute
biomechanical stresses evenly throughout the spinal
segments.
Still another object of the invention is to
provide feedback information from which a user can
determine how effectively each swing phase was performed,
and how well the separate phases melded into a total swing
pattern.
Another object of the invention is to provide a
device that is simple, reliable, easy to use, and easy to
maintain.
One more object of the invention is to provide a
device that is relatively simple and inexpensive to
manufacture.
15.
W094/26358 ~ PCT~S94/03187 -
Other objects of the invention will become
evident when the following description is considered with
the accompanying drawings.
8~MMARY OF THE ll.v~r.. lON
The present invention overcomes inadequacies of
conventional golf swing training and exercising tec-hn;ques
and/or devices by providing a device that enables a user to
execute a normal, full range of motion golf swing at an
appropriate pre-selected movement velocity. If the user
attempts to increase the velocity of the rotating ring
beyond the selected value, the mechanism effectively
resists this change and provides resistance to the swing
equal to the applied force so that swing velocity remains
constant. In this way, the user automatically controls the
intensity of the exercise, by adjusting the force he or she
applies to the rotating ring, to a level that is suited to
his or her fitness level. As the user's strength
increases, he or she can increase the force applied to the
rotating ring and its resistance system and thereby
increase the training effect. Furthermore, because the
resistance automatically accommodates to the user's
strength throughout the full range of motion of the swing,
the training effects are optimized at all joint and body
16.
~ 94/263~8 21 61 ~1 a PCT~S94/03187
positions, i.e., resistance profiles the user's "strength
curve."
An additional feature of the current invention is
its sports-specific design. Exercise physiologists and
biom~h~nicts for many years have endorsed the concept of
optimal training benefits while training on equipment that
accurately simulates the sporting activity. The current
design allows the user to perform a normal golf swing while
allowing unobtrusive guiding of the user's club and body
movements and provides optimum training resistance
throughout the complete range of motion of the swing.
The device includes adjustments enabling the user
to execute a full range of motion swing with any of his or
her clubs in a selectable swing plane and swing path
tailored to his or her physiological characteristics,
stance when addressing the ball, and preference for fading
a shot, hitting the ball along the target line, or drawing
the shot. The adjustments enable the club head to be
moving in a swing path and swing plane such that the club
head will impact the ball pre-positioned as for an actual
golf shot.
W094/26358 ~ ~; &1~ l PCT~S94/0318 ~
The device also measures and displays the force
generated by the user (via the club) at selected intervals
along the swing path, including downswing phase, hitting
zone phase and at impact phase. These force measurements
are calibrated and stored electronically and provide an
accurate profile of the user's strength throughout each
golf swing. Furthermore, by determining the time interval
between sequential magnetic switch triggers and knowing the
angular distance between magnets on the rotating ring,
angular velocity and angular acceleration can be computed,
stored and displayed electronically. From these data,
other significant data such as applied torque, power and
work can easily be derived, stored and displayed. From the
display of these measurements, the user can gauge his or
her progress in achieving proper body coordination, tempo,
rhythm and power as, through repetition, the swing is
neurologically grooved and the muscles are strengthened.
The display of these measurements permits the user to
compare the attributes of his or her golf swing to those of
the professional golfer, thereby establishing a training
objective to accomplish.
In more detail, a preferred embodiment of the
present invention comprises a base sub-assembly including:
a circular platform frame having a circumferential tubular
18.
94/2~58 r PCT~S94/03187
member; a circular platform cover having a downwardly
ext~n~;ng outer edge forming an annular lip, the cover
diameter such that the lip snaps over or otherwise closely
receives the circumferential tubular member; and generally
vertical, diametrically opposite, first and second
stanchion brackets, each rigidly attached at a lower
portion to the circumferential tubular member.
The preferred embodiment further comprises a
generally vertical first (or lower) stanchion sub-assembly
including: a first arcuate member rigidly attached to the
first bracket, a second arcuate member closely received by
and slidable with respect to the first tubular member and
having a slotted upper portion, and a locking pin for
fixing the position of the second tubular member relative
to the first tubular member; a transversely compressible,
bifurcated first (or lower) clamp closely received and
pivotable within the slotted upper portion of the second
tubular member; a first (or lower) axle having a lower
portion and an upper end, the lower portion closely
received within the lower clamp and axially rotatable when
the clamp is not under transverse compression; and a
locking bolt for fixing the angle of pivot of the lower
clamp with respect to the slotted upper portion of the
19 .
wo 94,26358 ~4~ PCT~S94/03187 ~
second tubular member, and fixing the axial disposition of
the lower axle relative to the lower clamp.
The preferred embodiment further comprises a ring
sub-assembly including: a stationary ring-shaped angle
mémber having first and second mutually orthogonal flanges,
the upper end of the lower axle rigidly attached to the
second flange; and a circular tubular member closely
received by, and in the absence of an external frictional
force, freely rotatable within a right-angle recess formed
by the first and second flanges. The rotatable tubular
member is retained within the recess by a plurality of
retainer clips.
The preferred embodiment further comprises a
club-holder sub-assembly including first and second lath-
shaped frame members each having a first end rigidly
connected to the rotatable arcuate member, and a second end
rigidly attached to a housing with a longitudinal bore.
The frame members are symmetrically disposed so as to
constitute two legs of a triangle with the housing at its
apex, the plane of the triangle being offset at an angle of
about 20 degrees from the plane of the ring sub-assembly.
A shaft having a swivel connector at a distal end is
slidably disposed within the housing. A "U"-shaped member
20.
~ 94l26358 2 161~1 a PCT~S94/03187
including a base and first and second legs is connected at
the base to the swivel connector. A cross-piece member is
transverse to and slidably disposed upon the legs of the U-
shaped member, so as to determine a bounded planar opening.
The U-shaped member and cross-piece member thus comprise a
retainer for a club shaft. A golf club having a stop
member rigidly connected at a selectable position along the
club shaft is disposed so that the shaft passes through the
retainer opening with the stop member on the distal side of
the opening. The cross-sectional area of the stop member
is larger than the area of the planar opening. The
slidable shaft and the club shaft stop member are
adjustably positioned so that when the user "posts" the
club at the top of the swing, the stop member contacts the
club shaft retainer. Thus, as the user begins the
downswing, torque generated in the club shaft is
transmitted by frictional contact between the stop member
and the club shaft retainer via the frame members to the
rotatable arcuate member, resulting in a rotation of the
arcuate member within and relative to the stationary ring-
shaped member. The club shaft is disposed neither in the
plane of the ring sub-assembly nor in the plane of the club
holder sub-assembly. However, when the arcuate member
rotates, the club head is constrained to move along a path
in a plane which is substantially parallel both to the ring
21.
W094/26358 . PCT~S94/03187~!
~6~4~
sub-assembly plane and to a plane in which the distal end
of the shaft moves. Thus, the club head moves in a swing
path substantially in a plane that is parallel to but
offset from the ring plane so that the club head can
contact a ball pre-positioned at address.
The preferred embodiment further comprises a
generally vertical second (or upper) stanchion sub-assembly
including: a tubular member rigidly attached at a lower end
to the second bracket, and having a slotted upper portion;
an elongated member of a predetermined length, disposed
generally transverse to the tubular member, and having a
longitll~;n~lly disposed slot extending over about two-
thirds of the length, and having a longitudinal notch at an
end proximal to the ring sub- assembly; a transversely
compressible, bifurcated second (or upper) clamp closely
received and pivotable within the proximal notch; a second
(or upper) axle having an upper portion and a lower end,
the upper portion closely received within the upper clamp
and axially rotatable when the clamp is not under
transverse compression; a first locking bolt for fixing the
angle of pivot of the upper clamp and fixing the axial
disposition of the upper axle; and a rectangular box-
shaped housing rigidly attached to the stationary ring-
5 shaped angle member by first and second mounting brackets.22.
~ 94n63s8 2I Bl ~l o PC~S94/~3187
The lower end of the upper axle is rigidly attached to the
box-shaped housing at a position diametrically opposite to
the attachment position of the upper end of the lower axle.
The elongated member is disposed in a generally vertical
plane within the slotted upper portion of the tubular
member, and is constrained to slide relative to and/or
pivot about a second locking bolt passing through the
longitudinal slot.
The preferred embodiment further comprises a
hydraulic resistance sub-assembly including: a hydraulic
pump mounted within the housing; a drive-shaft connected to
a drive-gear of the pump; a one-way clutch rotatably
attached to the drive-shaft; a governor wheel; a rigid
conduit for hydraulic fluid connecting the outlet and inlet
ports of the gear pump so as to comprise a closed system; a
flow restricting valve within the rigid conduit connected
between the inlet port and the outlet port; a piezoresist-
ive pressure transducer; and a flexible conduit filled with
hydraulic fluid connected to the transducer.
In the current invention, the user generates a
tangential force on the rotating ring which causes the ring
to rotate. This ring is directly coupled to the input
shaft of the hydraulic pump. Therefore, as the ring
23.
W094/26358 ~ ~ PCT~S94/03187 ~
rotates, the input shaft of the pump will also rotate and
force fluid to flow within the pump.
The rate at which hydraulic fluid can flow within
this closed system is regulated by the size of the aperture
of the flow-restricting valve. Since the rate of hydraulic
flow regulates the speed at which the pump shaft rotates,
it follows that the aperture size will govern pump speed
and hence rotating ring speed.
When the valve aperture is closed, hydraulic
fluid cannot flow in the system and pump speed will be
zero. If the user applies a force to the rotating ring,
which drives the pump, no movement will occur. However,
pressure will increase within the pump in direct proportion
to the magnitude of the applied force. Small valve
apertures will allow relatively low pump speeds.
Conversely, large valve apertures will result in high pump
speeds. As the user attempts to increase the speed of the
rotating ring beyond the speed set on the aperture valve,
the pump will resist this speed increase and pressure will
increase within the pump. It is this resistance to speed
change that provides the isokinetic training benefits
detailed previously. Monitoring the increase in pressure
24.
_~094/2~58 PCT~S94/03187
21 6~
within the pump provides the user with quantitative
information on the forces he or she is generating.
The preferred embodiment further comprises an
electronic monitoring sub-assembly which includes: a force
monitoring and readout display electronic circuit; a
magnetic switch disposed on an interior surface of the
first flange of the ring-shaped angle member; a plurality
of permanent bar magnets disposed on an outer surface of
the rotatable tubular member; a digital display voltmeter;
and direct current power sources for the pressure
transducer, electronic circuit, magnetic switch, and
voltmeter. The electronic circuit buffers, amplifies and
samples the electrical signals generated by the pressure
transducer. For each instance during the downswing when a
bar magnet transits the magnetic switch, the electronic
circuit sends the signal representing the force value at
that point in the downswing to the digital voltmeter for
recordal and numerical display.
A more complete understanding of the present
invention and other objects, aspects and advantages thereof
will be gained from a consideration of the following
description of the preferred embo~ nt read in conjunction
with the accompanying drawings provided herein.
25.
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BRIEF DE8CRIPTION OF THE DRAWING8
FIG. l is a perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of the present invention adapted for use as a
golf swing training device.
FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the FIG. l
embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the FIG. l
embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the FIG. l
embodiment.
FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a base,
a base cover, first and second stanchion brackets, a fixed
member of a lower stanchion, a slidable member of the lower
stanchion, and a fixed member of an upper stanchion, of the
FIG. l embodiment.
FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the
FIG. 5 slidable member, a lower axle, a lower clamp, a
locking bolt, and a ring-shaped angle member of a ring sub-
assembly.
26.
~ 94/2~58 21 61 ~1 0 PCT~S94/03187
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the
FIG. 5 slidable member and the FIG. 6 lower axle, lower
clamp, and locking bolt.
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the
FIG. 5 second stanchion bracket and fixed member of the
upper stanchion, and an elongated slidable, pivotable
member.
FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view of the
FIG. 6 angle member and a rotatable tubular member of the
ring sub-assembly, a club-holder-sub-assembly including
first and second frame members, a housing, a shaft
including a swivel connector, a U-shaped member, a slidable
cross-piece and a shaft stop member, and a golf club.
FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the
FIG. 6 angle member, the FIG. 9 rotatable member, the
proximal portion of the FIG. 8 elongated member, an upper
clamp, an upper axle, a box-shaped housing, first and
second mounting brackets, a clutch, a governor wheel, and a
magnetic switch.
W094/263~8 ~1~1410 PCT~S94/03187 ~
. .
FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of the
FIG. 8 elongated member, the FIG. lO housing, upper axle
and upper clamp, and a locking bolt.
FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of a
hydraulic gear pump, a drive shaft, the FIG. lO clutch, a
flow restricting valve, a needle valve, a rigid hydraulic
fluid conduit, and a flexible hydraulic fluid conduit.
FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an electronic
monitoring sub-assembly of the FIG. 1 embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a power monitoring and readout display
circuit diagram of the FIG. 13 sub-assembly.
FIG. 15 shows the ring sub-assembly plane, a
plane in which the distal end of the FIG. 9 shaft is
constrained to move when the FIG. 9 tubular member rotates,
and a plane in which the swing path of the FIG. g club head
lies, the three planes being mutually parallel.
FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the FIG. 1
embodiment, showing the disposition of the FIG. 5 slidable
member, the FIG. 8 elongated member, and the FIG. 9 ring
sub-assembly and club-holder assembly, for a first swing
28.
- =
~0 94126358 ~ 0 PCT~S94103187
plane orientation in which the ring sub-assembly is in a
relatively flat plane, and for a second orientation in
which the ring sub-assembly is in a relatively upright
plane.
FIG. 17 shows a side elevational view of the FIG.
l embodiment, superimposed with a perspective view of the
ring sub-assembly rotated about an axis determined by the
FIG. 7 lower axle and the FIG. lO upper axle.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the FIG. l
embodiment where a person in the set-up phase of a full-
range of motion golf swing is constrained to swing a club
within a predetermined swing plane.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the takeaway
phase of the full-range of motion swing.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the top-of-t~e-
swing phase of the full-range of motion swing.
FIG. 2l is a perspective view of the downswing
phase of the full-range of motion swing.
29.
wo 94,26358 ~ ~ 4~ PCT~S94/03187 ~
~ ^ .
FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the hitting zone
phase of the full-range of motion swing.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the impact phase
of the full-range of motion swing.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the release
phase of the full-range of motion swing.
FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the follow-
through 5 phase of the full-range of motion swing.
30.
~ 094/26358 PCT~S94/03187
2~ o
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED ~MRODIMENT
I. INTRODUCTION
While the present invention is open to various
modifications and alternative constructions, the preferred
embodiment shown in the drawings will be described herein
in detail. It is to be understood, however, there is no
intention to limit the invention to the particular form
disclosed. On the contrary, it is intended that the
invention cover all modifications, e~uivalences and
alternative constructions falling within the spirit and
scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.
II. COMPLETE A88EMBLY AND 8UB-A88~MRT~T~8
A. Complete Assembly
As shown in FIGs. 1-~, a swing training and
muscle exercising device 30 includes a generally horizontal
base sub-assembly ~0, a generally vertical first (or lower)
stanchion sub-assembly 50, a planar ring sub-assembly 60, a
club-holder sub-assembly 70, a generally vertical second
(or upper) stanchion sub-assembly 80, a hydraulic
resistance sub-assembly 90, and an electronic monitoring
sub-assembly 100.
W094/26358 PCT~S94/03187 ~
4lo
B. Base 8ub-Assembly
Referring to FIG. 5, the base sub-assembly 40
includes a circular platform frame 112 having a
circumferential member 114 with an inner surface 116 and an
outer surface 118. First and second "T"-shaped brace
members 120 and 122, having, respectively, a first, second,
and third end 124, 125, 126, and 127, 128, 129, are rigidly
attached at the ends 124, 125, 126 and 127, 128, 129, to
the inner surface 116 of the circumferential member 11~.
In the preferred embodiment, the circumferential member is
formed from a one-inch diameter round tube. Circumferen-
tial member ~1~ is about 42 inches in diameter. A
generally circular platform cover 131 has a downwardly
extending outer edge 133 forming an annular lip 135. The
lip 135 snaps over or is otherwise closely received by the
circumferential member 114.
As further shown in FIG. 5, a generally vertical
first stanchion bracket 1~0 having a lower portion 1~1 and
an upper portion 1~2 is rigidly attached at the lower
portion 1~1 to the circumferential member 11~. A generally
vertical second stanchion bracket 144 having a lower
portion 1~5 and an upper portion 146 is rigidly attached to
the circumferential member 11~ at a position diametrically
opposite to the position of attachment of the bracket 140.
32.
~ 094/26358 PCT~S94/03187
2161~1o
The base sub-assembly may be of other configura-
tions and dimensions, so long as it performs the function
of providing a stable base for the stanchion sub-
assemblies. In some applications, the ground itself, or a
floor, may function as the base.
C. First Stan~h;on 8ub-Assembly
As shown in FIGs. 5, 6 and 7, the first, or lower
stanchion sub-assembly 50 includes a first support member
150 having a lower portion 151, an upper portion 152, and a
generally vertical side 153, the lower portion 151 rigidly
attached to the first stanchion bracket 1~0, and the side
153 including a hole 154. As shown in FIG. 5, the lower
stanchion sub-assembly 50 further includes a second tubular
member 160 having a lower portion 161, a slotted upper
portion 162, and a generally vertical side 163. The side
163 has a plurality of evenly spaced holes 164. The member
160 is closely received by and slidably disposed within the
member 150, the side 153 parallel to the side 163. As
discussed in Section III, infra, when adjusting the height
of the device 30 to conform to a user's physiological
characteristics, the member 160 is positioned within the
member 150 so that the hole 154 coincides with one of the
holes 164. A locking pin 165 inserted through the holes
154 and 164 rigidly maintains the relative position of the
33.
W094/26358 ~ 4 10 PCT~S94/03187 ~
members 150 and 160. In this way, the vertical position of
a point on the ring sub-assembly is fixed.
Alternatively, and not shown in the Figures, the
side 163 and a parallel side 166 of the member 160 may
include generally vertical, parallel first and second
slots. The position of the member 160 within the member
150 is maintained by tightening a locking bolt passing
through the hole 154 and the first and second slots.
Referring to FIGs. 5 and 7, the upper portion 1~2
of the second tubular member 16G includes parallel,
resilient first and second projections 168 and 170, the
projection 168 extending upwardly from the side 163, and
including a hole 172. The projection 170 includes a hole
174 and a threaded receptacle or nut 176.
As best shown in FIG. 7, a bifurcated first (or
lower) clamp 180 includes first and second sections 181 and
182, each having, respectively, a planar, generally
circular, outer surface 183 and 184, and a cutaway, or
recess shown as a concave inner surface 185 and 186. The
surfaces 185 and 186 having a radius of curvature
approximately equal to the convex radius of curvature of a
first (or lower) axle 190 and, when assembled, provide a
34.
~ 094/26358 -, . PCT~S94/03187
216i~10
bore in which the axle 90 may be positioned. The surfaces
183 and 18~ have, respectively, a centered hole 187 and 188
therethrough. The lower hollow axle 190 includes a lower
portion 191, a middle portion 192 having a bore which
terminates at first and second transversely elongated,
diametrically opposite holes 193 and 19~, and a truncated
upper end 195. End 195 faces in a direction orthogonal to
longitll~in~l axis of the middle portion 192. Middle
portion 192 is disposed, after assembly, between and within
the bore formed by clamp sections 181 and 182. The lower
clamp sections 181 and 182 and the lower axle 190 are
positioned between the projections 168 and 170 so that the
holes 172, 187, 193, 19~, 188 and 17~ are aligned. The
axle 190 is rigidly maintained within the clamp sections
181 and 182 by inserting a locking bolt 200 having a knob
202 and a shaft 20~ with threads 205 through the holes 172,
187, 193, 19~, 188 and 17~, until the threads 205 are
engaged within the threaded receptacle 176. Clockwise
rotation of the knob 202 causes transverse compression of
the resilient projections 168 and 170, thereby transversely
compressing the lower clamp sections 181 and 182 around the
lower axle 190. Counterclockwise rotation of the knob 202
from the tightened position enables the axle 190 to be
rotated axially relative to the clamp sections 181 and 182,
to an extent permitted by the width of the bore which
35.
W094/26358 ' 410 PCT~S94/03187 -
terminates at holes 193 and 19~, and also enables the lower
clamp 180 to be pivoted or rotated about an axle formed by
shaft 20~ and relative to the projections 168 and 170. In
this way, the azimuth of the ring sub-assembly and/or the
rotation of the ring sub-assembly about an axis which is
the longitudinal centerline of axle 190. The azimuth
angle, ~, is shown in FIG. 17.
In the preferred embodiment, the member 150 is
fabricated from square cross-section metal tubing having
inner dimensions of 2 inches x 2 inches, and is about 12
inches in length. The member 160 is fabricated from square
cross-section metal tubing having outer ~;~^n~ions of 1-3/4
inches x 1-3/4 inches, and is about 12 inches in length.
The lower axle 190 is preferably a one-inch diameter steel
tube, and is about 4-1/8 inches in length.
The first stanchion sub-assembly may be of
virtually any of many various designs, heights and/or
dimensions, so long as it functions to enable the user to
(a) adjust the vertical position of one point on the ring
sub-assembly; (b) adjust, preferably in combination with
the second stanchion sub-assembly, the angle of rotation,
or azimuth angle, of the ring sub-assembly about an axis
which is a line between the points of connection of the
36.
94/2~58 61~1 0 PCT~S94/03187
ring sub-assembly to the first and stanchion sub-
assemblies, respectively; and (c) adjust, preferably in
combination with the second stanchion sub-assembly, the
angle of elevation of the ring subassembly.
D. 8t~tion~ry And Rot~t~bl~ Ring 8ub-Assembly
Referring to FIGs. 6, 9 and 10, the stationary
and rotatable ring sub-assembly 60 includes a generally
circular angle member or stationary ring 220 having a first
flange 222 with an exterior surface 223 and an interior
surface 22~, and a second flange 226, orthogonal to the
flange 222, with an exterior surface 227 and an interior
surface 228, the interior surfaces 224 and 228 forming an
annular recess 229. A circular cross-section, tubular
member or rotatable ring 230 having an exterior surface 231
and an outer edge surface 232 is closely received within
the recess 229. In the absence of an external frictional
force, the rotatable ring 230 is freely rotatable within
the recess 229 of stationary ring 220. As shown in FIG. 9,
rotation of the ring or member 230 is facilitated by first
and second curved strips 23~ and 236, fabricated from a
material with a low coefficient of kinetic friction such as
teflon, the strips 23~ and 236 being rigidly attached to
the interior surface 22~ and interposed between the
surfaces 22~ and 232. Additionally, a plurality of teflon
37.
W094/26358 ~G~O PCT~S94/03187 -
buttons 237A, B, C a~ D are rigidly attached to the top
surface of flange 226 to provide a sliding surface on
flange 226 for the ring 230. Preferably a minimum of eight
buttons, spaced radially equidistant are used, four of
which are shown in Fig. 9. Alternatively, other means of
facilitating rotation of the ring or member 230, such as a
plurality of roller bearings, may be disposed between the
surfaces 22~ and 232. As shown in FIG. 18, the rotatable
ring 230 is movably retained within the recess 229 by a
plurality of retainer clips 240.
Referring to Fig. 6 upper end 195 of the lower
axle ~90 is rigidly attached to the exterior surface 227 of
the flange 226, thus constraining the stationary ring 220
within the device 30 for a given setting of the lower
stanchion sub-assembly 50.
In the preferred embodiment, the stationary ring
220 is fabricated from metal or plastic, and has an outer
diameter of about 43 inches. The width of the flange 222
is about 1-1/4 inches, and the width of the flange 226 is
about 1-1/16 inches. The rotatable ring 230 is fabricated
from 7/8-inch circular metal tubing, and has an inner
diameter of about 41 inches. The strips 234 and 236 are
each about 48 inches in length.
38.
094/26358 21 61 ~ 1 o PCT~S94/03187
The stationary and rotatable ring sub-assembly
may be of virtually any design, structure and dimension so
long as it functions (a) to enable one point on the
structure to rotate within a plane and through a full range
of swing motion; (b) to accommodate various vertical and
angular orientations of the plane; and/or (c) to
accommodate instrumentation for measuring the speed and/or
force of the swing motion.
E. Club-Holder 8ub-Assembly
Referring to FIG. 9, the club-holder sub-assembly
70 includes first and second lath-shaped frame members 250
and 252. Frame member 250 has a first (or proximal) end
253 and a second (or distal) end 254. Frame member 252 has
a first (or proximal) end 257 and a second (or distal) end
258. The proximal ends 253 and 257 are symmetrically
disposed and rigidly connected to the exterior surface 231
of the rotatable tubular member 230. The distal ends 254
and 258 are rigidly connected to a housing 260 having a
longitudinal bore 262 therethrough. Housing 260 includes a
longitll~;nAl side 264 with a hole 265 wherein is disposed a
first set-screw 266.
The housing 260 is the apex of a triangle whose
legs are the frame members 250 and 252, and whose base is
39.
W094/263S8 PCT~S9~103187 ~
- 2161~0
an imaginary chord between the proximal ends 253 and 257.
The plane in which the frame members 250 and 252 are
disposed is offset from the plane in which the ring sub-
assembly 60 is disposed. In the preferred embodiment, the
offset angle is about 20, as illustrated by angle 0 in
FIG. 2.
A shaft 270 having a first (or proximal) end 271,
a second (or distal) end 272, and a predetermined length is
slidably disposed within the bore 262. The position of the
shaft 270 within the housing 260 is fixed by tightening the
set-screw 266. Disposed within the shaft 270 near the end
272 is a swivel connector 27~ having a bore 275. A two-
tined fork, or "U"-shaped member 280 including a base 281,
a threaded base projection 282, and first and second legs
or tines 283 and 284, is disposed orthogonal to the shaft
270, the projection 282 received within the bore 275 and
maintained in a fixed position relative to the shaft 270 by
a threaded nut 286. A cross-piece member 290 including a
first end 291 with a longitudinal bore 292 in which is
disposed a second set-screw 293, and further including
first and second parallel surfaces 295 and 296 having first
and second bores 298 and 299 therethrough, is transverse to
and, through the holes 298 and 299, slidably disposed along
the legs or tines 283 and 284 of the U-shaped member 280.
40.
~ 094/26358 2161 ~ I O PCT~S94/03187
The legs 283 and 284, the base 281, and the cross-piece
member 290 thus determine a bounded planar opening 300.
When the device 30 is in use, a golf club 310
having a shaft 312 including an upper portion 313, a lower
portion 314, and a club head 315 transects the opening 300.
The area of the opening 300 is several times larger than
the cross-sectional area of the shaft 312, enabling the
shaft to freely move longitudinally and axially. A stop
member 316 is positioned on the lower shaft portion 314
between the club head 315 and the opening 300. The stop
member 316 is dimensioned to be larger than the opening
300, so that longitudinal upward motion of the club 310
within the opening 300 is limited by the stop member 316.
The position along the shaft 312 of the stop member 316 is
set according to the club position at the posting phase.
The stop 316 is positioned to touch the device at opening
300, and function so that during downswing a pulling motion
is required by the user. As shown in FIG. 9, stop member
316 is a right circular cylinder having a central bore
sized to accommodate lower portion 314 of the club 310.
Stop member 316 may be formed in numerous shapes and with
numerous materials, so long as it performs the functions
described above. Stop member 316 may be formed of an
elastomeric, foam material so that it may be slipped over
41.
W094/263S8 4~Q PCT~S94/03187 ~
the club head or handle and positioned on the shaft, or may
be of rigid material, so long as it may be positioned along
the shaft and function as described.
In the preferred embodiment, the frame members
250 and 252 are each about 20 inches in length, the housing
260 is about 1-5/8 inches in length, the shaft 270 is about
7 inches in length and has cross-sectional dimensions of
l/2-inch x 5/16-inch, the U-shaped member 280 is about 3-
1/2 inches in length and 1-3/8 inches in width, and the
cross-piece member 290 is about 1-5/8 inches in length.
The clubholder sub-assembly may be of virtually
any design so long as it functions to provide a rest point
for the club shaft to contact during each of the phases of
the swing, with the rest point traveling in or parallel to
the swing plane as the swing is executed and for initiation
of a pulling motion on the downswing.
F. Upper 8t~ch; on 8ub-Assembly
Referring to FIGs. 5, 8, 10 and 11, the upper
stanchion sub-assembly 80 includes a tubular member 330
having a lower portion 332, an upper portion 33~, and first
and second parallel sides 336 and 338. The portion 332 is
rigidly attached to the second stanchion bracket 1~4. The
42.
~ 094/2~8 PCT~S94/03187
~?1 61 '~
sides 336 and 338 extend upwardly, respectively, in a first
projection 3~0 having an upper end 3~2 and including a bore
3~4, and a second projection 3~6 having an upper end 3~8
and including a bore 350 and a receptacle or nut 352
adapted to receive a first threaded, locking bolt 378.
As shown in FIG. 8, an elongated member or arm
360 includes parallel first and second sides 362 and 364
having, respectively, parallel first and second
longitudinal slots 366 and 368. The member 360 further
includes a distal end 370, a middle portion 372, and a
proximal portion 374. The middle portion 372 is
transversely disposed between the projections 340 and 346
so that the slots 366 and 368 are aligned with the bores
34~ and 350. First locking bolt 378, having a knob 379,
passing successively through bore 344, slot 366, slot 368,
and bore 350 is secured by nut 352. Counterclockwise
rotation of the knob 379 enables translational movement
and/or pivoting movement of the member 360 with respect to
the locking bolt 378. Clockwise rotation of the knob 372
enables fixing the position of the member 360 relative to
the upper stanchion member 330. In this manner, the arm
360 may be rigidly maintained in a desired position and its
position may be adjusted, in cooperation with the lower
stanchion sub-assembly, to accommodate different vertical
W094/263~8 ~6~ 4~Q PCT~Sg4l03l87J
positions, elevation angles and azimuth angles of the ring
sub-assembly.
As also shown in FIG. 8, the side 362 extends
proximally in a first projection 380 having an end 382 and
including a bore 38~, and the side 36~ extends in a second
projection 386 having an end 388 and including a bore 390
and a threaded receptacle or nut 392 adapted to receive a
second threaded bolt 430.
As shown in FIGs. 10 and 11, a bifurcated second
(or upper) clamp barrel ~00, including first and second
sections 402 and 404 having, respectively, bores 406 and
~08, is disposed between the projections 380 and 386. The
configuration and dimensions of the sections ~02 and 404
are identical to those of the lower clamp sections 181 and
182. A second (or upper) axle 420 including a middle
portion 422 having a transverse bore terminated at first
and second enlarged, diametrically opposite holes 424 and
426, and a lower end 428 iS disposed in the bore formed
between and by the cutaway portions of the clamp sections
402 and ~04. The upper clamp sections 402 and 404 and the
upper axle 420 are positioned between the projections 380
and 386 so that the bores and holes 384, ~06, 42~, ~26, 408
and 390 are aligned. The axle ~20 is rigidly maintained
44.
~ 094/2~58 21 6¦ ~1 o PCT~S94/03187
within the clamp sections 402 and 404 by a second threaded
locking bolt 430 having a knob 432, the bolt 430 passing
successively through the bores and holes 38~, ~06, ~24,
426, ~08 and 390 until engaged within the nut or receptacle
392. Clockwise rotation of the knob ~32 causes transverse
compression of the resilient projections 380 and 386,
thereby transversely compressing the upper clamp sections
~02 and 40~ around the upper axle ~20. Counterclockwise
rotation of the knob 432 from its tightened position
loosens the sub-assembly and enables the axle 420 to be
rotated about its longitudinal axis as well axially
relative to the clamp sections 402 and 404, to an extent
permitted by the diameter of the oversize bore and holes
~2~ and ~26, and also enables the upper clamp ~00 to be
rotated about an axis which is in the centerline of bol~
~30 when inserted through bores 384 and 390 of projections
380 and 386. In this way, the azimuth of the ring sub-
assembly may be fine-tuned, and, in cooperation with the
first st~nch;on sub-assembly the degree of rotation of the
ring sub-assembly about an axis which passes through the
longitudinal centerline of upper axle 420 may be adjusted.
Referring again to FIGs. 10 and ll, a rectangular
box-shaped housing ~40 includes a top side ~42, and first
and second extension members 4~6 and 448 generally vertical
45.
W094/26358 ~4~Q PCT~S94/03187
to the side ~42. A first mounting bracket ~50 is rigidly
attached at a first end ~52 to the member ~6, and at a
second end ~5~ to the surface 227 of the flange 226 of the
angle member 220. A second mounting bracket ~60 is rigidly
attached at a first end 462 to the member ~8, and at a
second end ~6~ to the surface 227. The lower end ~28 of
the upper axle ~20 is rigidly attached to the side ~2, the
centerlines of axles 190 and ~20 disposed along a plane
intersecting a diameter of the angle member 220.
In the preferred embodiment, the stanchion member
330 is about 55" in length, and has cross-sectional
dimensions of 2-1/4" x 2-1/4." The arm member 360 is about
29" in length, and has cross-sectional dimensions of 1-3/4"
x 1-3/4". The slots 366 and 388 are each about 20" in
length and 7/16" in width. The upper axle 420 is 1" in
diameter and about 4" in length. The housing ~40 has
dimensions approximately 8" in length x 4" in width x 6" in
height.
The second stanchion sub-assembly may be of
virtually any design so long as it provides, preferably, a
point of contact and support for the ring sub-assembly
which is on the opposite end of the diameter extending to
the point of contact with the first stanchion sub-assembly.
46.
~0 94/2~58 ~10 PCT~S94/03187
The second stanchion sub-assembly also, preferably,
provides structure which, in cooperation with the first
stanchion sub-assembly, permits the azimuth of the ring
sub-assembly to be adjusted by rotating the ring sub-
assembly about a diameter between the two connectionpoints. The second stanchion sub-assembly also functions,
preferably, to provide a support for the clutch or
resistance sub-assembly to contact the rotatable portion of
the ring sub-assembly. The second stanchion sub-assembly
also functions, preferably in conjunction with the first
stanchion sub-assembly, to permit adjustment of the angle
elevations of the ring sub-assembly.
G. Hydr~ulic Resistance 8ub-AssQmbly
Shown in FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view
of the hydraulic resistance, or clutch, sub-assembly 90,
some of the components of which will be discussed below as
they relate to the present invention. The sub-assembly 90
includes: a hydraulic gear rotary pump 480 mounted within
the housing ~0 (not shown in Fig. 12). Pump 480 has a
pump housing 482, an outlet port ~84, an inlet port ~86, a
drive-gear ~88, and an idler-gear 490. A drive-shaft 492
is rigidly connected to the drive-gear 488 and extends in a
generally perpendicular direction from the pump housing
482. A one-way clutch 49~ is rotatably connected to the
47.
W094/26358 PCT~S94/03187 ~ -
21~4~
drive-shaft ~92 with conventional one-way needle bearings
(not shown). A friction-type governor wheel ~96, best
shown in FIG. 10, is mounted on the housing ~0. Alter-
nately, a sprocketed, one-way clutch could be used, in
which case no governor would be needed, and ring 230 would
have me~hing gear teeth. Conduit 498 fluidly connects the
discharge, or outlet port 484 and the inlet port ~86, so as
to constitute a closed fluid circuit, or flow system 500.
A conventional flow restricting valve 506, having a
conventional, adjustable aperture 508 is positioned in the
circuit downstream of discharge ~84 and upstream of
connector 512. The degree of opening of aperture 508 is
adjusted by a lever arm 510. Connector 512 has an inlet
51~ and an outlet 516. Flexible conduit 520 is filled with
hydraulic fluid during operation and has a first end 522
and a second end 524 (shown in Fig. 13). End 522 is
connected to the outlet 516 of the needle valve 512, and
end 524 is connected to a pressure transducer PT1, as
illustrated in FIG. 13.
In the preferred embodiment, the gear pump 480 is
model number AJN, manufactured by Sterling Pump, Ltd. of
Mississauga, Canada. The drive-shaft 492 extends about 1-
3/8" outside of the pump housing 482. The clutch 494 is
about 3-1/4" in diameter. The flow restricting valve 506
48.
094n6358 ~ , PCT~S94/03187
is a conventional ball valve. The pressure transducer ~T1
is a piezoresistive strain gauge, part number MPX200DP,
manufactured by Motorola Corporation.
Numerous pump designs may be adapted for use with
the present invention so long as the pump will provide an
isokinetic resistance. Preferably, a positive displacement
pump is used because such pumps operate to approximate
totally isokinetic resistance.
The rotatable tubular member, or ring, 230 is
pinched between the clutch 49~ and the governor wheel ~96.
As the user applies force to the golf club during the
downswing, the resultant rotating of the ring 230, which is
in frictional contact with the clutch ~9~, causes the
clu~ch and thus the drive-shaft ~92 to rotate. Rotation of
the drive-shaft 492 causes the drive-gear ~88 of the gear
pump ~80 to rotate at the same angular speed as the drive-
shaft. Rotation of the drive-gear 488 causes the idler-
gear ~90, which is meshed with the drive-gear ~88, to also
rotate, resulting in pumping of hydraulic fluid between the
gears ~88 and ~90, from the inlet side 486 of the chamber
inside of the pump ~80 to the discharge side ~84.
W094/26358 PCT~S94/03187 -
216~4~
The rate of flow of hydraulic fluid which can
circulate in the closed system 500 is limited by the
aperture 508 of the flow restricting valve 506 to control
maximum speed of the ring. Predetermined set points can
then be establi~h~ on the valve so that different maximum
speeds, to accommodate the needs of different swings can be
established. Thus, resistance to the rotation of the ring
through swinging of the club can be adjusted by controlling
the opening of valve 506. In this way, true isokinetic
exercise during the swing may be achieved, with the initial
or base resistance determined by the degree of opening of
the aperture 508. The initial valve setting is selected
according to the training velocity desired by the user.
Thus, the swing training device of the present invention
may be used to improve the power of a swing, and thereby
the distance the ball travels. The force component of
power training is dominant when using valve settings which
are relatively closed. The velocity component of power may
be trained by using valve settings which are relatively
open.
Because the maximum speed is set by setting the
valve aperture 508, the pressure in the hydraulic system
will be proportional to the force applied during the swing.
transducer PT1 generates an electrical signal proportional
50.
094/2~58 .. 21 6~ PCT~S94/03187
to pressure. Thus, information concerning the force
applied by the user can be measured, displayed and used for
further training. Thus, measurement of the pressure
instantaneously imposed on Transducer PT1 at selected
positions along the downswing arc, or electrical signals
corresponding to those pressures, provides information at
various phases of the swing. This feedback information may
then be used to improve the swing by comparing the profile
of the measured values with an optimum profile.
The hydraulic resistance sub-assembly may
incorporate various designs, so long as it functions to
provide substantially isokinetic resistance to the swing
initiated by the user and/or provides for sensing
instantaneous hydraulic pressure in the system as a swing
is executed.
H. Electronic Monitoring 8ub-Assembly
FIG. 13 shows a block diagram for the electronic
monitoring sub-assembly 100 including: a direct current (d-
c) excitation power supply P1 for the pressure transducer
PT1; a power monitoring and readout display electronic
circuit 5~0 comprising a conventional buffer amplifier OA1,
a two-stage offset/gain amplifier A12, and a sample/hold
5 control amplifier lC1; a digital display meter DD1; a
51.
W094/26358 ~4~ PCT~S94/03187 -
magnetic control switch 8Wl having first and second leads
542 and 544 shown in FIG. 14; and a plurality of d-c power
sources, P2, P3, P~, P5, P6, for supplying power to the
electronic circuit 5~0, the switch 8W1, and the meter DD1.
As shown in FIG. 10, the magnetic control switch 8W1 is
attached to the interior surface 22~ of the stationary
ring-shaped angle member 220. As also shown in FIG. 10, a
plurality of permanent bar magnets 546 are disposed at
approximately equal intervals along an approximately 270
degree arc of the outer edge surface 232 of the rotatable
ring 230.
In the preferred embodiment, the buffer amplifier
OA1 is a conventional first operational amplifier (op-amp),
part number MC4554CP, manufactured by Motorola, the
offset/gain amplifier A12 comprises second and third
MC4554CP op-amps, the sample/hold control amplifier IC1 is
a conventional integrated circuit, part number LF398N,
manufactured by National Semiconductor Corp., conventional
magnetic control switch ~W1 is part number 49-495,
manufactured by Radio Shack, and the conventional digital
display meter DD1 is a combined 200 millivolt full-scale
digital voltmeter and LED display, model number DMlOXL,
manufactured by Beckman Instruments.
52.
094/263~8 ~ ~I 6~ PCT~S94/03187
As discussed in reference to FIG. 12, a pressure
change in the hydraulic fluid circulating in the closed
system 500 is sensed transducer PT1. Changes in mPch~n;cal
stress in the transducer due to fluctuations in ambient
fluid pressure cause the transducer to generate a pulsating
d-c electrical current. A resultant signal voltage, after
being filtered of transient pulsation components, is fed to
and amplified by buffer amplifier OA1 which isolates the
transducer PT1 from the subsequent stages of the electronic
circuit 540. A portion of the amplified signal is fed back
with unitary gain to the input of OA1 so as to further
isolate and improve the stability of the amplified signal.
The amplified signal is then input to a second op-amp OA2,
the first stage of the two-stage amplifier A12. The output
signal from the second op-amp OA2 is input to a third op-
amp OA3. In the preferred embodiment, op-amps OA2 and OA3
each use a MC4554CP chip.
The amplified signal from op-amp OA3 is fed to
the amplifier IC1 which continuously monitors the signal.
When the magnetic control switch 8W1 disposed on the
stationary ring-shaped angle member 220 is activated by
sequential transit of each of the bar magnets 5~6 on the
rotatable tubular member 230, the switch 8W1 changes state
5 from OFF to ON, and then resets to the OFF state. When the
53.
W094/26358 PCT~S94103187 -
4 1 ~
switch 8Wl is transiently in the ON state, the amplifier
ICl passes the amplified signal to the meter DDl, for the
particular orientation of the ring 230 relative to the
stationary member 220 which corresponds to the particular
magnet 5~6 then activating the switch 8Wl. The meter DDl
records the signal amplitude corresponding to the
particular magnet 5~6 in a register and displays the
amplitude graphically as a lighted LED. It is also
intended that a vertical column of LEDs may be used to
register and display a predetermined number of values,
corresponding to the various points of measurements on the
ring. Preferably, the number of vertical columns of lights
e~uals the number of measuring points, i.e., magnets 546,
so that at the completion of the swing a profile is
displayed on the meter DDl. Optionally, the signal
amplitude can be displayed as a numerical value by the
meter DDl. Thus, as the user swings the golf club through
a full-range of motion swing from the top of the swing
phase through the follow-through phase, a signal amplitude
profile is generated, graphically and/or numerically. The
user can immediately compare his or her profile with an
ideal signal amplitude profile and from this comparison
gain information about how to improve the swing.
54.
~094/2~58 PCT~S94/03187
21~1~1o
Referring to FIG. 14, the FIG. 13 circuit 540 is
shown in detail. In the preferred embodiment, excitation
power supply P1 is a five volt d-c source connected across
first and second floating leads 548 and 550 of transducer
PT1. A signal current generated by transducer PTl is
output at lead 1, which is connected to resistor R1.
Resistor Rl, preferably 5.6K ohms (n). Resistor Rl and a
capacitor Cl, preferably 2.2 microfarads (~fd), constitute
a low-pass filter which filters out signal pulsations above
about 13 Hz. The filtered current passes through a load
resistor R2, preferably 1Kn, connected to a positive input,
pin 3, of inverting op-amp OAl. A portion of the amplified
signal at output pin 1 is fed back with a unitary gain to
negative input pin 2, of op-amp OA1, so as to isolate and
stabilize the pin 1 output signal. The stabilized signal
passes through a load resistor R3, preferably 10K n, to
negative input pin 6 of op-amp OA2. A resistor R4, having
the same resistance as resistor R3, is in series with
positive input pin S, of op-amp OA2, so as to approximately
equalize the voltage drops produced by the input bias
currents of op-amp OA2. A portion of the signal output at
pin 7 of op-amp OA2 is fed back, through resistor R5,
preferably 100K Q, to pin 6. A voltage divider network
including fixed resistors R6 and R7, each preferably 200K
n, and variable resistor R8, preferably 20K n, is connected
55.
W094/26358 2 1 6 1 4 1 0 PCT~S94/03187 ~
via load resistor R9, preferably 5.6K n, to pin 6. A
"trim" adjustment of resistor R8 enables the output at pin
7 of op-amp OA2 to be zero when the input signal at pin 6
is zero.
The signal output at pin 7 of op-amp OA2 passes
through load resistor Rl0, preferably l0K n, to a negative
input of inverting op-amp OA3, the second stage of
amplifier Al2. The voltage drops produced by the input
bias currents of op-amp OA3 are equalized by selecting
resistor Rll, preferably l0K n, to be equal in resistance
to resistor Rl0. The amplified signal output at pin 7 of
op-amp OA3 is fed back through resistor Rl2, preferably 20K
n, to pin 6. An eight-volt d-c power source, P3, is
connected across a potentiometer Rl3 which is connected to
pin 6 through a resistor Rl4, preferably 200K n. A trim
adjustment of resistor Rl3, preferably 25K n, enables the
output at pin 7 of op-amp OA3 to be zero when the input
signal at pin 6 is zero.
The signal output at pin 7 of op-amp OA3 is input
to pin 3 of the control amplifier ICl. Pin 2 of amplifier
ICl is connected to a variable resistor Rl7, preferably lK
n, the resistor Rl7 in series between a positive eight-volt
d-c power source P4, and a resistor Rl8, preferably 22K n,
56.
~ 094/26358 PCT~S94/03187
2l'6l~la'
the resistor R18 connected to ground. Pin 6 of amplifier
ICl is connected via capacitor C2, preferably 0.1 ~fd to
ground, and pin 7 of amplifier IC1 is connected directly to
ground. Pin 8 of amplifier ICl is connected to lead 542 of
magnetic switch 8~1. The magnetic switch 8~1 is powered by
a positive eight-volt d-c power supply P5, connected to
lead 5~ via resistor R15, preferably lK n. Lead 5~2 of
switch gWl is connected to ground via resistor R16,
preferably lK n .
The current output at pin 5 of amplifier ICl
passes through resistor Rl9, preferably 15K n to a positive
terminal 5~8 of the meter DD1, which preferably reads 200
millivolts full-range. A load resistor R20, preferably
lK n, is connected between the positive terminal 548 and a
negative terminal 550 of meter DD1. The meter DD1 is
powered by a positive nine-volt d-c power supply P6.
57.
W094/2~58 21 g i 410 PCT~S94/03187 ~
III. OPERATION OF T~B ROTATING RING 8WING TRAINING AND
EXERCI8E DEVICE
A. Device Ad~ustments To Aoco~o~te Users Of
Differ~t Height, Differe~t 8tanca, And Different
8hot-NAking ~tyles
Referring to FIG. 15, when a user of the device
30 swings the club 310, thus causing rotation of the
rotatable ring 230, the distal end 272 of the shaft 270 is
constrained to move in a plane 560 which is parallel to a
plane 565 which is the plane of the ring sub-assembly 60,
and thus is parallel to the swing plane 570. Therefore, a
point at the bottom of the U-shaped member 280, which is
attached to the shaft 270 at 272, is constrained to move in
the plane 560 because the club-holder sub-assembly 70 is
rigidly offset from the plane 565 of tubular member 230. A
point on the club head 315 extending from the shaft 312
ideally moves in a non-circular arc in the swing plane 570
to describe the swing path. Swing plane 570 is parallel to
the planes 565 and 560 because the shaft is constrained
within the opening 500 and against the U-shaped member by
the golfer during the swing. The moving club head thus
satisfies an essential requisite of an ideal golf swing in
that the swing path is in the swing plane. It is an
important feature of the present invention that its
58.
094/2~58 PCT~S94/03187
structure facilitates generation of a proper swing path in
the swing plane and through a full range of motion.
When a right-handed golfer executes a full-range
of motion swing, the club moves clockwise during the
backswing portion of the swing with the 12 o'clock position
being a point on the stationary ring adjacent the clutch
494, and counterclockwise during the downswing portion of
the swing. For a left-handed golfer, the rotational
directions are reversed. Consequently, a user, accordingly
as he or she is a right-handed or left-handed golfer, must
first select a device 30 with the resistance sub-assembly
configured so the clutch ~94 frictionally engages the
ring 230 during the downswing portion of the swing.
A user's height, arm length, and posture at
address generally determine the height of his or her hands
while gripping a club during the set-up phase so that the
clubface squarely contacts the addressed ball. Posture is
generally determined by the user's height, preferred swing
plane, and length of the selected club. Consequently,
initial adjustments are directed to the height and angle of
inclination of the ring sub-assembly 60. Referring again
to FIGs. 5 and 6, the height and angle of inclination of
5 the ring sub-assembly C0 with respect to the base sub-
59.
W094/2~58 i PCT~S94/03187 -
~ 2 1 ~
assembly ~0 are coarsely adjusted to generally match the
user's height and preferred swing plane by sliding the
first, or lower, stanchion member 160 within the lower
stanchion member 150 so as to align one of the plurality of
holes 16~ with the hole 15~ in the member 150. Concur-
rently, the elongated member 360 is moved linearly and/or
pivoted with respect to the upper stanchion member 330 by
loosening the locking pin 378 and moving the member 360
with respect to the pin 378 by means of the slots 366 and
368. Graduated markings may be provided on the lower
stanchion member 160 and/or the elongated member 360 to
facilitate identification of preferred settings. The
initial, or gross adjusted position is rigidly maintained
by inserting the pin 165 through the aligned holes 154 and
164. These initial adjustments are generally made only
when a person first uses the device, or before the device
is to be used by another person.
Referring again to FIG~. 2 and 15, after the
initial adjustments are made, the angle of elevation ~ of
the ring sub-assembly 60 may be further adjusted by
loosening the locking bolts 200 (Fig. 7) and ~30 (Fig. 8)
which, when tightened, rigidly maintain, respectively, the
axles 190 and ~20 in the clamps 180 and ~00. The user can
then pivot the clamps 180 and ~00 within the projections
60.
~0 94/2~58 ~ 0 PCT~S94/03187
168, 170 and 380, 382, respectively, so as to slightly
change the angle of inclination. Graduated markings may be
provided on the axles and clamps to facilitate identifica-
tion of preferred individual settings. Such fine adjust-
ment generally would be necessary if a person wished totrain with golf clubs of significantly different length,
e.g., a driver, a long iron, and a short iron.
When the locking bolts 200 and ~30 are loosened,
the ring sub-assembly 60 can be rotated about a diameter
defined by the axles 190 and ~20, because the axles can
rotate within the clamps 180 and ~00. Thus, the azimuth of
the ring sub-assembly 60 can be changed relative to a
target line extending from the golf ball to an imaginary
target area or specific target such as a hole on a golf
course. This fine adjustment is necessary when a person
wishes to perfect a swing motion which slightly changes the
swing path, thus resulting in fading or drawing a ball,
rather than propelling the ball directly along the target
line.
In FIG. 16, the solid lines show the device 30
adjusted in a first orientation for a user who has a
relatively flat swing plane, i.e., a relatively smaller
angle as shown in FIG. 15, and prefers trying to hit the
61.
W094/2~58 PCT~S94/03187 -
216~ ~1Q
ball along the target line. The proximal portion 374 of
the pivotable-slidable member 3Co is relatively upright,
and the ring sub-assembly 60 parallels the target line.
The dotted lines in FIG. 16 show the device 30
adjusted in a second orientation for a shorter user who
also prefers trying to hit the ball along the target line,
and who prefers a relatively upright swing plane. Compared
to the first orientation, the member 360 is pitched forward
and is relatively horizontal, the member 160 is lower, and
the clubholder sub-assembly 70 is lower and lies in a more
nearly vertical plane.
FIG. 17 shows the ring sub-assembly 60 in a first
orientation for a user who prefers to hit the ball along
the target line, and in a second orientation for the same
user who is trying to perfect a swing which draws the ball.
In the second orientation, the ring sub-assembly 60 is
slightly rotated clockwise at an azimuth angle ~ so that
the club head moves in an in-to-out swing path relative to
the target line during the hitting zone and impact phases.
FIG. 18 shows a right-handed user addressing a
ball 580 during the set-up phase, after the height, angle
of inclination, and azimuth of the ring sub-assembly have
62.
~ 94l26358 ~161 ~1 o PCT~S94/03187
been appropriately set. First, the user positions stop
member 316 over the club shaft at region 31~, between mid-
club and the club head 315. Then the user, while st~n~;ng
on the base sub-assembly ~0 with his upper body centered
within the ring sub-assembly 60, inserts the shaft 312 of a
selected golf club through the opening 300, shown in FIG.
9, determined by the pivotable U-shaped member 280 and the
slidable cross-piece member 290, and slides the member 290
on the legs 284 and 286 to reduce the area of opening, 300,
but to locate the cross-piece 290 in a position where the
club shaft can freely slide and rotate within the opening
300 as the club travels through a full-range of motion
swing. The position of the cross-piece member 290 is
maintained by tightening the set-screw 293. The user then
positions the stop member 316 along the club shaft 312 so
that it contacts the members 280 and 290 when the club is
posted at the top of the swing and enables proper
initiation of the downswing (pulling motion rather than
pushing) and initiation of rotation of the ring during the
downswing.
A golfer's height is generally the determining
factor of his or her swing radius. In general, the taller
the person, the larger the swing radius. In the device 30,
the swing radius is effectively a lever arm through which
63.
W094/2~58 ~ ~i PCT~S94/03187 ~
2`i614iQ
the user applies force to the rotatable tubular member 230.
The lever arm length is determined by the distance along
the club shaft between the user's hands and the U-shaped
member 280. Referring again to FIG. 9, the lever arm
length and thus the swing radius is adjusted by loosening
the set-screw 266 and slidably adjusting the shaft 270
within the housing 260. The shaft 270 is properly
positioned within the housing 260 when the clubface
contacts the ball when the user is in the address position.
Graduated markings may be provided on the shaft 270 to
facilitate identification of preferred individual settings.
B. General operation Of The Device In The Context Of
An Ideal Eight-Phase Golf 8wing
Beginning from the set-up phase shown in FIG. 18,
the user initiates the takeaway phase, shown in FIG. 19, by
rotating the knees, hips, trunk and shoulders as the front
arm pushes the back arm back and the front elbow and front
arm remain straight. As these body motions are performed,
the member 230 freely rotates within the stationary angle
member 220 in the backswing direction.
FIG. 20 shows the top of the swing phase where
the shoulders have turned about twice as far as the hips.
The front arm has remained straight, the back forearm is
64.
~0 94/263~8 PCT/US94103187
21cl~ lo
now supinated, and the front forearm is now pronated. The
stop member 316 is in contact with the U-shaped member 280
and the cross-piece member 290.
FIG. 21 shows initiation of the downswing wherein
the club is pulled into action by the unwinding of the body
and pulling of the front arm. The force applied to the
tubular member 230 through the club shaft 312 causes the
member 230 to rotate within the stationary angle member 220
in a direction opposite to its direction of rotation during
the backswing. The club head traverses a swing path within
the predetermined swing plane. Because the shaft can
freely move longitudinally through the opening 300 up to
the stop 316, the swing path traverses a non-circular arc.
FIG. 22 shows the hitting zone phase wherein the
thrusting legs and hips are forcing the shoulders to turn,
thereby accelerating the arms and club. The wrists are
about to uncock and the back arm is beginning to
straighten.
FIG . 2 3 shows the impact phase where the arms
have returned to their set-up phase position as the club
head 315 is swung through the ball 580.
65.
W094/2~8 21 PCT~S94/03187
FIG. 2~ shows the release phase where the back
arm has straightened. The back forearm has pronated and
the front forearm has supinated, the forearms being
opposite to their rotational position at the top of the
swing.
FIG. 25 shows the follow-through phase where the
hips are facing toward the target and the torso has
followed the turning of the hips and shoulders.
IV. A~TERNA~E EMBOD~ ~ AND ~8E~
Although the preferred embodiment of the present
invention has been adapted for use as a golf swing training
device, the invention is not so limited, but rather may be
adapted for training and/or exercise in numerous sports
swings, such as baseball, softball, tennis, cricket,
racketball, squash, paddleball, etc.; as well as in
therapeutic exercise of the arms and torso in swinging
motions.
Minor sizing adaptations in the vertical support
or stanchion sub-assemblies 50 and 80 at the front and rear
of the base, or platform sub-assembly ~0, respectively,
would permit the positioning of the stationary and
rotatable ring sub-assembly 60, of the present invention,
66.
~ 094/26358 161~10 PCT~S94/03187
for ideal strength conditioning and swing training of the
baseball swing, the tenn; ~ swing, the badminton swing, the
h~n~hAll swing, the javelin throw, the discus throw, the
shot put throw or any other upper extremity
strength/mobility dominant sport. Minor alterations in the
positioning and sizing of the stanchion sub-assemblies 50
and 8 would also permit the positioning of the ring sub-
assembly 60 into a more vertical orientation with respect
to the base sub-assembly ~0 and would render the present
invention ideal for strength conditioning and training of
the football kick, the soccer kick, or any other lower
extremity strength/mobility dominant sport. The club-
holder sub-assembly 70 would also than be modified to
accommodate a baseball bat, t~n; s racquet, etc.
Furthermore, such modifications in the present
invention would also provide a device ideally suited for
the rehabilitation of shoulder or hip joint injuries. The
shoulder and hip joints are ball and socket type joints.
The positioning and relative fragility of the shoulder
joint ligaments permit a larger range of motion (mobility)
of the shoulder joint as compared to positioning and
density of the hip joint ligaments which limit mobility but
provide increased stability of the hip joint. The shoulder
joint is therefore susceptible to joint strains, sprains
67.
W094/2~58 PCT~S94/03187 -
2161410
and dislocations, and the hip joint is susceptible to
muscle ruptures and bony fractures. Rehabilitation of the
ball and socket type joints of the shoulder and hip is best
accomplished by a device which permits circumferential
resistance training in a specific weakened movement plane
and weakened movement path. The ring sub-assembly 60 of
the present invention provides circumferential resistance
training with isokinetic resistance and is thus ideally
suited for the rehabilitation of shoulder and hip joint
pathomechanics for five specific reasons: (1) the
resistance is delivered throughout the entire joint range
of motion; (2) the resistance varies directly with the
user's ability to apply his or her maximum force to the
rotatable ring 230 thereby permitting the user to self-
administer the therapy/sport specific movement safely,avoiding an overstressing of the joint tissues; (3) the
joint can be trained in the isolated/specific plane and
path of joint range of motion thereby allowing strength
conditioning specific to the identified weakened tissues or
specific to the sport-specific movement requirements;
(4) the biofeedback provided by the electronic measurements
derived from the rotating ring 230 provide the user with
self-evaluation of his or her progress either from a sport-
specific or rehabilitative aspect; and (5) the device
permits the positioning of the actuator ring specific to
68.
~jO 941263~8 1~ PCT/US94/03187
the user's anatomical requirements and thereby permits the
application of the therapy/exercise in the seated, st~n~;ng
or laying postures.
69.
