Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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GOLF TRAINING APPARATUS
The present invention relates to golf training
apparatus and more particularly to apparatus which can
assist a golfer in developing an improved swing.
The swing is undoubtedly one of, if not the, most
important component of a golfer's game. It is a complex
composite movement of a golfer's hands, wrists, arms and
body and if not properly executed can lead to a ball
being mishit.
Most golfers practice their swing in an empirical
manner, for example by hitting practice balls on a
driving range. Developing a swing in this manner is
rather unsatisfactory since the golfer will not
necessarily know why he or she has mishit a ball and so
be able to correct the fault. Also, there is no easy
way in which, having hit a ball successfully, the golfer
can reliably repeat that shot.
One training aid has been proposed which takes the
form of an inclined hoop inside which a golfer stands.
The golfer rests his or her club on the hoop and then
swings the club in contact with the hoop. As the club
is swung, it is constrained to move in a given plane by
the hoop, at least at its point of contact with the
hoop. This may go some way to improving the swing in
that it allows the golfer easily to reproduce a given
swing, but it does not provide a fully satisfactory
training aid in that it fails to address a particularly
important area of the swing, namely the top of the
backswing.
The Applicant has recognised that the optimum swing
is achieved when the swing occurs in an optimum swing
plane. This plane is a plane which extends generally
through the upper sternum of the golfer to the ball at
the point of striking the ball. In particular, the
Applicant has recognised that the ball, the golfer's
upper sternum, the butt of the club and the "sweet spot"
of the club head (that part of the club head which will
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make optimum contact with the ball) should all lie in
the optimum plane at the top of the backswing and also
in the follow through. Whilst the above described hoop
apparatus may to some extent assist a golfer in
S developing a swing, it does not constrain the swing at
the top of the backswing or in the follow through since
the shaft of the club may rotate around the contact
surface of the hoop such that the head and butt of the
club may lie out of the optimum swing plane.
The present invention seeks to overcome this
problem and from a first aspect the invention provides a
golf training aid comprising a circular hoop inclined or
inclinable in use at an angle to the horizontal, and
means defining a planar surface extending outwardly from
the surface of the upper end of the hoop in a direction
parallel to the plane of the hoop.
In accordance with the invention therefore, a
planar surface is defined around the upper end of the
hoop in a direction parallel to the plane of the hoop.
The planar surface acts to guide the club along the
optimum swing plane more accurately than in existing
apparatus, preventing unwanted rotation of the club
around the hoop at the top part of the backswing.
From a further broad aspect, therefore the invention
provides a golf training aid comprising a hoop inclined
or inclinable in use at an angle to the horizontal and
over whose surface a club may be swung, said hoop
comprising means which guides the club to move in a
given plane at the top of the swing.
The planar surface extends only over a limited
circumferential extent of the hoop. This is because the
surface is actually only needed at the top of the hoop,
since certain excursions of the club from the optimum
swing plane can be tolerated in the lower parts of the
swing. Indeed this is desirable in that it allows a
golfer to develop a more natural swing.
Typically, therefore, the planar surface extends
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for only up to about 120° or less, more preferably about
90°, around the top of the hoop. Preferably the surface
is arranged symmetrically with respect to the vertical
centre-line of the hoop.
The hoop is preferably arcuate, most preferably
circular in cross section, with the planar surface
extending tangentially from the contact surface of the
hoop in a direction parallel to the plane of the hoop.
The hoop need not be circular in section, but preferably
it has an arcuate surface for engaging the club. The
contact surface could, for example, be a semi-circular
surface.
The planar surface need extend outwardly from the
hoop only so far as is needed to provide sufficient
guidance for the club. This may be determined
empirically, but in the case of a 6 ft (1.8 m) diameter
hoop the planar surface may typically extend for a
maximum distance of about 18" (0.5 m). The planar
surface should not, however, extend so far that if it is
being used with conventional clubs it interferes with
the head of the club, thereby moving the club head out
of plane .
Preferably the radial depth of the planar surface
increases from the edges thereof. In the preferred
embodiment, the depth is zero at the edges of the
surface, which enables a smooth movement of the club
onto the surface. Most preferably the depth increases
to a maximum on the centre-line of the hoop, and the
surface is symmetrical therearound.
In the most preferred embodiment, the outer edge of
the surface is curved so that the surface resembles a
crescent.
The planar surface may, for example, be defined
between co-planar radially inner and outer surfaces,
constituted for example by the hoop and a rail extending
around the top of the hoop. A potential disadvantage of
this arrangement is that a club may fall down between
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the defining surfaces, so preferably the planar surface
is substantially solid. The surface may, therefore, be
formed as an integral part of the hoop, e.g. it may be
integrally moulded with a plastics hoop, or it may be
formed on a separate component which is affixed to the
hoop either permanently or removable by suitable fixing
means, e.g. by welding.
As stated above, in use the hoop is inclined to the
horizontal. Preferably the inclination of the hoop is
variable so as to permit the optimum swing plane to be
set for every user. The variation in inclination may be
achieved in any suitable manner. For example opposed
sides of the hoop may be mounted on respective supports,
so as to be pivotable around the horizontal centre-line
of the hoop. Preferably, however, the hoop is pivotably
mounted at its lower end so that the lower end of the
hoop remains in a generally fixed position relative to
the ground.
The inclination of the hoop may be achieved
manually, for example by loosening appropriate fixing
means and rotating the hoop by hand. In an alternative
arrangement, however, the inclination can be varied
pneumatically or hydraulically by a suitable piston
arrangement. In a simple embodiment, a hydraulic
mechanism may be foot operated.
The hoop may be mounted on a base having a suitable
standing surface for a user, for example one covered in
astroturf, to simulate a golf tee. The base may also
act to accommodate any power mechanism for inclining the
hoop.
Ideally, the inclination of the hoop should be set
for each individual, for example by a coach who can
stand to one side of the hoop and align the hoop in the
optimum swing plane for the user. However, this plane
will vary from user to user, and it may not always be
possible to set the inclination to an individual's
precise requirements. In such a case, the hoop may for
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example be provided with a plurality of predetermined
inclination settings and the particular inclination for
a particular user based, for example, on height and arm
length, be determined empirically and suitably displayed
S with the apparatus, so that the inclination can then be
set to the empirically determined value by the user.
The apparatus described so far may be used with a
simple golf club, for example. However, this is not
preferred as it may cause damage to the club as it
slides over the hoop surface. To alleviate this problem
the hoop and/or the club may be provided with a low
friction coating such as PTFE. The club could also be
provided with a low friction sleeve e.g. of plastics
such as PTFE, which fits over the club shaft.
Preferably, however, a custom practice club is used
with the apparatus to avoid damage to a playing club.
The practice club could, for example, comprise just a
shaft having a grip and with a friction reducing sleeve
arranged around it. In broad terms, therefore, the
invention also provides a club for use in swinging over
an inclined hoop comprising means provided on the shaft
of the club for reducing friction with the hoop.
Preferably, however, a sleeve is rotatably mounted
on the club shaft whereby as the club is moved over the
hoop the sleeve can rotate about the shaft, thereby
allowing the club to roll, rather than slide, over the
hoop. This acts greatly to reduce friction with the
hoop in use, and produces a much more satisfactory
swing. This is in itself a novel arrangement, and from
a further aspect the invention provides a golf training
club comprising a shaft with a grip at one end and a
sleeve rotatably mounted about the shaft.
Preferably rolling bearings such as ball bearings
or roller bearings may be provided at appropriate
locations between the shaft and the sleeve. In a simple
embodiment, a bearing may be provided at each end of the
sleeve, although additional bearings may be provided at
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intermediate locations along the sleeve, if required.
The sleeve preferably has a surface which promotes
rolling of the sleeve on the hoop, for example a surface
made of a resilient material such as rubber. The sleeve
could be made entirely of that material, but preferably
it comprises a metallic, e.g. a steel tube provided with
an appropriate facing. The use of a metallic substrate
is advantageous i.n that it lends rigidity to the sleeve,
and also adds weight to the club. This is important in
that it means that the club can be made significantly
heavier than a normal club. This is potentially
advantageous in that apart from acting to improve the
golfer's swing it can act to exercise the golfer. In
particular, the apparatus of the invention can provide a
cardio-vascular work out for a user as well as building
"golfing" muscle in the appropriate body locations and
promoting muscular flexibility.
A training club for use in apparatus in accordance
with the invention may also be provided with means which
limits the rotation of the forearms and causes the
wrists to hinge in the optimum plane at the top of the
backswing, and the follow through. This is advantageous
in that it promotes an optimum blend of hand, wrist,
forearm and body movements.
Preferably the limiting means comprises a planar
surface provided on the club which will engage with the
planar surface extending from the hoop at the top of the
backswing and preferably also on the follow through.
Most preferably, therefore, the club comprises two
limiting surfaces, one for the backswing and one for the
follow through. This is in itself a novel arrangement
so from a further aspect the invention provides a golf
practice club comprising a shaft having a grip at one
end, having at least one and preferably two axially
extending planar surfaces mounted to or provided on a
portion of the length of the shaft.
These surface may advantageously be provided on a
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fin formed integrally with, or mounted to, the club
shaft in such a way that it does not rotate relative to
the shaft. The fin Could, for example, be moulded onto
the shaft.
Preferably, the planar surfaces on the club are
arranged parallel to each other, and they may be joined
at their leading edges by an circularly'arcuate section
which normally engages the hoop.
The fin may be made from or coated with a low
l0 friction material, but the 'finned' club arrangement is
preferably combined with the rolling sleeve arrangement
discussed above. Thus in a particularly preferred
arrangement, the fin is mounted to a fixed shaft of the
club around which is mounted a rolling sleeve.
It will be appreciated that the invention also
extends to a combination of the hoop apparatus and
training clubs as described above.
Some preferred embodiments of the invention will
now be described by way of example only with reference
to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a golfer addressing a golf ball;
Figure 2 shows a golfer at the top of the backswing;
Figure 3 shows a perspective view of apparatus embodying
the invention;
Figure 4 shows a side elevation of the apparatus of
Figure 3;
Figure 5 shows a training club for use with the
apparatus shown in Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 6 shows a sectional view on line 6-6 of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows a second embodiment of a training club
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for use with the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 8 is a section along line 8-8 of Figure 7;
Figure 9 shows a third embodiment of a training club for
use with the apparatus of Figures 3 and 4;
Figure 10 is an end view of the training club of Figure
9:
Figures 11A-11H show different phases of a swing using
apparatus of the invention, viewed from face on; and
Figures 12A-12H show the same phases of a swing, viewed
from the side.
With reference to Figures 1 and 2, Figure 1 shows a
golfer 2 addressing a ball 4. When addressing the ball
correctly, the golfer's feet 6 should be aimed parallel
to the target line (the line extending between the ball
4 and the target). It will be seen that a plane 8
extends through the target line, through the ball 4 and
through the golfer's upper sternum 10. The Applicant
believes that this is the optimum swing plane for a
golfer. The Applicant believes that the sternum 10 of
the golfer, the butt 12 of the golf club 13 and the
sweet spot 14 of the club head should all lie in the
plane 8 when, as shown in Figure 2, the golfer is at the
top of the backswing and ideally also, at follow
through.
An apparatus embodying the invention which helps
achieve the above objective is shown in Figures 3 and 4.
The apparatus 20 comprises a hoop 22 which is pivotally
mounted at its lower end 24 to a base 26 the hoop 22 is
circular in shape and may typically have a diameter of
6 feet (1.83 metres). In this embodiment, the hoop 22
is made of steel tube of 3" (75 mm) diameter. however,
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the hoop may be made of other materials and may not
necessarily be hollow. For example, a lightweight hoop
could be made from plastics or other similar material.
The hoop 22 is provided with a bracket 28 at its
lower end 24. The bracket 28 is attached to hydraulic
means (not shown) within the base 26 which are operable
by a foot lever 30 whereby the bracket may be pivoted in
the directions indicated by arrow A on Figure 4 so as to
waxy the inclination of the hoop 22 from the horizontal.
The base 26 may be provided with a surface 32 of
astroturf or the like for simulating a grass surface.
Attached to the upper end of the hoop 22 is a fin
40. The fin 40 is, in this embodiment, a separate
component which is suitably attached e.g. by welding, to
the hoop 22 around the upper end 42 of the hoop. As can
be seen from Figure 3, the fin 40 is generally crescent
shaped and it extends symmetrically for approximately
120° around the upper end of the hoop 22.
As can be seen most clearly from Figure 4, the fin
40 has an upper planar surface 44 which lies flush with
the uppermost surface 46 of the hoop 22 and which
extends parallel to the axis 48 of the hoop 22. Thus
the planar surface 44 effectively constitutes a planar
extension of the upper surface 46 of the hoop around the
upper end 42 of the hoop.
As will be described in greater detail below, in
use, a golfer will stand inside the hoop 22 and rest a
club on the surface 46 of the hoop 22 and then swing the
club in contact with that surface 46. This constrains
the club shaft to follow the surface 46 of the ring 22.
Furthermore, when the club 13 is at the top of the
backswing or at the follow through, then the club will
also engage the planar surface 44 of the fin 40 such
that the butt of the club, the sweet spot and the
sternum lie in a plane 50 defined parallel to the plane
of the hoop 22. In this way, the club is maintained in
the swing plane at these crucial parts of the swing,
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This constraint is not required at other parts of
the swing since each individual has a particular swing
style which means that it is in fact desirable to allow
variation in the angle of the club shaft relative to the
surface 46 as the club descends from the top of the
backswing towards the striking point.
Whilst it may be possible to use a conventional
club with the apparatus described above, it is, however,
preferred to use a customised training club. A first
embodiment of such a club is shown in Figure 5.
This club 60 comprises a shaft 62 having a grip 64
provided on its proximal end and a rubber sleeve 66
provided extending over the major part of its length
towards its distal end. The sleeve 66 is rotatably
mounted on the shaft 62 by bearings (not shown) at its
respective ends 68, 70 whereby the sleeve may
effectively roll over the shaft surface. As shown the
sleeve is of solid rubber, but it may, in fact, comprise
a metal, e.g. steel, sleeve 72 (shown in dotted lines in
Figure 6) having a rubber coating. The advantage of
this arrangement is that it adds rigidity to the club,
provides improved support for the bearings and it adds
weight to the training club 60.
By virtue of the rubber surface of the training
club and its bearing mounting, it will be appreciated
that when the club 60 is placed in contact with the
surface 46 of the hoop 22, and swung around the hoop 22
it will roll over the hoop surface 46 rather than slide.
This will produce a much smoother action and will also
reduce the possibility of damage to the ring surface 46.
The practice club 60 is preferably heavier than a
standard club so that the user of the apparatus will be
effectively exercising whilst using the apparatus which
will not only give cardio-vascular benefits but also
help to build and improve muscle in the appropriate
areas for the swing.
A second embodiment of club suitable for use with
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the invention is shown in Figure 7 and 8. In this
embodiment, a club 80 comprises a shaft 82 on whose
distal end 84 is provided a grip 86. A generally tear-
drop shaped sleeve 90 extends over the distal end 92 of
the shaft 82. The sleeve 90 may be a separate
component, suitably attached to the shaft 82 or, for
example be integrally formed with the shaft, for example
by insert moulding with the shaft 82.
The sleeve 90 is, therefore, preferably of plastics
and, most preferably of a low friction plastic such as
PTFE so as to reduce friction with the ring 22 in use.
As can be seen best from Figure 8, the sleeve 90
comprises two planar surfaces 94 and 96 which are
parallel to each other and extend tangentially
rearwardly from the semi-circular section nose 98 of the
sleeve 90. Upon addressing the ball the trailing edge
99 of the sleeve 90 should be pointing away from the
golfer's body. The advantage of the planar surfaces 94,
96 is that in use, when the golfer approaches the top of
the backswing the surface 94 will come into contact with
the planar surface 44 on the fin 40. This will give an
audible indication that the club 80 is in the upper most
part of the backswing. Furthermore, it will also
prevent the further rotation of the club shaft relative
to the fin 40 so as to maintain the user's forearms in
the correct position for optimum swing.
After the stroke has taken place and the follow
through occurs then the opposite surface 96 of the
sleeve 90 will come into contact with the fin 40 again
preventing over-rotation of the golfer's forearms.
A third embodiment of training club for use with
the apparatus Figures 3 and 4 is disclosed in Figures 9
and 10. In fact, the club 100 of this embodiment is a
hybrid of the clubs of Figures 5 to 8. In particular,
the club 100 comprises a shaft 102 having a grip 104
provided at its proximal end. A fin 106 having parallel
planar surfaces 108 and 110 is fixedly attached to the
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shaft 102 at its respective ends 112, 114. Accordingly,
there can be no relative movement between the shaft 102
and the fin 106. However, a rolling sleeve 116 is also
mounted on the shaft 102, in a manner similar to that in
the embodiment of Figures 5 and 6. Thus the sleeve 116
may rotate on the shaft 102 so that in use, the club can
roll over the hoop surface 46 and at the same time the
fin surfaces 108, 110 Still come into Contact with the
fin surface 44 at the top of the backswing and in the
follow through.
The execution of a swing using apparatus in
accordance with the invention will now be explained with
reference to Figures 11 and 12 which show different
phases in a swing being made using apparatus in
accordance with the invention.
In Figures 11A and 12A, the golfer 120 using a
roller club 60 as shown in Figures 5 and 6 takes stance
in the middle of the hoop 22 with the roller 66 of the
club 60 resting on the hoop 22. The golfer's feet are
aligned parallel to the target line.
Figures 11B and 12B show a golfer half way through
the backswing. In moving from the position shown in
Figures 11A and 12A to that shown in Figures 11B and
12B, the roller 66 of the club 60 rolls over the surface
46 of the hoop 22. As can be seen, the golfer has
turned his shoulders and upper body to initiate the
swing.
In Figures 11C and 12C, the golfer is approaching
the top of the backswing. The golfer's forearms are
obliged to roll as the shoulder and body turn continues
and as shown in Figure 12C, the golfer's weight is
transferred to the right foot. The roller 66 has also
now moved onto the planar surface 44.
In Figures 11D and 12D, the golfer has now reached
the top of the backswing. In this position the golfer's
wrists are hinged through 90° from their rest position
and the roller 66 of the club 60 is now lying flat on
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the planar surface 44 of the fin 40. At this position
the golfer's sternum, the butt of the club and the
distal end of the club axe all lying in a plane which
lies parallel to the surface of the hoop 22. This
corresponds to the optimal swing plane. The planar
surface 44 of the fin 40 ensures that hinging of the
golfer's wrist occurs in the optimal plane during this
part of the swing.
In Figures 11E and 12E, the golfer has commenced
the downswing and his body weight shifts to his left
leg. The roller has moved along the fin 40 and rejoins
the hoop surface 46.
Figures 11F and 12F, show the impact position. As
can be seen, although the sweetspot of the club and the
golfer's upper sternum lie in the optimal plane, the
whole club does not, and the butt of the club lies below
the plane. This is not of particular importance, and
the actual position of the butt of the club will depend
upon the individual golfer's swing. The momentum of the
rolling club will carry the player on through the impact
position.
Figures 11G and 12G show a follow through position
in which the player's weight has moved even more onto
the left foot, the hands and forearms roll over each
other and a wide arch is encouraged by the clubs rolling
momentum. The roller 66 of the club 60 still maintains
contact with the surface 46 of the hoop 22.
Finally, Figures 11H and 12H show the end of the
swing, with the golfer in a full follow through
position. It is in some respects a mirror of the
position shown in Figures 11D and 12D. In this
position, the roller 66 of the club 60 again lies flat
on the fin 40 such that the club head, butt and the
golfer's upper body lie in the optimal swing plane.
In use, the golfer would build a swing slowly from
the rest position shown in Figures 11A and 12A to a full
swing. In particular, in a warm-up the golfer may only
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swing through the bottom half of the hoop 22, slowly
building towards a full swing. It will be appreciated
that the equipment will not only improve the golfer's
swing but would also be a useful form of exercise,
particularly when the club 60 being used is weighted so
as to be heavier than a normal club.
It will be appreciated that the above described
embodiments are given by way of example only and that
various modifications thereto may be made without
departing from the scope of the invention. For example,
the rolling sleeve 66 of the clubs shown in Figures 5
and 9 may be made of any suitable material which will
allow a rolling engagement with the ring surface 46.
Rubber is given as merely one suitable example and
others will be apparent to the skilled person.
Furthermore, the fin 44 which is shown as a separate
component in Figures 3 and 4 need not necessarily be so
and it would be possible, for example, to form this
integrally with the hoop 22. Furthermore, the hoop
itself can be of some other material than metal, for
example plastics and indeed this may be desirable in a
low cost application, such as one as may be used at
home. Also, the hoop 22 need not be a circular section
tube, but could have other sections, for example a D
section.
It will also be appreciated that the ring may be
supported by means other than those specifically shown,
for example by supports at opposed sides thereof.
Furthermore, although a hydraulically operated mechanism
is disclosed for varying the angle of inclination of the
hoop 22, it is anticipated that this could be done, for
example manually, in less expensive versions of the
apparatus, or even through other means such as electric
motors.
It is anticipated that the invention may be applied
in several areas. For example, it could very usefully
be installed at golf clubs and driving ranges where a
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user may practice a swing before playing a game or
before hitting some practice balls. However, it is
equally anticipated that the equipment could be
installed, for example, in health clubs and such like
where users may not only take the opportunity to improve
their golfing swing but also exercise using the
equipment.
It will be clear that the equipment in accordance
with the invention can be provided with ancillary
equipment such as video camera means which will allow a
user to analyse his or her action during use of the
equipment, audio visual means to give information to
users on how to use the equipment, and setting tables
giving information which allows the hoop to be set at
the appropriate angle for a user depending on his or her
height, arm length and so on.
All such arrangements are intended to fall within
the scope of the invention.
