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Dual laser golf training system

Dual laser golf training system description/claims

This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 11/760,162, benefit of which is claimed.

The present invention relates to devices and methods for golf training, more particular to devices and methods which incorporate laser beams to improve a person's ability to swing a golf club accurately, consistently, and according to proven swing mechanics.

Many golf training systems exist, several of which including lasers as part of their design. Among the existing systems is the golf swing trainer and exercise system of Shearer, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,386,988, assigned to SBK Innovations, L.P., which includes three sections having two lasers, a mat with an optically reflective surface, the device being adapted to be placed on both shoulders of a golfer and gripped with both hands at the distal ends of the arm sections.

Prior golf training devices fail to train for the proper start of the golf swing relative to proper hinge angles to attain the flat wrist at the top of the swing, proper wrist angle at the impact position to attain the bowed left wrist, and develop an on plane golf swing. Prior golf training devices incorporating lasers also fail to provide lasers which emit light visible on grass or other outside conditions. Also, no prior golf training devices successfully teach a golfer to swing a putter on an exact path to emit a true online roll of the ball to the target. Furthermore, most prior golf training systems and methods use a conventional golf club comprising a handle at the proximal end, a shaft, and a golf head such as a driver head or putter at the distal end.

While some of the prior devices have achieved some degree of success, none have provided all-in-one training addressing all aspects of golf swing mechanics, with laser visibility under all conditions without the need for a special mat, and also wrist position indication and training.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an all-in-one golf training system addressing all aspects of golf swing mechanics with a simple, low cost device and associated method of using the device.

These objects, and others which will become apparent from the following disclosure and drawings, are addressed by the present invention which comprises, in one aspect, a golf training system comprising a straight, elongated arm having an axis, a first proximal end, and a second distal end; a wrist bar connected to the elongated arm at a point near the first proximal end, extending perpendicularly from the straight, elongated arm at a right angle to the axis of the straight, elongated arm; a first green laser enclosed by the straight, elongated arm adapted to emit a green laser beam from the first proximal end along the axis; and a second green laser enclosed by the straight, elongated arm adapted to emit a green laser beam from the second distal end.

In another aspect the invention is directed to a related training method wherein a golfer stands with a forward side, i.e., left side in the case of a right-handed golfer, aligned toward a golf hole or simulated golf hole, grips the device with a forward hand (left hand for right-handed golfer) on the straight, elongated arm at a point distal to the wrist bar so that the wrist bar touches the inside of a forward wrist, and with a second hand (right hand for left handed golfer) on the straight, elongated arm at a point distal to and touching the first hand, swinging the system in manner to replicate swinging a golf club so that the wrist bar is pressed tight against the inside of the back of the forward wrist, and comparing the location of the first laser beam and the second laser beam to a single target line, thereby enabling a subject to train for the proper start of the golf swing relative to wrist angle, proper hinge angles to attain the flat wrist at the top of the swing, proper wrist angle at the impact position to attain the bowed left wrist, and develop an on plane golf swing.

The wrist bar pressed tightly against the back of the forward wrist produces a bowed forward wrist for maximum compression at impact. The wrist bar indicates the club face position relative to the shaft angle.

The wrist bar is preferably connected to the elongated arm at a point about 3 to 6 inches from the first proximal end and preferably extends perpendicularly from the straight, elongated arm for a distance of about 5 inches. The wrist bar can have any cross-sectional shape but tubular cross sections are preferred, and a cross sectional diameter of such tubular wrist bars is preferably about 1.0 inches. These points and sizes can be varied for various applications such as embodiments designed for training children or very large size golf trainees.

The elongated arm is also preferably tubular in cross section and is also preferably about 1.0 inches in diameter. The elongated arm and the wrist bar can be constructed of the same, similar, or different materials but for economics and manufacturing efficiency it is preferred to construct the arm and bar of the same material, for example CPVC piping or the like. The arm and bar can be connected by any means, for example soldering, heat pressing, adhesives, or can be molded together in one piece rather than having separate bar and arms. One preferred means of connecting the bar and arm is by a T-connector, which can be constructed of CPVC. In some embodiments the color selection can be relevant and may assist the trainee in seeing the swing under certain conditions; bright orange is the preferred color for the device.

The green lasers allow for visualization of the swing plane under outdoor conditions. The lasers can be powered by conventional batteries, rechargeable batteries, or any other means, and normally would have on-off switches at a convenient location, for example at the back of the laser or built in to the elongated arm itself. When the switches are on the back of the laser, the lasers fit within lateral openings, i.e., along the central axis, at the distal and proximal ends, of the elongated arm and are easily removable and replaceable in order to access the switches. In such embodiments, the lasers are maintained in the openings by screw on caps or press fit caps at the distal and proximal ends of the elongated arm.

The device can also be used in comprising training putting by comparing the path of the first laser to a straight line on the ground to attain a pendulum stroke or gate stroke.

The device of the invention can also be used to improve shoulder turn, hip turn, and body alignment toward target by the trainee standing with his or her forward side aligned toward a golf hole or simulated golf hole, placing a rear foot on a target line, holding the device horizontally across a forward and a rearward shoulder with both hands, and rotating to a point where either the first or the second laser intersects with the reference line. This method enables a subject to see and improve proper shoulder turn, proper hip turn, and proper body alignment to the target.

Thus the device of the invention is an “all-in-one” device for training overall swing, shoulder and hip turn, and putting.

• Provisional Patent
• Utility Patent

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