| Method and apparatus for training a golf swing -> Monitor Keywords |
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Method and apparatus for training a golf swingMethod and apparatus for training a golf swing description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070275788, Method and apparatus for training a golf swing. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATION [0001]The application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/802,783 filed May 24, 2006. FIELD [0002]This invention relates to golf training devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to a system for improving a golf swing by providing visual and physical indicators that allow a golfer to improve the golf swing. BACKGROUND [0003]The golf swing is the key to a successful golf game. In order to be successful in the game of golf, a substantial amount of practice is required. Through practice, a golfer can reach a comfortable skill level. However, there are many technical aspects of a golf swing that can affect the characteristics of a golf shot and lead the golfer to the comfortable skill level. For example, setup, backswing, forward-swing, follow-through, and finish all affect the distance and accuracy of a golf shot. Therefore, success at golf necessitates a consistent and technically sound swing. Optimally, the golfer wants to be able to have a good swing, the consistent and technically sound swing, each and every time. [0004]In an effort to improve the golf swing, many golfers take lessons and practice on their own. Practice is one of the best ways for a golfer to improve the consistency of his or her golf swing. However, to improve the technical aspects or mechanics of his or her swing, a golfer will commonly hire a golf professional at a golf resort or golf course to teach a lesson. The golf professional is an expert at golf, and has the advantage of being able to observe how other golfers swing the club. By observation, a golf professional may readily determine a student's areas of improvement. Then, the golf professional may suggest a myriad of different ways to improve the swing. For example, the professional may recommend some training exercise for practicing the recommended changes to the student's swing. [0005]However, there is the disadvantage in the existing art that, in the course of learning the mechanics of a golf swing, the golfer stifles their own natural athletic ability, as thoughts of the mechanics complicate what should be a simple athletic movement. Once a golfer leaves the lesson, he or she is dependent on a "feel" of the correct mechanics, since golfers cannot see themselves performing the action. This is difficult because the feel may change from day to day, causing the golfer to fail to execute the mechanics properly, or the golfer may not remember the exact "feel" of the swing. Furthermore, when practicing without an observer, it is often extremely difficult for a golfer to recognize what he or she is doing wrong. Therefore, many golfers have difficulty attaining the desired goals of golf lessons. [0006]Another disadvantage of lessons is the cost. Golf lessons can be very expensive. A person might not have time to attend a lesson, or lessons might not be taught in a location that is easily accessible. [0007]Another approach golfers often use to improve a swing is to practice at driving ranges, which allow the golfer to be able to practice hitting the ball in succession. However, hitting one golf ball after another does not provide the golfer with an indication of whether the golfer's form is at its best for consistently producing the best shot possible. The problem that golfers face in improving the golf swing is an unawareness of the simple athletic movements of a golf swing and how that golf swing can be natural to them. [0008]Therefore, there is a need for improved methods and devices for allowing a golfer to recognize the natural "feel" of his or her own swing. SUMMARY [0009]The present invention relates to a golf swing training device to help each golfer, regardless of age or skill level, to coordinate the movements of arms, legs and body. Among other things, the device allows a golfer to draw on his or her own natural athletic ability by encouraging the golfer to use the arms and the entire body in synchronization, which simplifies the movements and allows the golfer to feel the golfer's own athletic ability. This is accomplished by the disclosed training device, which causes the golfer to focus on the relationship between the arms and the breastbone (also referred to herein as the "center") and the "triangle" that is formed by both arms and an imaginary horizontal line connecting the shoulders. Through the device, the golfer is able to develop his own feelings about the relationship between the arms and body throughout the swing. [0010]In one aspect of the disclosure, there is an apparatus that includes a golf club including a striking face, a golf club grip, and a shaft having a first longitudinal axis, a longitudinal member having a second longitudinal axis and extending rearwardly of the grip, and a hinge portion connecting the longitudinal member to the shaft, wherein the hinge portion has a first configuration that fixes the angle formed between the first and second longitudinal axes, and a second configuration that permits rotation of the longitudinal member relative to the shaft. [0011]In another aspect of the disclosure, there is an apparatus that includes a rigid longitudinal member connected at the butt end of a golf club, extending rearwardly of the shaft and including a second longitudinal axis forming a fixed, acute angle with respect to the first longitudinal axis, and a terminal end distal of the shaft and immovable relative to the longitudinal member. [0012]In another aspect of the disclosure, there is a method of training a golfer to swing a golf club, including the steps of providing a substantially elongate member connected to the golf club and having a second longitudinal axis that forms a fixed, acute angle with the first, shaft axis, and an end disposed rearward of the gripping portion, placing the end against the golfer's chest when the golfer is positioned in a golf club swinging posture, and swinging the golf club while maintaining the contact between the end and chest. [0013]Additional advantages and novel features of the invention will be partially set forth in the description that follows, and will also become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or upon learning by practice of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0014]The features of the invention will be more readily understood with reference to the following description and the attached drawings, wherein: [0015]FIG. 1 is a golf club with a swing trainer according to one embodiment. [0016]FIG. 2 is a further view of the swing trainer of FIG. 1. [0017]FIGS. 3-4 illustrate a golfer in an address position with the golf club and swing trainer of FIG. 1, prior to beginning a golf swing. [0018]FIGS. 5-6 illustrate the golfer of FIG. 1 during the take-away part of the golf swing. [0019]FIGS. 7-8 illustrate the golfer of FIG. 1 during the backswing part the golf swing. Continue reading about Method and apparatus for training a golf swing... Full patent description for Method and apparatus for training a golf swing Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and apparatus for training a golf swing patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Method and apparatus for training a golf swing or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Bowling ball having an rfid tag Next Patent Application: Golf club grip with anti-slip and control arrangement Industry Class: Games using tangible projectile ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Method and apparatus for training a golf swing patent info. 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