Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Practice swingable implement or indicator associated with...
Patent
1998-03-12
1999-07-06
Marlo, George J.
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Practice swingable implement or indicator associated with...
362184, 362191, A63B 6936
Patent
active
059190981
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to a golf aid to improve a golfer's club swing during practice strokes. More particularly, the present invention relates to apparatus which can be releasably attached to a golf club and which aids golfers to effect the correct club swing when hitting a golf ball.
In the game of golf it is generally accepted that the three most important factors when striking the ball, in order to obtain the best results, are that the eyes should focus on the ball without the head being lifted, the return swing should be taken at the correct speed and should not be forced, and the path of the club head on both the back and return swings should be correct especially in the twelve inches or thereabouts behind the ball and in front of it on the follow-through part of the stroke. For most purposes, the path is at 90.degree. to the direction in which the golfer faces in addressing the ball, any deviation from this path tending to impart spin to the ball resulting in a hook or slice shot. In particular, the greatest difficulty for most people seems to be the exercise of self control to keep the eyes on the ball until it has been hit; there is a strong tendency for the head to come up and for the eyes to follow the anticipated path of the ball even before impact with the club.
Many devices are known in the prior art which can be used during practice to help the golfer drive the golf ball straight, but the problem of eye and head control has not been effectively solved.
According to one aspect of the present invention, apparatus for improving a golfer's club swing comprises a housing releasably attachable to a golf club and containing a light source which in use directs a light beam towards the eyes of the golfer.
In use, in movement of the club during both the back-swing and the return or down swing and with the golfer's eyes directed at the ball, the movement of the club head is displayed as a streak of light in the retained peripheral vision of the golfer and he can accordingly take steps in succeeding practice strokes to compensate for any apparent error s or inaccuracies in his swing which would result in the ball being hooked or sliced. The need to concentrate on the ball and to observe the streak in relation thereto assists in overcoming the tendency to raise the head too early.
Preferably, the apparatus is used in conjunction with indicia placed on the ground as a reference mark to indicate the intended track of the club during the swing. such indicia preferably are fluorescent or otherwise of high visibility, whereby they can readily be seen in the peripheral vision of the golfer. The ground-marking indicia may comprise a narrow strip of fluorescent, brightly colored or otherwise highly visible plastics material, for example plastics ribbon, mounted on a thin backing and placed on the ground in alignment with the in tended direction of the swing, although they may be merely tees placed in the ground at appropriate locations.
While the apparatus of the present invention is particularly intended for use in relation to the drive stroke, it can be equally effective for all the other golf strokes, particularly for the putting stroke. While being of particular use for the novice player, the apparatus may also help the experienced golfer to practice and achieve a deliberate hook or slice shot, by placing the indicia at appropriate angles to the usual 90.degree. path.
Preferably, the inventive apparatus is attachable to the shaft of the golf club towards the head thereof, although it may be attached to the head itself. The housing is preferably aligned parallel with the longitudinal axis of the club shaft and is disposed above the club head for optimum visibility during at least the lower part of the swing. The angle of the light beam emitted by the light source is preferably adjustable so as to be focused upwards directly into the eyes of the golfer, in use.
The inventive apparatus includes means for releasable attachment to the golf club. Such means may comprise snap engagement-type fasteners but may equal
REFERENCES:
patent: 2787470 (1957-04-01), Barrus
patent: 3106403 (1963-10-01), Kirkman
patent: 3820795 (1974-06-01), Taylor
patent: 5170664 (1992-12-01), Hirsh
patent: 5401030 (1995-03-01), Halliburton
patent: 5667185 (1997-09-01), Maglica
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