Games using tangible projectile – Golf – Body movement or position indicator
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-06
2002-12-31
Chiu, Raleigh W. (Department: 3711)
Games using tangible projectile
Golf
Body movement or position indicator
C473S270000, C473S218000, C473S266000, C473S409000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06500075
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a golf training system and more particularly relates to a golf training method and apparatus utilizing an alignment device with hinged panels having graphics at least on one side. The panels may be angularly adjusted and positioned relative to the golfer to teach golfers having various physical characteristics, proper alignment, swing path, stance and ball position. The training device may be used with guides in the form of strips or markers having reference indicia for assisting the user in maintaining a consistent club shaft plane, footing position and ball placement.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Every shot in golf from the tee shot to the final putt on the green requires proper alignment which establishes the necessary swing path. Alignment involves the proper positioning of the body in order to execute an accurate shot. The club shaft plane is created by gripping the club and placing the club head on the playing surface behind the ball. Preparation for the shot is achieved through aiming the club by positioning the club and body relative to the ball with proper alignment.
There are numerous golf training systems and various devices which can be found in the prior art which are available to assist the golfer in developing both proper alignment and proper swing path.
Several very early patents show golfer stance gauges for teaching proper stance, angle and position of the feet with relation to the golf ball. Representative of these are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,025,519 and 2,169,407.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,415,407 relates to a golf training method which involves placing two strips in parallel arrangement and a third strip in perpendicular arrangement positioning the golfer on one of the strips so that the golfer faces the golf ball with one foot on each side of the perpendicular strip.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,616,085 discloses a swing training aid having an elongated stance member. A golf ball positioner is carried by the stance positioning member. A swing guide at the end of the golf ball positioner has a generally triangular shape. The swing guide is relatively small and is provided to assist the golfer in club movement extending a short distance on either side of the ball.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,611,738 shows a stance alignment device intended for aligning a golfer's feet with respect to the intended flight path of the golf ball and is in the form of a substantially flat mat.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,570 shows a golf instructional aid which is a generally U-shaped, flat frame having a V-shaped base and two parallel arms forming an open gate. The device is intended as a golf instructional aid which allows the golfer to practice the golf spring with proper stance, ball position and hand position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,008 shows a golf training apparatus consisting of a plurality of tubes which can be assembled in various ways to provide training.
From the foregoing, which are representative of numerous patents that relate to golf training devices, both stance gauges and alignment devices are well known. The prior art generally shows devices consisting of flat panels, rods or strips which may be positioned on the playing surface in some manner to assist in stance, alignment and ball position. These devices, while they may be helpful to some extent, do not necessarily address all of the critical factors which enter into developing a consistent and reliable golf swing. A reliable golf swing relies on a combination of variable factors, including different types of clubs (woods, irons, and putters) which create different club shaft angles. Physical characteristics of the golfer such as body size and shape as well as different levels of flexibility are also factors as well as mental concentration and understanding of the golf swing. The basic golf swing requires the golfer to coordinate movement of the legs, torso, arms and hands to create leverage and transfer energy to strike the ball properly along the target line. Accordingly, an acronym often used by instructors is GASP which refers to the elements of grip, aim, stance and posture. These elements are some of the basic keys to a good golf swing and almost all who have taken a lesson have some version of these factors presented and taught to the golfer by the instructor.
There are other concepts involved in learning golf. Foot position relative to the ball (distance from the ball as well as the position of the ball between the feet), club head position, club shaft angle, and body alignment (which include the position of the head, knees, hips, shoulders, arms, hands and feet). Generally, the proficient golfer has developed the ability to address the ball in a repeatable fashion. This ability is usually acquired by hours of practice. Even though the proficient golfer has developed an ability to address the ball in a repeatable fashion, both proficient golfers as well as beginners need pay attention to basics to maintain an optimal repeatable address position.
Golf instructors teach golfers proper alignment instructing proper stance, foot position, grip, club position and placement of the ball relative to the feet. As mentioned above, proficient golfers have the ability to set up to the ball in virtually the same way on each shot. However, the problem is in initially learning the proper set up. Teaching devices such as those described above are sometimes used. Many instructors will utilize various teaching aids such as simply placing a golf club on the ground as a visual alignment guide. Another alignment device is to suggest to students to imagine a railroad track extending down the intended flight path. The golfer is instructed to take the club away on the backswing parallel to the imaginary set of railroad tracks. However, the visualization of such an imaginary set of railroad tracks is often difficult for students.
From the discussion of the prior art it appears that there exists a need for a system for effectively teaching the golf swing to assist beginning golfers and proficient golfers in developing and reinforcing a repeatable starting position for the club along the swing path while maintaining optimal and consistent angularity of the club shaft, particularly through the hitting area of the swing. In addition, there exists the need for a device and method of traning repeatable body position, club shaft angle/plane, and ball position for a good golf swing accommodating individual physical differences and various types of clubs. The device implementing the system needs to be simple, durable, easily portable and lightweight.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention provides an instructional system which establishes repeatability of a correct and appropriate address position tailored to the individual's physical characteristics as well as the specific club being used. Using this system, a properly aligned, properly aimed golf swing will be learned. The golfer using this system will set-up for better shots. With the consistency of a repeatable set-up, the golfer will also develop movements of the body which will encourage correct, accurate and repeatable muscle memory. As a result the golfer will gain confidence and will reduce his or her need for dependence on instructors. The system reduces the guesswork when addressing the ball. Proper stance and starting position is involved in every shot with every club in golf. Teachers and students alike spend much time approximating where to place their feet, the club, and the ball during the learning process. Since there is a specific point of reference provided by the present system, guesswork and approximating will be necessarily minimized and essentially eliminated altogether.
Reducing the guesswork of the set-up position allows more time to be devoted to developing sound swinging fundamentals tailored to the unique characteristics of the individual golfer's swing based on his or her physical abilities and limitations. It should be noted that the present system, by virtue of its intrinsic alignment features including target aim a
Chiu Raleigh W.
GDP, LLC
Nelson Gregory J.
LandOfFree
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