Golf swing training machine

Abstract

A golf swing training device, in which a golf club or golf club simulating device is propelled by the arms and hands of a person along a desired arcuate trajectory under an optimal amount of muscular force, maintains the hands of the user on a single optimal plane, while allowing the club to travel on a separate plane through a structure containing a plurality of rotational means allowing all necessary anatomically desireable movements. A movable user platform allows hysteresis in the swing when a user shifts their weight.

Description

PRIOR APPLICATION [0001] This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10 / 334,643, filed Dec. 31, 2002, a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09 / 610,552, filed Jul. 5, 2000, a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09 / 407,031 filed Sep. 27, 1999, a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 09 / 238,001 filed Jan. 26, 1999.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the practice of the golf swing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] In the sport of golf, the ability to control the flight of the ball through striking it with a club is directly related to the quality and repeatability of one's golf swing. Because of the nature of the body, the design of the club and the flight characteristics of the ball the art of golf is complicated and the subject of endless discussion. To achieve consistent control over the golf ball, one must develop accuracy and consistency in the practice of their golf swing. Not only does this require significant practice, but also the knowledge of the proper f...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] These and other valuable objects are achieved by a training device that is secured to a stationary frame at an adjustable height above ground and provides a structure for holding a golf club, or a golf club simulating device which is linked to the frame by an articulated assembly that keeps the hands of the user within an anatomically optimal plane regardless of the amount and direction of forces applied by the user. A plurality of rotational axes and unique geometry permit the body and club to behave in a manner consistent with the most desireable swing motion present in a natural golf swing.

[0008] Further, the apparatus may also comprise a laterally movable platform upon which the user stands while practicing the swing. The platform allows the user's feet or stance to move away from or toward the target of the practice swing. This motion allows the natural shifting of weight typical of a golf swing while preserving the circular motion of the hands relative to the core of the golfer's body. In practice of a real golf swing, the user's feet are typically anchored while the upper body of the golfer shifts away and toward the target. This feature of the present invention further increases the fidelity of the practice motion it provides to that of a real golf swing.

Problems solved by technology

Because of the nature of the body, the design of the club and the flight characteristics of the ball the art of golf is complicated and the subject of endless discussion.

Unfortunately, no prior art has sufficiently accounted for the complexities and nuances of the golf swing and the golfer's anatomy to accomplish this.

They have been lacking in the geometric theory and consequently in the physical construction.

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