Golf Training Aid

Abstract

A golf training aid 1 comprising an adjustable spatial marker having at least one pair of elongate members 2. The elongate members are interconnected by at least one connecting arm 6. The connecting a

Description

There is a vast array of golf training aids on the market that serve to improve a player’s set up position and golf swing. The correct positioning of the feet (‘width -of-stance’), shoulder alignment and placement of the ball during set-up significantly increases a golfer’s chance of a successful swing, both for long shots using a driver and for shorter shots with a putter. Golf simulators are used to assist with training as well as cheaper, portable products that enable a golfer to adopt the correct set-up, such as individual alignment sticks that may be placed on the floor for the correct alignment and mirrored mats with markings so that the ball and club may be placed correctly with the stance of the player being visible in the mirror. However, buying all the necessary equipment to enable improvement of a golfer’s game is expensive and results in the golfer having to carry and store many different items. It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved golf training aid that overcomes, or at least alleviates, the abovementioned problems. Summary of the Invention According to the present invention there is provided a golf training device comprising an adjustable spatial marker having at least one pair of elongate members interconnected by at least one connecting arm wherein the connecting arm is rotatably mounted to at least one of the elongate members and is adjustable in length. The pair of elongate members are preferably in the form of a pair of rectangular rulers. Preferably, the connecting arm is pivotally connected to each elongate member. More preferably, the connecting arm comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being slidably mounted with respect to the second part. For example, the first part may include a longitudinal slot which engages with a post provided on an end of the second part. Preferably, the slot extends substantially the length of the first part. In a preferred embodiment of the golf training device, two spaced apart connecting arms are provided, more preferably opposing ends of each connecting arm are secured to each elongate member in an identical position. Preferably, a first arm is provided between two ends of the elongate members and a second connecting arm is provided approximately midway along each elongate member. Preferably, at least one of the elongate members is hingedly connected to the other elongate member and / or to the connecting arm. More preferably, each connecting arm is hingedly connected to one of the elongate members. More preferably still, each second part of each connecting arm is hingedly mounted to the same elongate member. The profile of the elongate members may be such as to provide recessed regions for receipt of the folded connecting arm and / or hinge members. Preferably, one or each elongate member is provided with at least one hole, indent or recess for receipt of a golf tee peg. More preferably, each elongate member is provided with rows of pairs of spaced apart holes or recesses. Additionally or alternatively, each elongate member is provided with rows of pairs of spaced apart indents provided in opposing edges of the elongate member. The arrangement of the holes, indents and / or recesses may be different on the elongate members, for example, some of the holes / recesses on one elongate member may be staggered with respect to the holes / recesses provided on the opposing elongate member. Any of the component parts of the device may be provided with markings on the surface thereof to aid alignment and use of the device. Preferably, markings are provided on the intended upper surface of the elongate members. Brief Description of the Drawings For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a rear view of a golf training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in the flat, closed position; Figure 2 is a rear view of the golf training device of Figure 1, shown in a half-open position; Figure 3 is a rear view of the golf training device of Figure 1, shown in a fully-open position; Figure 4 is a rear view of the golf training device of Figure 1, shown in a 90-degree, closed position; Figures 5A and 5B are respectively an expanded end view and a front view of the golf training device shown in the half-open position; Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are respectively a rear view, expanded partial rear view and front view of the golf training device shown in the fully-open position; Figures 7A and 7B are respectively an expanded partial rear view and a front view of the golf training device shown in the flat, closed position; Figures 8A and 8B are respectively an expanded partial review view and a front view of the golf training device shown in a 90 degree, closed position; Figure 9 is an exploded view of the parts making up the golf training device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures 10A to 10C show respectively expanded views of a connecting arm, elongate member and hinge member for a golf training device of the present invention; Figures 11A to 11F show respectively one pair of connecting arms and its hinge mechanism in the fully-open position (Fig. 11 A), half-open position (Figs. 11B and 11C) and 90 degree position (Figs. 11D to 11F, with 11F being an expanded view of the circled area B in Fig. 11E) respectively; Figure 12 is a front view of a golf training device according to an embodiment of the invention, shown with markings and in the flat, closed position; and Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings illustrates use of a golf training device according to an embodiment of the present invention, shown in the fully-open position. Detailed Description The present invention provides a portable multiple-purpose golf training aid that incorporates the functionality of many existing alignment devices but in a single, portable package. The invention assists a golfer in acquiring the fundamentals of golf, being ball position, shoulder alignment and width of stance. The device may be used anywhere, on the driving range, chipping and putting greens, gardens and even indoors and enables the user to learn correct feet, shoulder and ball positioning for both long shots using irons, hybrids, woods and drivers as well as ball role alignment for putting shots. This is a significant improvement over prior art training aids that tend to focus on one type of golf stoke only or consist of sets of multiple parts to be carried around and exchanged for each other depending upon the type of stroke being practised. Figures 1 to 12 of the accompanying drawings illustrate a golf training aid according an embodiment of the present invention. The training aid 1 is comprised of three main components, a pair of elongate members 2,4, a pair of connecting arms 6, 8 and hinge members 10, 12. The pair of elongate members 2,4 are in the form of identical rectangular members that provide adjustable rulers for foot and ball placement when arranged on the ground and are interconnected by the arms and hinge members to enable both the distance between the elongate members and their orientation with respect to each other to be adjusted. The connecting arms 6, 8, are spaced apart from each other and each arm is telescopically extendable by providing two parts 6a, 6b and 8a, 8b which are slidably connected. A first arm part 6a, 8b is pivotally mounted with respect to one of the elongate members 2 and includes a longitudinally extending slot 64 therethrough. The second arm part 6b, 8b has a post 62, 82 at one end thereof for mating with the slot 64, 84 of the corresponding first arm part 6a, 6b and the other end of the second arm part is pivotally mounted with respect to the other elongate member 4. Additionally, a hinge member 10, 12 is fixedly secured to the elongate member 4 and hingedly attached to the end of the second arm part 6b, 8b that is attached to the elongate member 4. As most clearly seen in Figures 6B, 10B and 10C, and Figures 11A to 11F the hinge member has a hole 16 for receipt of a peg 18 provided on the rear surface of the elongate member 4 and the straight bottom edge of the hinge member has an indent 12b and a tab 12a, the tab having a channel for receipt of a pin (not shown). The end of the second arm part that connects to the hinge is provided with a tab 6c, 8c that mates with the indent 12b of the hinge and the tab 12a of the hinge engages with end of the arm 6b, 8b adjacent the tab 6c, 8c. The tab also has a channel for receipt of the pin. A series of spaced apart pairs of indents 90a are provided in each edge of the elongate members 2,4 and pairs of holes or recesses 90b are provided on each elongate member 2, 4. For example, in the illustrated embodiment (see, in particular, Figures 2 and 9), each elongate member has three rows of spaced apart indents 90a and holes or recesses 90b, each row, consisting of a pair of indents and a pair of holes / recesses being transversely aligned across the elongate member. The elongate members may be provided with a different arrangement of indents / holes. Markings 100 (see Figure 12) may also be provided on the front side of the members. The configuration of the component parts of the golf training aid according to the invention enables the device to be placed on the ground in any one of four different set-ups dependent upon the type of golf stroke being practised. The golf training aid is interchangeable between a flat, closed position (see Figures 1, A, 7B and 12), an angled closed position (see Figures 4, 8A and 8B), a flat, half-open position (see Figures 2, 5A and 5B) and a flat, fully-open position (see Figures 3, 6A to 6C and 13). The flat, closed set-up is obtained by sliding the second arm part 6b, 8b along the first arm part 6a, 8a by means of the slot 64, 84 and post 62, 82 and then rotating the layered arms onto the elongate member 2. This results in the elongate members 2, 4 abutting each other (Figs 1, A, 7B and 12). The hinge member 10, 12 also enables the abutting elongate members to be moved into an angled, preferably right-angled, orientation with respect to each other to form the angled closed position (Figs 4, 8A and 8B, and Figures 11A to 11F). Alternatively, the flat, abutting elongate members 2, 4 may be moved apart by rotating the arms 6, 8 outwardly from the member, to a halfopen set-up wherein the members 2, 4 provide a pair of spaced apart parallel tracks (Figs 2, 5A and 5B). Sliding the posts 62, 82 of the second arms parts 6b, 8b along slot 64, 84 towards the elongate member 4 serves to increase the distance between the tracks to provide a fully-open set-up (Figs 3, 6A to 6C and 13). In use, the golfer selects a particular set-up dependent upon the type of stroke that is to be improved. The flat, closed position is ideally used for storage of the device when not in use but also serves as a ball roll alignment aid for putting. The golfer is able to select different widths along the length of the ruler using tee pegs placed into the indents 90a or holes / recesses 90b. It is then possible to putt down the length of the ruler using the tee pegs as gates. The narrower the gate, the harder the practice. The adjustment of the device to the 90-degree closed position enables the device to be used for practising with all clubs. A ball is placed adjacent the upright ruler and allows the golfer to check that the club is hitting the ball on the inside path. If the golfer is failing to hit the ball correctly, the club will hit the ruler. Movement of the elongate members to the half-open position, with the elongate members adopting a narrow parallel position encourages the correct association between ball and feet alignment when using wedges or a putter. Placing the ball between the parallel rulers enables the golfer to practice and acquire a better, cleaner ball strike. Adjustment to the fully-open set-up with a wide parallel position between the elongate members encourages the correct association between ball and feet alignment when using irons, hybrids, woods and drivers. The ability to rotate the arms with respect to the elongate members also enables the elongate members to be offset from parallel to facilitate draw or fade alignment practice. Markers on the upper surface of the rulers indicate the correct foot position in relation to the ball position. It is to be appreciated that the component parts may be any suitable length, width and depth to provide a training aid of a satisfactory size for practicing the various shots. It has been found that a device having elongate members that are each around 100cm in length, 8cm in width and 10mm in thickness provides an appropriate spatial set-up on the ground for practicing ball position, shoulder alignment and width of stance. The maximum extension between the two elongate rulers should be between 55-75cm, preferably 60-65cm, especially 62cm. The distance between adjacent transverse holes 90b making up a pair is preferably around 2-3cm and the distance between longitudinally spaced adjacent holes is around 4-10 cm, preferably around 6cm. However, it is to be appreciated that the device is not limited to these dimensions and any suitable variations in size may be provided. The material used for the manufacture of the device should be sufficiently strong and rigid to enable its shape to be maintained during use and to withstand repeated use, storage and transportation. For example, the device may be made of a reinforced plastics material or stainless steel. The present invention provides a compact, convenient device that may be used to help all forms of alignment whether driving, iron play or putting. The component parts all being interconnected enables the device to be easily stored and carried around for use when required without loss of parts, with the only other additional components required being golf tee pegs which already form a staple component of a golfer’s equipment. Further modifications to the aforementioned golf training aid may be made without departing from the principles embodied in the examples described and illustrated herein.

Claims

13 06 251. A golf training device comprising an adjustable spatial marker comprising at least one pair of elongate members, at least one pair of connecting arms and at least one pair of hinge members, the elongate members being interconnected by the at least one pair of connecting arms wherein each connecting arm is rotatably mounted to at least one of the elongate members and is adjustable in length, wherein the connecting arms are spaced apart from each other and each connecting arm is telescopically extendable by providing a first arm part and a second arm part, the first arm part being slidably mounted with respect to the second arm part and each first arm part being pivotally mounted with respect to one of the elongate members and including a longitudinally extending slot, the second arm part having a post for mating with the slot of the corresponding first arm part and the other end of the second arm part being pivotally mounted with respect to the other elongate member, each hinge member being fixedly secured to the elongate member and hingedly attached to the end of the second arm part that is attached to the elongate member to provide a device having four different set-ups dependent upon a golfing stroke to be practised, the four different set-ups comprising a flat, closed position; an angled closed position; a flat, half-open position and a flat, fully-open position.

2. The golf training device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one pair of elongate members are in the form of a pair of rectangular rulers.

3. The golf training device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the slot extends substantially the length of the first part.

4. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein opposing ends of each connecting arm are secured to each elongate member in an identical position.

5. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a first connecting arm is provided between two ends of the elongate members and a second connecting arm is provided approximately midway along each elongate member.13 06 256. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each second part of each connecting arm is hingedly mounted to the same elongate member.

7. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile of the elongate members is configured to provide recessed regions for receipt of the folded connecting arm and / or hinge member.

8. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or each elongate member is provided with at least one hole, indent or recess for receipt of a golf tee peg.

9. The golf training device as claimed in claim 8, wherein each elongate member is provided with rows of pairs of spaced apart holes, indents or recesses.

10. The golf training device as claimed in claim 9, wherein each elongate member is provided with rows of pairs of spaced apart indents provided in opposing edges of the elongate member.

11. The golf training device as claimed in 9 or claim 10 wherein the arrangement of the holes, indents and / or recesses is different on the elongate members.

12. The golf training device as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least some of the holes, indents or recesses on one elongate member are staggered with respect to the holes, indents or recesses provided on the other elongate member.

13. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further comprising markings on the surface of at least one of the elongate members and / or connecting arms to aid alignment and use of the device.

14. The golf training device as claimed in claim 13, wherein markings are provided on the intended upper surface of the elongate members.

15. The golf training device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flat, closed set-up position has the second arm part slid along the first arm part by movement of the post within the slot and rotation of stacked arms onto an elongate member to provide abutting elongate members.

16. The golf training device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the angled closed set-up position has the abutting elongate members moved into an angled, preferably rightangled, orientation with respect to each other by movement about each hinge member.

17. The golf training device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the flat, half-open set-up position has the abutting elongate members moved apart by rotation of the arms outwardly from the member to the half-open set up in which the members provide a pair of spaced apart parallel tracks.

18. The golf training device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flat, fully-open set-up position is provided by sliding the post of each second arm part along the slot towards the elongate member to increase the distance between the elongate members.13 06 25

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