Golf

Abstract

A golf swing training device 2 comprises an upper loop arrangement 4 including a band which extends around the upper torso of the golfer’s body, around the outside of both upper arms and across the ch

Description

This invention relates to golf and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a golf swing training device. Golf is a popular sport, having an object of a golfer propelling a golf ball in a predetermined line of flight. To accurately and consistently propel the ball, a golfer’s swing must in turn be consistent. However, a common mistake that beginners and amateur golfer’s make is that they are inclined to overly swing their arms when striking the ball. The correct motion for a golfer’s swing should involve the golfer’s entire torso being turned in synchronisation with the arms during the swing. In golf teaching terminology, this is often referred to as “connection” as the golfer’s arms and torso turn together in a coordinated, connected fashion. Various training devices have been proposed to help a golfer achieve the correct synchronised turn of the body when swinging. However, known devices tend to be limited in scope by their fixed nature and configuration and / or may be cumbersome and / or bulky. It is an object of preferred embodiments of the present invention to address the above problems. It is an object of preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a versatile golf swing training device which includes a range of configurations to address a range of problems associated with a golfer’s swing. It is an object of preferred embodiments of the invention to provide a versatile golf swing training device which can be sized and / or configured for a wide range of golfers of different shapes and sizes. According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a golf swing training device comprising: (i) a first member arranged to define a first band which is arranged to extend around a torso and around the outsides of both arms of a person; (ii) a second member arranged to define a second band which is arranged to extend around an arm of the person; (iii) a third member arranged to define a third band which is arranged to extend around the other arm of the person; (iv) a restrictor means extending between the second and third members for restricting movement of the second and third members away from each other. Said first band is preferably arranged to extend around the torso and around the outsides of both arms of the person, with both arms extending downwardly and suitably resting against the torso. Said first band is preferably arranged to extend around the torso at chest level, suitably so it extends over the sternum, for example over the xiphoid process. Said first band is preferably arranged to extend over the triceps muscles of both arms and may overlie said muscles in use. Said first band preferably has an opening arranged to accommodate the torso and both arms as described, in use. The size of said opening is preferably adjustable so the first band can engage a range of persons of different sizes. The size of the opening may be adjustable between at least four, preferably at least six, more preferably at least eight, especially at least 10, different predetermined and / or predefined sizes. The size may be adjustable to define fewer than 20 or fewer than 15 predetermined and / or predefined sizes. The size may not be continuously variable between its maximum and minimum sizes but preferably is adjustable between predetermined and / or predefined sizes. Said first band is preferably flexible. The opening of the first band may be flexible in its shape. For example, prior to engagement with the person, it could be flattened or arranged in a circular or oval shape. In order to define dimensions of the first band and / or said opening, the diameter of the opening (when arranged in a circular shape) is described hereinafter, although, in use, when extending around a torso and around the outsides of both arms ofthe person, the band may define a generally oval shape. Thus, the diameter ofthe opening ofthe first band may be adjustable from a minimum diameter of at least 700mm (suitably being defined with the band in a relaxed state) and / or up to a maximum diameter of less than 1300mm (suitably being defined with the band in a relaxed state). The aforementioned diameters may be increased by stretching ofthe material which defines them by 50 - 90%. The size of said opening of said first band is preferably adjustable by releasably securing co-operable (eg male and female) adjustment elements. Preferably, the size is adjustable by a first pair of adjustment elements (which may be male or female) being arranged to releasably engage a second pair of adjustment elements (which may be male or female but, in any case, are arranged to cooperate with the first pair so the male and female elements can be secured together as applicable). Said co-operable male and female elements may comprise a snap fastener. In a preferred embodiment, said first member comprises a strip which is arranged (e.g. when the device is disassembled) to be configured to define said first band. Said strip suitably incorporates means for adjusting the diameter of an opening ofthe first band and, preferably, means for releasably securing the strip in a plurality (e.g. 4 to 20 or 6 to 16) of predetermined positions, so the strip can be arranged to define said first band having predetermined and / or predefined diameters. Said means for adjusting and / or for releasably securing preferably comprise said adjustment elements, for example co-operable male and female elements as described. Said first member may comprise a strip which is, suitably, elongate, and may have a length of at least 0.80 m, for example at least 1.00 m. The length may be less than 1.50 m or less than 1.30 m. The strip may have a width of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 50 mm; and, preferably, of less than 125 mm, more preferably less than 100 mm and, especially, of less than 85 mm. Unless otherwise stated, lengths and / or distances as described herein are suitably with a component of the training device referred to in a relaxed state. Lengths of components of the training device referred to herein may be varied depending on the elasticity of the material from which they are made. For example, when a relatively elastic material is used, the length of a component of the device may be less than when a lower elasticity material is used. The strip may include a series of adjustment elements at spaced apart positions along its elongate extent. For example, the strip may include an adjustment element A1 closest to a first end of the strip and adjustment element A2 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element A1 by a distance of at least 20 mm or at least 40 mm. There may be an adjustment element A3 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element A2 by a distance of at least 20 mm or at least 40 mm. The adjustment elements A1, A2, A3 may independently of each other each comprise at least two male or female elements. The strip may include an adjustment element B1 closest to a second end of the strip (the second end suitably being at one extreme end of the strip wherein said first end is at an opposite extreme end of the strip). Preferably, an adjustment element B2 is spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element B1 by a distance of at least 20 mm or at least 40 mm. There may be an adjustment element B3 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element B2 by a distance of at least 20 mm or at least 40 mm. The adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 may independently of each other each comprise at least two male or female elements. Adjustment element A1 is suitably arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member. Similarly, adjustment element A2 is suitably arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member. Furthermore, adjustment element A3 may be arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member. When said strip includes co-operable male and female elements for defining said adjustment elements, adjustment elements A1, A2 and A3 may be arranged on one face of the strip and adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 may be arranged on the opposite face of the strip. Thus, regions of the strip which are engaged to define the first band may make face-to-face contact when secured by co-operable male and female adjustment elements. Said first strip suitably has a width of at least 30 mm, suitably at least 40 mm, preferably at least 50 mm. Said first strip suitably has a width of less than 150 mm, suitably less than 110 mm, preferably less than 85 mm. Said first strip is preferably resilient. It is preferably elastic. It is preferably flexible. It preferably comprises an elastic web. It preferably comprises a twill elastic. It is preferably expansible; however, in use, it is preferably arranged to restrict a person wearing it from moving his / her arms away from their torso. Said second band is preferably arranged to extend around (suitably 360° around) a first arm of the person. Said second band preferably has an opening arranged to accommodate the arm as described, in use. The size of said opening is preferably adjustable so the second band can engage a range of persons of different sizes. The size of the opening may be adjustable between at least four, preferably at least six, more preferably at least eight, different predetermined and / or predefined sizes. The size may be adjustable to define fewer than 20 or fewer than 15 or fewer than 10 predetermined and / or predefined sizes. The size may not be continuously variable between its maximum and minimum sizes but preferably is adjustable between predetermined and / or predefined sizes as described. The opening of the second band may be flexible in its shape. For example, prior to engagement with the person, it could be flattened or arranged in a circular or oval shape. In order to define dimensions of the second band and / or said opening, the diameter of the opening (when arranged in a circular shape) is described hereinafter, although, in use, when extending around said first arm of the person, the band may define a generally oval shape. Thus, the diameter ofthe opening of the second band may be adjustable from a minimum diameter of at least 300mm (suitably being defined with the band in a relaxed state) and / or up to a maximum diameter of less than 600mm (suitably being defined with the band in a relaxed state). The aforementioned diameters may be increased by stretching ofthe material which defines them by 50 - 90%. The size of said opening of said second band is preferably adjustable by releasably securing co-operable (eg male and female) adjustment elements. Preferably, the size is adjustable by a first pair of adjustment elements (which may be male or female) being arranged to releasably engage a second pair of adjustment elements (which may be male or female but in any case are arranged to cooperate with the first pair so the male and female elements can be secured together as applicable). Said cooperable male and female elements may comprise a snap fastener. In a preferred embodiment, said second member comprises a second strip which is arranged (e.g. when the device is disassembled) to be configured to define said second band. Said second strip suitably incorporates means for adjusting the diameter of an opening of the second band and, preferably, means for releasably securing the second strip in a plurality (e.g. 4 to 20 or 6 to 16) of predetermined positions, so the strip can be arranged to define said second band having predetermined and / or predefined diameters. Said means for adjusting and / or for releasably securing preferably comprise said adjustment elements, for example co-operable male and female elements as described. Said second member may comprise said second strip which is, suitably, elongate, and may have a length of at least 0.20 m, for example at least 0.40 m. The length may be less than 1.00 m or less than 0.80 m. The strip may have a width of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 50 mm; and, preferably, of less than 125 mm, more preferably less than 100 mm and, especially, of less than 85 mm. The second strip may include a series of adjustment elements at spaced apart positions along its elongate extent. For example, the second strip may include an adjustment element D1 closest to a first end of the strip and adjustment element D2 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element D1 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. There may be an adjustment element D3 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element D2 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The adjustment elements D1, D2, D3 may independently of each other each comprise at least two male or female elements. The second strip may include an adjustment element E1 closest to a second end of the strip (the second end suitably being at one extreme end of the strip wherein said first end is at an opposite extreme end of the strip). Preferably, an adjustment element E2 is spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element E1 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. There may be an adjustment element E3 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element E2 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 may independently of each other each comprise at least two male or female elements. Adjustment element D1 is suitably arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said second member. Similarly, adjustment element D2 is suitably arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements E1, E2, E3for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said second member. Furthermore, adjustment element D3 may be arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member. When said second strip includes cooperable male and female elements for defining said adjustment elements, adjustment elements D1, D2 and D3 may be arranged on one face of the strip and adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 may be arranged on the opposite face of the strip. Thus, regions of the second strip which are engaged to define the second band may make face-to-face contact when secured by co-operable male and female adjustment elements. Said second strip suitably has a width of at least 30 mm, suitably at least 40 mm, preferably at least 50 mm. Said second strip suitably has a width of less than 150 mm, suitably less than 110 mm, preferably less than 85 mm. Said second strip is preferably resilient. It is preferably elastic. It is preferably flexible. It preferably comprises an elastic web. It preferably comprises a twill elastic. It is preferably expansible; however, in use, it is preferably arranged to provide a snug opening for receiving a person's arm, in the region of the elbow thereof. Said third band is preferably arranged to extend around (suitably 360° around) a second arm of the person. Said third band preferably has an opening arranged to accommodate the arm as described, in use. The size of said opening is preferably adjustable so the third band can engage a range of persons of different sizes. The size of the opening may be adjustable between at least four, preferably at least six, more preferably at least eight, different predetermined and / or predefined sizes. The size may be adjustable to define fewer than 20 or fewer than 15 or fewer than 10 predetermined and / or predefined sizes. The size may not be continuously variable between its maximum and minimum sizes but preferably is adjustable between predetermined and / or predefined sizes as described. The opening of the third band may be flexible in its shape. For example, prior to engagement with the person, it could be flattened or arranged in a circular or oval shape. In order to define dimensions of the third band and / or said opening, the diameter of the opening (when arranged in a circular shape) is described hereinafter, although, in use, when extending around said second arm of the person, the band may define a generally oval shape. Thus, the diameter of the opening of the third band may be adjustable from a minimum diameter of at least 300mm (suitably being defined with the band in a relaxed state) and / or up to a maximum diameter of less than 600mm (suitably being defined with the band in a relaxed state). The aforementioned diameters may be increased by stretching of the material which defines them by 50 - 90%. The size of said opening of the third band is preferably adjustable by releasably securing co-operable (eg male and female) adjustment elements. Preferably, the size is adjustable by a first pair of adjustment elements (which may be male or female) being arranged to releasably engage a second pair of adjustment elements (which may be male orfemale but in any case are arranged to cooperate with the first pair so the male and female elements can be secured together as applicable). Said co-operable male and female elements may comprise a snap fastener. In a preferred embodiment, said third member comprises a third strip which is arranged (e.g. when the device is disassembled) to be configured to define said third band. Said third strip suitably incorporates means for adjusting the diameter of an opening of the third band and, preferably, means for releasably securing the third strip in a plurality (e.g. 4 to 20 or 6 to 16) of predetermined positions, so the strip can be arranged to define said third band having predetermined and / or predefined diameters. Said means for adjusting and / or for releasably securing preferably comprise said adjustment elements, for example co-operable male and female elements as described. Said third member may comprise said third strip which is, suitably, elongate, and may have a length of at least 0.20 m, for example at least 0.40 m. The length may be less than 1.00 m or less than 0.80 m. The strip may have a width of at least 30 mm, preferably at least 50 mm; and, preferably, of less than 125 mm, more preferably less than 100 mm and, especially, of less than 85 mm. The third strip may include a series of adjustment elements at spaced apart positions along its elongate extent. For example, the third strip may include an adjustment element F1 closest to a first end of the strip and adjustment element F2 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element F1 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. There may be an adjustment element F3 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element F2 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The adjustment elements F1, F2, F3 may independently of each other each comprise at least two male or female elements. The third strip may include an adjustment element G1 closest to a second end of the strip (the second end suitably being at one extreme end of the strip wherein said first end is at an opposite extreme end of the strip). Preferably, an adjustment element G2 is spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element G1 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. There may be an adjustment element G3 spaced (suitably in the direction of the elongate extent of the strip) from element G2 by a distance of at least 10 mm or at least 15 mm. The adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 may independently of each other each comprise at least two male or female elements. Adjustment element F1 is suitably arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said third member. Similarly, adjustment element F2 is suitably arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said third member. Furthermore, adjustment element F3 may be arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member. When said third strip includes cooperable male and female elements for defining said adjustment elements, adjustment elements F1, F2 and F3 may be arranged on one face of the strip and adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 may be arranged on the opposite face of the strip. Thus, regions of the third strip which are engaged to define the third band may make face-to-face contact when secured by cooperable male and female adjustment elements. Said third strip suitably has a width of at least 30 mm, suitably at least 40 mm, preferably at least 50 mm. Said third strip suitably has a width of less than 150 mm, suitably less than 110 mm, preferably less than 85 mm. Said third strip is preferably resilient. It is preferably elastic. It is preferably flexible. It preferably comprises an elastic web. It preferably comprises a twill elastic. It is preferably expansible; however, in use, it is preferably arranged to provide a snug opening for receiving a person's arm, in the region of the elbow thereof. Said restrictor means may be arranged to define a predetermined distance between the second band and third band. Said restrictor means may be arranged to connect the second member to the third member and / or to connect the second band to the third band. Said restrictor means may comprise a strip. When a said second strip defines a said second member and / or a said third strip defines a said third member, said strip of said restrictor means may be aligned with the strip(s) of the second member and / or third member. A ratio defined as the width of the strip of said restrictor means divided by the width of said second strip may be in the range 0.5 to 1.5, preferably in the range 0.8 to 1.2 and said ratio is preferably about 1. A ratio defined as the width of the strip of said restrictor means divided by the width of said third strip may be in the range 0.5 to 1.5, preferably in the range 0.8 to 1.2 and said ratio is preferably about one. Preferably, said second member comprises a said second strip as described and said third member comprises a said third strip as described, wherein said restrictor means is in the form of a strip (herein “said restrictor strip”) and wherein the second strip is secured to the restrictor strip at one side of said restrictor strip and said third strip is secured to the restrictor strip at another side of the restrictor strip, wherein, preferably, the second strip is substantially permanently (eg not releasably) secured to the restrictor strip (e.g. by adhesive or stitching, the latter being preferred) and the third strip is substantially permanently secured (eg not releasably) secured to the restrictor strip (e.g. by adhesive or stitching, the latter being preferred). Said restrictor strip is preferably flexible. It is preferably flexible along its entire extent. Thus, said restrictor means is preferably flexible. Preferably, the second member, third member and said restrictor means define a substantially unitary arrangement wherein, preferably, the second member, third member and restrictor means are substantially permanently secured to one another (eg preferably the second member, third member and restrictor means are not releasably secured to one another). Said training device may include securement means for securing, preferably for releasably securing, the first member to the second member and / or for releasably securing the first member to the third member. In a preferred embodiment, said device includes a first securement means (e.g. comprising hook and loop securement means such as Velcro™ fastening) for securing (preferably releasably securing) the first member to the second member; and preferably also includes a second securement means (e.g. comprising hook and loop securement means) for securing (preferably releasable securing) the first member to the third member. Said securement means and / or said first securement means and / or said second securement means is / are preferably substantially inexpandable and / or is / are arranged to define a substantially fixed distance between the first member and the second member and / or the third member when operative to secure the first member to the second member and / or third member. Said securement means and / or said first securement means and / or said second securement means is / are preferably arranged to restrict the first member from moving apart from the second and / or third member in use, when the device is being worn by a person. Said securement means is preferably flexible. It preferably is not self-supporting. It preferably does not include any rigid means of connection between the first member and said second member or between said first member and said third member. Said training device may include maintaining means for maintaining the first member in position on a person’s body in use, for example to restrict the first member from “riding up" the person’s body in use. Said maintaining means may comprise an adjustable maintenance band or cord which is fixed to the first member, for example at two spaced apart positions, and is suitably arranged to extend around at least part (preferably the entirety) of the torso of a person wearing the device, for example so that the maintenance means overlies the first member, for example a first strip thereof (when provided). Said maintenance means may include a resiliently loaded stop toggle (or the like) for adjusting its effective length. The golf swing training device of the first aspect may be provided in kit form for assembly into a functioning device wherein: (i) a first member defines a first band which is arranged to extend around a torso and around the outsides of both arms of a person; (ii) a second member define a second band which is arranged to extend around an arm of the person; (iii) a third member defines a third band which is arranged to extend around the other arm of the person; (iv) a restrictor means extends between the second and third members for restricting movement of the second and third members away from each other. The kit may be provided in a package. Instructions may be also provided associated with the package. According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of golf training, for example for training a person to implement a golf swing, the method comprising the use of a golf swing training device as described according to the first aspect. The method may comprise extending a first band of the device around a torso and the outside of both arms of the person; and / or extending a second band of the device around an arm of the person; and / or extending athird band ofthe device around the otherarm of the person; and / or the providing a restrictor means extending between the second and third members for restricting movement ofthe second and third members away from one another. The method may comprise a person wearing the golf swing training device as described according to the first aspect. Any feature or any aspect of any invention or embodiment described herein may be combined with any feature of any aspect of any other invention or embodiment described herein mutatis mutandis. Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front schematic view of a golfer wearing a golf swing training device comprising an upper loop arrangement and a lower loops arrangement; Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the upper loop of the golf swing training device; Figure 3 is a rear perspective view of the lower loop; Figure 4 is a detailed rear perspective view of both the upper loop arrangement and lower loops arrangement prior to assembly; Figure 5a is an assembled view, from the front, of the upper loop arrangement and lower loops arrangement, further including an adjustable retaining member; Figure 5b includes a more detailed view of hook and loop fastening clips 62a, 62b. 62c for securing elements of the device which would otherwise hang down in some configurations; and Figures 6 to 10 are further examples of a person wearing the golf swing training device. In the figures, the same or similar parts are annotated with the same reference numerals. Referring to figure 1, the golf swing training device 2 includes an upper loop arrangement 4 comprising a band which extends around the upper torso of the golfer’s body, around the outside of both upper arms and across the chest and back. The band is arranged to hold the upper arms against the respective sides of the golfer’s torso. The device 2 includes a lower loops arrangement 6 which includes a first loop 8 which extends around the golfer’s right arm, just below the elbow and a second loop 10 which extends around the golfer’s left arm, just below the elbow. The first and second loops 8, 10 are connected together via a connecting member 12. The lower loops arrangement 6 is arranged to maintain the golfer’s arms at a predetermined distance apart and to prevent one arm being moved away from the other, for example during the golfer’s swing preparation or execution when moving towards and hitting a golfball. The upper loop arrangement 4 and lower loops arrangement 6 are laterally secured together by spaced apart elastic joining members 14a, 14b which are fixed to and extend between a lower edge of the upper loops arrangement and an upper edge of the lower loops arrangement. In use, the device facilitates the golfer’s arms and torso turning together in a coordinated, connected fashion, thereby facilitating consistency and improvement in the golfer’s swing. The device is described in more detail below. The upper loop arrangement 4 is shown in detail in figures 2 and 4 prior to it being assembled to define an endless loop. The arrangement 4 is resilient and / or elastic and comprises a 75 mm (width) by 1218 mm (length) piece 14 of twill elastic which includes 10 mm hems at each end. At a central location on the piece 14, there is a region 16 of polypropylene wedding which may carry a logo (or the like). Towards the right-hand end of piece 14 (as seen in figure 4), there are four webbing regions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d which are spaced apart a distance of 52 mm. Each webbing region includes two spaced apart female securement elements 20 which are arranged to engage corresponding male securement elements 22 provided towards the left-hand end (as seen in figure 4). The male securement elements 22 are associated with webbing regions 24a, 24b, 24c, although the elements 22 project in a direction into the plane of figure 4 (as represented by dashed lines). Female securement element 20 are open in a direction facing out of the plane which contains figure 4. Piece 14 can be manipulated as shown in figure 2 so male elements 22 (only one pair of which is shown in figure 2) can be releasably engaged with co-operable female elements 20 (only one pair of which is shown in figure 2) to define the upper arrangement 4. Twelve different diameters of the upper loop arrangement 4 can be defined by selection of respective pairs of male elements 22 associated with webbing regions 24a, 24b, 24c (three options) and engagement of the selected pair, with respective pairs of female elements 20 associated with webbing regions 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d (four options). The lower loops arrangement 6 is also shown in detail in figures 3 and 4 prior to it being assembled to define a pair of endless loops 8, 10 connected via a connecting member 12. Loop 10 comprises 75 mm (width) by 590 mm (length) piece 30 of twill elastic which includes 10 mm hems at each end and which is secured midway along its length to the connecting member 12 so that first and second limbs 32, 34 are defined on opposing sides of the member 12. Towards the free end (as seen in figure 4) of limb 32, there are three webbing regions 36a, 36b, 36c, which are spaced apart and each includes pairs of male securement elements 38 (which project out of the plane of figure 4). Towards the free end (as seen in figure 4) of limb 34, there are three webbing regions 40a, 40b, 40c which are spaced apart and each includes pairs of female securement elements 42 (the openings of which face out of the plane of figure 4). Piece 30 can be manipulated, as shown in figure 3, so male elements 38 (only one pair of which is shown in figure 3) can be releasably engaged with co-operable female elements 42 (only one pair of which is shown in figure 3) to define first loop 10. Nine different diameters ofthe loop 10 can be defined by selection of respective pairs of male elements 38 associated with webbing regions 36a, 36b, 36c (three options) and engagement ofthe selected pair with respective pairs of female elements 42 associated with webbing regions 40a, 40b, 40c (three options). Loop 8 is a mirror image (about a vertical plane through connecting member 12) and male and female elements may be releasably engaged to define nine different diameters of loop 8 as described in the context of loop 10 and as represented in figures 3 and 4. The male and female elements 20, 22, 38 and 42 described are suitably, in each case, co-operable male and female snap fasteners. Connecting member 12 comprises a substantially inelastic web of material which connects loops 8 and 10 so the loops cannot be moved apart beyond a limit defined by the length of the connecting member 12. In the figure 4 embodiment, the upper loop arrangement 4 and lower loops arrangement 6 are shown connected together via a pair of spaced apart transverse webs 50, 52. The webs 50, 52 may be stitched to the arrangements 4, 6 to provide a permanent combination. In another embodiment, the device 2 may be arranged so the upper and lower arrangements 4, 6 can be detached from one another if required, for example, if only one ofthe loop arrangements 4, 6 is to be used (eg as shown in figure 6) fortraining a golfer. In this case, webs 50, 52 may be releasably secured between the upper and lower loops arrangements by hook and loop fixings or the like. Referring to figure 5a, the device 2 is generally as described above in including upper loop arrangement 4 and lower loops arrangement 6 permanently or releasably secured together. In addition, the device may include an adjustable elastic retaining cord 60. The length of cord 60 is adjustable using a spring loaded plastic stop toggle 61. The cord 60 may be positioned around the golfer’s body in use to restrict the upper loop arrangement 4 from riding up during repeated or extended use ofthe device. As shown in figure 1, both the upper and lower loops arrangements 4, 6 may be used to restrict a golfer, with the aim of improving the golfer’s swing. In some cases, it may be desirable to modify use ofthe device from the arrangement of figure 1, as represented in figures 6 to 10 and discussed below. Referring to figure 6, lower loops arrangement 6 may be used alone or the upper band may be folded down to coverthe lower loops. This may be used by the golfer to gain a different understanding of the relationship between the torso and arms through the act of swinging a club. The sensation of binding is more focused in this arrangement. Referring to figure 7, the upper loop arrangement 4 may be used as shown in figure 1. In addition, only the first loop 8 of the lower loops arrangement 6 may be engaged with the right arm of the golfer; the second loop 10 (not shown in figure 7) may not be engaged with the golfer’s left arm and may hang down inoperatively or be cosmetically joined to the upper loop with one of the hook and loop fastening clips 62a, 62b. 62c (as applicable). This arrangement may be used by the golfer to introduce more sensation of mobility to the lead arm of the swing whilst keeping the trail arm more connected. Referring to figure 8, the lower loops arrangement 6 may be used as shown in figure 1. The upper loop arrangement 4 may only extend around the right arm and the golfer’s torso, whilst not extending around the left arm. This arrangement may be used by the golfer to allow increased sensation of mobility in the upper lead arm, whilst maintaining a strong sensation of connection in the lower arms throughout the act of swinging a club. Referring to figure 9, the lower loops arrangement 6 is arranged as described for figure 7 and the upper loop arrangement 4 is arranged as described for figure 8 This arrangement may be used by the golfer to specifically target the common fault of allowing the trail arm to move too far from the body during the act of swinging a club, an issue known in golf teaching parlance as ‘flying elbow’. Referring to figure 10, the lower loops arrangement 6 is arranged as detailed for figure 7 and the upper loop arrangement 4 is not engaged with the golfer. This arrangement may be used by the golfer to introduce more sensation of mobility in the trail arm, whilst still maintaining focus on the common fault of allowing the trail arm to move too far from the body during the act of swinging a club, an issue known in golf teaching parlance as ‘flying elbow’. Thus, it should be appreciated that the golf swing training device is highly versatile. Due to the ability to vary the diameters of upper loop 4 and loops 8, 10, the device may be worn by golfers of different shapes and sizes. Furthermore, the device offers a range of configurations to address each golfer’s needs, as illustrated in figures 1 and 6 to 10. The device is lightweight, compact (it can be folded for easy storage) and is a relatively cheap to manufacture. The device 2 may be used for right-handed or left-handed golfers. The arrangements of figures 1 and 6 to 10 are relevant to right-handed golfers. It will be appreciated that the loops arrangements 4, 6 may be arranged in the opposite manner, to address the needs of left-handed golfers. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 A golf swing training device comprising:(i) a first member arranged to define a first band which is arranged to extend around a torso and around the outsides of both arms of a person;(ii) a second member arranged to define a second band which is arranged to extend around an arm of the person;(iii) a third member arranged to define a third band which is arranged to extend around the other arm of the person;(iv) a restrictor means extending between the second and third members for restricting movement of the second and third members away from each other.2 A device according to claim 1, wherein said first band has an opening arranged to accommodate the torso and both arms, wherein the size of said opening is adjustable so the first band can engage a range of persons of different sizes, wherein, optionally, the size of the opening is adjustable between at least four, preferably at least ten, different predetermined and / or predefined sizes.3 A device according to claim 2, wherein said first band is flexible and / or the opening of the first band is flexible in its shape, wherein, optionally, the diameter of the opening of the first band is adjustable from a minimum diameter of at least 700mm and / or up to a maximum diameter of less than 1300mm.4 A device according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the size of said opening of said first band is adjustable by releasably securing co-operable adjustment elements which, optionally, comprise cooperable male and female elements, for example in the form of a snap fastener.5 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said first member comprises a strip which is elongate and, optionally, has a length of at least 0.80 m and / or less than 1.50 m and / or a width of at least 30 mm and / or of less than 125 mm.6 A device according to claim 5, wherein the strip includes a series of adjustment elements at spaced apart positions along its elongate extent, wherein the strip includes an adjustment element A1 closest to a first end of the strip, adjustment element A2 spaced from element A1 by a distance of at least 20 mm and adjustment element A3 spaced from element A2 by a distance of at least 20 mm.7 A device according to claim 6, wherein the strip includes an adjustment element B1 closest to a second end of the strip, an adjustment element B2 spaced from element B1 by a distance of at least 20 mm and an adjustment element B3 spaced from element B2 by a distance of at least 20 mm.8 A device according to claim 7, wherein adjustment element A1 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member; and / or adjustment element A2 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements B1,B2, B3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member and / or adjustment element A3 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said first member.9 A device according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein said strip includes co-operable male and female elements for defining said adjustment elements, wherein adjustment elements A1, A2 and A3 are arranged on one face of the strip and adjustment elements B1, B2, B3 are arranged on the opposite face of the strip, wherein regions of the strip which are engaged to define the first band make face-to-face contact when secured by co-operable male and female adjustment elements.10 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said second band is arranged to extend around a first arm of the person, wherein said second band has an opening arranged to accommodate the arm, in use, wherein the size of said opening is adjustable so the second band can engage a range of persons of different sizes; and, optionally, the size of the opening is adjustable between at least four, different predetermined and / or predefined sizes.11 A device according to claim 10, wherein the size of said opening of said second band is adjustable by releasably securing co-operable adjustment elements, wherein a first pair of adjustment elements is arranged to releasably engage a second pair of adjustment elements, wherein said co-operable adjustment elements comprise co-operable male and female elements.12 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said second member comprises a second strip which is arranged to be configured to define said second band, wherein said second strip incorporates means for adjusting the diameter of an opening defined by the second band and means for releasably securing the second strip in a plurality (e.g. 4 to 20) predetermined positions, so the strip can be arranged to define said second band having predetermined and / or predefined diameters.13 A device according to claim 12, wherein the second strip includes a series of adjustment elements at spaced apart positions along its elongate extent, wherein, optionally, the second strip includes an adjustment element D1 closest to a first end of the strip, adjustment element D2 spaced from element D1 by a distance of at least 10 mm and an adjustment element D3 spaced from element D2 by a distance of at least 10 mm; and / orwherein the second strip includes an adjustment element E1 closest to a second end of the strip, an adjustment element E2 spaced from element E1 by a distance of at least 10 mm and an adjustment element E3 spaced from element E2 by a distance of at least 10 mm.14 A device according to claim 13, wherein adjustment element D1 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said second member; and / or adjustment element D2 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said second member; and / or adjustment element D3 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said second member.15 A device according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein adjustment elements D1, D2 and D3 are arranged on one face of the strip and adjustment elements E1, E2, E3 are arranged on the opposite face of the strip, wherein regions of the second strip which are engaged to define the second band make face-to-face contact when secured by co-operable male and female adjustment elements.16 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said third band is arranged to extend around a second arm of the person, wherein said third band has an opening arranged to accommodate the arm, in use, wherein the size of said opening is adjustable so the third band can engage a range of persons of different sizes; and, optionally, the size of the opening is adjustable between at least four, different predetermined and / or predefined sizes.17 A device according to claim 16, wherein the size of said opening of said third band is adjustable by releasably securing co-operable adjustment elements, wherein a first pair of adjustment elements is arranged to releasably engage a second pair of adjustment elements, wherein said co-operable adjustment elements comprise co-operable male and female elements.18 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said third member comprises a third strip which is arranged to be configured to define said third band, wherein said third strip incorporates means for adjusting the diameter of an opening defined by the third band and means for releasably securing the third strip in a plurality (e.g. 4 to 20) predetermined positions, so the strip can be arranged to define said third band having predetermined and / or predefined diameters.19 A device according to claim 18, wherein the third strip includes a series of adjustment elements at spaced apart positions along its elongate extent, wherein, optionally, the third strip includes an adjustment element F1 closest to a first end of the strip, adjustment element F2 spaced from element F1 by a distance of at least 10 mm and an adjustment element F3 spaced from element F2 by a distance of at least 10 mm; and / orwherein the third strip includes an adjustment element G1 closest to a second end of the strip, an adjustment element G2 spaced from element G1 by a distance of at least 10 mm and an adjustment element G3 spaced from element G2 by a distance of at least 10 mm.20 A device according to claim 19, wherein adjustment element F1 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said third member; and / or adjustment element F2 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said third member; and / or adjustment element F3 is arranged to cooperate with any of adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 for adjusting the diameters of bands formed by said third member.21 A device according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein adjustment elements F1, F2 and F3 are arranged on one face of the strip and adjustment elements G1, G2, G3 are arranged on the opposite face of the strip, wherein regions of the third strip which are engaged to define the third band make face-to-face contact when secured by co-operable male and female adjustment elements.22 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said restrictor means is arranged to define a predetermined distance between the second band and third band., wherein said restrictor means is flexible.23 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein the second member, third member and said restrictor means define a substantially unitary arrangement wherein, preferably, the second member, third member and restrictor means are substantially permanently secured to one another.24 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said training device includes securement means for securing the first memberto the second member and for releasably securing the first member to the third member, wherein said securement means and / or said first securement means and / or said second securement means is / are preferably substantially inexpandable and / or is / are arranged to define a substantially fixed distance between the first member and the second member and / or the third member when operative to secure the first member to the second member and / or third member.25 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said training device include maintaining means for maintaining the first member in position on a person’s body in use, to restrict the first member from “riding up” the person’s body in use, wherein said maintaining means comprises an adjustable maintenance band or cord which is fixed to the first member and is arranged to extend around at least part of the torso of a person wearing the device.26 A device according to any preceding claim, wherein said device is provided in kit form for assembly into a functioning device wherein:(i) a first member defines a first band which is arranged to extend around a torso and around the outsides of both arms of a person;(ii) a second member define a second band which is arranged to extend around an arm of the person; (iii) a third member defines a third band which is arranged to extend around the other arm of the person; (iv) a restrictor means extends between the second and third members for restricting movement of the second and third members away from each other.27 A method of golf training, for example for training a person to implement a golf swing, the method comprising the use of a golf swing training device as described in any preceding claim.28 A method according tp claim 27, wherein the method comprises extending a first band of the device around a torso and the outside of both arms of the person; and / or extending a second band of the device around an arm of the person; and / or extending a third band of the device around the other arm of the person; and / or the providing a restrictor means extending between the second and third members for restricting movement of the second and third members away from one another.

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