Swing aids

Abstract

This product provides a swing aid that can be used in all sports involving swinging and can accommodate practice at various swing speeds. [Solution] The swing aid 1 comprises a mounting part 10, an extendable part 20, and an extendable member 21. The extendable part 20 is formed from the extendable member 21, which comprises a tip 22 and an end 23. The mounting part 10 is molded from a material with a higher coefficient of friction than the mounting part 10 and is either integral to or separate from the extendable part 20. The mounting part 10 is attached mainly to the shaft of commercially available sports equipment, and the extendable part 20 extends and retracts along the shaft in accordance with the swing speed of the sports equipment. By observing the movement and position of the tip 22 of the extendable member 21 of the extendable part 20, the full speed of the swing and the speed adjustment state can be observed, leading to improvement of the swing.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a swing assisting tool that is attached to sports equipment and used mainly when practicing swings. [Background Art]

[0002] Swing assisting tools are known for golf practice (Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a swing practice device including a resin shaft, a grip attached to one end of the shaft, and a cap-shaped weight attached to the other end of the shaft, wherein the weight has a single opening penetrating in a direction perpendicular to the length direction of the shaft, and the opening is formed of a whistle member built into the weight, and the device is an inexpensive swing practice device that allows a user to physically experience and master the bending and rebounding of a golf club shaft and an accurate swing path.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a golf practice apparatus including a club head, a socket, a shaft, a fixed grip, a cushioning material, and a movable grip externally fitted onto the shaft, wherein the movable grip is always positioned between the socket and the cushioning material in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, and is provided slidably and rotatably, and the apparatus contributes to improving golf skills while preventing a decline in user interest. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 7610772 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2024-117902 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] Patent documents 1 and 2 describe a method for confirming the precise trajectory of a golf club and the impact of the swing through sound. However, these are practice devices intended for golf and cannot be used for other swinging sports such as baseball or tennis. They are designed solely for practice and cannot be attached to commercially available golf clubs, bats, rackets, etc. Furthermore, while they are designed for full swings only, they have the drawback of not allowing practice in adjusting swing speed.

[0007] Furthermore, these problems (issues) do not preclude the existence of other problems. Also, each aspect of the present invention described later does not need to solve all of these problems (issues). Moreover, it is possible to extract other problems (issues) from the description, drawings, or claims.

[0008] In view of the circumstances described above, the present invention aims to provide a swing aid that can be used in all swinging sports and can accommodate practice at various swing speeds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of diligent research and development regarding the aforementioned problems, the inventor of this invention has discovered the following groundbreaking swing aid.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is a swing aid that can be detachably attached to a sports equipment having a grip, a shaft, and a head, comprising a mounting part, an extendable part, and an extendable member, wherein the mounting part is mainly attached to the shaft, and the extendable member extends and retracts along the shaft in accordance with the speed of the swing of the sports equipment.

[0011] Here, "grip" refers to the part where you hold the club, "head" refers to the part where you hit the ball or shuttlecock, and "shaft" is the component that connects the grip and the head. Furthermore, "primarily" means a concept that includes the shaft as well as the shaft-side end of the grip (i.e., at least one of the shaft and the shaft-side end of the grip).

[0012] In this first embodiment, a swing aid can be easily attached to the shaft of commercially available sports equipment, and it is not limited to the type of sports equipment being swung, making it highly versatile. It is detachable, can be attached when in use, and carried away after use, making it highly convenient.

[0013] Furthermore, since the length of the extendable member varies in accordance with the swing speed, it is possible to accurately grasp the state of a full swing and adjust the swing speed (maximum head speed, release timing, etc.), thus providing a swing aid that helps improve the swing. In addition, in this invention, the length of the sports equipment and the elasticity of the extendable member can be adjusted as appropriate.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention is a swing aid according to the first aspect, wherein the telescopic portion further comprises a tip portion and an end portion, and the tip portion moves toward the head when the sports equipment is swung.

[0015] In this second embodiment, the position of the tip can be confirmed, allowing for a grasp of the swing speed and the precise position of the hit ball.

[0016] A third aspect of the present invention is a swing aid according to the first or second aspect, characterized in that the mounting portion and the telescopic portion are integral or separate.

[0017] In this third embodiment, it is possible to accommodate various shapes of sports equipment shafts, enabling highly versatile mounting.

[0018] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the swing assisting device according to the third aspect, the mounting portion is provided with a member having a higher coefficient of friction than the mounting portion, integrally or separately.

[0019] In the fourth aspect, the position of the mounting portion is stable even against intense movement of sports equipment, so that the swing assisting device can be used with peace of mind.

[0020] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a cushioning portion is provided at a distal end portion, the swing assisting device according to the second aspect.

[0021] In the fifth aspect, although the distal end portion may hit the head, impact can be reduced by the cushioning portion, and damage to the head and the distal end portion can be prevented in advance.

[0022] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the swing assisting device according to the second aspect, an identifier is provided at a distal end portion.

[0023] Here, the "identifier" is an information source that allows visual confirmation of the position of the distal end portion, and is formed by different colors, different patterns, characters, graphics, and the like.

[0024] In the sixth aspect, the position of the distal end portion can be grasped more accurately visually, and the state of the swing speed can be confirmed, so that better swing comprehension and swing improvement can be enhanced.

[0025] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the swing assisting device according to the first aspect, the elastic member is formed of a rolled sheet member.

[0026] In the seventh aspect, if the elastic member is in a sheet shape, it can be cut to an appropriate length. The length of the shaft varies depending on the type of sports equipment, the height of the user, and differences between adults and children, and between men and women. If the elastic member has a predetermined length and is cut at a preferred position, the optimal elongation length for the user can be secured.

[0027] An eighth aspect of the present invention provides the swing aid according to the seventh aspect, wherein a magnet is attached to the elastic member.

[0028] In the eighth aspect, the elastic member is prevented from extending easily. The elastic member extends when a speed exceeding a predetermined value is attained, and easily returns to the original state when contracting, thereby providing a swing aid that can be used stably.

[0029] A ninth aspect of the present invention provides the swing aid according to the first aspect, wherein the elastic member is a spring.

[0030] In the ninth aspect, stable expansion and contraction of the elastic member can be achieved, and a user can learn to accurately grasp the swing speed. Furthermore, the service life is long, and the swing aid can be used over a long period of time.

[0031] A tenth aspect of the present invention provides the swing aid according to the first aspect, wherein the expansion and contraction portion has a spiral spring connected to the elastic member.

[0032] In the tenth aspect, expansion and contraction are easy due to the elastic force of the spiral spring, and stable use of the swing aid can be provided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] [Figure 1] It is a schematic perspective view showing an example of the first embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a schematic side view showing a state where the expansion and contraction portion of Fig. 1 is extended. [Figure 3]This is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a schematic unfolded view of an expandable member, showing an example in which a magnet is attached to the expandable member. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example in which an identifier is provided at the tip of the expandable member. [Figure 6] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example in which a buffer portion is provided at the tip of the expandable member. [Figure 7] An example of a third embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention is shown, (a) a schematic side view and (b) a schematic side view showing the extendable member in an extended state. [Figure 8] An example of a fourth embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention is shown, (a) a schematic perspective view, (b) a schematic perspective view showing the telescopic member in an extended state, and (c) a schematic perspective view showing the state in (b) with the position of the tip changed. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view showing a fifth embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention. [Figure 10] An example of attaching the swing aid according to the present invention to a golf club is shown, (a) at the start of the swing, (b) during the swing, (c) at the moment of impact with the ball, and (d) at the end of the swing. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] The following describes in detail specific embodiments of the swing aid according to the present invention with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0035] (First Embodiment) Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view showing an example of a first embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention. Figure 2 is a schematic side view showing the extendable portion of Figure 1 in an extended state. Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view showing a second embodiment of the swing aid according to the present invention. The swing aid according to the present invention will be described in detail based on Figures 1 to 3.

[0036] The swing aid 1 of this embodiment comprises a mounting part 10, an extendable part 20, and an extendable member 21. The swing aid 1 is mainly attached to the shaft of a sports equipment that has a grip, shaft, and head and is used to hit a ball or the like by swinging it, and is a tool for checking the swing speed and proper swing technique when practicing a swing.

[0037] In this embodiment, sports equipment having a grip, shaft, and head includes golf clubs, baseball bats, tennis and badminton rackets, etc. The grip is where the hand is held, the head is where the ball or shuttlecock is struck, and the shaft is the handle located between the grip and the head. The length and shape of the shaft vary depending on the sports equipment, the user's physique, and age.

[0038] In a baseball bat, the boundaries between the grip and the shaft, and between the head and the shaft, cannot be uniquely defined. However, the shaft is defined as the portion between the grip (the thinner part) and the head (the thicker part) where the diameter gradually increases from the grip towards the head. The swing aid 1 is basically attached to the shaft, but it may also be attached to the shaft side of the grip.

[0039] Next, the swing aid 1 will be described in detail based on the first embodiment of the swing aid 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 1, the swing aid 1 of the first embodiment has a cylindrical shape, and the telescopic portion 20 is formed from a thin sheet-like telescopic member 21, which is in a roll shape when wound. The wound outer circumference is described as the tip portion 22, and the inside where the winding begins is described as the end portion 23. In the swing aid 1 of the first embodiment, the mounting portion 10 becomes the end portion 23, and the telescopic portion 20 is integrated with the mounting portion 10. At least one handle 11 is provided at one end of the mounting portion 10.

[0041] At least a portion of the inner surface of the mounting portion 10 is molded from a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, and is in close contact with the shaft to which the mounting portion 10 is attached, so that the mounting portion 10 does not move during the swing and maintains a stable position. The mounting portion 10 is basically attached to the shaft, but may be partially attached to the grip. That is, at least a portion of the inner surface of the mounting portion 10 is composed of the main body of the mounting portion 10 and a material (contact surface) provided on a portion of the inner surface of the main body that has a higher coefficient of friction than the main body.

[0042] When attaching the mounting part 10, the position of the sports equipment is fixed, and the handle 11 is rotated by hand to make the inner diameter of the end portion 23 greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the grip, allowing it to pass through the grip. Then, the handle 11 is rotated in the opposite direction, making it easy to attach the mounting part 10 to the shaft. When removing the mounting part 10 from the shaft, the handle 11 is rotated in the reverse direction by hand, and the swing aid 1 is easily removed by making the inner diameter of the end portion 23 greater than or equal to the outer diameter of the grip. In other words, the swing aid 1 is detachable from commercially available sports equipment. The removed swing aid 1 will spontaneously return to its original coiled state (contract) before attachment.

[0043] When a sports equipment is swung with the swing aid 1 attached, the telescopic section 20 extends in accordance with the swing speed, and the tip 22 of the telescopic member 21 of the telescopic section 20 moves along the shaft toward the head. As shown in Figure 2, in the extended state, the telescopic member 21 becomes spiral-shaped and covers the circumference of the shaft. When the swing is stopped, the extended telescopic member 21 retracts to its original state, as shown in Figure 1. In other words, it is expandable and contractible in the direction of the arrow shown in Figure 2. The position of the tip 22 allows for an understanding of the swing speed (also called head speed), and it can accommodate both full swings and controlled swings.

[0044] The expandable member 21 is selected from materials such as paper, resin, metal, and carbon fiber. It may be molded from a single material or from a combination of multiple materials. Durable and flexible materials are preferred. Carbon fiber, in particular, offers high elasticity and lightweight properties, resulting in robustness and durability. Furthermore, for low-speed swings, a lightweight material with a high modulus of elasticity is selected, while for high-speed swings, a heavy material with a low modulus of elasticity is selected.

[0045] (Second Embodiment) As shown in Figure 3, in the second embodiment, the mounting portion 10 is connected to the telescopic portion 20 by a connecting portion 24. That is, the mounting portion 10 and the telescopic portion 20 are separate parts. One end of the connecting portion 24 is connected to the end portion 23 of the telescopic portion 20, and the other end is connected to the mounting portion 10. The mounting portion 10 is, for example, a rubber band, which has frictional resistance and does not easily move or fall off, making it easy to attach and detach. It is not limited to a rubber band; a belt-shaped strip may also be used. In the case of a belt, attachment and detachment can be easily done by using hook-and-loop fasteners, and it can accommodate various outer diameters of shafts.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, magnets 25 are provided at multiple locations on the telescopic member 21 to prevent the telescopic part 20 from extending unintentionally. The telescopic part 20 will extend if it reaches a speed exceeding a predetermined level. Conversely, it will be easier to return to its original state when retracting.

[0047] Multiple magnets may be used, or a tape-like (linear) magnet formed from a thin film may be used. Furthermore, when multiple magnets are used, the arrangement of these magnets is not particularly limited; they may be arranged linearly in the direction in which the expandable portion 20 extends (the axial direction of the shaft), or linearly in the circumferential direction of the expandable portion (the circumferential direction of the shaft).

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the tip 22 of the telescopic section 20 is provided with an identifier 26 that allows for easy confirmation of the position of the tip 22. The identifier 26 may be provided not only on the tip 22 but on the entire telescopic member 21. The identifier 26 is a source of information that allows for visual confirmation of the position of the tip 22. The identifier 26 can be a difference in color, a difference in pattern, letters, a graphic, etc. In the example shown in the figure, different colored stripes are arranged alternately. It may also be made of a material that reflects light or a material that emits color when light is used. Furthermore, an LED or the like can be attached, and the position of the tip 22 can be confirmed by using the lighting and flashing functions.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, the tip portion 22 is provided with a cushioning portion 27 made of a soft material such as rubber. The cushioning portion 27 may be provided not only on the tip portion 22 but on the entire extendable member 21. The cushioning portion 27 may be provided on the tip side of the tip portion 22 or on the side side. If the tip portion 22 hits the head, it may damage the head or the tip portion 22 itself, but this is prevented by the cushioning portion 27. If the head is larger than the shaft, the tip portion 22 will stop before reaching the head, but in the case of a bat, the tip portion 22 may extend all the way to the head. If the ball and the tip portion 22 hit each other, it may damage both the ball and the tip portion 22, but this can be prevented by the cushioning portion 27.

[0050] Furthermore, if the telescopic member 21 is a thin sheet-like material, it can be cut to the appropriate length. The length of the shaft varies depending on the type of sports equipment, the user's height, and differences between adults and children, and between men and women. If the telescopic member 21 has a predetermined length and is cut at a suitable position, the user can ensure the optimal length of extension. In other words, the user can freely adjust the length L shown in Figure 2, allowing them to practice their swing with their own unique swing aid 1.

[0051] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment shown in Figure 7, the telescopic member 21 of the telescopic section 20 is a spring (coil spring). By selecting the diameter of the spring, an appropriate swing aid 1 can be provided that matches the length of the shaft and the practice. If the telescopic member 21 has a small diameter, it can be cut at a preferred position. The material can be selected from metal or carbon fiber. If metal or carbon fiber is used, the elastic modulus will be constant, making it possible to accurately grasp the swing speed. In addition, it will have a long service life and can be used for a long period of time. The identifier 26 and cushioning part 27 described above are also applicable in the third embodiment. In the third embodiment, the mounting part 10 and the telescopic section 20 are connected by a connecting part 24, and the mounting part 10 and the telescopic section 20 are separate parts.

[0052] (Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment shown in Figure 8, the expandable portion 20 consists of a spiral spring 31 housed in a housing 30 and an expandable member 21. One end of the expandable member 21 is connected to the mounting portion 10, and the other end is connected to the spiral spring 31. In the fourth embodiment, the expandable member 21 is, for example, a linear thread or wire, or a strip-shaped sheet. Note that the gears that control the spiral spring are not shown. The identifier 26 and the buffer portion 27 are also applicable in the fourth embodiment.

[0053] When the sports equipment is swung, the telescopic member 21 extends and the housing 30 moves toward the head. When the swing speed is reduced, the restoring force of the spiral spring 31 retracts the telescopic member 21 into the housing 30, and the housing 30 returns to its original mounting position (see Figure 8(b)). In other words, the housing 30 becomes the tip 22 of the telescopic member 21.

[0054] As shown in Figure 8(c), the mounting part 10 may be attached to the housing 30. In that case, the tip 22 of the telescopic member 21 acts as a weight, and the tip 22 moves toward the head in accordance with the swing speed, causing the telescopic member 21 to extend. When the speed is reduced, the restoring force of the spiral spring 31 causes the telescopic member 21 to retract into the housing 30.

[0055] (Fifth embodiment) In the first embodiment of the swing aid, the wound outer circumference was designated as the tip and the interior where winding began as the end, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the swing aid 1A may be configured such that the wound outer circumference is the end 23A and the interior where winding began as the tip 22A. In other words, the swing aid 1A may be configured in the opposite way to the swing aid of Embodiment 1, with the outer circumference fixed and the interior where winding began moving. The same effects as in the first embodiment can be obtained even in this way.

[0056] Although not shown in the diagram, the swing aid 1A can be easily attached to the shaft by providing a mounting portion (a material with a high coefficient of friction, such as rubber, which is attached between the outer circumference of the shaft and the end portion 23A of the swing aid 1A) at the end portion 23A of the swing aid 1A.

[0057] (Sixth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment of the swing aid, a coil spring was used as the expandable member of the expandable section, but the present invention is not limited to this. The expandable section of the first embodiment or the expandable section of the fifth embodiment may also be used. That is, instead of arranging the expandable section so that a shaft is inserted through it, the swing aid may be configured so that the expandable member (consisting of a roll of thin sheet-like material) is arranged to the side of the shaft. Even in this way, the same effects as in the first and fifth embodiments can be obtained.

[0058] Here, using Figure 10, we will explain the state of practicing a swing using the first embodiment of the swing aid attached to a golf club 100, which is a piece of sporting equipment. Note that the golf club is a driver.

[0059] As described above, the handle 11 is used to make the inner diameter of the end portion 23, which is the mounting portion 10, larger than the outer diameter of the grip 101 of the golf club 100, allowing the grip 101 to pass through the mounting portion 10, the hand is released from the handle 11, and the mounting portion 10 is brought into close contact with the shaft 102. Since the inner surface of the mounting portion 10 is made of a material with a high coefficient of friction, the mounting portion 10 will not come off the shaft 102. When the swing is started, the tip portion 22 moves along the shaft 102 toward the head 103, and at the same time the telescopic member 21 extends (see Figure 10(b)).

[0060] At impact with the ball, as shown in Figure 10(c), the tip of the tip 22 strikes the side of the head 103. However, if the speed at impact is incorrect, the tip 22 will not reach the head 103. In golf, the speed at impact will not reach its maximum unless the correct posture and accurate swing are achieved. It is also known that releasing the wrist cock just before impact increases the impact speed, but the timing of this release is also important. By observing the movement of the tip 22, one can understand their own swing condition. In addition to the movement of the swing aid, one can also understand their swing condition by the vibration of the swing aid felt in the hands during the swing and the sound produced by the swing aid. Repeating this kind of practice will lead to improvement in one's swing.

[0061] After passing the point of impact, the speed slows down towards the finish, the tip 22 moves towards the grip 101, and at the same time the telescopic member retracts (see Figure 10(d)). After practice, the swing aid 1 can be easily removed from the shaft by using the handle 11 to attach the mounting part 10. The swing aid 1 is lightweight, compact, and easy to use, making it easy to carry and readily applicable for swing practice and checking your swing during actual play.

[0062] Figure 10 illustrates an example using a golf club, specifically a driver. For irons, distance adjustment is necessary. Using the swing aid 1, one can learn how much distance is achieved at a given speed by observing the position of the tip 22 at impact. The same applies to putters. Using the swing aid 1 of this embodiment, one can learn to confirm the necessary speed for a full swing, and the speed needed to adjust distance and stroke. It can be used during both practice and matches.

[0063] While the example above uses golf clubs as sports equipment, this method can also be used to learn proper swings with baseball bats, tennis and badminton rackets, and other sports equipment that involves swinging, such as cricket bats, ice hockey sticks, and kendo bamboo swords.

[0064] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified, improved, etc., as appropriate. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, placement, etc. of each component in the embodiments described above are arbitrary and not limited, as long as they can achieve the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1. 1A Swing aid 10 Mounting part 11 Handle 20, 20A telescopic section 21, 21A Expandable member 22, 22A tip 23, 23A termination 24 Connecting part 25 magnets 26 Identifiers 27 Buffer 30 cabinets 31. Spiral spring 100 golf clubs 101 Grip 102 Shaft 103 Head

Claims

1. A swing aid that can be detachably attached to a sports equipment having a grip, shaft, and head, It comprises a mounting section, an extendable section, and an extendable member, The aforementioned mounting portion is mainly attached to the shaft, The telescopic member is characterized in that it extends and retracts along the shaft in accordance with the speed of the swing of the aforementioned sports equipment. A swing aid.

2. The aforementioned extendable portion further comprises a tip portion and an end portion, The tip portion is characterized by moving toward the head when the sports equipment is swung. The swing aid according to claim 1.

3. The mounting portion and the telescopic portion are characterized by being either an integral part or separate parts. A swing aid according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The mounting portion is characterized in that a member with a higher coefficient of friction than the mounting portion is provided integrally or separately. The swing aid according to claim 3.

5. The tip portion is characterized by being provided with a buffer portion. The swing aid according to claim 2.

6. The tip portion is characterized by being provided with an identifier. The swing aid according to claim 2.

7. The expandable member is characterized by being in the form of a roll of sheet-like material. The swing aid according to claim 1.

8. The aforementioned expandable member is characterized by having a magnet attached to it. The swing aid according to claim 7.

9. The aforementioned expandable member is characterized by being a spring. The swing aid according to claim 1.

10. The expandable portion is characterized by having a spiral spring that connects to the expandable member. The swing aid according to claim 1.

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