Golf Training Device

This application claims priority to Provisional Patent Application No. 63/616,699, filed on Dec. 31, 2023, entitled “Gyro-Force Ground Up”, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

The present subject matter is a golfing teaching and training aid device that allows the golfer to improve the results of the golf swing in terms of efficiency, repetition and accuracy.

The fore force foot director comprises of the following parts.

In the following description, like reference numbers are used to identify like elements. Furthermore, the drawings are intended to illustrate major features of exemplary embodiments in a diagrammatic manner. The drawings are not intended to depict every feature of every implementation nor relative dimensions of the depicted elements, and are not drawn to scale.

In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to clearly describe various specific embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art, however, will understand that the presently claimed invention may be practiced without all of the specific details discussed below. In other instances, well known features have not been described so as not to obscure the invention.

As described here, the term “standard” shall be used to describe mid stance phase of gait.

The present subject matter is a device that includes “standard” form orthotics made for all sizes, including small, large, women, and men sizes. The material varies from types of plastics or fiber carbons.

The transformation is performed with standard orthotic mold. The present subject matter provides a change in force, specifically a decrease time of force and an increase force to the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint (MPJ).

The present subject matter is also a teaching method where a golfing coach or instructor will help the golfer perform a basic fundamental and improved golf swing ground-up force directed, through the feet to the center of gravity, and up through the golfer's imaginary vertical axis in order to complete the golf swing. The present subject matter's vertical axis provides a relationship to the golfer's imaginary vertical axis when being viewed and evaluated by the instructor. The present subject matter allows the instructor to evaluate ground-up levels of the golfer's swing from the start through its completion.

The present subject matter does not require glue or cement to secure it. It can be assembled, re-assembled, adjusted, and fixed as desired with golf trees.

There are objects to the present subject matter:

To improve the golf swing at all levels from beginners to professionals.

To start beginners with the basic golf swing fundamentals.

To provide and improve a more stable vertical axis to provide a more accurate, repeating centrifugal force of the golf swing.

To provide the PGA teaching professional or golf coach a teaching aid which may be altered, changed, and omitted as seen fit.

To address the various parts of the golf swing from the ground up.

The functions and use of the present subject matter are as follows:

To be used indoors with a mat and plastic golf balls.

To be used outdoors as a driving range with mats or grass.

To accommodate left and right-handed golf swings.

To promote and maintain the basic fundamentals of a golf swing.

To promote the repetition of the full golf swing or sections of the golf swing to promote neuromuscular memory.

Designate areas of the present subject matter to address levels of the participant's vertical axis known as the “imaginary vertical axis”. These areas are levels form the present subject matter from the ground up as described herein.

Forefoot wedge of 6 degrees as part of the orthotics to direct force from the first metatarsal-phalangeal joint of each foot to the center of gravity (CG) or the bottom of the golf swing.

In, a perspective view of the golf training device, according to the preferred embodiment of the present subject matter is disclosed. The golf device, comprises a golf training apparatus that, with the assistance of a golf coach, helps golfers perfect their swing and associated body movements. The preferred embodiment shown inwould be used on a driving range and large indoor spaces under the supervision of a golf coach.

The preferred embodiment of deviceincludes four () main components of a base structure, an overhead structure, and a vertical axisand a forefoot director.

The base structure, the overhead structure, and the vertical axisare constructed of sections of tubular elementsalong with elbows, tee-fittings, and couplings.

These components are held together with friction fit to allow for easy disassembly and storage of the devicewhen not in use. Attachment of the base structureto the ground surfacewill vary per the type of ground surfaceand will be described in greater detail below.

Placement of the feetof the userare assisted by two (2) forefoot directors. The forefoot directorsdepict the force that is generated to the center of gravity to the user. All physical aspects and construction of the devicework together to improve the golf swingof the userby emphasizing the action of centrifugal force about the golf swingalong a vertical axis defined by the vertical axiswith the center of gravity at the bottom of the golf swingwhere most force is provided as the face of the club impacts the golf ball. The preferred embodiment of the deviceis universal in design for either a right-handed or a left-handed user.

is a perspective view of device, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The alternate version ofwould be for personal use without a golf coach such as at home or at a driving range. Such action would allow the userto improve his or her own golf swingupon personal and individual training. As with the preferred embodiment, the alternate embodiment of the deviceprovides for a base structureand a vertical axisonly, to allow for a smaller overall size and reduced footprint upon the ground surface. The alternate embodiment is comprised of sections of tubular elements, along with elbows, tee-fittings.and couplings, which are mechanically coupled via friction fit. The alternate embodiment of the deviceis universal in design for a right-handed or a left handed user.

In, a perspective view of the orthotics, as used with the preferred and alternate embodiment of the deviceis shown. The orthoticsare provided for a right footand a left foot. The orthotics are similar to a standard orthotic that has a modified fore foot area to create a fore foot director (FFD).

Both the left and right orthotic are provided with a heel cup, while the fore foot areais provided with a transversa arch. The orthoticsprovides the same function as the fore foot directoras shown in. A longitude archis provided on the interior portion of each of the right footand the left foot.

The distal edge of the fore foot areais provided with a first metatarsal arch, a second metatarsal arch, a third metatarsal arch, a fourth metatarsal arch, and a fifth metatarsal arch.

The forefoot area, the transversa arch, the longitude arch, the first metatarsal arch, the second metatarsal arch, the third metatarsal arch, the fourth metatarsal archand the fifth metatarsalall function as one unit on a subtalar jointwhich is considered a mid-stance phase of gait or a neutral position. The forefoot areatilts downward from the fifth metatarsal archto the first metatarsal archalong a six-degree (6°) valgus slope. The six-degree (6°) valgus slope is the major change to create the FFD as compared to the standard othotic. This is shown in more detail in.

While wearing the orthotics, the useris ensured that the feetare in the proper position as aided by the forefoot directorsand allow for proper transitioning from the heel cupto the forefoot areaalong a subtalar joint.

In, a top view of the device, is disclosed wherein the base structureis comprised of a center baseand two (2) extension legs. The extension legsare shown via a solid line for right-hand useand may be placed in an alternate position as defined by dashed lines for left-hand usevia a tee-fittings.

The center baseis provided with a movable vertical axis mechanismthat allows for movement of the vertical axisalong a vertical axis travel path “v”. Likewise, each extension legis provided with a moveable overhead structure mechanismthat allows for movement of the overhead structurealong an overhead structure travel path “o”.

Under the supervision of a golf coach, the positions of the movable vertical axis mechanismand the moveable overhead structure mechanismalong with usage of the orthoticsand the forefoot directors, the deviceaids in producing a straight shot travel path “s”, a fade shot travel path “f”or a draw shot travel path “d”.

In, a sectional view of deviceis seen along a line I-I axis. The center baseis secured to the ground surfaceby multiple first fastening meanssuch as a golf tee, spike, or the like, in the case of earth as a ground surface.

The vertical axisof the preferred embodiment is comprised of an outer sleeveand an inner sleeve. It is noted that the outer sleeveand the inner sleeveare an optional component of the device.

The presence or lack of presence of the outer sleeveand the inner sleeveshall not be interpreted as a limiting factor of the present invention. Additionally, the fastening meansmay be omitted. The inner sleeveis height adjustable by use of a second fastening means, such as a pin, which penetrates and secures both the outer sleeveand inner sleeve.

It is noted that the second fastening meansis required for adjustability and is not necessarily required for use with the device. The outer sleeveis secured in the movable vertical axis mechanismwhich includes a movable clampthat provides for the vertical axis travel path “v”. A capmay be provided on top of the inner sleeve.

In, a sectional view of the device, as seen along a line II-II, as shown in, according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention is shown. As the alternate embodiment would be typically used indoors on surfaces such as carpeting, hard floor, or synthetic grass, the center baseis secured to the ground surfaceby multiple third fastening meanssuch as a hook-and-loop-type fastener (Velcro), double-sided adhesive tape, suction cups, or the like.

The third fastening meansare used only if required by the particular installation details of the device. The use of the third fastening meansis not a limiting factor of the present invention. Additionally, should the alternate embodiment be used on ground surface, such as earth, the first fastening meansmay also be used.

As before, the vertical axisis secured in the movable vertical axis mechanismwhich includes the inner sleeveshown inthat provides for the vertical axis travel path “v”(as shown in). A capmay be provided on top of the vertical axis.

In, a pictorial usage diagram of the device, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. The vertical axisis provided with five (5) evaluation positions from bottom to top as shown, including a first evaluation position, a second evaluation position, a third evaluation position. a fourth evaluation positionand a fifth evaluation position.

The base of the vertical axisis referred to a center of gravityabout the golf swing. The first evaluation positionprovides for positioning and alignment of the feetof the user(both of which are shown in) as guided by the overhead structure(as shown in) and thus positioned in accordance with a straight shot travel path “s”, a fade shot travel path “f”or a draw shot travel path “d”(all three (3) of which are shown in).

The second evaluation positionprovides for placement of the knees of the userto ensure that they turn back and forth with body weight kept between the inner portion of each knee. It is noted that motion would not extend past the vertical axis.

The third evaluation positionprovides for placement of the hips and spine of the userto ensure that they align with the vertical axissuch that the top of the back swing and spine are in alignment with the vertical axis.

The fourth evaluation positionprovides for placement of the shoulders of the userto ensure that they are in alignment with the vertical axis.