Golf swing conditioner

Abstract

The present invention is a piece of exercise equipment designed to train and condition sport-specific muscle groups used during a swinging motion, as in golf. It is comprised of a mechanical linkage, with at least six degrees of freedom of motion so that it effectively simulates a wide variety of golf swings without the need for complex adjustments. It includes a resistance mechanism, such as a pulley system linked to two one-way hydraulic cylinders. This allows a user to simultaneously practice swing form and technique while also strengthening and conditioning the specific muscles needed for the sport.

What we claim is:  
     
         1 . A swing conditioning device comprising: 
 a frame;    a mechanical linkage; and    a means for resisting rotation;    wherein said mechanical linkage is rotatably attached to said frame and wherein said means for resisting rotation acts to resist the rotation of said mechanical linkage.    
     
     
         2 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 1  wherein said mechanical linkage further comprises an arm and a handle.  
     
     
         3 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 1  allowing six degrees of freedom of motion.  
     
     
         4 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 2  allowing six degrees of freedom of motion.  
     
     
         5 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 4  wherein said arm further comprises: 
 an upper rod; and  
 a lower rod;  
 wherein said upper rod is essentially vertical when hanging in its initial resting position;  
 wherein one end of said lower rod is rigidly attached to the bottom end of said upper rod and said lower rod extends out from said upper rod in a direction away from said frame;  
 wherein said handle is rotatably, slidably, and pivotally attached to said lower rod of said arm; and  
 wherein said handle is rotatable about its own center axis.  
 
     
     
         6 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 5  wherein said lower rod of said arm extends out from the bottom end of said upper rod at an angle greater than or equal to 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees from said upper rod.  
     
     
         7 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 5  wherein said lower rod of said arm extends out from the bottom end of said upper rod at an angle between 150 degrees and 170 degrees from said upper rod.  
     
     
         8 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 5  wherein said arm of said mechanical linkage is rotatably and pivotally attached to said frame such that said arm may rotate laterally and may pivot depthwise.  
     
     
         9 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 8  wherein said means for resisting rotation is rigidly attached to said frame on the side of said frame away from said mechanical linkage.  
     
     
         10 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 8  further comprising a base platform, wherein said frame further comprises an essentially vertical longitudinal member, and wherein the bottom end of said frame is rigidly attached to said base platform.  
     
     
         11 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 10  wherein said mechanical linkage is supported by said frame and wherein said mechanical linkage hangs down from near the top of said frame towards but not contacting said base platform.  
     
     
         12 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 8  wherein said means for resisting rotation further comprises one or more hydraulic cylinders with pistons and a means for connecting said pistons of said one or more hydraulic cylinders to said arm of said mechanical linkage.  
     
     
         13 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 12  wherein said means for connecting said pistons of said one or more hydraulic cylinders to said arm further comprises: 
 a shaft;  
 an upper pulley wheel;  
 a lower pulley wheel; and  
 a chain;  
 wherein one end of said shaft is rigidly attached to said arm of said mechanical linkage such that rotation of said arm results in rotation of said shaft;  
 wherein said upper pulley wheel is rigidly attached to the end of said shaft not attached to said arm such that said arm, said shaft, and said upper pulley wheel rotate in unison;  
 wherein said lower pulley wheel is rotatably attached to said frame below said upper pulley wheel;  
 wherein said chain connects said upper pulley wheel and said lower pulley wheel such that rotation of said upper pulley wheel is transmitted via said chain to said lower pulley wheel;  
 wherein said one or more hydraulic cylinders are rotatably attached to said frame beneath said lower pulley wheel; and  
 wherein said pistons of said one or more hydraulic cylinders are rotatably attached to a face of said lower pulley wheel.  
 
     
     
         14 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 13  wherein said means for resisting rotation further comprises two one-way hydraulic cylinders, and wherein one of said two hydraulic cylinders is located on each side of the axis of rotation of said lower pulley wheel equidistant from said frame.  
     
     
         15 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 8  wherein the six degrees of freedom of motion have essentially no internal resistance.  
     
     
         16 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 13  wherein said six degrees of freedom of motion have essentially no internal resistance.  
     
     
         17 . A swing conditioning device comprising a mechanical linkage with six or more degrees of freedom of motion, wherein said mechanical linkage further comprises an arm and a handle.  
     
     
         18 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 17  further comprising a means for support of said mechanical linkage, wherein said arm further comprises: 
 an upper rod; and  
 a lower rod;  
 wherein said upper rod is essentially vertical;  
 wherein one end of said lower rod is rigidly attached to the bottom end of said upper rod and said lower rod extends out from said upper rod in a direction away from said means for support at an angle equal to or greater than 90 degrees but less than 180 degrees;  
 wherein said handle is rotatably, slidably, and pivotally attached to said lower rod of said arm;  
 wherein said arm of said mechanical linkage is rotatably and pivotally attached to said means for support such that said arm may rotate laterally and may pivot depthwise; and  
 wherein said handle is rotatable about its own center axis.  
 
     
     
         19 . A swing conditioning device as in  claim 18  further comprising a means for resisting rotation, wherein said means for resisting rotation acts to resist the rotation of said mechanical linkage.  
     
     
         20 . A swing conditioning device as in claim  20  wherein said six or more degrees of freedom of motion of said mechanical linkage have essentially no internal resistance.