Golf-swing training device

Abstract

A golf-swing training device consists of a base and a reference bar of variable effective length pivotably mounted thereon. The attitude of the bar defines a swing plane for reference by the golfer in controlling his swing, and the length of the bar is adjusted so as to position the contact element, at the upper end of the bar, for interception by the head of a club moving in the swing plane; the contact element is desirably resiliently deflectable, and cushioned.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A golf-swing training device comprising: surface-engaging supporting means; a variable effective length reference bar having a lower end portion, and an upper end portion comprised of a resiliently deflectable contact component; and means for operatively attaching said lower end portion of said reference bar to said supporting means for angular displacement of said reference bar about at least one axis adjacent said supporting means, said means for attaching being constructed to enable secure positioning of said reference bar in each of a range of attitudes angularly displaced relative to a surface on which said supporting means is disposed; whereby the attitude of said reference bar can be adjusted to dispose said reference bar substantially in each of a multiplicity of reference planes lying adjacent desirable swing paths for a variety of golf clubs, and whereby the effective length of said reference bar can be adjusted to dispose said contact component in the path of a golf club head moving in a said reference plane.  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said supporting means is a base constructed to rest stably on the ground.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said reference bar is pivotably attached to said supporting means by said means for attaching.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the effective length of said reference bar is variable in the range of about 33 to 46 inches.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said reference bar comprises a plurality of telescopically interengaged sections.  
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said contact component comprises a resilient cellular material.  
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein said contact component comprises a coil spring.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7  wherein said contact component includes a covering of resilient cellular material on said coil spring.  
     
     
         9 . A golf-swing training device comprising: surface-engaging supporting means; a variable effective length reference bar having a lower end portion and an upper end portion; and means for operatively attaching said lower end portion of said reference bar to said supporting means for angular displacement of said reference bar about at least one axis adjacent said supporting means, said means for attaching being constructed to enable secure positioning of said reference bar in each of a range of attitudes angularly displaced relative to a surface on which said supporting means is disposed; whereby the attitude of said reference bar can be adjusted to dispose said reference bar substantially in each of a multiplicity of reference planes lying adjacent desirable swing paths for a variety of golf clubs.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , wherein said upper end portion of said reference bar is comprised of a resiliently deflectable contact component; whereby said contact component of said reference bar can be disposed in the path of a golf club head, moving in said reference plane, by adjustment of the effective length of said reference bar.  
     
     
         11 . A golf-swing training method, including the steps: 
 (a) providing a device comprising: surface-engaging supporting means; a variable effective length reference bar having a lower end portion and an upper end portion; and means for operatively attaching said lower end portion of said reference bar to said supporting means for angular displacement of said reference bar about at least one axis adjacent said supporting means, said means for attaching being constructed to enable secure positioning of said reference bar in each of a range of attitudes angularly displaced relative to a surface on which said supporting means is disposed, whereby the attitude of said reference bar can be adjusted to dispose said reference bar substantially in each of a multiplicity of reference planes lying adjacent desirable swing paths for a variety of golf clubs;    (b) adjusting the attitude and length of said reference bar to substantially match the lie angle and length of a selected golf club disposed in proper ball-hitting position, said reference bar thereby defining the angular orientation of a reference plane;    (c) positioning said device behind the trainee and in general alignment with the ball location, with the shaft of the selected golf club, so disposed in proper ball-hitting position, lying substantially in said reference plane and with the reference bar spaced from the trainee a distance such that said upper end portion thereof would be contacted by the club head moving in said reference plane, said ball location also lying substantially in said reference plane; and    (d) the trainee undertaking to strike a ball by causing the selected golf club to follow a back swing path with the club head moving outwardly adjacent said reference plane, relative to his own position, and a down swing path having an intermediate portion in which the club head moves inwardly adjacent said reference plane.