JPS6140430B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the game of golf, and more particularly to an apparatus for use in the game of golf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a novel positioning device for assisting golfers in positioning themselves to hit a golf ball.

The objects and structure of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Briefly, the positioning device for a golfer of the present invention comprises: (a) a transverse scale band about 30 to about 36 inches (762 to 914.4 mm) long and about 11/4 inches (31.75 mm) wide; (b) each of which is less than about half the length of said transverse scale strip, but at least about 8 inches (203.2
a first foot alignment strip having a length (mm) and pivotally fixed near one end of the horizontal scale strip, and sliding along the horizontal scale strip; a second foot alignment strip slidably and pivotably attached to the strip so as to be pivotable relative to the strip; (c) having approximately the same length as the horizontal scale strip;
a vertical scale strip mounted so as to be able to slide along the horizontal strip without pivoting, and also to be able to slide vertically without pivoting relative to the strip; A series of display lines indicating the inclination angles of the strips are provided on the mounting portions of the strips for aligning both legs.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mounting slide for the vertical scale strip has a first sliding track for sliding the vertical scale strip in the vertical direction with respect to the horizontal scale strip. , a second sliding track is provided for aligning the vertical scale strip with the length of the transverse scale strip and holding it against the transverse scale strip.

Preferably, the horizontal scale strip has an upper surface having an unmarked blank area of at least six inches in length to allow notes to be written in the blank area. Additionally, large arrows may be placed on the top surface of some of the components of the device to assist in the assembly instructions of the device.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, FIG. 1 shows a locating device having a transverse scale strip 40 having graduation lines 42 and a first leg alignment strip 50 pivotally mounted near one end 44. ing. Strip 50 can be easily attached to strip 40 by rivets 54 inserted through drilled or molded holes in the strip and strip 40. Preferably, a washer 53 is interposed between both strips, and another washer 55 is fitted onto the shaft of the rivet and seated on the upper surface of the strip 50. Watshiya 55
serves as a base when tightening the end 57 of the rivet 54. The rivet 54 is tightly clamped in place and the strip 50 is not able to pivot freely about the axis of the rivet and it takes considerable effort to move the strip 50 to different angular positions relative to the strip 40. It can be configured to require force. Alternatively, by strongly pressing the strips 40 and 50 together, the strip 50
A spring washer or a combination of a spring and washer or the like may be installed under the head of the rivet 54 to increase the frictional resistance against rotation of the rivet.

An indicator line 61 is provided on the upper surface of the strip 50 near the pivoting end to indicate the degree of inclination of the strip 50 with respect to the strip 40, so that the user can memorize the desired inclination position and use it the next time the device is used. To enable strips 50 to be set at the same position. Display line 61 if desired
Attach alignment marks (not shown) cooperating with strip 40.
It can also be provided. These marking lines or markings are affixed to each strip and may be written on a length of paper, foil, cloth, plastic, etc. at the point indicated by arrow 70 or 71. Arrows 70 or 71 are marked at least so that they are easily visible from a distance of about 6 feet (1.83 m).
Approximately 1/4 inch (6.35mm) wide and 2 inches (50.8 mm) long
mm) is preferable.

A slide 56 is provided which holds both ends of the horizontal scale strip 40 and is slidable along the strip, and a second foot alignment strip 52 is pivotally attached to the slide. The installation method is as follows: first leg alignment strip 5
This is done using the rivets 54 in the same way as in case 0. A marker is printed or pasted on one of the side edges 74 of the slide 56 extending transversely to the sliding direction, that is, the longitudinal axis of the strip 40, and the strip 4 is attached to the marker.
It is possible to read by applying the 0 scale line 42. However, such a marker is not a mandatory requirement. The position of the slide 56 can be easily determined by locating the center of the slide relative to the graduation lines 42 on either side thereof. If desired, slide 56 can also be provided with alignment lines.

A vertical scale strip 80 with graduation lines 82 is further attached to the horizontal scale strip 40. Strip 8
0 is slidably mounted within the first sliding track 84 of the cross slide 90 so that it can be slid in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal scale strip 40. The cross slide also has a second sliding track 86 shaped to hug both side edges of the horizontal scale strip 40, thereby allowing the slide 90 to slide back and forth along the length of the strip 40. can. cross slide 90
One side edge 92 of can be specifically designated as the side edge used to read the scale 42 and the other edge 94 can be designated as the edge used to read the scale 82, but this is not the case with the slide 56. Similarly, it is not a mandatory requirement.

By making the end portion 45 of the strip 40 thick or by fixing a stand-up shaft to the end, neither of the slides 56, 90 can be prevented from falling off the strip 40. This is slide 56,
In addition to preventing the 90 from falling out, if each slide has a designated edge for reading the scale, the orientation of the designated edge of the slide will be reversed when the slide falls out and is reinserted into the strip. It also prevents things like this from happening.

For example, the cross slide 90 has two slides 5
6 can be formed by stacking them back to back so that their sliding trajectories intersect and joining them by bonding or fusion. Therefore, to manufacture the device of the invention, individual slides 56
It is sufficient to have two extrusion molding machines: one for producing long plastic products that can be cut into strips, and one for producing the strips 40, 80.

A modified cross slide 190 is shown in FIG. This slide has an additional sliding track 88
, so that after the vertical scale strip 80 has been removed from the first track 84, it can be inserted into the track 88. When the strip 80 is inserted into the track 88, it is held parallel to and superimposed on the horizontal scale strip 40, thereby making the entire device compact as shown in FIG. to make it easier to store. Additionally, by folding both foot alignment strips 50, 52 along strip 40 as shown in FIG. 6, the entire device can be easily stored in a golf bag as an elongated assembly. It can be done. Additionally, the assembly has a considerable length so that it does not sit too low in the golf bag and can be easily removed from the bag without having to stick one's hand inside the bag and rummage around.

The width of strips 40 and 80 is approximately 11/4 inches (31.75
mm) results in a very easy to use and robust device. The strips 40, 80 are approximately 1/8 inch (3.175 mm) thick and may be made of a plastic such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, commonly referred to as ABS plastic. The scale is
They can be provided by direct ink printing on the strips or by pasting graduated pieces of paper, foil, cloth, or plastic. With a width of 1 1/4 inches (31.75 mm), the unmarked blank space 96 provides ample room for advertising text or notes indicating position markings for various different golf swings. is obtained. Preferably, this space is at least about 6 inches (152.4 mm) long along the length of the strip 40.

One or both of the foot alignment strips 50, 52,
Display arrows 71 and 72 similar to arrow 70 can be attached. These arrows can be placed closer to the pivot points of the strips 50, 52 to facilitate alignment with the display line 61.

FIG. 4 illustrates the manner in which a golfer's stance is determined by the apparatus of the present invention. A golfer can play with or without the help of a golf instructor or professional.
Set the feet, body, hands, club and ball in the proper position and orientation and adjust the apparatus accordingly as shown in FIG.

That is, the horizontal scale strip 40 is placed on the ground, its arrow 70 is positioned toward the golfer's target, and the front end 44 of the strip 40 is brought into contact with the tip of the shoe 101 in front of the golfer. The slide 56 is slid into contact with the tip of the golfer's rear shoe 102, and both foot alignment strips 50, 52 are pivoted to point in the direction their respective shoes 101, 102 are pointing.

Vertical scale strip 80 is then slid to bring its outer tip 95 into contact with the golf ball.

The golfer can then read the scales 42, 82, locate the display line 61 on each foot alignment strip, and record these values by writing them down in a notebook or in the margin 96. . On the surface of the slides 56, 90 facing the top surface of the strip 40, there is a memo or scale 42 written in the margin 96.
A slight recess can be provided to prevent rubbing.

After completing the setting operations shown in Figure 4,
The golfer can hit the ball after sliding the vertical scale strip 80 away from the ball. The locating device is then carried to the new location of the thrown ball and set there again. For similar strokes, the same settings as the previous settings can be used.

When the golfer's stance is properly set, the shaft 121 of the golf club 120 appears parallel to the vertical scale strip 80 to the golfer's eyes. This makes it easier for the golfer to properly position his or her feet relative to the ball when using the device of the present invention, and provides a guide to confirm that the golfer is gripping the golf club correctly.

You must change your stance to perform different strokes. Figure 4 shows the settings for a driver shot, but if you want to make a short distance shot, such as when the ball goes into the rough or into a bunker, a shorter club is used. Shorter clubs don't move as far away from your body than longer clubs and require a different position in relation to your stance. Also, putter clubs are shorter and the putting stance is significantly different than the stance for other clubs. A series of configuration notes can be recorded to cover all situations.

The stance setting or positioning device of the present invention can be used with both right-handed and left-handed golfers. Figure 4 shows a right-handed golfer, but in the case of a left-handed golfer,
Standing on the opposite side of the golf ball, that is, on the lower side as seen in FIG.
Each foot alignment strip 50, 52 is pivoted to face the side of the golf ball. The slopes of the foot alignment strips are then adjusted relative to each alignment mark on horizontal scale strips 40, and then vertical scale strips 80
is removed from the track 84 of the slide 90 and reinserted into the track 84 after the top and bottom ends are reversed so that the scale 82 is oriented correctly for a left-handed golfer.

The device of the present invention can be used by both right-handed and left-handed people with just one type, and can be used by men, women, and children, regardless of their height or physique. For any golfer, the device of the present invention helps define foot orientation, ball position, club orientation, and stance width, as well as hand position and body posture. This device allows for the methodical and repetitive training that is so important in developing a good golf stroke and makes you aware of the effects of stance changes, thereby preventing slices, fades, hooks, or too low a trajectory. Helps overcome common deficiencies such as balls that are too high or balls that are too high.

How compact this assembly is is shown in FIG. In such a folded state, it can be easily stored and carried anywhere. The occupied space within the golf bag is small and the club accommodation capacity of the bag is not reduced. The assembly is extremely easy to expand into a set position and to fold compactly. To expand the assembly, simply pull the strip 80 out of the sliding track 88 and remove the track 84.
The foot alignment strips 50 and 52 can be spread out at an appropriate angle. You can fold it by doing this operation in reverse.

Strips 50, 52 and 80 are not necessarily the same as strip 4.
It does not have to be the same width as 0 and can be as wide as 1 inch (25.4 mm) or 3/4 inch (19.05 mm) if desired. Also, part of the graduations 42 of the scale strip 40 can be omitted. That is, the position of the slide 90 is shifted to the left end of the scale 42 as seen in FIG. This is not necessary and the area can be used as an additional blank space for advertisements or notes instead of a scale.

Instead of being fixed in place by rivets 54, the strips 50, 52 can also be pivotally attached by self-tapping screws or sheet metal screws anchored within the body of the strip 40 to be pivoted.
Such screws can be installed through holes in the strips 50, 52 that are large enough to allow the screw shafts to pass through them without binding.

The present invention has been described above in connection with embodiments, but
It should be understood that the invention is not limited to the structure and form of the embodiments illustrated herein, and that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 is a plan view of the device of the invention, shown in use on the ground; FIG. 2 is a detailed cross-sectional view taken along line 2--2 of FIG. 1; and FIG.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golfer prepared to hit a ball using the device of the present invention, viewed from above, and FIG.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a modified embodiment of the slide shown, and FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the device of the modified embodiment of the invention folded into a compact state for storage. 40...Horizontal scale strip, 42...Scale, 5
0, 52... Foot alignment strip, 56, 90... Slide, 61... Display line, 80... Vertical scale strip, 82... Graduation, 84, 86, 88... Sliding trajectory.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A posture setting device for a golfer, comprising: (a) a non-slotted lateral member having a length of about 30 to about 36 inches (762 to 914.4 mm) and a width of about 11/4 inches (31.75 mm); (b) each of which is less than about half the length of said lateral scale strips, but at least 8 inches (203.2 mm);
a first foot alignment strip having a length of approximately the same width as the lateral scale strip and pivotably mounted near one end of the lateral scale strip; sliding along the strip, and
A second leg alignment strip is slidably and pivotably attached to the strip, and the first and second leg alignment strips are connected to the horizontal scale strip. Each pivot mount is configured to require a positive force to pivot the first and second foot alignment strips, respectively, relative to the lateral scale strips; each pivot mount has an indicator line for indicating the degree of inclination of the first and second foot alignment strips with respect to the lateral scale strips; width, such that it can slide along the transverse scale strip without pivoting relative to the strip, as well as in a direction perpendicular to the strip, and can be pulled out in the vertical direction. A stance setting device comprising a slotless vertical scale strip mounted such that it can be removed. 2. The mounting member for the vertical scale strip is:
a first sliding track for sliding the vertical scale strip in a vertical direction with respect to the horizontal scale strip;
a second sliding track for aligning the vertical scale strip with the length of the horizontal scale strip and holding the vertical scale strip in contact with the horizontal scale strip; 2. The stance setting device according to claim 1, wherein the slide has a width that allows the driver to hold the stance. 3. On at least one of the first and second foot alignment strips, approximately 6 feet (1.83 m) away toward the free end of the strip opposite the attachment point. 3. The stance setting device according to claim 2, further comprising an arrow large enough to be visually observed from above. 4 At least about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) in width and at least about 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) in length on the upper surface of the horizontal scale strip, toward the pivotably attached end of the one leg alignment strip. 2. The stance setting device according to claim 1, further comprising an approximately 2 inch (50.8 mm) arrow. 5. The mounting member for the vertical scale strip is:
comprising a narrow slide carrying said lateral scale strip, said first and second foot alignment strips pivoting to a position substantially within the width of said lateral scale strip; Claim 1, characterized in that the stance setting device is foldable into a compact configuration.
Stance setting device as described in section.