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Description  |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a training aid and more particularly
relates to a sport training aid in the form of a pair of inserts to be
placed in the footwear of the user in order to train the user in the
proper body movement, particularly the proper weight shift during a golf
swing.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The golf swing appears deceptively simple but, in fact, is difficult to
learn. The golfer begins in the address position with the shoulders
positioned parallel to the target. Next, the golfer turns so that the
shoulders assume a position perpendicular to the target line causing a
coiling of the body which most golf instructors believe is the key to a
powerful down swing. At the top of the back swing, the golfer's weight has
shifted to the right side. The golf swing is completed by forward body
rotation bringing the club head through the ball. In a correct swing, the
golfer's weight will also shift to the forward foot.
Many training devices can be found in prior art to assist in teaching the
proper golf swing and weight shift described above. For example, U.S. Pat.
No. 2,847,769 discloses a golf shoe having a sole which has a wedge
configuration which forces the player to assume the correct stance or
position.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,951,407 shows a collapsible device which is attachable to
the golfer's shoe to support the outside of the shoe in an elevated
position with respect to the inside to aid in positioning the golfer in
the proper stance.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,705 shows a golf training device also having a
wedge-shaped member with pins which fit into holes provided on the sole of
the golfer's shoe to attach the wedge to the shoe. The device of the '705
patent is somewhat similar to that shown in the '407 patent.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,106,771 discloses a device for indicating proper weight
shift during a golf swing. The device is clamped to the instep of the golf
shoe and has an extending spring which is deformed to produce an audible
signal when predetermined flexure of the spring occurs.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,407,079 shows a golf aid attached to the outer edge of the
sole of a golf shoe. The attachment has an arcuate surface which slopes
toward the outside edge of the sole and upon which the golfer can pivot
following impact and during follow through.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,953,311 shows an insert for a right handed golfer which
goes into the right shoe and has maximum thickness in the rightward and
rearward of the heel area. The left insert has maximum thickness in the
rightward portion of the instep area. The canting and elevation provided
by the device is stated to prevent reverse pivot and assists the golfer in
that it produces a surface which the golfer may push against during a down
swing.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,212,894 also shows an insole which is inserted in the
golfer's shoe having both a front and rear portion so that each foot will
respond properly during the swing. The insole of the golfer's front foot
has a centerline thickness longitudinally to encourage a rolling action in
the front foot while the rear foot insole includes a wedge-shaped member.
From the foregoing, it will be seen there are a number of patents that show
golfing aids which attach exteriorly to the golf shoe. Some of these
devices rely or impart a tactile sensation. Most are difficult to use or
require special footwear. Accordingly, there exists a need for a simple
and effective training device which can be conveniently used by golfers to
teach the golfer the proper golf swing which is one in which the club head
returns to its precise starting point in a stabilized circular motion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, in accordance with the present invention, a sport training device
is provided which consists of a pair of shoe inserts insertable into at
least the heel area of the golfer's shoes. The bottom surface of each of
the inserts has a frictional element such as a patch of material such as
Velcro.RTM. material to prevent the insert from slipping with respect to
the golf shoe insole. The upper surface of each of the inserts has a
tactile indicating member positioned in the heel area and disposed toward
the inner edge of the insert. When the inserts are used on the practice
tee or as part of a daily practice regimen, the inserts serve as an
infallible physical indicator that the golfer is rotating properly as
opposed to a lateral or sliding body motion. Improper turning will result
in mis-hits. The training device basically teaches muscle memory so that
the user can program himself or herself to make a proper swing by sensing
the pressure exerted by the heel of the foot against the tactile
indicating members.
While the present invention is described primarily with respect to use as a
golf training aid, the inserts can be used as shown or as modified within
the scope of the invention for training in other areas such as training
skiers in proper weighting and unweighting techniques and to assist
golfers, particularly elderly golfers in maintaining balance.
The above and other objects and advantages the present invention will be
more fully appreciated and understood from the following description,
claims and drawings in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the upper surface of a shoe insert
according to the present invention for use in the right shoe;
FIG. 2 is a plan view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1 partly broken away to
better illustrate the tactile indicating member;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the shoe insert of FIG. 1 showing the frictional
retaining element;
FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4--4 of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a side view of a left golf shoe partly broke away showing an
insert in position in the heel area of the shoe;
FIG. 6 is a top view of the shoe shown in FIG. 5 also partly broken away to
illustrate an insert in position in a golf shoe;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a shoe insert
according to the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken along 8--8 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a front view of a golfer in the address position illustrating use
of the golf training aid;
FIG. 10 is a front view of the golfer showing the golfer at the position at
the top of the back swing in which in the proper swing has caused the
weight to shift to the golfer's right foot; and
FIG. 11 shows still another embodiment of the shoe insert of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
At the outset, a brief discussion of the nature of the mechanics of a
proper golf swing is helpful to an understanding of the invention. The
following description is with respect to a right-handed golfer.
The proper way to return a golf club head to its precise starting point and
to strike the ball efficiently is to turn the upper body in a stabilized,
rotary manner. The proper golf swing basically consists of two body turns.
Normally, the golfer begins in the address position as shown in FIG. 9.
The golfer is indicated by the letter "G" and is holding the golf club "C"
in the proper position behind the ball "B". The golfer's weight should be
generally evenly distributed on the golfer's left foot (LF) and right foot
(RF) with the feet being apart the distance approximately corresponding to
the width of the golfer's shoulders. The golfer initiates the golf swing
with a slight forward press, that is, a forward movement of the hands from
which the golfer will then begin the back swing, or inner turn (IT), which
will bring the golfer "G" and the club "C" to the position shown in FIG.
10. The back swing is a circular or rotational movement bringing the
golfer's shoulders to a position generally perpendicular to the target
line. At the top, the golf club is in a position which is generally
horizontal and the golfers left knee has flexed inwardly and the left heel
may be slightly raised. At the position shown in FIG. 10, the golfer's
weight has shifted with about 80% of the weight being on the golfer's
right foot RF. The right leg serves to provide stability while the golfer
coils into a powerful position. If the back swing is proper, the golfer's
weight should be concentrated on the inner side of the right foot which
makes it possible for the golfer to maintain a stable and stationary
position over the ball with the head remaining behind the ball through
impact.
Assuming the classic Vardon golf grip, and with the stance and posture as
shown in FIG. 9, about 60% of body weight is on the left heel pad as the
back swing or inward turn is initiated. This initial movement pushes the
club head rearwardly and upwardly in a vertical arc just behind and above
the right ear.
The extent of the back swing or IT varies according to the flexibility of
the individual. As indicated, a 90.degree. turn will place the left
shoulder right under the chin and generates a down-in press on the ball of
the left foot indicating that the hips as well as the shoulders have
turned clockwise. The left heel comes off the ground one to two inches and
a delayed wrist cock positions the shaft parallel or approximately
horizontal with respect to the ground. A more vertical back swing places
the hands under the shaft with the club head pointed directly at the
target in a manner similar to aiming a rifle.
When a smooth reversal of the left hip on a solid left heel pad initiates
the down swing or outer turn (OT), the arc of the club head is directed
downwardly, not forwardly, as in a right side push. The initial movement
should not be forced but should allow the hands to move freely downwardly.
The left hip remains unblocked and both arms descend close to the body.
The hands release and the thrust to the right side is delayed as long as
possible. After impact occurs, both arms fully extend and pronate or roll
over. The head remains generally stationary behind the ball. In the finish
position, the golfer's belt buckle should finish facing the target. Even
though the left arm bends slightly during the turn, the arm will always
straighten to its longest natural length for consistent arc through the
ball provided the left hip initiates the turn and the head remains in
generally a stationary position. At the point of impact, the golfer's
weight has moved from the right foot to the left foot and as the outer
turn continues, the golfer's weight will tend to move forwardly completing
a follow-through which positions the golfer facing the target.
The acid test of a proper swing is sometimes identified by the acronym FIBD
which means "first in both directions". If the body moves properly, the
arms are not simply swinging but the golfer has asserted the left side
creating momentum. In a proper swing, the body leads and the arms
accelerate through the ball with the club creating a full arc behind the
head with the golfer completing the swing facing the target. If the proper
weight shift does not occur, the arm decelerates and there is no follow
through.
It will be apparent that the description above is with respect to the
movements performed by a right-handed golfer. The basic description above
also applies to a left-handed golfer but it will be apparent that
references with respect to the golfer's right and left are reversed.
The present invention provides the golfer a physical indication that the
proper circular body motion and weight shift FIBD occurs. The present
invention is a pair of inserts with one being worn in each of the golf
shoes. The inserts serve to apply a tactile sensation to the inside of
each heel to physically remind the golfer that the proper weight shift or
rotation is occurring. By providing a physical reminder or tactile
sensation, the golfer is taught the proper swing and muscle memory is
reinforced.
The preferred form of the training device of the present invention is shown
in FIGS. 1 to 4 and is generally designated by the numeral 10. The device
10 is one insert of a pair that is provided. Both are constructed in the
same manner and are different only in that one is the mirror image of the
other. The insert 10 is for the right shoe having a base 12 and has outer
side 14 and inner side 16, curved heel portion 15, and arcuate front edge
18. The insert is generally configured to correspond in shape to the heel
area of footwear such as a golf shoe and may be provided in various sizes
to correspond to various size golf shoes. While the insert 10 shown
corresponds in shape to the heel area of the shoe, the base 12 may also be
part of a more complete insole insertable in footwear. The base 12 may be
made of a suitable flexible and supple material such as leather, rubber
such as neoprene or silicon rubber, plastic such as urethane, or a
composite of any of these materials.
As seen in FIG. 3, the base has planar bottom surface 20 which is provided
with a frictional retaining element 22 at a central location adjacent the
curved heel portion 15. The fictional element 22 prevents the insert from
slipping relative to the shoe insole when in use. As shown, the frictional
retaining element 22 consists of generally rectangular patch of either the
loop or hook portion of a fabric fastener such as fabric fasteners sold
under the trademark "Velcro".RTM.. The patch may be stitched or adhesively
secured to the bottom 20 of the base 12.
The upper surface 30 of the base has a tactile indicating member 40 which
is attached to the upper surface of the base at a location disposed toward
the inner side 16 of the insert. The insert shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is
intended to be worn in the right shoe. FIGS. 5 and 6, as will be explained
hereafter, illustrate the form of the insert applied to the left shoe
which is a mirror image of the right foot version of the device. For this
reason, the details of construction are set forth with respect to the
right foot version and it is believed that it would be unnecessarily
repetitive to repeat this description with respect to the left shoe
version, it being understood that it is a mirror image of the right foot
version.
Tactile indicating element 40 provides the wearer a pronounced physical
indication of the degree of pressure being applied by the user's foot in
the area of the tactile member. Accordingly, the tactile indicating member
includes a plurality of upward projection prongs 44 disposed about the
periphery of disk or ring 46. The tactile member may be made of any
suitable material such as plastic or, in the case shown, formed of a
suitable metal material such as plated sheet metal. The projections have
sufficient strength and rigidity so as not to be flattened or bent over
time as use occurs. Typically, the tactile member will be circular having
a diameter of approximately 1". The tactile member is held in place and
the sensation imparted by the tactile element modified somewhat by a cover
50 of a roughly textured material. The cover 50 is shown as a section of
one portion of the loop and hook fabric fastener material such Velcro
material. The covering extends over the upper surface 30 of the insert
from a location approximately from the longitudinal centerline of the
insert to the inner side 16. The covering 50 may be adhesively joined to
the upper surface of the base except in the area 55 forming a pocket 56 at
the inner side into which the tactile member 40 may be inserted.
FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the use of the positioning of the insert in a left
golf shoe "S" and carries the marking or indicia "LF". The golf shoe is a
conventional golf shoe having an upper area and a sole carrying a
plurality of spikes. The insert is positioned in the heel section of the
golf shoe with the tactile member 40 disposed toward the inner side 16 of
the insert and the golf shoe once inserted.
In use, golfer will place an insert in each shoe of a pair of golf shoes
with the tactile members positioned toward the inner edge of the shoe. As
mentioned above, the invention has been described as an insert conforming
to the shape of the rear portion of the sole but could also be part of a
complete insole.
As the golfer swings, beginning at the proper address position, the tactile
members 40 associated with each shoe insert will transmit a sensation to
the golfer's feet indicating the presence of pressure and also the degree
of pressure. The golfer should feel the sensation of pressure at the
beginning of the swing or address where it should be felt in the heel area
of both feet. As the back swing begins, the golfer's weight shifts to the
inner side of the right foot and heel followed by the outer turn of the
body. As the downswing begins, a pronounced weight shift occurs which, if
properly done, will be sensed or felt by the golfer in the left heel area
which is followed by the inner turn of the body. If the proper sensation
is not transmitted to the golfer's feet, the golfer will know to make the
necessary corrections. Once learned, the routine can be practiced and
reinforced.
FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention
generally designated by the numeral 100. The training device as shown in
FIGS. 7 and 8, has a base 112 of suitable, flexible material which may be
a molded rubber or a plastic such as urethane having a general
configuration conforming to the rear portion of a shoe insole or may be a
complete shoe insole. The insert 100 has an upper surface 130 and a lower
surface 120. The lower surface is provided with a frictional element 122
which can be adhesively or otherwise secured to the surface. The
frictional element may be a section or portion of loop and hook fastener
material which will assist in preventing the insert from slipping with
respect to the shoe.
Tactile element 140 is integrally molded as part of the base 112 and
consists of a plurality of upwardly extending projections 144 integrally
formed with the base. The projections should be sufficiently rigid to
transmit a clearly identifiable sensation to the foot of the user.
It is obvious that other projection shapes could be integrally molded into
the surface of the insole so as to provide the same result. For example,
insert 200 can be provided the tactile member in the form of a series of
concentric annular rings 240, 242, 244 arranged to form the tactile
indicators on base 212 as shown in FIG. 11.
From the foregoing it will be seen the present invention provides an
effective yet simple training device which may be used by golfers and
others who are attempting to train their muscles to accomplish a
particular body movement. The device the present invention can be easily
manufactured from a variety of materials and may be used both by the
amateur and professional athlete.
While the principles of the invention have been made clear in the
illustrative embodiments set forth above, it will be obvious to those
skilled in the art to make various modifications to the structure,
arrangement, proportion, elements, materials and components used in the
practice of the invention. To the extent that these various modifications
do not depart from the spirit and scope of the appended claims, they are
intended to be encompassed therein.
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