EP0247982A1

EP0247982A1 - A means for training golf swings

Info

Publication number: EP0247982A1
Application number: EP87850107A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Kurt Larsson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-04-02
Filing date: 1987-04-02
Publication date: 1987-12-02
Also published as: SE461016B; SE8601472L; SE8601472D0

Abstract

A means for training golf swings. It is desirable when training golf strokes to be able to practice without having to visit a golf course or training range, or having to have considerable space. This desire has been satisfied by attaching an air ball (7) by means of a cord (6) to an attachment device (5) secured to a post (3) where, after being teed off, the ball describes a circular trajectory around the post 3. The golfer can hit an air ball (7) with full force and then replace it on the tee ready for the next stroke, without having to move. The device takes up an area of about 0.5 m2.

Description

The present invention relates to a stroke trainer for golfers, using ordinary golf clubs and air balls. The means has been specifically developed for golfers but is also suitable for practising other games in which an air ball can be used.
Special arrangements such as a golf course or training range are required for practising strokes with a golf ball, or a certain amount of space for practising with an air ball. It would be desirable to be able to practise without these arrangements, safely and in a small space. Patent application 4250/72 admittedly offers a solution to this problem, but even here a certain amount of space is required.
The object of the invention is to provide a risk-free training means. requiring a minimum of space (approx. 0.5 m²), and without spring means, enabling an air ball to be hit with full force and where, after having teed off, the golfer can replace the ball on the tee without having to move.
This object has been achieved according to the invention by means of a practice means in which the ball, secured to one end of a cord by a locking plate, after being hit describes a circular trajectory around a post which is connected via an attachment device to the other end of the cord.
In the drawings 1 denotes a stroke surface, 2 a base, 3 a post, 4 a protective ball, 5 an attachment device, 6 a cord, 7 an air ball, 8 a locking plate, 9-10 spacers, and 11 a handle.
Figure 1 shows a sketch of the means in use and a section of the trainer along the line A-A. In the section A-A the base 2 is placed beneath the stroke surface 1, with the post 3 protruding through the stroke surface 1. The upper part of the post is such that the attachment device 5 is kept apart from the stroke surface 1. A removable protective ball 4 is located at the top end of the post 3, to provide protection and keep the attachment device 5 in place. The cord 6 is secured to the attachment device 5 which absorbs rotary movement in the cord 6. The ball 7 is threaded onto the cord 6 and is held in place by a locking plate 8 passed over the cord 6 which has a knot at the end. The locking plate 8 is provided with a central hole with a slit to to the edge of the plate, enabling quick and simple replacement of balls.
Figure 2 shows different embodiment of a post 3 pertaining to the trainer. Two spacers 9 and 10 are utilized here, movably passed over the rod 3, in order to keep the attachment device 5 at the desired distance from the ground. The post 3 is provided with a handle 11 since it is inserted into the ground when being used.
The trainer shown in Figure 1 is placed on the ground or the floor, whereas in the embodiment shown in Figure 2 the post 3 is inserted into the ground. The air ball 7 is then placed so that the cord 6 is taut, the ball 7 is hit tangentially and is thus put into trajectory around its attachment to the post 3. The ball 7 will stop revolving after about 10 seconds and can then be replaced on the tee ready for another stroke.

Claims

1. A means for training golf swings, comprising a stroke surface (1), a base (2), a post (3), a protective ball (4), an attachment device (5), a cord (6), an air ball (7), a looking plate (8), and two spacers (9, 10), characterised in that said means is so arranged that after being hit the ball (7) describes a circular trajectory.

2. A means according to claim 1, characterised in that the base is located beneath the stroke surface (1), with the post (3) protruding through the stroke surface (1).

3. A means according to claim 1, characterised in that the upper portion of the post (3) is so designed as to prevent the attachment device (5) from falling down to the stroke surface (1), and that the upper end of the post (3) is provided with a protective ball (4).

4. A means according to claim 1, characterised in that the attachment device (5) between the post (3) and cord (6) absorbs rotary movement from the cord (6).

5. A means according to claim 1, characterised in that to attach the ball (7) to the cord (6), it is threaded onto the cord (6), said cord (6) being provided with a knot at the end and the locking plate (8) having a central hole and a slit, is thereafter fitted over the cord (6).

6. A means according to one or more of claims 1-3, characterised in that movable spacers (9, 10) are arranged on the post (3) to retain the attachment device (5) of the cord (6) at the correct height.