Golf Training Device

The present invention relates to a golf training device, and more particularly to a brace attachable to the leg of a golfer which restricts improper leg movement during the golf swing.

It is well known in the golfing world that improper swaying during the golf swing is one of many poor habits which can result in a poor golf shot, such as a slice, duck hook, topped shot, or the like. Especially when hitting from sand traps or on short shots around the green, it is very important to keep the legs quiet, i.e., avoid swaying. By lessening or eliminating the sway, the golfer can produce a more consistent, successful golf shot. One of the most successful ways of eliminating swaying is through muscle memory, or, repetitious practice of the feel of the non-swaying swing.

A variety of devices have been developed to try to train the golfer not to sway during the golf swing. Such devices are described, for example, in the following U.S. Pat. Nos.: 2,891,796 to Gotttell; 3,606,341 to Honbarger; 4,088,326 to Bifulco; 4,103,897 to Ostyn; 4,106,771 to Fern; and 4,817,953 to Ponchak.

Notwithstanding these devices, there remains a need for a device which can be easily worn during a round of golf and which provides sufficient rigidity to prevent improper swaying.

It is thus one object of the present invention to provide a golf training device which restricts improper leg movement and thereby prevents undesirable swaying during the golf swing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf training device which can be easily worn during a round of golf.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a golf training device which can fit inside the shoe of the user.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a golf training device which, when worn, prevents side to side movement of the user's leg while still allowing the user to walk.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf training device of the present invention shown installed on the leg of a user.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the golf training device of FIG. 1 shown in the forward position on the leg of a user.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the golf training device of the present invention shown installed on the leg of the user.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the golf training device of FIG. 3 shown in the forward position on the leg of the user.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the user's ankle and foot corresponding to FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the user's ankle and foot corresponding to FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the golf training device of the present invention.

With reference to FIGS. 1 through 7, by the present invention there is provided a golf training device 10 for use primarily on the rear or load-bearing leg 20 of a golfer. The device includes a lower base member 12 connected to an upper brace member 14. Upper brace member 14 extends from the lower base member 12 to just below the knee of the user and is formed of a one-piece metallic plate having a curved portion 16 designed to conform to the shape of the ankle 18 and leg 20 of a user wearing the device 10. Lower base member 12 can be a one-piece metallic plate formed in an L-shape in cross section such that the bottom portion 22 of the L-shape is capable of being placed under the foot 24 of the user. The entire lower base member 12 is capable of being placed inside the shoe 26 of the user.

Lower base member 12 and upper brace member 14 can be provided on their interior surfaces 15, 17 with a layer of padding 28 such as pile material, compressed foam, or the like, resulting in greater comfort for the user. Additionally, upper brace member 14 is provided with strap members 30 at spaced intervals along the length of the upper brace member 14 for secure attachment of the golf training device 10 to the leg 20 of the user. Strap members 30 may be made of neoprene rubber or other suitable material and are capable of extending completely around the leg 20 of a user and being held securely thereto through the use of snaps, Velcro materials or the like.

Lower base member 12 and upper brace member 14 may be pivotally connected by a pivot or swivel pin 32 which allows rotation of the lower base member 12 along the same plane as the upper brace member 14. This capability for rotation of lower base member 12 allows the user to move his or her leg 20 forward, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, and thereby walk while wearing the device 10. In one embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the swivel pin 32 is provided below ankle level. In another embodiment of the invention, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the swivel pin 32 is provided at ankle level. At the point of connection, the upper brace member 14 may be either on the outside or the inside of lower base member 12. The device 10 will not allow the leg 20 to roll or move sideways when the foot is resting on the ground.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 7, lower base member 12 has a rounded edge 34 and is symmetrically located about the vertical axis of upper brace member 14. Additionally, upper brace member 14 is connected to the outer surface 36 of lower base member 12. This embodiment allows the user to easily adapt the device 10 to either the left or right leg.

In operation, a user desiring to eliminate the swaying motion in his or her golf swing places the rear or load bearing foot 24, i.e., the right foot of a right-handed golfer, on top of the bottom portion 22 of lower base member 12 and straps upper brace member 14 to the leg using strap members 30, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The bottom portion 22 of lower base member 12 fits under the outside of the foot 24 and inside the shoe 26 to force the weight placed on the foot 24 to the inside part of the foot 24. This helps the user maintain proper balance during the golf swing while still allowing the user to take a full golf swing. After consistent golf swing practice wearing the training device of the present invention, the user should be able to achieve the same swing without the brace on, having effectively trained his or her muscle memory not to sway. The device 10 can also be worn on the outside of the golfer's front leg to keep the golfer from overshifting his or her weight past the golf ball during the golf swing.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiments are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.