US20070232406A1

US20070232406A1 - Swing cage

Info

Publication number: US20070232406A1
Application number: US11/391,402
Authority: US
Inventors: Sybil Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-03-29
Filing date: 2006-03-29
Publication date: 2007-10-04

Abstract

This is golf exercise equipment that will allow users to tone muscles in the torso and lower body while maintaining form during a golf swing, reinforcing movements that can be carried on the golf course for play. The equipment is free standing with circular arms called gauges that form the base attached to a vertically angled structure called the barrel from the center of the base to bisect at the center of circular structure called the hip gauge located at the height of a user's hips, bisecting at the center of circular structure called the shoulder gauge located at the user's shoulders and continues at an angle above the user's head with an attachment called the head gauge. The golfer sets up his posture inside the equipment adjusting the gauges and supports to his stance, hips, shoulders and head. As the user turns his hips and shoulders the supports restrict lateral movement keeping the body in alignment until finish providing resistance during turning. The user will tone muscles while improving flexibility in the upper body also increasing stability in the legs to enhance a more consistent golf swing and increase power and accuracy in golf shots. There will be a junior version with less resistance for children.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many golfers including myself have encountered problems with swaying hips and the lifting of the head while swinging a golf club. Some of the most common complaints of older golfers is back problems due to poor muscle toning and inaccurate ball flight. Most golfers want to increase distance and accuracy. My invention is designed to reinforce movements that will help to overcome these challenges, toning muscles, adding power and accuracy to golf shots.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of sports equipment. Specifically, this invention relates to golfing exercise equipment whereby users will tone muscles in the torso and lower body, restrict the lateral movements of the right hip and foot during the transfer of weight on the back swing and maintain a stable left leg during the transfer of weight on the downswing. The equipment is symmetrical allowing for golfers who swing on the opposite side and encourages more relaxed muscles in the hands and arms due to the emphasis on the core muscles. This equipment will improve flexibility in the upper body and stability in the lower body during the golf swing thereby increasing power and accuracy to golf shots.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Numerous devices for aiding the swing of a golfer have been provided in the prior art. While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose to which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as heretofore described.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a device for aiding golfers to build stronger muscles in the torso and lower body while maintaining form during the golf swing thereby reinforcing movements which can be carried on to the golf course to enhance play.
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a device for toning the muscles in the torso and lower body.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for improving flexibility by enhancing a fuller torso rotation during the golf swing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to prevent swaying hips during the backswing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to encourage a more athletic form in the user's set up and throughout the golf swing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device to enhance the transfer of weight to the back leg during the backswing.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a device for improving stability of the lower body during the golf swing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a device that helps to limit the movement of the body in an upward or downward manner during the golf swing.
To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings, attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings are illustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specific construction illustrated and described for improvement and safety of the use of the equipment within the scope of the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 represents a frontal view of the equipment showing the main barrel 2,3,4 and 5 attached to the gauges for the head 1, shoulders 8, hip 7 and feet 6. There is a device 31 in the barrel that can tilt left or right to support a slightly tilted spine for the swing. Supports that are attached to the gauge to align the user's feet 9, hips 10 and shoulders 11. The supports have extensions 17, 15 and 16 to adjust to the width of the user's stance, hips and shoulders respectively. The foot supports 9 have slightly raised outer sides to improve stability during use. Rotating devices 21, 22 are located in the main barrel to allow the upper section to rotate as the user turns his shoulder. Resistance 19 for the upper section and the hip 18 is represented. The hip height adjuster 14 is indicated where the middle section is connected to the base to adjust the hip gauge 7 to the height of the user's hips. The shoulder height adjuster 13 is noted for adjusting height to the user's shoulder. The head gauge can be adjusted 12 to the user's height. The spine angle 20 can be adjusted to enhance an athletic spine angle of the golfer. The equipment can be secured to the ground by bolts inserted at positions 23 and 24.
FIG. 2 gives a side view of the equipment indicating adjustable parts located in the middle and upper sections of the equipment. The shoulder height adjuster 25 is indicated to increase height to the user's shoulders. The adjusters for resistance in shoulder 28 and hips 26 are indicated in addition to a hip height adjustment lever 27. The spine angle 20 of the upper section can be adjusted to encourage an athletic posture of the user.
FIG. 3 shows the base of the equipment. This includes the foot gauge 6 attached to the main barrel 5. The hip height adjuster is located in the main barrel 14. The foot support 9 with raised outer sides 29 and adjustments for the foot support 17 is also noted.
FIG. 4 indicates the middle section of the equipment. The main barrel 4 with the hip height extension is indicated. Rotating device 22 facilitates the turning of the shoulder gauge as the user turns his shoulders. The spine adjuster 20 is shown which will allow the user to make slight adjustments to the angle of the upper section to favor an athletic posture. Resistance 19 for the shoulder gauge is also attached to the main barrel. FIG. 4 also indicates the hip gauge with resistance 18 and supports 10 that can be adjusted and locked 15. Additionally tracks 32 are located on the inside of either sides of the hip gauge to facilitate the movement of the hip support in use. There is a tilting device 31 where users can adjust to the left or right to facilitate a hip tilt or maintain a level position.
FIG. 5 represents the upper section of the equipment with head gauge 1 and adjuster for the head support 12 attached to the main barrel 2. Also indicated in this figure, are the shoulder supports 11 attached to the shoulder gauge 8, and shoulder height extensions 13 in the main barrel. The shoulder supports can be extended 16 to fit to the width of the user's shoulder. Rotating device 21 is also indicated to allow for shoulder rotation during the golf swing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

There are many types of equipment for strength training and developing many parts of the golf swing, but one that tones muscles in the torso and lower body and provides a visual gauge to maintain form while practicing the golf swing is a new concept. Other features that are new to this equipment are:—

- 1. The exercise equipment will help users to practice the golf swing inside an angular frame called the barrel with circular arms called the foot gauge, hip gauge and shoulder gauge which is adjusted to the width of their stance, hips and shoulders respectively, preventing any lateral movement of the hips and shoulders as they rotate.
- 2. Resistance attached to the hip and shoulder gauges will help build muscles in the glutes, thigh, calves, feet, back, shoulders and chest. The user can increase resistance by adjusting the tensions in the resistance.
- 3. The equipment will improve flexibility as the user turns his hips and shoulders due to the resistance placed on the gauges.
- 4. The foot support attached to the base of the equipment which is arched at the sides, will help improve stability in the right foot as the user rotates the upper body in the backswing, and increase stability in the left foot as the upper body is rotated on the follow through to finish.
- 5. The exercise equipment will help users recognize any vertical movement of the head before the finish due to the head gauge located at the top of the main barrel of the equipment.
- 6. The equipment will impede lateral movements of the hip and shoulders during the golf swing since the adjustable supports located on the inside of the gauges will fit to the user's hips and shoulders encouraging rotational movement.
- 7. The equipment is adjustable to the height of the user. Adjustments can be made to the main barrel above the base and hip gauges of up to 6 inches per adjustment. The device can also be separated in three parts namely the base, middle and upper sections.
- 8. The equipment will facilitate users to lock the hip supports to limit hip rotation during shorter swings such as putting and chipping.
- 9. This device will allow users to tilt their hips and spine to the right or left in their stance encouraging their head to be slightly behind the ball during play.
  Materials

The equipment will be made from metal hollow section covered with foam, and plastic on various parts of the equipment. The base will be made of heavier materials for stability. The middle and upper sections will be made of lighter materials to facilitate adjustments and movement.
The height is adjustable from a height of 5 ft to 6 ft and 6 ins. The junior version will be made from plastic which can be adjusted from the height of 3 ft to 5 ft. The following measurements are approximated and will be more specific to fulfill its purpose on the completion of a more technically constructed prototype:—
Main Barrel
The main barrel will be made of 2-3 inch tubing but due to the lifting devices and various adjusters to be placed inside the diameter may vary. The main barrel attached to the foot gauge will be 18 inches tall and angled at 90 degrees. The middle section of the main barrel will be 30 inches long and continues at an angle of 95 degrees but can be angled at 115 degrees more or less above the hip gauge.
Gauges
The foot gauge will be made from metal tubing with plastic caps at the end and in the form of a semi-circle. The hip gauge will be made from metal tubing in the form of a semi-circle. The shoulder gauge will be made from plastic or metal tubing. The head gauge will be circular and made from plastic covered with foam.
Supports
The foot supports will be made from a metal base coated with rubber arching upwards on either side. Each support will be attached to either sides of the floor of the foot gauge metal extensions. The hip and shoulder supports will be made from metal sheet padded with textured foam.
Operational Devices
Resistance
Hydraulic resistance or any other that favors a circular motion will be added to the barrel of the hip gauge with the hip supports attached, working independently when pushed towards the main barrel. The hip resistance should vary from 0 to 50 lbs on each side with an adjuster located at the back of the middle section of the main barrel. The shoulder resistance will be attached from the main barrel above rotating disc to the hip gauge or placed at the most favorable location. The resistance should vary from 0 to 25 lbs with an independent adjuster located at the back of the middle section of the main barrel. Springs or any other suitable device can be used.
Rotating Device
A rotating device such as a bearing will be placed 3 inches above the hip gauge and placed in the main barrel of the equipment to facilitate the turning of the upper section.
Locks
There will also be a locking device for locking the middle and upper sections in place when setting up the equipment. Also, there will be a lock on the hip supports to limit hip rotation during putting practice etc.
Tilting Device
There be a device located inside the main barrel that can be locked into position and allows for a tilt upwards of the hip gauge and upper sections. This device should allow for left side or right side tilts only, encouraging a slight tilt in the golfer's stance. Users can also adjust to maintain a level position for a modern swing.
Lifting Device
To adjust the height of the hip and shoulder gauges to the user's body there will be a hydraulic device inside of the main barrel located above the base of the main barrel to be operated by the user's foot. Another lifting device will be placed in the main barrel in the middle section 9 inches above the hip gauge to be operated by the user's hand in the back of the barrel.
How to Setup and Use the Equipment
An instruction booklet will be included which will include the following instructions:—
Setup
There will be three sections to this equipment. These include the base, middle and upper sections. Secure the base to the ground then place the middle section in the main barrel of the equipment then lock in place. Next, place the upper section in the main barrel of the middle section, lock in place and unlock the rotating parts.
Use of Equipment
Place feet inside the foot supports located on either side of the foot gauge. Align height to hip and shoulder gauges by adjusting the hip height adjuster. Adjust the hip and shoulder supports located on the inside of either sides of the gauge to the user's width. Adjust head support to the user's height. Adjustments should be comfortable for user to prevent injury. Users should not use excess tension when starting as this can cause injury.
Exercises
Users can do 20 sets of 3 repetitions for exercise starting slowly then building momentum as they do more repetitions.
Backswing
Start with a ready stance. Place hands at the hips with abdominal muscles in. Slowly turn the hips to the right side pushing the hip gauge as the shoulder starts rotating in the shoulder gauge. Keep the left foot on the ground as you turn hips pushing the hip support in the gauge as you turn. You should feel the muscles in the inner thigh, right buttocks and inside the right foot while turning. The backswing is completed when the hip support has completed turn.
Downswing and Finish
After completing the back swing start turning the hips to the left side keeping the head aligned with the head gage until finish. The downswing and finish is completed when hips support has turned completely.
Other Uses of the Equipment
Users can practice with or without their clubs in the equipment and can use shorter shoulder movements for a putting stroke practice.
Additionally, users can use this equipment for a good fitness workout.

Claims

1-20. (canceled)

21. A sports apparatus, comprising:

a main barrel;

a first arm coupled to the main barrel, wherein the first arm includes a first pair of supports; and

a second arm coupled to the main barrel, wherein the second arm includes a second pair of supports.

22. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a third arm coupled to the main barrel, wherein the third arm includes a third pair of supports.

23. The sports apparatus according to claim 22, further comprising a fourth arm coupled to the main barrel.

24. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the first and second arms defines an arcuate body.

25. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, wherein at least one of the first pair of supports is movable with respect to the first arm.

26. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the main barrel includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion is movable with respect to the second portion.

27. The sports apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the first portion is movable with respect to the second portion about at least two axes of motion.

28. The sports apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising a resistance element coupled to the first and second portions of the main barrel.

29. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a resistance element disposed between at least one of the first pair of supports and the first arm.

30. The sports apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising a resistance element coupled to the main barrel and the first arm.

31. A sports apparatus, comprising:

a main barrel, wherein the main barrel includes a base section, a middle section, and an upper section;

a first arm coupled to the base section, wherein the first arm includes a first pair of supports positionable about a foot portion of a user;

a second arm coupled to the middle section, wherein the second arm includes a second pair of supports positionable about a hip portion of a user; and

a third arm coupled to the upper section, wherein the third arm includes a third pair of supports positionable about a shoulder portion of a user.

32. The sports apparatus according to claim 31, further comprising a fourth arm positionable about a head portion of a user.

33. The sports apparatus according to claim 31, wherein middle section is movable with respect to the base section.

34. The sports apparatus according to claim 33, wherein upper section is movable with respect to the middle section.

35. The sports apparatus according to claim 30, wherein at least one of the second pair of supports is movable with respect to the second arm.

36. The sports apparatus according to claim 35, further comprising a resistance element disposed between at least one of the second pair of supports and the second arm.

37. The sports apparatus according to claim 30, further comprising a resistance element disposed between the second arm and the main barrel.

38. The sports apparatus according to claim 31, wherein at least one of the first, second and third arms defines an arcuate body.

39. A sports apparatus, comprising:

a second arm coupled to the middle section, wherein the second arm includes a second pair of supports positionable about a hip portion of a user;

a third arm coupled to the upper section, wherein the third arm includes a third pair of supports positionable about a shoulder portion of a user;

a first resistance element disposed between at least one of the second pair of supports and the second arm;

a second resistance element disposed between the second arm and the main barrel; and

a third second resistance element disposed between the upper section and the middle section.

40. The sports apparatus according to claim 39, further comprising a fourth arm positionable about a head portion of a user.