Golf swing training device

Abstract

An apparatus and method is described for providing training and visual feedback of a preferred swing. The apparatus includes bands that are secured to the arms or legs of a user and an alignment member that is attached to the bands. In use, the ends of the alignment member are visible to the user throughout an entire swing of a sport equipment without requiring head movement of the user. By observing the position of the ends of the alignment member relative to the body of the user, the user or trainer is able to determine whether a preferred swing is being executed by the user.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A training device, comprising:
 first and second bands suitable for securing to limbs of a user;   an alignment member coupled to said first and second bands with corresponding first and second coupling brackets, said alignment member coupled to said bands approximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of each of said bands, said alignment member having uncoupled proximal and distal ends that extend beyond outward facing sides of said first and second bands;   wherein said alignment member couples to said first and second coupling brackets by sliding through bushings of each of said coupling brackets; wherein said first coupling bracket includes at least one bushing comprised of a material having a high coefficient of friction to reduce sliding of the alignment member through said bushing; and wherein said second coupling bracket includes at least one bushing comprised of a material having a low coefficient of friction to facilitate sliding of the alignment member through said bushing.   
     
     
         2 . The training device as recited in  claim 1 , further including a resilient member interconnecting first and second bands in a spaced but opposing relation. 
     
     
         3 . The training device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second bands are coupled to said corresponding first and second coupling brackets in a manner to allow rotation of each of said bands. 
     
     
         4 . The training device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said alignment member comprises a long, small-diameter, light-weight indicator rod. 
     
     
         5 . The training device as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second bands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of the arms of the user. 
     
     
         6 . A training device, comprising:
 bands suitable for securing to limbs of a user; and   an alignment member coupled to said bands, said alignment member coupled to said bands approximately transverse to a longitudinal axis of said bands, said alignment member having uncoupled proximal and distal ends of said alignment member that extend beyond outward facing sides of said bands,   wherein said bands and alignment member are coupled together with coupling brackets, said bands being coupled to said coupling brackets in a manner to allow pivoting of said bands during a swing.   
     
     
         7 . The training device as recited in  claim 6 , further including a resilient member coupled between at least two of said bands. 
     
     
         8 . The training device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said alignment member comprises an indicator rod having a length greater than a distance between the bands. 
     
     
         9 . The training device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said bands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of arms of the user. 
     
     
         10 . The training device as recited in  claim 6 , wherein said bands are further suitable for securing to an upper portion of legs of the user. 
     
     
         11 . The training device as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said indicator rod couples to said coupling bracket by sliding through bushings of said coupling bracket. 
     
     
         12 . The training device as recited in  claim 11 , wherein at least one of said bushings comprises rubber. 
     
     
         13 . The training device as recited in  claim 6 , further comprising inserts for insertion into the bands.