Abstract:
A training device for use with a golf club. A cylindrical shaped member enables the device to be mounted on the grip of a golf club, the member having an inner cavity tapered to the matching angle of the grip surface and a cutout portion formed along a portion of the length of the device. A self-locking member is engaged with a post which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting member, the height of the locking member being adjustable to accommodate the hand size of the golfer. A plurality of rib members formed at the bottom of the post allows the post diameter to be reduced while increasing post stabilization thus allowing the post to be smaller in diameter and longer in length.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/218,970 filed Jul. 21, 2008. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention provides a device attached to the shaft of a golf club that reduces the effect of the user&#39;s dominant hand on his/her golf swing and at the same time helps to define the correct swing path and impact timing. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0005]    It is well known that one of the most important elements and a key to a successful golf swing is the golfer&#39;s grip. The art of positioning the fingers, hands and pressure applied to the grip has been described numerous times. In addition, there have been many devices invented for the purpose of teaching and achieving an improved golf grip or swing. 
         [0006]    The placement of hand and fingers on grip of club is rather easily accomplished by careful observation and following instructions. But the feeling of gripping a club and the amount and placement of pressure is very difficult to describe to an individual since each interprets and feels differently. 
         [0007]    As simple as gripping a club is, it is the most recognized and believed to be the leading cause of an inconsistent golf swing. For an efficient swing, the importance of placement of fingers and hands is fundamental. But knowing the fundamental alone does not cure problems in inconsistency; most problems may be cured by understanding how the sub-dominant and dominant hand work together. 
         [0008]    It is known that the sub-dominant hand leads and controls the path of the golf swing. However, many golfers tend to utilize the dominant side over the sub-dominant side, consciously or unconsciously, more than necessary. This can be caused by an increase of the grip pressure, usage of wrist, turning of the hand or even the body movement. Nervousness, anxiousness, desire, lack of concentration, . . . etc. can also cause this type of problem. The actual golf swing takes a very short time from start to finish and problems can occur anytime during the swing. 
         [0009]    What is required to overcome these mistakes is to provide a device that is simple to use and allows the user to practice conveniently as possible and not to interfere in anyway with the practice swing and to be able to compare one&#39;s own swing to the correct swing and be able to repeat the corrected swing consistently for trust and self confidence. 
         [0010]    One of the most common and leading cause of mistake in golf is the grip. In many cases, the positioning of the hand and its pressure applied to the grip will determine the swing path and the angle of the club head, especially at the point of impact with the golf ball. A golf swing uses every part of the body sequentially and/or simultaneously in continuous motion. Therefore, when the mistake occurs during the motion, it most likely creates another mistake that leads to others. The grip connects the user&#39;s body and the club and it is one of the most important elements of the resultant golf swing. The grip has to be securely connected and at the same time, be sensitive to the club feel. 
         [0011]    The following illustrates how the grip and pressure effects the golf swing. 
         [0012]    A. Positioning of Fingers and Hands: 
         [0013]    Strong grip, which promotes the dominant hand to be active and most likely closes club face at impact. 
         [0014]    Weak grip, which promotes an open club face at impact. 
         [0015]    B. Place of and Amount of Pressure Applied: 
         [0016]    Excess pressure, resulting in active hands. 
         [0017]    Dominant hand takes authority of movement. 
         [0018]    Arm and hand dominated swing, over the top, under cutting. 
         [0019]    Premature turning of upper body. 
         [0020]    Decrease swing speed. 
         [0021]    Balance control. 
         [0022]    Reverse Pivot. 
         [0023]    Although the device described in co-pending application Ser. No. 12/218,970 filed Jul. 21, 2008, functions well, what is desired is to provide an improved golf training device which enables the tip of a golfer&#39;s index finger to touch the grip thereby reducing the friction surface of the cylindrically shaped member. It is also desired to provide a quick release system which does not utilize a screw action and provides a smooth surface for the golfer&#39;s hand while allowing a relatively easy and quick position adjustment. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0024]    The most common problems in having a successful golf swing is caused by an active dominant hand. 
         [0025]    An effective golf swing requires that parts of the body be utilized differently than normally used for everyday life especially the dominant side of the body. The dominant hand has to be relaxed and the sub-dominant hand lead the swing. 
         [0026]    The logic and theory are told and explained to the date but in reality even seasoned players occasionally make mistakes by letting the dominant hand be more active than necessary, a natural instinct of a typical golfer. 
         [0027]    To overcome this instinct and the golf swing accordingly, the present invention provides a device attached to the golf club grip that is simple in design and simple to use. It is portable and can be used to compare the feeling of swing and correct an improper swing. 
         [0028]    The device of the present invention provides the following advantages: 
         [0029]    Able to go back and forth with device for quicker comparison and for better and faster learning. 
         [0030]    Able to hit ball with device. 
         [0031]    Better concentration for swing. 
         [0032]    Better feel of impact zone, clearly and easy to understand body and hand position. 
         [0033]    Better control of club head. 
         [0034]    Better balance throughout the swing. 
         [0035]    Better understanding of the timing of releasing the dominant side for power. 
         [0036]    Better understanding of the role and task for the positions of the dominant hand. 
         [0037]    Better understanding of where and what amount of pressure to apply on the grip. 
         [0038]    Better chance to achieve, smooth and natural swing that fundamentally fits to an individual. 
         [0039]    Exercise the proper use of power. 
         [0040]    Exercise the feel of power transition, from leading (sub-dominant hand) to dominant hand. 
         [0041]    Increase club head speed that leads to distance and spin to control the ball flight. 
         [0042]    Learn role and task of sub-dominant hand. 
         [0043]    Learn and understand the task of dominant hand. 
         [0044]    Teaches proper movement (sequence of motion) fit to an individual&#39;s physical capabilities for the golf swing, leading to consistency and playing successful golf. 
         [0045]    Understanding of position, angle of club head, and its affect. 
         [0046]    The present invention will benefit all players, from beginners to advanced players. 
         [0047]    A. For Beginners: 
         [0048]    Ease of achieving smooth swing, which fit individual&#39;s physical capabilities. 
         [0049]    Correct premature take-back and downswing by active dominant hand. 
         [0050]    Learn how to use hands properly. 
         [0051]    Utilizing sub-dominant and dominant hand the correct way. 
         [0052]    Better feel of swing. 
         [0053]    Better balancing, smooth, and consistent swing. 
         [0054]    B. For Advanced Player: 
         [0055]    Better understanding of relationship between club head and hand. 
         [0056]    Ease of working on shot making. 
         [0057]    Ease of correcting one&#39;s problem by themselves. 
         [0058]    Improvement of direction, distance and timing, and for consistent and better golf. 
         [0059]    Trusting own swing for confidence. 
         [0060]    The training device of the present invention comprises a cylindrically shaped member that enables the device to be mounted to the grip of a golf club. The shaped member has an inner cavity tapered to press-fit into the grip surface and a cutout portion formed along a portion of the device length. 
         [0061]    A self-locking member is engaged with a post which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting member, the height of the locking member being adjustable to accommodate the hand size of the golfer. A plurality of ribs are formed on the inner cylindrical surface and extend a substantially portion of its length. A plurality of rib members formed at the bottom of the post allows the post diameter to be reduced while increasing post stabilization thus allowing the post to be smaller in diameter and longer in length. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0062]    For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing therein: 
           [0063]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a perspective view of a first embodiment of the device of the present invention and  FIG. 1B  shows the device of  FIG. 1A  with a safety latch; 
           [0064]      FIGS. 2A-2B  show plan views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1A ; 
           [0065]      FIG. 3A  illustrates a second embodiment of the device of the present invention; 
           [0066]      FIG. 3B  is a view of the bottom surface of the hand support leg; 
           [0067]      FIG. 3C  shows the device of  FIG. 3A  with a safety latch; 
           [0068]      FIGS. 4A-4C  show various views of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
           [0069]      FIG. 5  illustrates the device of the present invention secured to a golf club grip, the device using a simple post; 
           [0070]      FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  except that the post has ribs associated therewith; 
           [0071]      FIG. 7  shows the device of  FIG. 6  with a safety latch attached thereto; 
           [0072]      FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrates the sequence for attaching the device of the present invention to a golf club grip; 
           [0073]      FIGS. 9A-9E  illustrates the steps for assembling the self-lock hand holder; 
           [0074]      FIG. 10A  is an enlarged top view of two components utilized with the hand holder of the present invention;  FIG. 10B  is a top view of the hand holder positioned on post member  14 ,  FIG. 10C  are side views of the components shown in  FIG. 10A  and  FIG. 10D  is an enlarged cross-section of the hand holder mounted on post member  14 ; and 
           [0075]      FIG. 11  illustrates the device positioned on a golf grip in a manner such that the index finger of a user engages the cutout portion of the device. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0076]    For the sake of brevity, the golf training device embodiments shown in co-pending application Ser. No. 12/218,970 will not be set forth herein. However, the teachings necessary for an understanding of the present invention is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0077]      FIG. 1A  illustrates a first embodiment  10  of the device  10  of the present invention. It should be noted that components shown in figures having the same reference number are identical. 
         [0078]    Device  10  comprises a cylindrically shaped member  12 , post member  14  and hand holder, or support,  16 . 
         [0079]    Shaped member  12  has a portion, tapered inner cavity  18  that has a tapered angle that is slightly less than the outer tapered surface of a golf club grip, the smaller angle allowing device  10  to be press fit onto the grip. 
         [0080]    Inner cavity  18  has a plurality of ribs  20  (only one shown) which prevents device  10  from twisting and turning when pushed in to contact the soft grip surface. Ribs  20  are essentially bumps, or protrusions, formed on the inside surface of member  12 . 
         [0081]    Cylindrical shaped member  12  has approximately a 0.400 inch separation between accurate lips, or end portions,  22 ,  24  and  26 ,  28  and an optional safety latch  30  ( FIG. 1B ) attached to provide an additional means to prevent device  10  from separating from the golf club while training. Lips  22 ,  24  and  26 ,  28  engage the club grip when pushed into position. Ribs  20  extend for substantially the entire length of cylindrical member  12 . The bottom opening of cylindrical shaped member  12  has three purposes: (1) allowing device  10  to fit on the club; (2) allowing lips to be flexed open for positioning and to fit tightly when positioned on the club; and (3) accepting regulated grips. 
         [0082]    Cylindrical shaped member  12  is formed in an ergonomic shape to minimize interference with the golfer&#39;s hand when the club is gripped normally. The tip of the user&#39;s index finger touches the club as in a normal grip ( FIG. 10 ). Cutout portion  18  provides a reduced device friction surface, allowing ease of positioning the device  10 . 
         [0083]    Cylindrical shape member  12  may utilize safety latch  30  to prevent device  10  from accidentally coming apart from the golf club while training; safety notch  30  can be removed if necessary. 
         [0084]    Post member  14  is attached to cylindrical shaped member  12  to form an integral unit and ribs  32  may be added for stability purposes. 
         [0085]    The hand holder  16  (described in more detail with reference to  FIGS. 9A-9E  and  10 A- 10 D) provides a smooth surface where the golfer&#39;s hand makes contact with the backside of post  14  and allows quick adjustment to accommodate a golfer&#39;s hand size; the notches  34  and teeth  50  forming a lock when the adjustment operation is completed. 
         [0086]      FIG. 2A  shows two ribs  20 , the ribs extending along the length of cylindrical member  12  and locking protrusions  29  and  31 ;  FIG. 2B  shows device  10  with safety latch  30  attached to cylindrical member  12  via protrusions  29  and  31 . 
         [0087]      FIGS. 3A  (without safety latch  30 ) and  3 C (with safety latch  30 ) illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention. In particular, device  60  comprises an assembly of two components; cylindrically shaped member  62  and post member  64  with hand support  16  coupled thereto. Cylindrically shaped member  62  is similar to member  12  shown in  FIG. 1A  with the addition of a quick release post  64  in order to expedite the attachment/release of the post to/from cylindrically shaped member  62 . Post  64  is L-shaped and comprises legs  73  and  74 , leg  74  sliding into channel  70  formed in member  68 . As shown in  FIGS. 3B , the bottom surface of leg  74  has an opening  76  formed therein. The top surface of member  62  has a vertically movable protrusion, or dimple,  72  formed thereon. The post  64  is secured to member  62  by a user inserting leg  74  into channel  70 . (direction of arrow  75 ) in a manner such that protrusion  72  clicks into opening  76 . A user can remove post  64  by pulling it in an opposite direction to arrow  75 . In this case, protrusion  72  retracts, enabling the post  64  to be removed. 
         [0088]      FIG. 5  shows device  10  mounted on grip  80  of golf club shaft  82 , sleeve  10  not including stabilizing ribs;  FIG. 6  is similar to  FIG. 5  except that stabilizing rib  32  is provided at the bottom of post  14  and  FIG. 7  illustrates device  10  with safety latch  30  attached to cylindrical member  12 . 
         [0089]      FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrates the sequence for attaching device  10  to grip  80 . In particular, device  10  is positioned over and mounted on shaft  82 . Device  10  is then moved in the direction of arrows  90  ( FIG. 8B ) until it fits snugly on grip  80  ( FIG. 8C ). Safety latch  30  is then attached to member  12  in the manner described previously. 
         [0090]      FIG. 9A  illustrates the components forming hand holder  16  and comprises spring  92 , tooth member  50  and button  94 .  FIG. 9B  is a cross-section of holder  16 , holder  16  comprising a shell  91  with an opening  98  and cavity  100 ,  102  for accepting post  14 .  FIG. 9C  shows compression spring  92  inserted into opening  98  with tooth member  50  and button  94  positioned adjacent opening  98 .  FIG. 9D  shows release button  94  pushed into opening  98  so that recess (opening)  97  is aligned with post  14 , post  14  then sliding through the hand holder  16  as will be described in more detail hereinafter. 
         [0091]      FIG. 9E  shows cap  96  positioned on top of post member  14  with holder  16  mounted on post member  14  and holder  16  positioned in the locking mode. 
         [0092]    Hand holder  16  comprised shell  17 , spring  92 , tooth member  50  and button  94 . 
         [0093]    Spring  92  fits into recess  104  through opening  98 . Tooth member  50  fits into slot  51  in button  94 , forming an integral unit when pushed into opening  98 . Post  53  of tooth member  50  fits inside spring  92  as shown. 
         [0094]    When a golfer pushes button  94  inward, spring  92  is compressed and holes  100  and  102  allows post member  14  to pass therethrough. When button  94  is released, teeth  55  on tooth member  50  and horizontal notches  34  on post member  14  engage and post member  14  is locked in position. Cap  96  is fitted on the top of post member  14  preventing holder  16  from being removed therefrom. 
         [0095]    By pushing on button  94 , teeth  55  disengage from notches  34  and holder  16  is free to move up or down; releasing button  94 , locks holder  16  in position as described hereinabove. 
         [0096]    Member  50  has a set of triangular teeth  55  and surface  57  of post member  14  has triangular notches  34 , flat on the top and side surfaces  93 ,  99 . The shape of teeth  55  allows hand holder  16  to move easily in the upward or downward directions when button  94  is released and provides a secure lock when button  94  is pushed inward. When button  94  is released, the pressure of spring  92  forces teeth  55  on member  50  to fit into the notches  34  in a manner that prevents post member  14  from moving upwards. As illustrated in  FIG. 10B , when holder  16  is on post member  14 , vertical notches  56  of member  14  seats in corresponding notches  58  of holder  16  to prevent holder  16  from turning or twisting. 
         [0097]      FIG. 11  illustrates a golfer&#39;s hand engaging device  10  with the index finger  102  engaging grip  80  through cutout portion  18 . 
         [0098]    While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.