Abstract:
A golf training aid including a generally C-shaped base which snap-fits around the grip of a golf club. A single arm angles downwardly and forwardly away from a top end of the base. A contoured support is provided at the end of the arm which contacts the golfer&#39;s wrist and this support substantially prevents the golfer&#39;s wrist from breaking, i.e., bending, during the playing of a shot, particularly a chip shot. The arm is adjustable in length and is movable between retracted and extended positions to enable the golfer to customize the training aid to suit his or her body. The training aid assists in keeping the golfer&#39;s shoulders and arms in the correct orientation relative to each other to more effectively and consistently play chips shots.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/711,779, filed Oct. 10, 2012, the entire specification of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Technical Field 
         [0003]    This invention relates generally to golfing equipment. More particularly, this invention relates to training aids used with golf clubs. Specifically, this invention is directed to a training aid and a method of using the same which includes a C-shaped base which snap-fits around the grip of a golf club, and includes a single arm angling downwardly and forwardly away from a top end of the base; and further includes a contoured support pad at the end of the arm which contacts the golfer&#39;s trailing forearm and substantially prevents the wrists from breaking during the playing of a shot. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    When a golf ball is a few feet off the green and the golfer wants to get the ball up out of the long grass and going straight for the hole, and he or she has to take a shot that is generally 10 to 15′ in distance, then that shot is called a chip shot. It is a very tough shot to learn as it requires a high-angled full swing of a club such as an 8 or 9 iron. On every other type of shot where full swing clubs are used from drivers to wedges, the golfer must break his or her wrists during the shot. Breaking is a term used to describe the golfer bending their wrists during the shot. A chip shot, on the other hand, is played like a putter. So, for the average golfer not to break their wrists, i.e., for them to not bend their wrists when playing this shot, is going against all the muscle memory of that golfer. Golf instructors claim around 99% of amateur golfers tend to break their wrists when playing chip shots. 
         [0006]    In order to play a chip shot successfully, the golfer must assume the correct posture and maintain their arm position through the stroke to the end without bending their wrists. In fact the shoulders, arms and club are ideally locked in a Y-type of configuration throughout the stroke. Additionally, the club should be almost directly aligned with the leading arm. 
         [0007]    According to www.Free-golf-lessons.com in order to play a chip shot successfully the shot is played like a putting stroke except the motion should last a little longer. The golfer should adopt a posture in which their arms form a triangle with their shoulders as they swing the club rearwardly and through to when they finish the stroke, the golfer should attempt to maintain this triangular shape. According to the website, the golfer needs to keep their left wrist flat. The site states that “This is the part of the stroke where it becomes tempting to hit the shot with your hands and not your whole body. If you do your left wrist will break down and bend so that the club head gets ahead of your hands. This leads to very poor contact. Keep your left wrist flat throughout the shot and your club will never pass your hands.” According to the website one of the most important things for a golfer to remember is to ensure that their left wrist is flat at impact as this will ensure that the left wrist does not bend on impact of the club with the ball. The wrist has to stay flat through to the end of the stroke. A way to ensure that the golfer holds the correct posture, the site suggests that the golfer holds their finishing posture until the ball has stopped rolling. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,568 (Vasquez) discloses a training aid for helping to train a golfer&#39;s muscle memory to play a chip shot without allowing their wrists to break. The device includes an L-shaped support member which has a first leg which has to be held by the golfer&#39;s hands against the grip and a second leg which rests on the top end of the grip. If the golfer lets go of the device it will drop away from the grip. The device includes one or two links which are each secured to the top surface of the second leg of the support member by a coupler. The coupler is fixedly engaged with the top surface of the second leg and the link extends outwardly therefrom in a generally horizontal orientation. The link extending outwardly to the golfer&#39;s arm extending upwardly from the lower hand is substantially aligned with the centerline of the support member. That link is also disposed generally at right angles to the first leg of the support member. When two links are provided on the training aid, those links extend outwardly from the top surface of the support member and in opposite directions from each other. The first link engages the golfer&#39;s left arm and the second link engages the golfer&#39;s second arm. Both links extend substantially horizontally outwardly from the top wall of the second leg. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0009]    In one aspect, the invention may provide a golf training aid comprising a C-shaped base which snap-fits around the grip of a golf club is disclosed. A single arm angles downwardly and forwardly away from a top end of the base. A contoured support is provided at the end of the arm which contacts the golfer&#39;s wrist and this support substantially prevents the golfer&#39;s wrist from breaking, i.e., bending, during the playing of a shot, particularly a chip shot. The arm is adjustable in length and is movable between retracted and extended positions to enable the golfer to customize the training aid to suit his or her body. The training aid assists in keeping the golfer&#39;s shoulders and arms in the correct orientation relative to each other to more effectively and consistently play chips shots, 
         [0010]    In another aspect, the invention may provide a method of practicing golfing chip shots includes the steps of:
       positioning a chip-shot training aid on the grip of a golf club;   aligning an indicator on the aid with the heel of the club;   positioning the lower hand on the training aid;   holding the club with the lower hand;   placing the upper hand on the training aid and grip;   releasing the grip with the lower hand; and   adjusting a support arm extending from the training aid to position a support pad thereon against the golfer&#39;s wrist extending from their upper hand;   repositioning the lower hand on the training aid and grip; and   playing the chip shot.       
 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0020]    A sample embodiment of the invention, illustrative of the best mode in which Applicant contemplates applying the principles, is set forth in the following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended claims. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front elevational view of a golf club upon which is engaged a training aid in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2  is a right side elevational view of the golf club and the training aid of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the training aid in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a left side view thereof; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5  is a top view thereof; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6  is a top perspective view thereof; 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is rear view thereof; 
           [0028]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view thereof; 
           [0029]      FIG. 9  is an exploded perspective view thereof; 
           [0030]      FIG. 9   a  is a perspective view of the support shown alone; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9   b  is a rear view of the support shown from the end thereof which engages the strut; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a front elevational view of the training aid with the support in a retracted position; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  is a front elevational view of the training aid with the support in an extended position; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  is a front elevational view of the training aid mounted at the grip end of a golf club; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  is a front elevational view of the training aid mounted on the golf club grip and showing the placement of the golfer&#39;s upper hand on the training aid and grip; and 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  is a front elevational view of the training aid mounted on the golf club grip and showing the placement of the golfer&#39;s upper and lower hands on the training aid and grip. 
       
    
    
       [0037]    Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show a training aid in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, generally indicated at  10 . Training aid  10  is configured to engage a grip  12  of a golf club  14 . 
         [0039]      FIGS. 1-7  show training aid  10  in greater detail Training aid  10  comprises a base  16  which is configured to engage grip  12 , a head  18  which comprises the top end of base  16  and is configured to engage a top end  12   a  ( FIG. 2 ) of grip  12 , an adjustable arm  20 , and a support  22 . It will be understood that training aid  10  is illustrated for use by a right-handed golfer and a training aid for a left-handed golfer would be a mirror image of the device shown herein. 
         [0040]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, base  16  is an elongate member comprising a generally C-shaped wall  16   a  (as seen in  FIG. 8 ) which has a first end  16   b , a second end  16   c  and  a  peripheral edge  16   d . Base  16  has a longitudinal axis “Y” which extends between first and second ends  16   b ,  16   c  thereof. The longitudinal axis “Y” is disposed generally at right angles to first and second ends  16   b ,  16   c . ( FIG. 3  shows longitudinal axis “Y” and a lateral axis “X” which is disposed at right angles relative to longitudinal axis “Y”.) Wall  16   a  is configured to be complementary to at least a portion of the radial exterior wall  12   b  of grip  12 . When training aid  10  is engaged with grip  12 , wall  16   a  snap-fits around grip  12  and is retained thereon partially by spring tension because of the cross-section shape of wall  16   a , partially by friction, and partially because head  18  of base is in abutting contact with top end  12   a  of grip  12 . 
         [0041]    First end  16   b  of base  16  is generally V-shaped and terminates in an apex  26 . First end  16   b  includes an indicator  28  which is aligned with apex  26  and is parallel to longitudinal axis “Y”. Indicator  28  may take any suitable form. Indicator  28  comprises an aperture which is disposed generally parallel to longitudinal axis “Y” of base  16 . It will be understood that indicator  28  may alternatively be a marking such as a colored line that extends for a distance along wall  16   a  and in alignment with apex  26 . When training aid  10  is engaged with grip  12  of club  14 , the apex  26  and indicator  28  are utilized by the golfer to correctly position aid  10  on club  14 . In particular, apex  26  and indicator  28  are aligned with the heel  30  of club  14 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0042]    Second end  16   c  of base  16  is integral with head  18 . An aperture  32  is defined in wall  16   a  a distance inwardly from apex  26  and aligned with apex  26  and indicator  28 . Aperture  32  is disposed generally parallel to longitudinal axis “Y”. Aperture  32  constitutes one of the placement members on base  16  which indicates to the golfer where he or she should place one or more of their digits in order to correctly hold club  14 . Aperture  32  is located such that when the golfer places his or her upper hand  34  ( FIG. 13 ) around training aid  10  and grip  12 , their thumb  36  will be seated at least partially within aperture  32  and thus will contact a portion of the exterior surface  12   a  of grip  12 . Thus, aperture  32  serves to show the golfer where to position their upper hand  34 . It will be understood that the advantage of aperture  32  is that the golfer&#39;s thumb will engage grip  12  and this aids in ensuring base  16  will not rotate on grip  12 . It will be understood however, that any other suitable placement members may be utilized instead of aperture  32 . Aperture  32  may, for instance, be replaced with a depression or with ridges which aid in the golfer to position their digits. 
         [0043]    Wall  16   a  further defines a recess  38  in the peripheral edge  16   d  thereof. Recess  38  is another of the placement members on base  16 . Recess  38  is located along that portion of peripheral edge  16   d  opposite support  22 . Recess  38  originates a short distance inwardly from second end  16   c  of base  16  and extends to slightly beyond half of the length of base  16  as measured between first and second ends  16   b ,  16   c  thereof. Recess  38  is situated such that when the golfer grips training aid  10  and grip  12  with their upper hand  34  and places their thumb  36  in aperture  32 , the golfers fingers  40  ( FIG. 13 ) will directly contact exterior surface  12   a  of grip  12  in recess  38 . 
         [0044]    Base  16  is provided with a textured pad  42  which extends substantially from second end  16   c  of base  16  to proximate aperture  32 . Pad  42  is generally aligned with aperture  32  and is disposed generally parallel to longitudinal axis “Y”. Pad  42  preferably does not extend circumferentially all of the way around wall  16   a  to the peripheral edge  16   d . Pad  42  preferably comprises a rubberized material that is adhered to wall  16   a  and aids in the golfer gripping training aid  10  with their upper hand  34 . When the golfer holds training aid  10  and grip  12  in their upper hand, at least a portion of the golfers palm (not shown) will engage pad  42 . This contact will help in ensuring that the golfer&#39;s hand  34  does not rotate around grip  12  during the play of a stroke. 
         [0045]    As indicated above, head  18  extends outwardly from second end  16   c  of base  16  and is integrally formed therewith. Head  18  has an exterior surface  18   a  and an interior surface  18   b . Exterior surface  18   a  is gently curved, as shown in FIG.  3 , to form a convex shape at the end of base  16 . Interior surface  18   b  of head  18  is complementary to the top end  12   b  of grip  12 . In particular, interior surface  18   b  is generally flat as is shown in  FIGS. 2 and 6 . When training aid  10  is engaged with grip  12 , interior surface  18   b  of head  18  abuts top end  12   b  of grip  12 . This engagement substantially prevents training aid  10  from sliding down the tapered grip  12  toward the club heel  30 . 
         [0046]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, a single arm  20  extends outwardly away from base  16  and more specifically from head  18  at second end  16   c  of base  16 . In particular, arm  20  extends outwardly from a side region  18   e  of head  18  adjacent recess  38  of base  16 . Arm  20  comprises a strut  44  and a knob  46 . The end of strut  44  which is engaged with side region  18   c  originates a distance beneath the top surface  18   a  of head  18 . Additionally, as seen in  FIG. 7 , the end of strut  44  which extends from side region  18   c , originates at a location that is spaced a distance beneath the bottom surface  18   b  of head  18 . Strut  44  preferably is disposed at an angle “A” ( FIG. 3 ) relative to lateral axis “X” and at an angle “B” relative to longitudinal axis “Y”. Angle “A” preferably is from about 25° to about 35° and preferably is around 28°. Angle “B” is from about 70° to about 80°, and preferably is approximately 75°. Additionally,  FIG. 8  shows two axes “C” and “D” which intersect at a center point which is disposed along longitudinal axis “Y”. Strut  44  is disposed at an angle “E” relative to axis “D”. Angle “E” is from about 25° to about 35° relative to axis “D”, and preferably is around 28° relative thereto. Thus, strut  44  is not disposed at right angles relative to the longitudinal axis “Y” of base  16  but instead extends downwardly and forwardly away from side region  18   c  of head  18  and off-center relative to base  16 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 9  shows strut  44  has an upper surface  44   a  and  a  lower surface  44   b . Strut  44  is threaded. Specifically, strut includes a plurality of alternating ridges  48  and valleys  50  which are provided on one or both of the upper and lower surfaces  44   a ,  44   b  thereof. Strut  44  further includes one or more grooves  51  which run from proximate side region  18   c  to free end  44   c  of strut  44 . The free end  44   c  of strut  44  is configured to be complementary in shape to bore  47  of support  56 . The configuration of bore  47  is shown in  FIG. 9   b . End  44   c  of strut  44  is inserted into bore  47  in the direction indicated by the arrow shown in  FIG. 9   a . The configuration of strut  44  and the wall of shaft  54  that defines bore  47  ensures that strut  44  is received into shaft  54  in a specific orientation. 
         [0048]    Knob  46  is configured to engage strut  44  and to be rotatable about an axis aligned along strut  44 . When knob  46  is rotated in a first direction, it is moved outwardly away from side region  18   c  of head  18 . When knob  46  is rotated in a second direction it is moved inwardly toward side region  18   c  of head  18 . Thus, as knob  46  is rotated the effective length of strut  44  is changed, as will be hereinafter described. Knob  46  is provided with knurling  52  on its exterior surface to make it easier for the golfer to grip and rotate the knob  46 . 
         [0049]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, support  22  is engaged with the free end  44   c  ( FIG. 9 ) of strut  44 . Support  22  comprises a shaft  54  and a support pad  56 . Shaft  54  engages arm  20  and support pad  56  engages the golfer&#39;s wrist or forearm, as will be hereinafter described. Shaft  54  is generally circular in cross-sectional shape proximate a first end  54   a  thereof. Although not illustrated herein, it will be understood that first end  54   a  defines a recess therein and into which free end  44   c  of strut  44  is received after passing through a bore  47  ( FIG. 4 ) of knob  46 . Shaft  54  includes one or more slots  53  ( FIG. 3 ) which extend into bore  47  and enable that end of shaft  54  to expand slightly when ridges  48  pass through the open end of shaft  54 . The edges of strut  44  form blades which are configured to be received within depressions  47   a  ( FIG. 9   b ) defined within an interior surface of shaft  54  defining bore  47 . The engagement of the blades or edges of strut  44  within the two opposed depressions  47   a  maintains the alignment of support  22  on strut  44  during use. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  shows a first instance where substantially the entire length of strut  44  is received within the recess of shaft  54 . Knob  46  is disposed adjacent first end  54   a  of shaft  54  and adjacent side region  18   c  of head  18 . The support pad  56  is disposed a distance “L1” away from the edge of side region  18   c .  FIG. 11  shows a second situation where substantially the entire length of strut  44  extends outwardly from shaft  54 . Knob  46  is disposed adjacent first end  54   a  of shaft  54  and is disposed a distance away from the edge of side region  18   c . Support pad  56  is disposed a distance “L2” away from the edge of side region  18   c . Distance “L2” is greater than the distance “L1”. In order to move support  22  from the retracted position, shown in  FIG. 10 , to the extended position, shown in  FIG. 11 , knob  46  is rotated in the first direction indicated by arrow “F” in  FIG. 10 . In order to move support  22  from the extended position to the retracted position, knob  46  is rotated in a second direction opposite from that indicated by arrow “F” in  FIG. 10 . As will be evident to those of ordinary skill in the art, support  22  may be moved to a partially extended position that is intermediate the positions shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9  by rotating knob  46  in the appropriate one of the first and second directions until the desired distance between support pad  56  and the edge of side region  18   c  is attained. The golfer will make this adjustment to position support pad  56  at the appropriate position for his arm, as will be discussed further herein. 
         [0051]    In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, support pad  56  is disposed generally a right angles to shaft  54 . A plurality of bracing members  58  extend outwardly from the exterior surface of shaft  54  to a rear surface  56   a  of support pad  56 . Bracing members  58  strengthen support pad  56  and ensure that support pad  56  does not flex when the golfer plays a stroke. Front surface  56   b  of support pad  56  is curved and contoured ( FIG. 13 ) to be generally complementary to the interior surface of a person&#39;s wrist region or forearm. In particular, front surface  56   c  is curved in two directions to eliminate any sharp or angular edges from contacting the golfer&#39;s arm  66 . This configuration ensures the correct anatomical position for the support  56  to be positioned squarely on arm  66 . The peripheral edge  56   c  of support pad  56  is also gently rounded so as not to present any sharp edges which could potentially injure the golfer as they play a stroke using training aid  10 . 
         [0052]    Training aid  10  is used in the following manner. Firstly, training aid  10  is engaged with grip  12  on club  14  by snap fitting base  16  around the exterior surface  12   a  thereof. Base  16  is then slid downwardly along grip  12  towards club heel  30  until interior surface  18   b  of head  18  is disposed in abutting contact with top end  12   b  of grip  12 . Base  16  is rotated about grip  12  until apex  26  of base  16  and indicator  28  are substantially aligned with club heel  30  of club  14 . The golfer will then grasp training aid  10  and grip  12  with his or her upper hand  34  by placing their thumb  36  in aperture  32  and wrapping their fingers  40  around grip  12  as shown in  FIG. 13 . The golfer then grasps club  14  with their lower hand  60  ( FIG. 14 ) in such a way that their thumb  62  is disposed generally along an angled region  64  of base  16  and their fingers are wrapped around the lower regions of training aid  10  and grip  12 . When lower hand  60  is in generally the correct position, the golfer will release the club  14  with his or her upper hand and will rotate knob  46  in one of a first and second direction to move support pad  56  into contact with the wrist or forearm region  66   a  of their arm  66 . The golfer will then re-engage their upper hand  34  around training aid  10  and grip  12  and will play a practice stroke to determine if support pad  56  is placed in an appropriate location to substantially prevent their wrist  66   a  from breaking during the stroke. If the golfer determines that their wrist  66   a  is bending somewhat, then they will release the club again with their upper hand  34 , and while maintaining their grip with the lower hand  60 , they will rotate knob  46  in the appropriate direction to cause strut  44  to extend further outwardly from head  18 . If the golfer determines that their wrist  66   a  is not bending but that the support pad  56  is digging uncomfortably into their arm, they will release the club again with the upper hand  34  and, while maintaining their grip with the lower hand  60 , they will rotate the knob in the appropriate direction to cause the shaft to be somewhat retracted into shaft  54 . The golfer will then take another practice stroke and will make the necessary adjustments until their wrist  66   a  is sufficiently supported by support pad  56  so that it is not breaking and so that the support pad  56  is comfortable on their arm  66  during play. 
         [0053]    Training aid  10  is configured so that when the golfer is gripping it correctly and the support pad  56  is in the correct position on their wrist region  66   a , the triangular shape between the golfer&#39;s shoulders and arms is maintained during play of a chip shot. Repeated use of training aid  10  aids in retraining the golfer&#39;s muscle memory to enable them to play chip shots more accurately and consistently. 
         [0054]    When the golfer is finished practicing with training aid  10 , the device is easily detached from club  14  by sliding base  16  upwardly away from club heel  30  until first end  16   a  thereof slips off top end  12   a  of grip  12 . Knob  46  is then rotated to move support  22  into a retracted position for storage purposes. 
         [0055]    In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadly construed. 
         [0056]    Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact details shown or described.