GOLF TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

A golf training device comprises a club head having a club face with a ball striking portion and at least one structure which misdirects a golf ball when the ball strikes the club face at an undesired location. The structure may be one or more apertures opening to at least one cavity in the interior of the club head. The apertures may open to a single cavity in the interior of the club head. The club head may additionally include one or more air exit apertures to allow air flow through the apertures during a swing to minimize altering the aerodynamic flow compared to a regulation golf club. Alternatively, the structure may be one or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball. A method of practicing a golf swing comprises striking the ball with the training device, and observing the trajectory of the ball.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device for training in the sport of golf. More particularly, this invention relates to a training device that mimics a standard golf club but with a modified head. Even more particularly, this invention relates to a golf training device in which the striking surface of the club head of the training device is reduced in comparison to a standard golf club. This may be accomplished by elimination of one or more areas of the striking surface in comparison to a standard or regulation golf club, for example.

Prior attempts to assist golfers in improving their play have included golf clubs and similar training tools with altered club heads. These have included an altered striking surface or club face, such as those with a cavity extending from the club face through the club head and exiting the club head. These golf clubs have not been designed to improve placement of the ball and club relative to each other, but rather they have been designed to improve air flow during the swing, thereby increasing club speed, which in turn would theoretically provide greater shot distance. However, these include openings in the club face that are not designed to provide the player with instantaneous feedback on ball positioning, as they are too small to significantly alter the path of the ball once struck. In fact, these golf clubs are intended for regulation play rather than for training. They do not provide instant feedback regarding proper positioning of the club relative to the ball as in the present invention.

It is well known that there are many aspects to a proper golf swing. Fundamentally, these aspects ultimately relate to proper striking of the ball by the face of the golf club. While any part of the face of the club may strike the ball during a swing, only a portion of that face is optimal. This may sometimes be referred to as the “sweet spot” of the club. There is a need for a golf training device that facilitates proper placement of the club in relation to the ball and striking of the ball during a swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an aspect of this invention to provide a golf training device that assists the player to improve a golf swing through proper positioning of the club relative to the ball when striking the ball. While there are various aspects of a proper and effective golf swing, the invention addresses proper striking position of the ball on the club face. If the player strikes the ball with a portion of the club head outside of the optimal striking region or “sweet spot,” the ball will travel far from its intended path. This is contrast to shots referred to as hooks or slices, where the incorrect path of the ball is not immediately obvious but becomes obvious as the ball travels. By reducing the striking area of the face of the club, but maintaining the overall dimensions of the club head, a player may receive instant feedback regarding such positioning without needing to significantly adjust for the overall perception of the club. Through repetition and instant feedback, a player may learn proper positioning to strike the ball on the desired so-called “sweet spot” of the club face. The invention may be understood according to the accompanying description and figures.

The golf training device comprises a club head attached to a shaft, and the shaft comprises a grip located on the opposite end of the shaft from the club head, as in a standard golf club. The club head however, comprises a club face having a ball striking portion and at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when the ball strikes the club face at an undesired location.

In one aspect of the invention, the at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when struck by the club face at an undesired location is one or more apertures opening to at least one cavity in the interior of the club head. In one example, the at least one structure which misdirects a golf ball when struck by the club face at an undesired location comprises at least two apertures. The apertures may open to a single cavity in the interior of the club head and the club head may additionally include one or more air exit apertures located distal to the club face to allow air flow through the apertures during a swing without altering the aerodynamic flow compared to a regulation golf club. In one particular example, the air exit apertures may be located at the bottom of the club head. In addition or in the alternative, the one or more air exit apertures may each be located between ⅛ inch and ¼ inch (0.3-0.6 cm) from an edge of the club face. Further in addition or in the alternative, the combined area of the one or more club face apertures may be 20 to 45 percent of the area of the club face. In other examples, the combined area of the one or more club face apertures may be 20 to 30 percent of the area of the club face. In still other examples, the combined area of the one or more club face apertures may be 31 to 40 percent or 35 to 40 percent of the area of the club face. In yet further addition or alternative, the club head may be 4 to 4½ inches (10.2-11.4 cm) wide and the ball striking portion is 1¼ inches to 2½ inches (3.2-6.4 cm) wide. In other examples, the ball striking portion is 1¼ inches to 1¾ inches (3.2-4.4 cm) wide.

In another aspect of the invention, the at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when the ball strikes the club face at an undesired location is one or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck. In one example, the club head comprises two or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck. In one example, the ball striking portion of the club face comprises between 35 and 45 percent of the width of the club, or between 39 and 44 percent of the width of the club. In addition or in the alternative, the ball striking portion of the club face may be 1½ to 2 inches (3.8-5.1 cm) wide. In some examples, the ball striking portion of the club face is 1¾ inches (4.4 cm) wide.

The invention also includes a method of practicing a golf swing, wherein the method comprises striking the ball with the training device of claim 1 or claim 12, and observing the trajectory of the ball to determine proper placement of the club relative to the ball during a swing. Only a golf ball struck on the ball striking portion will travel in a desired direction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of the golf training device of the claimed invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the face of the first embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the first embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of a second embodiment of the golf training device of the claimed invention;

FIG. 6A is a front elevation view of a third embodiment of the claimed invention;

FIG. 6B is a top plan view of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a top plan view of a fourth embodiment of the claimed invention, namely a mallet-type putter;

FIG. 7B is a top plan view of a fifth embodiment of the claimed invention, namely a blade-type putter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in FIGS. 1-4, a first example of a golf training device designated generally by reference numeral 10. In FIGS. 1-4, golf training device 10 is shown as a driver, but other club types may also be used, such as woods, iron, hybrids or putters, as shown in subsequent examples. In the first example shown, golf training device 10 includes a head 12, a shaft 14 and a grip (not shown). The shaft length may have a standard 45 inch (114 cm) length or any other customized length, such as those for youth golf clubs.

The club head 12 is essentially hollow, having one or more apertures in the club face 16. In the first example shown, two apertures are present—a first or heel aperture 18, and a second or toe aperture 20. Heel aperture 18 as shown has a modified arcuate shape, but other shapes may be used as desired, to teach or correct deficiencies in a proper swing. The following dimensions are used in the example shown, but other dimensions may also be used:

• • Edge closest to center of face height—1¼ inches (3.2 cm) long;
  • Edge closest to shaft height—1½ inches (3.8 cm) long;
  • Width at upper most edge of the aperture—¾ inch (1.9 cm) wide;
  • Width at lower most edge of aperture—½ inch (1.3 cm) wide.

Similarly, toe aperture 20 as shown also has a modified arcuate shape but other shapes may also be used. The following dimensions are used in the example shown, but other dimensions may also be used:

• • Edge closest to center of face height 1½ inch (3.8 cm) long;
  • Edge closest to farthest end of the face—1¾ inches (4.4 cm) long;
  • Width at bottom of toe aperture 20—½ inch (1.3 cm) wide;
  • Width at top of toe aperture 20—¾ inch (1.9 cm) wide.

Heel aperture 18 and toe aperture 20 create a remaining striking region 22 between them. In the example shown, striking region 22 is approximately 1¼ inches (3.2 cm) wide at the base. The edges of striking region 22 may rise diagonally towards the top of club face 16 at an approximate angle of 38 degrees on the heel side (closest to the shaft) and 42 degrees on the opposite toe side, to a width of approximately between 2¼ and 2½ inches (5.7-6.4 cm) at the top central corners of apertures 18 and 20. Other dimensions may be chosen according to the skill level of the player and the degree of precision desired in training to correctly strike the ball during a swing. Therefore, striking region 22 may occupy 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or even 80 percent of club face 16. The edges of apertures 18 and 20 in club face 16 may be beveled so as to not have any sharp or rough edges to prevent both damage to the practice balls as well as unusual exit angles that may hit other golfers nearby. It is envisioned that a resin or epoxy material may coat the inside edge around both holes to further this aspect.

Head 12 may also include one or more air exit or rear apertures 24 located on the bottom of the club towards the back of the club to allow air entering apertures 18 and 20 to escape the interior of head 12 during the swing. This escape of air avoids excessive air resistance that would otherwise be created by air being trapped inside of club head 12. In the example shown in the Figures, two rear apertures 24 are present. Apertures 24 may be located ¾ of an inch (1.9 cm) in from the back edge of the bottom of the club and the two apertures or holes may be 2½ inches (6.4 cm) apart. Each hole may be 3/16 inch (0.5 cm) in diameter.

Optionally, indicia may be present on the top of club head 12 to show the location of the center and or width of striking region 22 to a golfer in practice. That indicia may take the form of a two tone paint alignment stripe for example.

A second example of the present invention is shown in FIG. 5, in which case the training device (10′) takes the form of an iron club such as a 5 iron. Similar to the first example, golf training device 10′ includes a head 12′, a shaft 14′ and a grip (not shown). The shaft length may have a standard 35 inch (89 cm) length or any other predetermined length.

The club head 12′ has one or more apertures in the club face 16′. In the second example shown in FIG. 5, two apertures are present—a first or heel aperture 18′, and a second or toe aperture 20′ in club face 16′. Heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ each have a modified arcuate shape or may also be described as D-shaped or C-shaped, but other shapes may again be used as desired, to teach or correct deficiencies in a proper swing. In contrast to the previous example, head 12′ is not hollow and does not include one or more air exit or rear apertures located on the bottom rear of club head 12′. In some examples, heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ may each be 1 cm deep or less, such as 0.5 cm.

Considering a club face 16′ having dimensions of about 4 inches (10.2 cm) in length and two inches (5.1 cm) in height, the interior edges of heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ may be approximately (or in the alternative, precisely) equally distant from the center of club face 16′. For example, the interior edges of heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ are each 1¾ inches (4.4 cm) from a vertical center line A-A of club face 16′. In this way, heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ may be 3½ inches (8.9 cm) apart at horizontal center line B-B, which passes through the center of club face 16′, that is, where lines A-A and B-B intersect. Heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ may be ½ inch (1.3 cm) wide at their widest place. In this particular example, toe aperture 20′ is 1½ inches (3.8 cm) in height, while heel aperture 18′ is ¾-1 inch (1.9-2.5 cm) in height. In the example shown in FIG. 5, heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ are each at least ⅛ inch (0.3 cm) from edge 24′ of club face 16′ although other distances such as ¼ inch (0.6 cm) may be used. In this example, in comparison to the total club face 16′, the combined area of heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ is 22 percent of the area of club face 16′. Other predetermined dimensions and distances may be provided such that the combined area of heel aperture 18′ and toe aperture 20′ are 50, 45, 40, 35, 33, 25, 20, 18, or 15 percent or less of club face 16′ and represent a corresponding reduction in the functional striking area of the club face.

A third example of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. In this example, the training device (10″) takes the form of a mallet-type putter, although identical changes to the club face of a blade type putter may also be provided. The invention may be used on any type putter and is not particular to any particular type. Similar to the first and second examples, golf training device 10″ includes a head 12″, a shaft 14″ and a grip (not shown). The shaft length may have any predetermined length such as one in the range of 32-36 inches (81.3-91.4 cm) for example.

The club head 12″ has recesses provided by a first or heel aperture 18″, and a second or toc aperture 20″ in club face 16″. In the third example shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, heel aperture 18″ and toc aperture 20″ each have a modified arcuate shape or may also be described as D-shaped or C-shaped, but other shapes may again be used as desired, to teach or correct deficiencies in a proper swing. Considering a club face 16″ having dimensions of about 4 inches (10.2 cm) in length and one inch (2.5 cm) in height, the interior edges of heel aperture 18″ and toe aperture 20″ may be approximately (or in the alternative, precisely) 1¾ inches (4.4 cm) apart. Heel aperture 18″ and toe aperture 20″ are each 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide at their widest place and ¾ inch (1.9 cm) in height at their maximum. In the example shown in FIG. 6A, heel aperture 18″ and toe aperture 20″ are each at least ⅛ inch (0.3 cm) from edge 26″ of club face 16″. In this example, the area of club face 16″ is reduced by the presence of heel aperture 18″ and toe aperture 20″ by 37.5 percent to provide remaining striking area 22″. Other predetermined dimensions and distances may be provided to reduce the available striking area of club face by other amounts such as 35 percent, 33 percent, 30 percent, 25 percent, 20 percent, 18 percent, 15 percent or less. Heel aperture 18″ and toe aperture 20″ open into cavities that extend into the interior of club head 12″ a predetermined distance. The amount of the extension into the interior is not critical as the presence of the apertures with even a minimal penetration into the interior is sufficient to interrupt the flat nature of club face 16″ and therefore noticeably alter the path of the ball if it is struck at heel aperture 18″ or toe aperture 20″. In this example, club head 16″ is not hollow and one or more air exit or rear apertures are not needed or present on the bottom of the club due to slower swing speed in use for a putter, which is less likely to create air resistance. In some examples, heel aperture 18″ and toe aperture 20″ may each be 1 cm deep or less, such as 0.5 cm. As stated above, the features of face of the club head provided above are not limited only to a mallet-type putter, but may also be present in a blade-type putter or a high MOI (“moment of inertia”) type putter. The invention is also not limited to any particular shaft design. Still another example of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in which the training device (10′″) takes the form of a blade-type putter in FIG. 7A and a mallet-type putter in FIG. 7B. Regardless of the structure of the rear portion of the club head 12′″, the basic structure of club face 16′″ is the same. As with the previous examples above, golf training device 10′″ includes a head 12′″, a shaft 14′″ and a grip (not shown). The shaft length may again have any predetermined length such as one in the range of 33-35 inches (83.8-88.9 cm) for example.

In contrast to previous examples, the club head 12′″ does not have recesses provided by a heel aperture and/or a toe aperture in club face 16′″. Club face 16′″ has a striking area 22′″ in the location of the “sweet spot” and is flanked by a first or proximal angled face 28 nearest to the attachment point of shaft 14′″, and second or distal angled face 29 on the opposite side of striking area 22′″. Striking area 22′″ is parallel to the longitudinal axis of club head 12′″ and perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck, as in a standard golf club. Angled faces 28 and 29 are non-parallel to the longitudinal axis of club head 12′″ and non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck. Angled faces 28 and 29 may be separated from striking area 22′″ by spacer region 30. In the example shown, angled faces 28 are each angled outwardly at a predetermined angle relative to striking area 22′″. If the golfer strikes the ball at an angled face 28 instead of striking area 22′″, the ball will immediately and noticeably travel away from the desired direction. For a club head 12′″ having a width of about 4 inches (10.2 cm) as in FIG. 7B, or 4½ inches as in FIG. 7A, striking area 22′″ may be 1¾ inches (4.4 cm) wide. In FIG. 7A, the remainder of the width of club head 12′″ may be taken up by proximal angled face 28 at 1½ inches (3.5 cm) and distal angled face 29 at 1¼ inches (3.2 cm). In FIG. 7B, both proximal angled face 29 and distal angled face 30 are 1⅛ inches (2.9 cm) wide. Other predetermined lengths such as 1 inch (2.5 cm) may also be chosen for proximal angled face 29, distal angled face 30 or both. Spacer region 30 may be ¼ inch (0.6 cm) or any other predetermined length, such as ⅛ inch (2.9 cm), ⅜ inch (1 cm) or ½ inch (1.3 cm). In the alternative, spacer region 30 may be absent, in which case proximal angled face 29 and distal angled face 30 each directly adjoin striking area 22′″. In the examples shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, striking area 22′″ occupies between 39 and 44 percent of the length of club head 12′″. Other predetermined dimensions and distances may be provided such that the striking area 22′″ occupies other percentages of the club length such as 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 or 50 percent. In one particular example, striking area 22′″ should occupy no more than 45 percent of the length of club head 12′″. In the examples of FIGS. 7A and 7B, club head 16′″ is not hollow and one or more air exit or rear apertures are not needed or present on the bottom of the club due to slower swing speed in use for a putter, which is less likely to create air resistance.

Based upon the foregoing disclosure, it should now be apparent that the golf training device will carry out the objects set forth hereinabove. It is, therefore, to be understood that any variations evident fall within the scope of the claimed invention and thus, the selection of specific component elements can be determined without departing from the spirit of the invention herein disclosed and described. The word “comprising” and forms of the word “comprising” as used in this description and in the claims does not limit the invention claimed to exclude any variants or additions.

Claims

1. A golf training the device comprising a club head attached to a shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a grip located on the opposite end of the shaft from the club head, and wherein the club head comprises a club face comprising a ball striking portion and at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when the ball is struck by the club face at an undesired location.

2. The golf training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when the ball struck by the club face at an undesired location is one or more club face apertures opening to at least one cavity in the interior of the club head.

3. The golf training device of claim 2, wherein the at least one structure which misdirects a golf ball when struck by the club face at an undesired location comprises at least two club face apertures.

4. The golf training device of claim 3, wherein the at least two apertures open to a single cavity in the interior of the head portion and wherein the club head additionally includes one or more air exit apertures located distal to the club face.

5. The golf training device of claim 4, wherein the one or more apertures located distal to the club face are located at the bottom of the club head.

6. The golf training device of claim 4, wherein the one or more air exit apertures are each located between ⅛ inch (0.3 cm) and ¼ inch (0.6 cm) from an edge of the club face.

7. The golf training device of claim 3, wherein the combined area of the one or more club face apertures is 20 to 45 percent of the area of the club face.

8. The golf training device of claim 7, wherein the combined area of the one or more club face apertures is 20 to 30 percent of the area of the club face.

9. The golf training device of claim 7, wherein the combined area of the one or more club face apertures is 31 to 40 percent of the area of the club face.

10. The golf training device of claim 9, wherein the combined area of the one or more club face apertures is 35 to 40 percent of the area of the club face.

11. The golf training device of claim 7, wherein the club head is 4 to 4½ inches (10.2-11.4 cm) wide and the ball striking portion is 1¼ inches (3.2 cm) to 2½ inches (6.4 cm) wide.

12. The golf training device of claim 1, wherein the at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when struck by the club face at an undesired location is one or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck.

13. The golf training device of claim 12, comprising two or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck.

14. The golf training device of claim 13, wherein the two or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck.

15. The golf training device of claim 14, wherein the ball striking portion of the club face comprises between 35 and 45 percent of the width of the club.

16. The golf training device of claim 15, wherein the ball striking portion of the club face comprises between 39 and 44 percent of the width of the club.

17. The golf training device of claim 11, wherein the ball striking portion of the club face is 1½ to 2 inches (3.8-5.1 cm) wide.

18. The golf training device of claim 12, wherein the ball striking portion of the club face is 1% inches (4.4 cm) wide.

19. A method of practicing a golf swing, wherein the method comprises striking a golf ball with a training device and observing the trajectory of the golf ball to determine proper placement of the club relative to the ball during a swing, wherein the training device comprises a club head attached to a shaft, wherein the shaft comprises a grip located on the opposite end of the shaft from the club head, and wherein the club head comprises a club face comprising a ball striking portion and at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when the ball is struck by the club face at an undesired location.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the at least one structure which is adapted to misdirect a golf ball when the ball is struck by the club face at an undesired location is one or more surfaces angled in a direction non-perpendicular to the intended path of the ball when struck.