GOLF PUTTING TRAINING APPARATUS AND METHOD

Abstract

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention is directed to a golf putting training apparatus and method. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the training apparatus comprises a second handle that can be easily attached and detached from the shaft of an existing golf club. The second handle is attached such that it is parallel to the handle of the existing club. A golfer uses the apparatus by holding one handle in each hand while putting a golf ball. The training apparatus will help golfers learn to properly putt a golf ball. Additionally, the distance between the two handles can be varied. Furthermore, a preferred embodiment further comprises a method for golf putting training utilizing the apparatus disclosed herein.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention refers to an apparatus and a method for golf training and specifically to golf putting training.

BACKGROUND

A golf putter is a type of golf club used for short-range golf shots once the ball has already been advanced to an area near the cup called the green. Short-range shots require a different skill set and different muscle memory than long-range golf shots. Making short-range shots, or putts, is a very important part of the game of golf, and thus there is a need in the art for a training aid to assist golfers in learning to properly putt a golf ball.

One problem common to golfers learning how to putt a golf ball is that they sometimes have a tendency to break their wrist during the putting stroke. Breaking one's wrist while putting can cause the angle at which the ball is struck to change, thereby causing the ball to travel in a different direction than the intended direction. Breaking one's wrist can also cause the speed and/or the path of the club to change, which can also cause a change in the distance and/or direction that the ball travels.

To achieve a proper putting stroke, the golfer's arms and the club should form a straight line down to the ball and move like a pendulum, striking the ball at the lowest point of the stroke. The golfer should be able to replicate the motion of the stroke over and over so that the ball moves in a predictable fashion every time the golfer hits the ball. In order to accomplish this, the golfer must be able to putt the ball without breaking his wrist.

There are many training devices in the prior art to help a golfer practice putting. Some prior art devices are comprised of a second handle that can be attached to an existing golf club such that the second handle is parallel to the golf club handle. The golfer uses such a device by practicing putting while holding one handle in each hand. By having the golfer's hands separated while holding two separate handles, an awkward feeling is produced in the golfer's wrist if the golfer breaks his wrist while putting. Thus, a device with a second handle helps a golfer to learn how to putt without breaking his wrist and to develop muscle memory so he can repeat the motion when not using the training device.

However, there are practical problems associated with such devices found in the prior art. For instance, some devices are difficult to attach to the existing golf club, thereby making the training device inconvenient to use. In addition, some devices are difficult to remove from the existing club after the golfer has finished using the device. Furthermore, the device must be attached in a very secure manner; otherwise, the device will not function properly. In some devices found in the prior art, the training device does not work as effectively as possible because the second handle is not firmly secure in its attachment to the club.

Therefore, a need exists in the art for a golf putting training apparatus having a second handle that can be easily attached to an existing golf club and then easily removed from the club in a simple manner without the user having to exert an excessive amount of force. Furthermore, a need exists in the art for a golf putting training apparatus having a second handle that can be attached to an existing golf club in a manner in which the second handle will remain firmly secure in its attachment during normal use.

SUMMARY

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention is directed generally to a golf training apparatus and method and, more specifically, to a training apparatus and method for putting a golf ball.

The training apparatus comprises a second handle that can be attached to the shaft of an existing golf club. The second handle can also be detached from the shaft of the club when the device is not being used. During attachment to the existing club, the second handle is positioned parallel to the handle of the existing club. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the mechanism for attaching the training apparatus to the existing golf club is comprised of at least one U-shaped semicircular cylindrical element. The shaft of the golf club can be snapped into the element such that the apparatus is held firmly in place and is securely attached to the shaft of the club. The apparatus can be removed from the shaft of the golf club by unsnapping the shaft from the element. Removal of the apparatus does not require any tools, nor does it require an excessive amount of force on the part of the user. Thus, the user of the apparatus can quickly and easily attach and detach the apparatus onto or off of the shaft of a golf club.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the second handle and the handle of the existing golf club can be varied. This feature allows the user to position the handles at a distance that is most comfortable for the user.

Further disclosed herein is a method of golf putting training. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of (1) securely attaching the training apparatus to the shaft of a golf club by snapping the apparatus onto the shaft, (2) holding the handle of the golf club with one hand and the handle of the apparatus with the other hand, and (3) striking a golf ball with the head of the club while holding one handle in each hand. This method will allow a golfer to learn how to properly putt a golf ball without breaking his wrist. The method also provides the user with a better feel for the club when putting by allowing the user to develop muscle memory so that he can repeat the motion when not using the training device.

The device may be attached to the golf club such that the user may hold the second handle with either his left hand or his right hand. It is advantageous for the user to periodically switch configurations and train with the device both ways. Switching configurations allows the user to work on his muscle memory training for both his left hand and right hand.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a golf putting training apparatus and method that will teach a golfer how to properly putt a golf ball. Another object of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus comprising a second handle that can be easily and conveniently attached and removed from an existing golf club. Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a training apparatus comprising a second handle that can be firmly and securely attached to the shaft of an existing golf club. Furthermore, the apparatus is portable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a version of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention shown in operative connection.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two ore more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-8 illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention. A preferred embodiment is directed to an apparatus for golf training and, more specifically, an apparatus for training a golfer how to properly putt a golf ball. The training apparatus comprises a second handle 20 that can be easily attached to the shaft 50 of an existing golf club and then easily removed from the shaft 50 of the club after use. The second handle 20 is attached such that it is positioned parallel to the handle 52 of the existing club. The golfer uses the training apparatus by holding the second handle 20 in one hand and the existing golf club handle 52 in the other. The golfer then strikes the ball while holding both handles 20, 52. Additionally, the distance between the two handles 20, 52 can be varied.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the apparatus comprises an elongated member 21 having an upper section comprised of a second handle 20 for the golfer to hold while using the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the lower section 22 of the elongated member 21 is connected to two connector elements 23. In another preferred embodiment, the connector elements 23 are parallel to each other. The two connector elements 23 connect the elongated member 21 to two attachment elements 30. However, in alternative embodiments, the apparatus may comprise any number of connector elements and/or any number of attachment elements.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment elements 30 have a U-shaped, semicircular cylindrical configuration and are designed to snap onto the shaft 50 of an existing golf club. Each U-shaped, semicircular cylinder has a longitudinal groove 31 therein which is capable of accepting the shaft 50 of a golf club into the groove 31. Each groove 31 has a longitudinal opening along the cylindrical attachment element 30. In a preferred embodiment, the opening to the groove 31 is slightly narrower than the interior diameter of the groove 31, but still wide enough to allow the shaft 50 of the club to pass through the opening. This small change in the diameter of the groove 31 allows the device to snap firmly into place on the shaft 50 of the club.

In a preferred embodiment, the attachment elements 30 are comprised of a hard plastic material that can bend slightly but retain its original molded shape. Such a material is well suited for snapping the apparatus onto the shaft 50 of a golf club because the material can bend slightly as the user forces the shaft 50 of the club through the narrowed opening and into the groove 31, but then regain its shape and hold the apparatus firmly in place. Thus, this type of hard plastic material is advantageous in that it allows the device to be easily snapped onto and off of the shaft 50 of the club without the user having to exert an excessive amount of force. However, it should be understood that alternative embodiments of the invention may have attachment elements comprised of any type of plastic, metal, wood, or similar materials.

The groove 31 and the opening to the groove are sized such that the apparatus can be firmly and securely attached to the shaft 50 of a standard golf club. Additionally, the groove 31 and opening to the groove are sized such that the user can easily remove the apparatus from the shaft 50 of the club after use simply by unsnapping the apparatus from the shaft 50. Neither attachment nor removal of the apparatus requires any tools, nor does either require an excessive amount of force on the part of the user. Thus, the entire training apparatus can be removably attached to an existing golf club shaft 50 in a simple, easy-to-use manner. When the apparatus is attached to the club, it will remain firmly attached without any unwanted slippage or movement. For instance, the apparatus will not slide up or down the shaft 50 of the club, nor will it rotate around the shaft 50, during normal use. After the golfer has finished using the device, it can be then be easily removed.

In a preferred embodiment, the grooves 31 of each of the attachment elements 30 are aligned such that the straight shaft 50 of a golf club can be snapped into each groove 31 simultaneously. FIGS. 4-5 illustrate the alignment 32 of the grooves. FIG. 4 depicts a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus with the grooves aligned. FIG. 5 depicts a bottom perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus with the grooves aligned.

As noted above, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is comprised of two attachment elements 30, each attachment element having a longitudinal groove 31 for accepting the shaft 50 of an existing golf club. In a preferred embodiment, the two grooves 31 are facing opposite directions. Such a configuration is advantageous because it provides added support for attachment to the golf club shaft 50 so that the device remains firmly and securely attached to the club. In another embodiment of the invention, the inside diameter of the grooves 31 may be tapered such that the apparatus may be attached to a tapered golf club shaft.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, the length of the connector elements 23 can be adjusted such that the distance between the handle 20 of the apparatus and the handle 52 of the existing club can be varied. This feature is advantageous to a golfer learning how to putt a golf ball because it allows the user to position the two handles 20, 52 so that the apparatus is comfortable for the golfer to use. In addition, when the two handles 20, 52 are further apart, the feeling the golfer experiences when his wrist breaks during putting is accentuated. Thus, the handles 20, 52 can be positioned further apart for beginners and later positioned closer together as the golfer's technique improves.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, each connector element 23 is further comprised of male 40 and female 45 mating pieces such that the length of the elements 23 can be varied. Each male piece 40 is cylindrical and has small protuberances 41 on its outer surface. Each female piece 45 has apertures 46 that align with the protuberances 41 on the male piece 40. Thus the length of each connector element 23 can be varied by changing the distance that the male piece 40 is inserted into the female piece 45. The length will become locked in place when at least one of the protuberances 41 is paired with a corresponding aperture 46. Thus each connector element 23 can be extended or contracted at predetermined intervals defined by the distance between each protuberance 41 and each corresponding aperture 46. In various preferred embodiments of the invention, the male 40 and female 45 pieces will have at least two protuberances 41 and two apertures 46, respectively, but may have any number of protuberances 41 and corresponding apertures 46. Additionally, it should be understood by one having skill in the art that there may be other mechanisms by which the length of the connector elements 23 may be adjusted without departing from the scope of the invention.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is further comprised of at least one support element 48. In a preferred embodiment, a support element 48 is connected to each of the attachment elements 30. In alternative embodiments, the support element 48 may be attached to each of the connector elements 23 at any point along the longitudinal surface of the connector elements 23. Having a support element 48 is advantageous because it provides additional support for the attachment elements 30 and the connector elements 23, as well as the golf club shaft 50.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is comprised of a plastic material. However, it is understood that one skilled in the art would recognize that the apparatus, or any part thereof, may be comprised of other materials such as metal, wood, or similar materials.

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention further comprises a method for golf putting training using the apparatus disclosed herein. First, the user snaps the shaft 50 of an existing golf club into the grooves 31 of each of the attachment elements 30 of the apparatus. The shaft 50 should be firmly and securely attached to every attachment element 30. Next, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the golfer holds the handle 52 of the golf club with one hand and the handle 20 of the training apparatus with the other hand. Finally, while simultaneously holding each of the two handles 20, 52, one with each hand, the golfer will strike the golf ball with the head 54 of the golf club. If the golfer breaks his wrist while putting the ball, he will feel an awkward feeling in his wrist. Thus, utilizing the method disclosed herein will help a golfer to overcome the habit of breaking his wrist when putting and will result in a more effective and more predictable putting stroke. The method also provides the golfer with a better feel for the club when putting by allowing the user to develop muscle memory so that he can repeat the motion when not using the training device.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the handle 20 of the apparatus is positioned in front of the golf club handle 52, relative to the golfer using the apparatus. In another embodiment, the handle 20 of the apparatus is positioned behind the golf club handle 52, relative to the golfer. The golfer may choose either of these two configurations. One advantage of the invention is that the device can be easily removed from the golf club and reattached to the club in a different configuration. Thus, a golfer can quickly switch between these two configurations. It is advantageous for the golfer to periodically switch configurations and train with the device both ways. Switching configurations allows the golfer to focus his training on either his left or right hand.

For instance, in one configuration, the golfer holds the golf club handle 52 with his right hand and the second handle 20 with his left hand. In this configuration, the golfer will be focusing on his right hand motor memory. Next, the golfer may remove the device from the golf club and reattach it in the other configuration. Now the golfer will be holding the golf club handle 52 with his left hand and the second handle 20 with his right hand. In this configuration, the golfer will be focusing on his left hand motor memory. Thus, the ability to quickly and easily switch configurations is advantageous to a golfer learning to putt a golf ball.

It is understood that versions of the invention may come in different forms and embodiments. Additionally, it is understood that one skilled in the art would appreciate these various forms and embodiments as falling within the scope of the invention as disclosed herein.

Versions of the putting training apparatus disclosed herein have many advantages over other putting training devices. Some of these advantages include, but are not limited to the following: effectiveness of golf putting training, ease of attaching the training apparatus to an existing golf club, ease of removing the apparatus from said club, firmness of attachment to the golf club, and overall ease of use.

Claims

1. An apparatus for golf training for attachment to an existing golf club having a first handle thereon, comprising:

a. an elongated member having an upper section and a lower section, i. the upper section comprising a second handle positioned such that the second handle is substantially parallel to the first handle, ii. the lower section connected to at least one connector element;

b. said at least one connector element having a first end and a second end, i. the first end attached to the lower section of the elongated member, ii. the second end attached to at least one attachment element; and,

c. the at least one attachment element having a semicircular configuration and capable of being removably attached to the shaft of the existing golf club.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the length of the at least one connector element is adjustable so that the distance between the elongated member and the golf club shaft can be adjusted.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one connector element comprises male and a female mating pieces, the female piece having apertures and the male piece having corresponding protuberances, said male and female mating pieces allowing for adjustment of the length of the at least one connector element by pairing the protuberances into the desired corresponding apertures.

4. An apparatus for golf training for attachment to an existing golf club having a first handle thereon, comprising:

a. an elongated member having an upper section and a lower section, i. the upper section comprising a second handle positioned such that the second handle is substantially parallel to the first handle, ii. the lower section connected to a first and a second connector element;

b. said first and second connector elements each having a first end and a second end, i. each first end attached to the lower section of the elongated member, ii. each second end attached to an attachment element; and,

c. each attachment element having a semicircular configuration and capable of being removably attached to the shaft of the existing golf club.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the length of each connector element is adjustable so that the distance between the elongated member and the golf club shaft can be adjusted.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one connector element comprises male and female mating pieces, the female piece having apertures and the male piece having corresponding protuberances, said male and female mating pieces allowing for adjustment of the length of the at least one connector element by pairing the protuberances into the desired corresponding apertures.

7. The apparatus of claim 4, the attachment element further comprising a U-shaped semicircular cylindrical member having a longitudinal groove therein, the longitudinal groove forming an open side of the cylindrical member, whereby a golf club shaft can be removably attached to each attachment element by inserting the golf club shaft into the open side of the cylindrical member.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the grooves of each attachment element are aligned such that the shaft of a golf club can be removably attached to each attachment element simultaneously.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the grooves of each cylindrical member of each attachment element face opposite directions.

10. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the grooves of each cylindrical member are tapered so that each attachment element can be removably attached to a tapered shaft of a golf club.

11. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a support element connects each attachment element.

12. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein a support element connects each connector element.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the support element is parallel to the longitudinal line along the cylindrical member of each attachment element.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the support element is parallel to the longitudinal line along the cylindrical member of each attachment element.

15. A method for golf training, comprising the steps of:

a. using an apparatus for golf training for attachment to an existing golf club having a first handle thereon, the apparatus comprising: i. an elongated member having an upper section and a lower section, 1. the upper section comprising a second handle positioned such that the second handle is substantially parallel to the first handle, 2. the lower section connected to a first and a second connector element; ii. said first and second connector elements each having a first end and a second end, 1. each first end attached to the lower section of the elongated member, 2. each second end attached to an attachment element; and, iii. each attachment element comprising a U-shaped semicircular cylindrical member having a longitudinal groove therein, the longitudinal groove forming an open side of the cylindrical member, whereby a golf club shaft can be removably attached to each attachment element by inserting the golf club shaft into the open side of the cylindrical member;

b. snapping the shaft of a golf club into the grooves of each attachment element of the apparatus such that the shaft of the golf club is removably attached to all attachment elements simultaneously;

c. holding the handle of the golf club with one hand and holding the handle of the apparatus with the other hand; and,

d. striking a golf ball with the head of the golf club while simultaneously holding the handle of the golf club with one hand and the handle of the apparatus with the other hand.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is attached such that the handle of the apparatus is located in front of the handle of the golf club relative to a user of the apparatus.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the apparatus is attached such that the handle of the apparatus is located behind the handle of the golf club relative to a user of the apparatus.