Practice Device For Golf And Other Sports

Abstract

A golf training device that is affixed to to the arm and hand of the golfer-in-training in order to control the range of hand movement during the downswing of a golf swing. The device having multiple embodiments that cooperatively controls hand to wrist angles in order to keep the hands in the proper position throughout the swing. More descriptively, the device allows complete range of motion of the hands except in the extended or downward direction ‘after’ initiation of the swing. In a golf swing it is important to disallow movement in the downward direction once the golf swing has been initiated, but it is also important to allow full and natural freedom of movement every other direction so a golfer-in-training does not feel uncomfortable or restriction while practicing. The present invention as constructed also allows the device to return to the natural address position upon completion of the swing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention allows a golfer-in-training to attain the maximum release of energy into a golf ball by restricting or even preventing forward movement of the hands during the downswing—dubbed scooping or flipping of the hands by golfers, causing various missed hits (fat, thin) shots. More so, this invention is very user friendly and comfortable. There is very minimal effort to properly set this device for the full variety of shots.

2. Background Art

The art of a golf swing involves a series of coordinated movements and body positions that, when done properly, results in a perfectly struck golf ball which is the goal of every golfer. By all accounts, the most important of these mechanical positions is the impact position where the stored energy of all the previous movements is transferred from the club head into the ball. If the position at impact is not mechanically correct, all the movements prior will have been minimalized, and the striking of the golf ball far less than ideal.

Each of the motions of a golf swing is not easy. These muscular movements must be repeated over and over until the golfer-in-training builds the proper muscle memory. The object of this training devise is to provide the correct ‘feeling’ so muscle memory can work.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,606,342 represents a design for controlling the wrist movement of an athlete, such as a golfer or bowler. While this device provides wrist control, it is not specifically designed for the mechanics of a golf swing and fails to address key elements of the swing. Since the proper wrist angle in the forward/backward plane is not throughout the swing, this device lacks any adjustability in wrist angle. Also, this device fails to take into account the difference in range of wrist movement during the backswing and the downswing.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,511,788. The inventor of this patent is the same inventor of this new invention. While that patent is inclusive of some of the functionality of this new application, it failed to provide ‘multiple’ (almost infinite) locking points which is crucial training a golfer the multitude of shots required in the game of golf. Additionally, it used a much too complicated design requiring far too many components, making it extremely difficult to make. This design, as can be seen in accompanying images, uses much fewer components to accomplish ‘all’ critical functions in a higher quality design with much fewer parts—insuring greater manufacturability, repeatability, and quality.

U.S. Pat. No. 9,795,852 While this invention claims to have multiple locking positions, it fails to address the critical freedom of movement such as a ball and socket joint as provided for in the new invention. While there may be some right-to-left lateral movement between the hand and wrist member, it will be quite restricted and uncomfortable for a golfer in training. It could even cause stress on the small ligaments of the hand and wrist causing injury. This invention also claims, and uses a ratchet mechanism as a means of disallowing downward movement, or extension, of the hand member. While this method appears to be functional, the current invention does not rely on such secondary componentry to retain locking positions. Furthermore, the ‘single’ finger image and disclosure will be quite inadequate as it will place a disproportional load on the product and cause undesirable torqueing action when under a load. The current invention recognizes that failure and has the load appropriately divided such load between 2 fingers. In summary, while this invention has made an attempt to provide multiple locking points in a golf swing, it will not only be ineffective, but in its disclosed form will not be adequate for its intended purpose.

What is needed is a device that is thoughtfully designed to effectively train a golfer to use his hands properly with maximum level of comfort and flexibility. The current invention does not use a ratchet type retaining mechanism that is susceptible to failure, but rather optimizes integrated wedges to provide retention.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of the current invention to train a golfer to strike a golf ball with optimal club-head speed (force) and accuracy by providing multiple points of resistance to disallow improper movement of the hands in the downswing.

It is further the object of the current invention to train a golfer to get the ‘feel’ of storing energy that is created in the backswing.

It is further the object of this invention to restrict movement of the hands in the downswing for full shots, and shots other than ‘full’ swing shots without requiring a ‘fixed/locked’ position.

It is further the object of this invention to provide ‘audible’ feedback so the golfer-in-training can hear that his/her hands are folding properly in the backswing.

The current invention is a golf wrist/hand training device that is attachable to the wrist and hand of the golfer-in-training—such that the golfer in training is ‘forced’ use his/her hands correctly to apply maximum energy into the ball by having the golf club in the ideal position at the impact position. These members are joined at a ‘ball and socket’ type pivot point near the wrist joint allowing complete ulnar and radial deviation (known golf terminology is ‘cocking’ of the wrist). A third member, called a serrated ‘connecting strap’, is used to control movement of the hand in the ‘extension’ direction. The said connecting strap has downward facing wedges at predetermined angles and engages upward facing wedges at predetermined angles of the wrist member providing multiple resistance points (spaced approximately 1.5 mm apart) When the hand member is folded rearward it causes the strap to move rearward, through a channel or tunnel, and engage the wedges of the wrist member. When a user wants to ‘reset’ the product, he simply needs to lift up on the strap to disengage the wedges, and pull the hand member forward. At the top of the swing the golfer's hand is fully flexed (approximately 45° with respect to the wrist), and the connecting strap has travelled through the receiving member and is locked in.

The locking in of the connection strap will restrict any movement of the hand in the extension direction and cause the golfer-in-training to store the energy created in the backswing until impact is made with the ball.

Since not all shots require full flexion of the hand as in the full swing—the connecting strap member is allowed to move rearward and engage the wrist member at varying points for practicing different type shots. As an example, a pitch shot will typically require the golfer in training to flex his hand about 25° (unlike a full shot that typically requires about 45°). Therefore as a golfer-in-training performs a golf swing, his hands are allowed to move freely in the lateral ‘cocking’ direction. The backswing allowable range of motion is greater than the downswing allowable range of motion. The device is easily manually released from its-engagement so it's reset prior to each use.

The device of the present invention is designed to control the wrists to hand movement of the golfer-in-training, as the device is worn preferably upon the following hand/forearm of a golfer-in-training which is the right hand for a right handed golfer. However, a person skilled in the art could make minor modifications- such as the strap and wrist wedges being in opposite orientation to each other to reproduce the function of the present invention. It would be also intuitive to a person skilled in the art to use these same disclosures to create a product to be worn on leading hand/forearm of the golfer-in-training, to reproduce its function. In any case those, and potentially other modifications would be considered as proprietary to the current invention.

The golf wrist training device of the present invention is designed to restrain/prevent improper movement of the hand during the downswing. Besides that restriction, this devise is completely unrestrictive for other motions of the hands/forearm.

The device also allows for easy manual release from engagement status by simply lifting the strap to disengage the wedges of the strap and wrist member, and returning to the rest position.

To further understand the mechanics of this device, references are made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings in which the presently preferred embodiment of the invention is shown by way of example. As the invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof, it is expressly understood that the drawings are for purposes of illustration and description only, and are not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. Throughout the description and drawings, like reference numbers refer to the same component throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of the preferred embodiment of the golf wrist training device of the present invention, in the rest position (position when golfer in training is addressing the ball);

FIG. 2 is a plan of the preferred embodiment showing key visible components and identifying them with numbers. It is also in the rest position.

FIG. 3 is simplified side view of the golf wrist training device of FIG. 1 identifying key visible components (numbered) and is also in the rest position;

FIG. 4 is simplified side view of the golf wrist training device of FIG. 1 identifying key visible components (numbered). This view shows the invention approximately ½ of full flexion approximately 22°;

FIG. 5 is simplified side view of the golf wrist training device of FIG. 1 identifying key visible components (numbered). This view shows the invention in full flexion (appx 45°);

FIG. 6 is an assembly/exploded view showing all components;

FIG. 7 is view of the full assembly on a golfers hand/wrist

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of assembled integrated ball and socket—hinge.

FIG. 9 is a phantom view of full circular motion of swing depicting wrist angles—and golfer showing swing through impact.

FIG. 10 is a section rear view of strap under tunnel.

FIG. 11 is a section view of strap (upper) and wrist (lower) showing teeth engagement at predetermined angles.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A simplified assembly view of the preferred primary embodiment of the golf wrist training device [1] is shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 shows each component in plan view, which includes a hand-attachment member [2], a wrist-attachment member [3], hook/loop, hand member ‘firm strap’ [4], hook/loop, hand member ‘elastic strap’ [21], hook/loop, wrist member front [5], hook/loop, wrist member rear [6], engagement strap [8], engage strap mounting screw [9], retention plate, hinge screws (3) [10], retention plate, socket [11], hook/loop attachment slots, wrist (4) [14], hook/loop attachment prongs, hand [15], retention strap [19], grommets (2) [22], integrated tunnel [23]

The current invention restricts forward motion of the right hand of a golfer-in-training buy strapping on this product shown in Fig 7. Hand member [2] and wrist member [3] are strapped on to the hand [17] and wrist [18] with ‘firm’ hook/loop straps [4] or ‘elastic strap’ [21], [5], and [6]. The hook/loop strap [4] or [21] of the hand member [2] is secured between prongs [15] and hand member [2]. Elastic strap member [21] is closed ended and requires no added tightening or loosening. Firm strap [4] is then wrapped around the golfer's hand/finger [17] and fastened onto itself. The hook/loop straps [5] and [6] of the wrist member [3] are inserted through the 4 slots [14]. They are then wrapped around wrist [18] and fastened onto themselves. It is preferable to have more than 1 strap to secure to a person's hand and wrist.

With the exception of the forward motion of the hand (after strap engagement), there is no resistance of hand movement while using this product. However, once the hand reaches various degrees of flexion (rearward motion), the engagement strap [8] travels through the guide tunnel [23] which engages the downward facing teeth of strap [8] with upward facing teeth of wrist member [3] providing resistance/locking of any extension of hand member [2].

FIG. 3 a side view of the preferred embodiment in the rest position showing all visible components numbered. In this view the hand member [2] is fully extended, and the engagement strap [8] has not travelled beyond it's rest point. Also the 2 padded components [12] of hand member [2] and [13] of wrist member [3] are shown for the first time as they are not visible in other views.

FIG. 4 shows the hand member [2] having been moved in the flexion (rearward) direction approximately 22° relative to the wrist member [3] or approximately ½ of a full rearward motion. The engagement strap [8] has now travelled partially through guide tunnel [23] at a mathematically corresponding amount relative to the movement of the hand member [2], and secured by elastic band member [19] image of upward facing teeth wrist member [3] now shown in phantom [7]. This rearward movement will provide the resistance to move the hand member [2] forward again due to the mechanical teeth engagement of strap [8] and the teeth [7] of wrist member [3]. If teeth of strap [8] are engaged with the teeth [7] of wrist member [3], the golfer in training will have to lift the end of strap member [8] to return to rest position.

FIG. 5 shows the hand member [2] having been moved in the flexion (rearward) direction approximately 45° relative to the wrist member [3] which is approximately 100% of full rearward motion. The engagement strap [8] has now travelled to its approximate full range of motion through guide tunnel [23] at a mathematically corresponding amount relative to the movement of the hand member [2], and secured by elastic band member [19]—image of upward facing teeth wrist member [3] now shown in phantom [7]. This rearward movement will provide the resistance to move the hand member [2] forward again due to the mechanical teeth engagement of strap [8] and the teeth [7] of wrist member [3]. If teeth of strap [8] are engaged with the teeth [7] of wrist member [3], the golfer in training will have to lift the end of strap member [8] to return to rest position.

FIG. 6 is an exploded/assembly view showing all components.

FIG. 7 shows the invention on a golfers hand. The hand and wrist identified with numbers [17, 18] at the rest position.

FIG. 8 is a section view of ball/socket hinge showing the three (3) components in cooperation. Image of [24] is a section view of socket area (located at front) of wrist member [3]; Image of [16] is a section view of the ball area (located at rear) of hand member [2]; Socket Plate[11] is shown in section corresponding with [24] and [16].

FIG. 9 is pictorial of proper wrist position (for full shots) depicted in phantom on a complete circle with ‘clock’ positional hand/wrist angles. Beginning with ‘top-of-swing position at 12:00, wrists are fully cocked at approximately 45°. That angle is maintained through impact at 6:00 and starts to straighten out at 3:00, then returns to 45° at the return of 12:00

FIG. 10 is a section view of strap member [8] shown inside of guide tunnel [23] of wrist member [3].

FIG. 11 is a section view of teeth engagement of wrist member [3] and strap member [8]. We are calling out components in this section as [20] being teeth of strap member [8] and [7] as being teeth of wrist member [3]

The current invention can also be ‘preset’ at angles of a golfer's choice (within normal ranges of 0° to 45°+). This is often a desirable training method for chipping, pitching, and putting—where a fixed hand position is necessary.

In a perfect technical golf swing, the address position will begin with the hands at rest [FIG 7]. During the backswing, the angles of the hand to wrist change such that, in a full swing, that angle will be approximately 45° at the top of swing.

During the downswing, however, the proper wrist angle (approximately 45°) in the flexion direction is maintained at its position at the top of the swing—the energy being stored until the club contacts the ball. That motion allows the ball to be struck with the hands perpendicularly in front of the clubhead at impact. It is natural that the right hand will want to straighten out after the ball is struck—due to natural forces—but it is not necessary for the straightening as the ball is gone. While this invention may restrain the hand from completely straightening out, the straps, foam, and the skin will allow some straightening (again it is not necessary). Importantly, this invention allows an ordinary golfer to feel a correct impact position—largely only experienced by professional or top tier amateur golfers.

The device [1] alerts the golfer-in-training of engagement, or that the wrists have been “set” during the backswing. This is done as the hand [17] folds in flexion causing the rearward movement of strap [8] through guide tunnel [23], causing the teeth/wedges of strap [8] referred to as item [20] on FIG. 11, to mechanical engagement the teeth of wrist member [3]—referred to as item 7 on FIG. [11]. As the wedges/teeth of the strap [8] travel through guide tunnel [23] and engage wedges of wrist member [3], audible clicking is evident to the golfer, and he/she knows the hands (and club) have been properly set.

While the wrist training device [1] of the present invention has been described in conjunction with attachment onto the following arm of the golfer-in-training, it will be evident to one skilled in the art that the device can be readily adapted to fit onto the leading arm of the golfer-in-training. Since both hands of the golfer-in-training are effectively joined at the golf club grip, when the following wrist is bent backward, the leading wrist is bent forward. Accordingly, the farther back the following wrist is bent, the farther forward the leading wrist is bent. If the device [1] is adapted to fit onto the following wrist of the golfer-in-training, the mechanics of engagement work essentially in reverse as engagement occurs when the leading wrist is bent forward at the top of the backswing.

Furthermore, it is evident that many other alternatives, modifications, and variations of the device of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the disclosure herein. It is intended that the metes and bounds of the invention be determined by the appended claims rather than by the language of the above specification, and that all such alternatives, modifications, and variations which form a functional or conjointly cooperative equivalent are intended to be included within the spirit and scope of these claims.

Claims

1. A wrist training device, comprising:

a hand member having a first body portion, an index finger attachment member, a middle finger attachment member, and a ball member; the index finger attachment member and the middle finger attachment member extending from a first end of the first body portion, the ball member being attached to a second end of the first body portion;

first and second finger straps being coupled to the index finger attachment member and the middle linger attachment member, respectively;

a wrist member having a socket portion, a second body portion, a guide member, and upward facing wedges; the socket portion being coupled to a first end of the second body portion, the guide member being coupled to a top surface of the second body portion and defining a guide tunnel, the upward facing wedges being coupkxl to the top surface of the second body portion and being disposed between the guide member and a second end of the second body portion; the ball member being rotatably coupled to the socket portion; and

a strap member having a first strap portion, a second strap portion, and an intermediate strap portion disposed between the first and second strap portions; the intermediate strap portion having a first diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second strap portion, and the intermediate strap portion having a first width that is smaller than a width of the second strap portion; the second strap portion having downward facing wedges, the first strap portion being coupled to the first body portion of the hand member, the second strap portion being disposed through the guide tunnel of the wrist member, such that when the downward facing wedges engage the upward facing wedges of the wrist member, the strap member prevents downward movement of the hand member with respect to the w rist member, and when the down ward lacing wedges are not engaged with the upward facing wedges, the strap member does not prevent downward movement of the hand member with respect to the wrist member.

2. (canceled)

3. The wrist training device of claim 1, further comprising a retention strap that is coupled to the wrist member and is disposed over the second strap portion when the downward facing wedges engage the upward facing wedges of the wrist member.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. (canceled)

8. The wrist training device of claim 1, wherein the downward facing wedges are disengaged from the upward facing wedges by folding a hand rearward.

9. (canceled)

10. The wrist training device of claim 1, wherein the strap member has more than one engagement position relative to the wrist member.

11. The wrist training device of claim 1, wherein the downward facing wedges of the strap member provide audible feedback when the downward facing wedges move over the upward facing wedges of the wrist member.

12. The wrist training device of claim 1, further comprising a wrist strap coupled to the wrist member.

13. The wrist training device of claim 1, wherein the strap member extends in a longitudinal direction from the first body portion of the hand member to the guide tunnel of the wrist member, and the first width is in a direction across a top surface of the strap member that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.

14. A wrist training device, comprising:

a hand member having a first body portion, a first finger attachment member, a second finger attachment member; the first finger attachment member and the second finger attachment member extending from a first end of the first body portion;

first and second finger straps being coupled to the first finger attachment member and the second finger attachment member, respectively;

a wrist member being rotatably coupled to a second end of the first body portion of the hand member, the wrist member having a guide member and upward facing wedges; the guide member being coupled to a top surface of the wrist member and defining a guide tunnel, the upward facing wedges being coupled to the top surface of the wrist member; and

a strap member having a first strap portion, a second strap portion, and an intermediate strap portion disposed between the first and second strap portions; the intermediate strap portion having a first diameter that is smaller than a diameter of the second strap portion, and the intermediate strap portion having a first width that is smaller than a width of the second strap portion; the second strap portion having downward facing wedges, the first strap portion being coupled to the first body portion of the hand member, the second strap portion being disposed through the guide tunnel of the wrist member, such that when the downward facing wedges engage the upward facing wedges of the wrist member, the strap member prevents downward movement of the hand member with respect to the wrist member.

15. The wrist training device of claim 14, wherein when the downward facing wedges are not engaged with the upward facing wedges, the strap member does not prevent downward movement of the hand member with respect to the wrist member.

16. The wrist training device of claim 14, wherein the wrist member being rotatably coupled to the second end of the first body portion of the hand member utilizing a ball and socket hinge.

17. The wrist training device of claim 14, wherein the strap member extends in a longitudinal direction from the first body portion of the hand member to the guide tunnel of the wrist member, and the first width is in a direction across a top surface of the strap member that is transverse to the longitudinal direction.