GOLF TRAINING AID

Abstract

A golf training aid includes one or more of a movable sound element assembly, an adjustable grip assembly, and a club head assembly. The movable sound element assembly includes a movable sound element that is coupled to a shaft of the club. The movable sound element can be positioned on the club shaft so as to be selectively retained by the movable sound element assembly and can be configured to release from the movable sound element assembly when the club is swung by the user and as a function of the swing speed thereof. The adjustable grip assembly is axially and rotationally movable so as to dispose the assembly in a plurality of different grip positions.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 63/416,682, filed on Oct. 17, 2022, entitled GOLF TRAINING AID, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to training equipment, and more specifically is directed to golf training aids.

Various types of golf training aids exist in the market that are directed to addressing or attempting to fix different types of problems with a golf swing. In a traditional sense, a golf training aid is any device that helps a golfer or instructor isolate and practice motions or techniques to aid or assist the golfer in improving their golf game. The myriad aids and techniques can range from quick household fixes, such as a towel, water bottles, or cardboard boxes, to more advanced solutions, such as the golf aid devices that exist in the market today. The range of traditional golf aids is vast and includes everything from golf aids that can assist golfers with their grip, putting, alignment, swing path, swing speed or tempo, body stabilization, and the like.

According to one prior art example, a training grip having an arcuate shape is configured for mounting on an upper, outer surface of a shaft of the golf club. The training grip is mechanically secured to the golf club through a friction fit. The training aid can be forcibly rotated over the shaft outer surface if desired, but with much effort. A drawback of this type of training aid is that it is difficult for the golfer to determine the exact or precise position of the grip with any degree of certainty. Specifically, the golfer cannot determine with precision whether the training aid is properly disposed in the correct grip position (e.g., neutral, under, over, and the like).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a golf training aid or device in the shape of a traditional golf club that optionally includes one or more of a movable sound element assembly or subsystem, an adjustable grip assembly, and a club head assembly. The movable sound element assembly or subsystem incorporates a movable sound element that is coupled to a shaft of the club. The movable sound element can be positioned on the club shaft so as to be selectively retained by the movable sound element assembly and can be configured to release from the movable sound element assembly when the club is swung by the user and as a function of the swing speed thereof. Specifically, as the golf club is swung by the golfer, the sound element can be released from the movable sound element assembly when a proper swing speed is achieved. When the proper swing speed is achieved, the sound element is released from the movable sound element assembly and slides down the shaft towards a club head and making impact with a hosel flange, thus creating a sound. The sound element can be in the shape of disc.

The golf training device can also include an optional adjustable grip assembly that is axially and rotationally movable relative to the shaft of the club. The adjustable grip assembly can be moved axially to release the grip assembly from a fixed position and can rotate about the shaft of the club to enable the golfer to adjust the position of the grip assembly between a plurality of selected grip positions. The grip positions can include a neutral grip position, a strong grip position, and a very strong grip position, relative to the face of the golf club.

The combination of the movable sound element, movable sound element assembly, club head assembly, and adjustable grip assembly enables the golfer to better understand their personal swing characteristics based on the set up and feedback from the audible swing device. The golf training aid of the present invention can include any combination of the movable sound element assembly, club head assembly and adjustable grip assembly.

The present invention is directed to a golf training aid configured as a golf club. The golf training aid includes an elongated shaft extending from a grip end to an opposed club head end, an adjustable grip assembly coupled to the grip end of the shaft and configured to be axially and rotationally movable relative to the shaft, and a movable sound element assembly for coupling to the shaft between the grip end and the club head end. The movable sound element assembly is configured to retain a sound element and to selectively release the sound element based on a selected swing speed of the golf club. The golf training aid can also optionally include a club head assembly coupled to the club head end of the shaft and having a flange element sized and configured for creating a contact surface, wherein the sound element when released from the movable sound element assembly axially moves along the shaft and strikes the contact surface of the flange element.

The movable sound element assembly can include any combination of a sleeve element for seating about the shaft, a securing mechanism disposed about the sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the sleeve element, a flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and having a recess formed therein for seating a magnet where the magnet secures the sound element to the movable sound element assembly, and a nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber. The nut housing can be configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing. The flange housing and the nut housing can be configured to house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.

The sleeve element can have a sleeve main body having an inner surface and an outer surface, and can include any combination of a flange element formed at one end of the sleeve main body that extends outwardly therefrom, a groove formed in the outer surface of the sleeve main body at an end opposite the flange element, and a central opening in the sleeve main body and extending therethrough for enabling the sleeve element to be disposed over the shaft. The securing mechanism can include a main body having a central opening extending therethrough and sized and configured to seat the sleeve element. The securing mechanism can include a plurality of cut-outs formed in the main body forming a plurality of flexible finger elements. An end region of each of the plurality of finger elements can optionally include a radially inwardly extending surface feature that is sized and configured for seating within the groove formed in the sleeve element.

The flange housing can include a main body having a flange formed at one end of the main body, and an extension component that is coupled to and extending outwardly from the flange. The extension component has an inner surface defining a chamber sized and is configured for seating the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and an outer surface has threads formed thereon. The flange can also include a central opening that communicates with the chamber of the extension component. The nut housing has a main body forming the inner surface, and the inner surface has threads formed thereon. The threads formed on the inner surface of the nut housing are configured to threadingly engage with the threads of the extension component. When the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the extension component, the nut housing and the flange housing completely enclose the sleeve component and the securing mechanism.

The movable sound element assembly can be selectively disposed between a secured position where the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the flange housing and an unsecured position where the nut housing is axially separated from and not threadingly engaged with the flange housing. When the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly can be freely moved axially along the shaft, and when the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly is secured at a selected axial position along the shaft. The shaft can also include markings formed thereon that correspond to a plurality of swing speed positions.

The adjustable grip assembly of the golf training aid can include a first stationary subassembly configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft and is stationary relative thereto, and a second moveable subassembly configured to be selectively coupled to the first stationary subassembly and sized and configured to be rotationally movable relative to the shaft and axially movable along the shaft. The first stationary subassembly includes a hub element having a main body having a circular tab portion having an outer circumferential surface that includes a plurality of teeth formed thereon and a stop element. The first stationary subassembly cab also include a shaft extension element coupled to and extending outwardly from the circular tab portion and is configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft. The tab portion has an end face having a plurality of markings formed thereon representative of a plurality of different grip positions. The shaft extension portion can be sized and configured to seat within an internal passage formed in the shaft or to couple to an outer surface of the shaft.

The second moveable subassembly comprises any combination of a support element for seating about the shaft, an outer grip element for seating about the support element, and a securing assembly for securing the second moveable subassembly to the shaft. The support element has a main body having an axially extending and elongated support extension portion that terminates in a flange portion that is configured to have a basket-like shape forming a chamber. The support element can have a central passage formed therein that has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft. The inner surface of the chamber has a second plurality of teeth formed therein. The second plurality of teeth are configured to engage with the first plurality of teeth when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber formed by the flange portion. Further, the inner surface of the chamber has a portion or region that is free of teeth to form a stop region, where the stop region forms an arc having a selected arc length. The stop element of the hub element can be aligned with and seats within the stop region of the chamber when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber.

The securing assembly comprises any combination of a second sleeve element for seating about the shaft, a second securing mechanism disposed about the second sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the second sleeve element, a second flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing, and a second nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber. The nut housing can be configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, and the flange housing and the nut housing can be configured to house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.

The club head assembly comprises a club head having a club face and a neck portion having a neck passage formed therein, and a hosel flange element for coupling to the neck portion of the club head and having a flange portion forming a contact surface for selectively contacting the sound element and a hosel extension element. The hosel flange element includes a central flange passage for seating the shaft and the hosel extension element is sized and configured for seating within the neck passage. The club head assembly can further include a stiffening element for seating at least partly within the passage formed in the shaft to provide support to the shaft. The shaft can optionally have a uniform outer diameter.

According to another embodiment, the golf training aid configured as a golf club comprises an elongated shaft extending from a grip end to an opposed club head end, a movable sound element assembly for coupling to the shaft between the grip end and the club head end where the movable sound element assembly is configured to retain a sound element and to selectively release the sound element based on a selected swing speed of the golf club, and a club head assembly coupled to the club head end of the shaft and having a flange element sized and configured for creating a contact surface. The sound element when released from the movable sound element assembly axially moves along the shaft and strikes the contact surface of the flange element.

The movable sound element assembly comprises any combination of a sleeve element for seating about the shaft, a securing mechanism disposed about the sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the sleeve element, a flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and having a recess formed therein for seating a magnet where the magnet secures the sound element to the movable sound element assembly, and a nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber. The nut housing can be configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, and the flange housing and the nut housing can be configured to house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism. The sleeve element comprises any combination of a sleeve main body having an inner surface and an outer surface, a flange element formed at one end of the sleeve main body that extends outwardly therefrom, a groove formed in the outer surface of the sleeve main body at an end opposite the flange element, and a central opening in the sleeve main body and extending therethrough for enabling the sleeve element to be disposed over the shaft.

The securing mechanism comprises a main body having a central opening extending therethrough and is sized and configured to seat the sleeve element. The securing mechanism also includes a plurality of cut-outs formed in the main body forming a plurality of flexible finger elements. An end region of each of the plurality of finger elements has an optional radially inwardly extending surface feature that is sized and configured for seating within the groove formed in the sleeve element. The flange housing can include a main body having a flange formed at one end of the main body, and an extension component that is coupled to and extending outwardly from the flange. The extension component has an inner surface defining a chamber that is sized and configured for seating the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and an outer surface has threads formed thereon. The flange has a central opening formed therein that communicates with the chamber of the extension component. The nut housing has a main body forming the inner surface and the inner surface has threads formed thereon. The threads on the inner surface of the nut housing are configured to threadingly engage with the threads of the extension component. When the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the extension component, the nut housing and the flange housing substantially or completely enclose the sleeve component and the securing mechanism.

The movable sound element assembly can be selectively disposed between a secured position where the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the flange housing and an unsecured position where the nut housing is axially separated from and not threadingly engaged with the flange housing. When the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly can be freely moved axially along the shaft, and when the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly is secured at a selected axial position along the shaft. The shaft can optionally include markings formed thereon that correspond to a plurality of swing speed positions.

According to another embodiment, the golf training aid of the present invention is configured as a golf club and includes an elongated shaft extending from a grip end to an opposed club head end, an adjustable grip assembly coupled to the grip end of the shaft and configured to be axially and rotationally movable relative to the shaft, and a club head assembly coupled to the club head end of the shaft. The adjustable grip assembly comprises a first stationary subassembly configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft and is stationary relative thereto, and a second moveable subassembly configured to be selectively coupled to the first stationary subassembly and is sized and configured to be rotationally movable relative to the shaft and axially movable along the shaft.

The first stationary subassembly comprises a hub element having a circular tab portion having an outer circumferential surface having a plurality of teeth formed thereon and a stop element, and a shaft extension element coupled to an extending outwardly from the circular tab portion and configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft. The tab portion has an end face having markings formed thereon for conveying information associated with a plurality of different grip positions. The shaft extension portion is sized and configured to seat within an internal passage formed in the shaft or to couple to an outer surface of the shaft.

The second moveable subassembly comprises a support element for seating about the shaft, an outer grip element for seating about the support element, and a securing assembly for securing the second moveable subassembly to the shaft. The support element has a main body having an axially extending and elongated support extension portion that terminates in a flange portion that is configured to have a basket-like shape forming a chamber. The support element has a central passage formed therein that has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft, and an inner surface of the chamber has a second plurality of teeth formed therein. The second plurality of teeth are configured to engage with the first plurality of teeth when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber formed by the flange portion. The inner surface of the chamber has a portion or region that is free of teeth to form a stop region, and the stop region forms an arc having a selected arc length. The stop element of the hub element is aligned with and seats within the stop region of the chamber when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber.

The securing assembly comprises any combination of a second sleeve element for seating about the shaft, a second securing mechanism disposed about the second sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the second sleeve element, a second flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing, and a second nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber, wherein the nut housing is configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, and wherein the flange housing and the nut housing house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the different views. The drawings illustrate principals of the invention and, although not to scale, show relative dimensions.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the golf training aid according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of the movable sound element subsystem of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the movable sound element subsystem according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an exploded unassembled view of the movable sound element subsystem according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded unassembled view of the adjustable training grip assembly according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the adjustable training grip assembly of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial view of selected components of the adjustable training grip assembly in a detached position according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial unassembled view of club head of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view of the golf training aid of FIG. 1 according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the movable sound element subsystem of the golf training aid with the movable sound element attached thereto according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the movable sound element subsystem of the golf training aid with the movable sound element detached therefrom according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a partial view of the shaft of the golf training aid of the present invention showing markings located along the shaft that correspond to different swing speed positions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to a golf training aid or device that includes any combination of an adjustable grip assembly, a movable sound element assembly, and a hosel flange or club head assembly, that in combination creates a complete golf training aid that provides immediate audible feedback to the golfer while concomitantly allowing the golfer to accurately and precisely adjust or reposition the grip position into one of several predetermined golf grip positions.

The golf training aid of the present invention is shown for example in FIG. 1. The illustrated golf training aid 10 includes a specially configured golf club that includes a shaft 12 extending from a first grip end 14 to an opposed second or club head end 16. The grip end 14 of the golf training aid has an adjustable grip assembly 20 mounted thereto. The adjustable grip assembly 20 is movable both axially relative to the shaft and rotationally about the shaft 12 to place or position the adjustable grip assembly 20 into one of a plurality of discrete, predetermined grip positions. The adjustable grip assembly 20 can preferably place the hands of the golfer in a neutral, strong, or very strong grip position. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize based on the device of the present invention and the teachings herein that the discrete grip positions can also correspond to other grip positions.

The golf training aid 10 can also optionally include a movable sound element assembly 30 that is also mounted about the shaft 12. The movable sound element assembly 30 can be disposed between the adjustable grip assembly 20 and the second end 16 of the shaft 12 and is preferably movable between multiple different swing speed positions defined along the length of the shaft 12 that correspond to swing speed markings placed thereon. Specifically, the movable sound element assembly 30 can be positioned at predefined locations or positions along the length of the shaft 12 that correspond to selected swing speeds of the golf club. The swing speed positions can be marked on the shaft 12 with suitable indicia or markings 24. The movable sound element assembly 30 can include a movable sound element 32, in the shape of a disc, that is selectively released from the movable sound element assembly 30 as a function of the swing speed position of the movable sound element assembly 30 and the actual speed of the swing of the golf club. The golf training aid 10 can also include an optional club head assembly 40.

As shown for example in FIGS. 2-4, the movable sound element assembly 30 can include an optional set of mechanical components that cooperate and function together to allow the assembly or subsystem to be axially moved along the shaft 12 into a number of selected axial positions and to enable the assembly to be secured at a desired axial location corresponding to a selected swing speed position. The illustrated movable sound element assembly 30 can include a sleeve element 50 having a main body 52 having an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve element 50 can be disposed about the shaft 12 such that the inner surface of the sleeve element 50 directly contacts an outer surface of the shaft 12. The sleeve element 50 can have a flange element 54 formed at one end of the main body 52 that extends outwardly therefrom. The main body 52 can also have a groove or indentation 56 formed in the outer surface at an end opposite the flange element 54. The sleeve element 50 can have a central opening 58 formed therein and that extends therethrough for enabling the sleeve element to be disposed over and mounted on the shaft 12. The sleeve element 50 can be formed of any suitable flexible and compressible material, such as rubber, that allows the sleeve element 50 to be disposed on the shaft 12 while concomitantly squeezing or gripping the shaft 12 when an external pressure or force is applied thereto.

The illustrated movable sound element assembly 30 can also include an optional securing mechanism 60 that is configured to seat about and around the sleeve element 50. The securing mechanism 60 can be configured to secure the assembly to the shaft 12 via the sleeve element 50. The securing mechanism 60 has a main body 62 that has a series of cut outs or grooves 64 formed in one end to form a series of finger elements 66. The finger elements 66 are flexible and can be compressed radially inwardly when an external pressure or force is applied thereto to force the inner surface of the sleeve element 50 into intimate facing contact with the outer surface of the shaft 12. The terminal outer end regions of the finger elements 66 can have an optional radially inwardly extending surface feature 66A that is sized and configured for seating within the groove 56 formed in the sleeve element 50. According to one embodiment, the surface feature 66A has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove 56. The main body 62 also has a central opening 68 that is sized and configured to have an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve element 50 to be able to seat the sleeve element therein. The surface feature 66A helps secure the securing mechanism 60 to the sleeve element 50 and helps position the securing mechanism relative to the sleeve element 50.

The movable sound element assembly 30 can further include an optional flange housing 70 having a main body 72 that has a flange 74 formed at one end and an extension component 76 that is coupled to and extends outwardly from the flange 74. The extension component 76 has threads 76A formed along an outer surface. The extension component can form a chamber 84 that is sized and configured for seating the sleeve element 50 and the securing mechanism 60. Specifically, the chamber 84 can have an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the securing mechanism 60 and the sleeve component 50. The chamber 84 thus serves to mount and retain both of the securing mechanism 60 and the sleeve element 50. The chamber 84 can have a bottom surface 84A. The flange 74 can have a central opening 86 formed therein that is sized and configured for accommodating and seating the shaft 12. The flange 74 also has an axial end surface or face 78 that has a pocket or recess 80 formed therein for seating a magnet 82. The magnet 82 can be secured within the recess 80 according to known techniques, such as by using an adhesive or by employing a friction or mechanical fit. The magnet 82 helps secure the sound element 32 to the movable sound element assembly 30 when disposed adjacent thereto. Specifically, when the sound element 32 is disposed adjacent to end surface 78 of the flange 74, the magnet attracts and secures the sound element to the end surface 78 and thus to the movable sound element assembly 30. According to one embodiment, the top surface 32A of the sound element 32 directly contacts the end surface 78 when secured by the magnet 82. The sound element 32 can have a diameter of any selected size, and preferably has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the flange 74.

The movable sound element subsystem 30 further includes an optional nut housing 90 that has a main body 92 having an inner chamber 94 formed therein. The inner chamber 94 has an inner surface having threads 96 formed therealong. The main body 92 also has a first open end 98A and an opposed closed end 98A that has an opening 100 formed therein. The opening 100 has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 12 so that the shaft 12 can pass therethrough. The threads 96 formed along the inner surface are configured to threadingly engage with the threads 76A formed along the extension component 76 of the flange housing 76.

When assembled, the securing mechanism 60 is disposed about the sleeve element 50 such that the sleeve element is seated within the central opening 68 of the securing mechanism. The sleeve element 50 and the securing mechanism 60 can then be disposed within the chamber 84 formed by the extension component 76. When mounted therein, the flange 54 of the sleeve element 50 abuts and contacts the floor 84A of the chamber 84. Further, the end portion of the securing mechanism 60 contacts and directly abuts the flange element 54 of the sleeve element 50. Further, the surface features 66A formed at end portions of the finger elements 66 of the securing mechanism 60 seat within and engage with the groove 56 formed along the outer surface of the main body 52 of the securing mechanism 50. The nut housing 90 is then axially moved along the shaft 12 such that the extension component 76 of the flange housing 70 seats within the chamber 94 of the nut housing. The threads 96 formed along the inner surface of the chamber 94 can then threadingly engage with the threads 76A formed on the extension component 76. The threading engagement of the nut housing 90 with the extension component 76 applies a radially inwardly extending or oriented force to the securing mechanism 60, and specifically to the finger elements 66. The finger elements 66 in turn apply an inwardly extending compression force to the sleeve element 50, thus securing the movable sound element assembly 30 to the shaft 12 of the golf training aid 10.

According to one practice, the nut housing 90 can be selectively disposed between a secured position where the nut housing 90 is threadingly engaged with the flange housing 70 and an unsecured position where the nut housing 90 is axially separated from and not threadingly engaged with the flange housing 70. In the unsecured position, the movable sound element assembly 30, such as the flange housing 70 and the associated sleeve component 50 and securing mechanism 60, can be freely moved axially along the shaft 12 as an assembled unit. When the nut housing 90 is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly 30 is secured at a selected axial position along the shaft 12.

The movable sound element assembly 30 can be moved between and secured at one or more positions that are located along the shaft 12 and that correspond to selected club swing speeds. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the shaft 12 can have a series of axially separated indicia or markings 24 formed thereon that are located towards the club head end 16. The markings 24 can be representative of selected swing speed positions in which the movable sound element assembly 30 can be disposed or secured. The positions correspond to selected swing speeds that, if attained by the user, is sufficient to release the sound element 32 from the movable sound element assembly 30. As used herein, the term “markings” can refer to any visual or textual indicators, indicia, symbols, or labels that convey information. The markings can serve to illustrate, describe, or emphasize specific aspects, features, functions, positions, or orientations of the device. Examples of suitable markings can include numbers, letters, alphanumeric characters, symbols, icons, images, textual description, instructions, identification information, dimensional information, material specifications, safety warnings, legal notices, serial numbers, branding information (e.g., trademarks), bar codes, QR codes, and the like. According to one embodiment, the markings 24 can include any selected indicia, such as lines and swing speed notations, designed to clearly convey to the user the various axial positions for securing the movable sound element assembly 30 and the swing speeds associated with the markings. Specifically, the movable sound element assembly 30 can be positioned at one of the predefined positions located along the length of the shaft 12 that correspond to selected swing speeds of the user (e.g., swing speed positions). By simple way of example, if the user believes that their swing speed is at least 80 mph, then the user axially moves the movable sound element assembly 30 along the shaft 12 by loosening the nut housing 90 from the flange housing 70 and disposing the movable sound element assembly 30 in the unsecured position. In the unsecured position, the user can axially move the remaining portion of the movable sound element assembly 30 to the appropriate swing speed marking 24, such as at the markings 24A, and preferably at the line portion of the markings 24A. The nut housing 90 can then be threadingly tightened on the extension component 76 of the flange housing 70 to place the movable sound element assembly 30 in the secured position, thus securing the movable sound element assembly 30 at the indicated swing speed position. The user can then swing the golf club. If the user's swing speed is 80 mph or higher, the force generated during the swing causes the sound element 32 to detach from the movable sound element assembly 30. Subsequently, the sound element 32 moves axially downwardly along the shaft 12 until it strikes the club head assembly 40, creating an audible sound. The sound provides audible feedback to the user. If the sound element does not release from the movable sound element assembly 30, then the user's swing speed is less than 80 mph. The user can then untighten the nut housing 90 and move the movable sound element assembly 30 to a swing speed position that corresponds to a swing speed that is less than 80 mph. For example, the user can axially move the movable sound element assembly 30 to the markings 24B that correspond to a swing speed of 70 mph. This process can be repeated until the user positions the movable sound element assembly 30 at a position where the sound element 32 is released from the movable sound element assembly 30 during the swing. Conversely, the higher or faster the swing speed of the user, the farther from the club head assembly 40 the movable sound element assembly 30 is positioned. If the golfer does not know their swing speed, they can adjust the position of the movable sound element assembly 30 until the sound element 32 releases during the swing. At that point, the user can determine their swing speed based on the location of the mounting assembly on the shaft and relative to the swing speed markings 24 formed thereon. As such, the golf training aid 10 can convey immediate swing speed information to the user.

The golf training aid 10 of the present invention can also include the optional adjustable grip assembly 20 that is disposed at the grip end 14 of the golf club opposite the club head end 16. The adjustable grip assembly 20 is shown in more detail in FIGS. 5-7. The illustrated adjustable grip assembly 20 includes a first stationary subassembly that is attached to and secured to the grip end of the shaft 12 and a second axially and rotationally moveable subassembly that is configured to be selectively detached from and reattached to the first stationary subassembly. Specifically, the first stationary subassembly 110 can include a hub element 120 having a main body having a first circular tab portion 122 and a shaft extension element 130 coupled to and extending outwardly from the tab portion. The shaft extension element 130 can be configured to couple to the shaft 12. For example, according to one embodiment, the shaft extension element 130 can be configured to seat within an inner passage or chamber 12A of the shaft 12. The hub element 120 can include an outer peripheral or circumferential surface that has a series of teeth 124 formed thereon. The hub element is thus in essence a gear that can be operatively and mechanically coupled to another gear element. The circumferential surface can also include a stop element 134 that can be configured as a solid portion (e.g., non-toothed portion) that prevents that portion of the hub element 120 from engaging with a similar toothed component in all but a set of distinct positions. The end face or surface 126 of the hub element 120 can include selected markings 128. According to one embodiment, the markings 128 can include selected indicia associated with and conveying information about selected grip positions. According to one embodiment, the markings 128 formed on the end face 126 can optionally correspond to a neutral grip position 128A, a strong grip position 128B, and a very strong grip position 128C. Other markings, such as the descriptive markings 128D, can be provided on the end face 126 to clearly convey selected information to the user, such as the location of the various rotationally separated grip positions.

According to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the extension element 130 can be configured to contact an outer surface of the shaft 12 rather than seat within the inner passage 12A. As such, the extension element 130 can have an inner passage having an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 12. In this configuration, the hub element 120 can be attached to the shaft 12 when the shaft extension element 130 is placed over the grip end 14 of the shaft such that the inner surface of the passage contacts the outer surface of the shaft 12. The hub element 120 can be attached or secured to the grip end 14 of the shaft 12 by known fixation techniques, including adhesives and by employing a mechanical press fit.

The adjustable grip assembly 20 can further include the second moveable subassembly 140. The second moveable subassembly 140 is configured to be movable in a rotational direction about the shaft 12 and in an axial direction along the length of the shaft 12 when the second moveable subassembly 140 is decoupled from the first stationary subassembly 110. The illustrated second moveable subassembly 140 optionally includes any combination of a support element 142, an outer grip element 160, and a securing assembly 170. The illustrated support element 142 has a main body that has an axially extending and elongated support extension portion 144 that terminates in a flange portion 146 that is configured to have a basket like shape. The support element 142 has a central passage 148 formed therein. The central passage 148 has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 12, such that the shaft 12 is capable of seating therein. The terminal end region of the extension portion can optionally have an inner stepped surface for engaging with the securing assembly 170. The flange portion 146 is configured to form a chamber 150 that has a series of teeth 152 formed along an inner circumferential surface to form a gear like surface. The inner circumferential surface also has a portion or region that is free of teeth to form a stop area or region 154 that corresponds to or can be aligned with the stop element 134 of the hub element 120. The stop region 154 forms an arc of a selected size and length along the inner circumferential surface of the flange portion 146. The stop region 154 is configured to have a predefined length of sufficient size and magnitude that can accommodate and correspond to the various grip positions of the adjustable grip assembly. According to one embodiment, the grip positions of the present invention are separated by any selected degrees of rotation of the second moveable subassembly 140, such as for example by about 7.5 degrees. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize based on the teachings herein and the intended purpose of the present invention that the grip positions can be separated, in degrees of rotation, in greater or lesser amounts or increments. As such, the stop region 154 extends along the inner circumferential surface a selected distance to form an arc having a predefined arc length. The arc length can be any selected distance and corresponds to the number of predefined grip positions into which the adjustable grip assembly can be moved. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the adjustable grip assembly 20 can be moved along an arc of about 15 degrees, where the end points of the arc define first and third grip positions (e.g., a neutral grip position and a very strong grip position) and a central or intermediate position that corresponds to a second grip position (e.g., a strong grip position).

The tab portion 122 of the hub element 120 has an outer diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the chamber 150 of the flange portion 142. When the hub element 120 seats within the chamber 150, the teeth 124 of the tab element 122 contact and engage with the teeth 152 of the flange portion. Further, the stop region 154 of the flange portion 146 and the stop element 134 of the hub element 120 can be aligned and can be disposed opposite the markings 128. Further, the stop element 134 has an arc length that is smaller than the arc length of the stop region 154, thus enabling the second moveable subassembly 140 to be rotated into the various grip positions by way of movement of the stop element 134 along the arc defined by the stop region 154. Further, the outer surface of the flange portion 146 can feature an alignment marking 147 that, when used in cooperation with the markings 128, visually enables the user to select a grip position and indicates to the user the specific grip position in which the adjustable grip assembly is disposed.

In golf, the way the user or golfer grips or holds a golf club can significantly influence their golf swing and the shot outcome. There are three common grip positions, namely, a neutral grip position, a strong grip position, and a very strong grip position, each of which refers to how the hands are placed on the club. The neutral grip is considered the standard or fundamental grip position in golf. In the neutral grip position, the user's hands are placed on the club so that the “V” formed by the thumb and index finger of each hand points roughly towards the golfer's chin or between the chin and the right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer). This grip position provides a balanced and natural feel for the golfer, allowing the clubface of the golf club to square up properly at impact, which is important to produce straight and accurate shots. The adjustable grip assembly 20 can be rotated into the neutral grip position. The adjustable grip assembly 20 can also be rotated and positioned into a strong grip position. In this position, the golfer's hands are placed on the club such that the “V” formed by the thumb and index finger of each hand points more towards the golfer's right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer). The strong grip position results in a clubface that is partially closed or hooded relative to the target line. The golfer can select this grip position to reduce slicing (e.g., a shot that curves to the right for a right-handed golfer) or to intentionally hit a draw (e.g., a controlled right-to-left shot shape). Further, the adjustable grip assembly 20 can also be placed in the very strong grip position. The very strong grip is an even more pronounced version of the strong grip position. In the very strong grip position, the “V” of the hands points significantly towards the right shoulder (for a right-handed golfer) of the golfer, and almost to the golfer's right ear or beyond. The very strong grip position results in a clubface that is even more closed relative to the target line. Golfers who use a very strong grip typically do so to counteract severe slicing tendencies or to intentionally produce a hook (a pronounced right-to-left shot shape).

With further reference to FIGS. 5-7, the illustrated second moveable subassembly 140 also optionally includes a grip element 160. The illustrated grip element 160 has a main body 162 that has a central passage 164 formed therein. The main body 162 includes an outer surface 166 that can be shaped and configured to facilitate easy gripping of the golf club by the user. For example, the main body 162 can be configured to have selected surface features formed thereon and/or therein, including raised or protruding grip elements 166 that help place or position the hands of the user in a selected grip position. The protruding grip elements 166 help place the golfer's hands into the foregoing “V” shaped configuration that corresponds to the selected grip position. The grip element 160 can be sized to seat on the outer surface of the support extension component 144 so as to form a strong frictional fit so as to secure the components together. Similarly, the flange housing 210 can include a threaded extension component 216 formed on the opposite side of the flange 212. The threaded extension component 216 has threads 218 formed on an outside surface thereof.

The adjustable grip assembly 20 further optionally includes a securing assembly 170. The illustrated securing assembly 170 is similar to the movable sound element assembly 30. The illustrated securing assembly 170 optionally includes any combination of a sleeve element 172, a securing or holding mechanism 174, a flange housing 176, and a nut housing 178. The sleeve element 172, securing mechanism 174, flange housing 176, and nut housing 178 are similar to the components of the movable sound element subsystem 30.

The illustrated sleeve element 172 can include a main body having an inner surface and an outer surface. The sleeve element 172 can be disposed about the shaft 12 such that the inner surface of the sleeve element directly contacts an outer surface of the shaft 12. The sleeve element 172 can have a flange element 190 formed at one end of the main body that extends outwardly therefrom. The main body of the sleeve element 172 can also have a groove or indentation 192 formed in the outer surface at an end opposite the flange element 190. The sleeve element 172 can have a central opening 194 formed therein that enables the sleeve element 172 to be disposed over and mounted on the shaft 12. The sleeve element 172 can be formed of any suitable flexible and compressible material, such as rubber, that allows the sleeve element to be disposed on the shaft 12 while concomitantly squeezing or gripping the shaft 12.

The illustrated securing mechanism 174 can be configured to seat about and around the sleeve element 172. The securing mechanism 174 can be configured to secure the securing assembly 170 to the shaft 12 via the sleeve element 172. The securing mechanism 174 has a main body that has a series of cut outs or grooves 202 formed in one end of the main body to form a series of finger elements 204. The finger elements 204 are flexible and can be compressed inwardly when an external pressure or force is applied thereto to force the inner surface of the sleeve element into intimate facing contact with the outer surface of the shaft 12. The terminal end regions of the finger elements 204 can have an optional inwardly extending surface feature 206 that is sized and configured for seating within the groove 192 formed in the sleeve element 172. According to one embodiment, the surface feature 206 has a shape that is complementary to the shape of the groove 192. The main body also has a central opening 208 that is sized and configured to have an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the sleeve element 172 to be able to seat the sleeve element therein. The surface feature 206 helps secure the securing mechanism 174 to the sleeve element 172 and helps position the securing mechanism relative to the sleeve element.

The securing assembly 170 can further include a flange housing 176 having a main body that has a flange 212 formed at an intermediate position between an extension component 214 formed at one end and on one side of the flange 212. The extension component 214 is sized to seat within the passage 164 of the grip element 160, and more specifically seats within the passage 148 of the support extension element 144 and can optionally contact the stepped surface formed on the inner surface of the passage 148. The extension component 214 can be sized and configured to form a strong frictional fit when seated within the passage 164 to secure the flange housing 210 to the support element 142. Similarly, the flange housing 210 can include a threaded extension component 216 formed on the opposite side of the flange 212. The threaded extension component 216 has threads 218 formed on an outside surface thereof and are configured to engage the nut housing 178.

The illustrated nut housing 178 has a main body having an inner chamber 222 formed therein. The inner chamber 222 has an inner surface having threads 224 formed therealong. The main body also has a first open end 226A and an opposed closed end 226B that has an opening 228 formed therein. The opening 228 has a diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the shaft 12 so that the shaft 12 can pass therethrough. The threads 224 formed along the inner surface are configured to threadingly engage with the threads 218 formed along the threaded extension component 216 of the flange housing 176.

When assembled, the sleeve element 172 is disposed about the shaft 12 and is seated within the central opening 208 of the securing mechanism 174. When mounted thereabout, an end portion of the main body of the securing mechanism 174 contacts and directly abuts the flange 212 of the flange housing 176. Further, the surface features 206 formed at end portions of the finger elements 204 of the securing mechanism 174 seat within and engage with the groove 192 formed along the outer surface of the sleeve element 50. The sleeve element 172 and the securing mechanism 174 seat within a central opening 210 of the flange housing 176. When mounted therein, the end surface of the flange element 190 contacts a bottom surface of a chamber formed by the threaded extension component 216. The nut housing 178 is then axially moved along the shaft 12 such that the threaded extension component 216 seats within the chamber 222. The threads 224 of the inner surface of the chamber 222 then threadingly engage with the threads 218 of the threaded extension component 216. The threading engagement of the nut housing 178 with the threaded extension component 216 of the flange housing 176 applies a radially inwardly extending or oriented force to the securing mechanism 174, and specifically to the finger elements 204. The finger elements 204 in turn apply an inwardly extending compression force to the sleeve element 172. The force applied to the securing mechanism 174 and the capturing of the securing mechanism and the sleeve element 172 between the nut housing 178 and the flange housing 176 function to secure the adjustable grip assembly 20 to the shaft 12 of the golf training aid 10.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the illustrated golf training aid 10 has a shaft 12 having a club head end that is coupled to an optional club head assembly 40. The illustrated club head assembly 40 includes a club head 242 having any selected configuration and can correspond to any selected type of golf club. For example, although the illustrated club head 242 corresponds to an iron-type of club head, the club head 242 can also be configured as a golf wood, a golf hybrid, a golf wedge, and the like. The club head 242 has a club face 244 forming a golf ball striking surface and a neck portion 246 forming a hosel. The neck portion 246 has a passage 248 formed therein that is configured to seat a bottom portion of the shaft 12. Specifically, the passage 248 has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft 12. The club head 244 can also include other portions, such as a sole portion, toe and heel portions, and a back or rear surface portion. The club face 244 can be oriented at a selected angle relative to the ground, which is known as a face angle.

The illustrated club head assembly 40 can also include an optional hosel flange element 250 that is configured to be coupled to the neck portion 246 of the club head 242. The hosel flange element 250 has a main body having a flange portion 252 and an extension element 254. The flange portion 252 forms the contact point for the sound element 32 when released from the movable sound element subsystem 30. The main body of the flange element 250 also includes an opening 256 formed therethrough that seats the shaft 12 and allows the shaft 12 to extend therethrough and into the club head 242. The extension element 254 has an inner diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the neck portion of the club head 242 for seating the neck portion 246. The neck portion 246 can be secured within the extension element 254 by known fastening techniques, such as by using an adhesive. The club head assembly 40 can also include a support or stiffening element 260 that is configured to seat within a bottom portion of the shaft 12, and specifically within the chamber 12A. The stiffening element 260 can optionally extend outwardly from the shaft 12 and the chamber 12A and into the neck portion 246 of the club head 242. The stiffening element 260 helps provide a certain degree of structural support to the shaft 12 so as to prevent weakening of the shaft at the area adjacent the club head 242. The stiffening element 260 can have any selected length between about 1.0 inch and about 4.0 inches, and is preferably about 2.0 inches in length. The stiffening element 260 can be formed of any selected type of material suitable for providing structural support to the shaft 12, such as for example fiberglass, wood, metal, or plastic.

The present invention is directed to a golf training aid or device that includes a golf club having a flexible shaft that is coupled to a club head assembly 40 at a bottom or club head end thereof. The shaft 12 of the club is highly flexible thus enabling a golfer to swing the club in a smooth manner in order to hit properly a golf ball. The golf training aid 10 is suitable for use by a golfer to determine their swing speed and to practice using different grip positions.

The golf training aid includes a movable sound element assembly 30 and a club head assembly 40, both of which are coupled to the shaft 12. Specifically, the shaft 12 passes through the movable sound element assembly 30 such that the assembly is axially movable along an outer surface thereof, and the club head assembly 40 is attached or secured to the club head end 16 of the shaft 12. The club head assembly 40 includes a club head 242 and a flange element 250 having a flange portion 252 forming a contacting or striking surface. The shaft 12 has formed thereon selected markings 24 that are axially spaced along the shaft at the club head end 16. The markings correspond to selected swing speed positions, where each swing speed position corresponds to a selected swing speed in miles per hour. The swing speeds and hence the swing speed positions can range from 60 mph to 100 mph in any selected swing speed increments, such as 10 mph swing speed increments. The swing speed positions are axially spaced apart along the shaft.

In operation, and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10-11, the golfer loosens the nut housing 90 of the movable sound element assembly 30 such that the nut housing 90 is detached from the threads 76A of the extension component 76 of the flange housing 70. The golfer axially moves the movable sound element assembly 30 along the shaft 12 to a desired swing speed position as indicated by the markings 24. When the movable sound element assembly 30 is positioned at the desired swing speed position marking, the golfer tightens the nut housing 90 onto the flange housing 70, thus securing the movable sound element assembly 30 to the shaft 12 at the desired swing speed position. The sound element 32 is coupled to the movable sound element assembly 30 by the magnet 82 mounted in the flange housing 70 of the movable sound element assembly 30. The magnet serves to magnetically secure the sound element 32 thereto and the sound element 32 is released therefrom when the swing speed associated with the swing speed position is reached. By way of example, the golfer secures the movable sound element assembly 30 at the swing speed position denoting 80 mph. The golfer then swings the golf club. If the speed of the swing is less than 80 mph, then the sound element 32 is not released from the movable sound element assembly 30 and stays in the attached position (FIG. 10). Conversely, if the swing speed is equal to or exceeds 80 mph, then the sound element 32 is detached from the movable sound element assembly 30 by the force of the swing and the sound element moves axially downwardly along the shaft 12 until the sound element strikes the contact surface of the flange 252 of the flange element 250 making an audible sound (FIG. 11). The audible sound provides near instantaneous feedback to the golfer by letting the golfer know that their swing speed is at least 80 mph. The golfer can adjust the movable sound element assembly 30 to various swing speed positions 24 until the golfer has a general sense of their swing speed. The strength of the magnet 82 and the size and weight of the sound element 32 can be correlated such that the sound element 32 is released from the movable sound element assembly 30 when the swing speed associated with the selected swing speed positions is reached by the golfer. The sound disc is magnetically coupled to the magnet at an underside of the mounting assembly. For the golf training aid to work optimally the movable sound element assembly 30 is positioned on the shaft 12 at the appropriate swing speed location. If the sound element 32 releases from the movable sound element assembly 30 and hits the contact surface of the club head assembly 40 before ball impact, then the golfer has cast the club. The objective is to hear the sound element 32 hit the hosel contact surface at ball impact. If the sound occurs after ball impact, then the golfer is releasing the club too late in the golf swing.

The golf training aid 10 of the present invention also includes an adjustable grip assembly 20. The adjustable grip assembly 20 allows the golfer to adjust a position of the grip into one or more predefined grip positions, including for example between a neutral grip position, a strong grip position, and a very strong grip position. The adjustable grip assembly 20 can have markings 128 formed thereon representative of or indicating the selected grip positions. The neutral grip position is a classic standard hand grip position. The strong hand position is typically recommended if the golfer is slicing the golf ball so as to enable the golfer to better square up the club face during contact with the golf ball, and the very strong grip position is recommended for golfers that have a pronounced slice. The adjustable grip assembly 20 can optionally include the ability to position the grip into a weak grip position for golfers who regularly hook the golf ball. The adjustable grip assembly 20 allows the golfer to experiment with different grip positions and so as to determine the best grip position for their golf swing. An incorrect positioning of the hands during the golf swing influences the take-away of the club face from an address position, the top of the swing, and the follow through. The adjustable grip enables the golfer to properly position the hands during the golf swing.

In operation, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 5-7, the golfer can untighten or loosen the nut housing 178 from the flange housing 176 portions of the adjustable grip assembly 20. Specifically, the detachment of the nut housing 178 from the threads 218 of the threaded extension component 216 allows the golfer to move the adjustable grip assembly 20 axially downwardly along the shaft 12 such that the second movable subassembly 140 is separated from the first stationary subassembly 110. More specifically, the tab portion 122 of the hub element 120 (first stationary subassembly) forming a first male gear is released from the flange portion 146 of the support element 142 (second movable subassembly) forming a second female gear. The golfer can then rotate the second movable subassembly 140 about the shaft 12 into the desired grip position, and then the golfer moves the second movable subassembly 140 upwardly to re-engage the gears. The nut housing 178 can then be tightened to secure the adjustable grip assembly 20 to the shaft 12. The specific grip positions are indicated by aligning the marking 147 on the flange 146 with the markings 128 formed on the end face of the tab element 120. The rotational movement of the second movable subassembly into the different grip positions is facilitated since the stop region 154 formed in the teeth 152 of the flange portion 146 defines an arc length that is large enough to allow the stop element 134 formed in the tab portion 122 to move therealong. The adjustable grip assembly 20 can be rotated relative to the shaft 12 by a selected amount or degrees. According to one embodiment, there is a 7.5-degree rotation between each grip position. The number of degree increments can be fewer with smaller width gears or greater with wider width gears. The adjustable grip assembly 20 thus employs gears to digitally indicate grip positions in relationship to the club face.

The shaft 12 of the present invention can include a parallel shaft having a uniform diameter. According to one embodiment, the shaft has an outer diameter ranging between about 0.40 inches and about 0.60 inches, and preferably has a diameter of about 0.415 inches. The parallel nature of the shaft allows the sound element 32 easily to slide unimpeded between the movable sound element assembly 30 and the club head assembly 40. The shaft 12 can be formed of any suitable material, such as graphite, carbon fiber, metal, fiberglass, and the like. According to one embodiment, the shaft 12 is formed from graphite to make the shaft more flexible than traditional golf shafts (i.e., softer than a ladies flex).

The golf training aid 10 of the present invention thus identifies the proper release timing of the golf swing through an audible sound made by impact of the sound element and the hosel contact surface. The sound element 32 releases from the magnet 82 of the movable sound element assembly 30 and slides down the shaft 12 impacting the hosel with an audible sound or ‘click’. The occurrence of the audible sound before ball impact indicates an early release of the club head, while an audible sound that occurs at ball impact indicates that the golf swing is perfectly timed. The audible sound occurring after impact with the golf ball indicates a late release of the club head. Further, the flexible shaft promotes a shallow feel utilizing a very soft flex shaft, thus allowing the golfer to feel or sense the head location during the golf swing via the flexible (e.g., whippy) shaft 12.

The various components of the movable sound element assembly 30, the adjustable grip assembly 20, and the club head assembly 40 can be formed any material suitable for its intended purpose. For example, the sound element 32 can be formed from metal such that the magnet can retain and secure the sound element 32 to the movable sound element assembly 30. The grip element 160 can be formed from rubber and the other components can be formed from plastic, metal, and the like.

Claims

1. A golf training aid configured as a golf club, comprising

an elongated shaft extending from a grip end to an opposed club head end,

an adjustable grip assembly coupled to the grip end of the shaft and configured to be axially and rotationally movable relative to the shaft,

a movable sound element assembly for coupling to the shaft between the grip end and the club head end, wherein the movable sound element assembly is configured to retain a sound element and to selectively release the sound element based on a selected swing speed of the golf club, and

a club head assembly coupled to the club head end of the shaft and having a flange element sized and configured for creating a contact surface, wherein the sound element when released from the movable sound element assembly axially moves along the shaft and strikes the contact surface of the flange element.

2. The golf training aid of claim 1, wherein the movable sound element assembly comprises

a sleeve element for seating about the shaft,

a securing mechanism disposed about the sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the sleeve element,

a flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and having a recess formed therein for seating a magnet, wherein the magnet secures the sound element to the movable sound element assembly, and

a nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber, wherein the nut housing is configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, wherein the flange housing and the nut housing house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.

3. The golf training aid of claim 2, wherein the sleeve element comprises

a sleeve main body having an inner surface and an outer surface,

a flange element formed at one end of the sleeve main body that extends outwardly therefrom,

a groove formed in the outer surface of the sleeve main body at an end opposite the flange element, and

a central opening in the sleeve main body and extending therethrough for enabling the sleeve element to be disposed over the shaft.

4. The golf training aid of claim 3, wherein the securing mechanism comprises

a main body having a central opening extending therethrough and sized and configured to seat the sleeve element, and

a plurality of cut-outs formed in the main body forming a plurality of flexible finger elements,

wherein an end region of each of the plurality of finger elements has a radially inwardly extending surface feature that is sized and configured for seating within the groove formed in the sleeve element.

5. The golf training aid of claim 4, wherein the flange housing includes a main body having

a flange formed at one end of the main body, and

an extension component that is coupled to and extending outwardly from the flange, wherein the extension component has an inner surface defining a chamber sized and configured for seating the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and an outer surface having threads formed thereon,

wherein the flange has a central opening formed therein that communicates with the chamber of the extension component.

6. The golf training aid of claim 5, wherein the nut housing has a main body forming the inner surface, and wherein the inner surface has threads formed thereon, and wherein the threads on the inner surface of the nut housing are configured to threadingly engage with the threads of the extension component, and wherein when the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the extension component, the nut housing and the flange housing completely enclose the sleeve component and the securing mechanism.

7. The golf training aid of claim 6, wherein the movable sound element assembly can be selectively disposed between a secured position where the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the flange housing and an unsecured position where the nut housing is axially separated from and not threadingly engaged with the flange housing.

8. The golf training aid of claim 7, wherein when the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly can be freely moved axially along the shaft, and wherein when the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly is secured at a selected axial position along the shaft.

9. The golf training aid of claim 8, wherein the shaft has markings formed thereon that correspond to a plurality of swing speed positions.

10. The golf training aid of claim 2, wherein the adjustable grip assembly comprises

a first stationary subassembly configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft and is stationary relative thereto, and

a second moveable subassembly configured to be selectively coupled to the first stationary subassembly and sized and configured to be rotationally movable relative to the shaft and axially movable along the shaft.

11. The golf training aid of claim 10, wherein the first stationary subassembly comprises a hub element having a main body having

a circular tab portion having an outer circumferential surface having a plurality of teeth formed thereon and a stop element, and

a shaft extension element coupled to and extending outwardly from the circular tab portion and configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft.

12. The golf training aid of claim 11, wherein the tab portion has an end face having a plurality of markings formed thereon representative of a plurality of different grip positions.

13. The golf training aid of claim 12, wherein the shaft extension portion is sized and configured to seat within an internal passage formed in the shaft or to couple to an outer surface of the shaft.

14. The golf training aid of claim 11, wherein the second moveable subassembly comprises

a support element for seating about the shaft,

an outer grip element for seating about the support element, and

a securing assembly for securing the second moveable subassembly to the shaft.

15. The golf training aid of claim 14, wherein the support element has a main body having an axially extending and elongated support extension portion that terminates in a flange portion that is configured to have a basket like shape forming a chamber, wherein the support element has a central passage formed therein that has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft, and wherein an inner surface of the chamber has a second plurality of teeth formed therein, wherein the second plurality of teeth are configured to engage with the first plurality of teeth when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber formed by the flange portion.

16. The golf training aid of claim 15, wherein the inner surface of the chamber has a portion or region that is free of teeth to form a stop region, wherein the stop region forms an arc having a selected arc length.

17. The golf training aid of claim 16, wherein the stop element of the hub element is aligned with and seats within the stop region of the chamber when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber.

18. The golf training aid of claim 15, wherein the securing assembly comprises

a second sleeve element for seating about the shaft,

a second securing mechanism disposed about the second sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the second sleeve element,

a second flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing, and

a second nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber, wherein the nut housing is configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, and wherein the flange housing and the nut housing house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.

19. The golf training aid of claim 10, wherein the club head assembly comprises

a club head having a club face and a neck portion having a neck passage formed therein,

a hosel flange element for coupling to the neck portion of the club head and having a flange portion forming a contact surface for selectively contacting the sound element and a hosel extension element, wherein the hosel flange element includes a central flange passage for seating the shaft and the hosel extension element is sized and configured for seating within the neck passage.

20. The golf training aid of claim 19, wherein the club head assembly further comprises a stiffening element for seating at least partly within the passage formed in the shaft to provide support to the shaft.

21. The golf training aid of claim 20, wherein the shaft has a uniform outer diameter.

22. A golf training aid configured as a golf club, comprising

an elongated shaft extending from a grip end to an opposed club head end,

a movable sound element assembly for coupling to the shaft between the grip end and the club head end, wherein the movable sound element assembly is configured to retain a sound element and to selectively release the sound element based on a selected swing speed of the golf club, and

a club head assembly coupled to the club head end of the shaft and having a flange element sized and configured for creating a contact surface, wherein the sound element when released from the movable sound element assembly axially moves along the shaft and strikes the contact surface of the flange element.

23. The golf training aid of claim 22, wherein the movable sound element assembly comprises

a sleeve element for seating about the shaft,

a securing mechanism disposed about the sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the sleeve element,

a flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and having a recess formed therein for seating a magnet, wherein the magnet secures the sound element to the movable sound element assembly, and

a nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber, wherein the nut housing is configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, wherein the flange housing and the nut housing house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.

24. The golf training aid of claim 23, wherein the sleeve element comprises

a sleeve main body having an inner surface and an outer surface,

a flange element formed at one end of the sleeve main body that extends outwardly therefrom,

a groove formed in the outer surface of the sleeve main body at an end opposite the flange element, and

a central opening in the sleeve main body and extending therethrough for enabling the sleeve element to be disposed over the shaft.

25. The golf training aid of claim 24, wherein the securing mechanism comprises

a main body having a central opening extending therethrough and sized and configured to seat the sleeve element, and

a plurality of cut-outs formed in the main body forming a plurality of flexible finger elements,

wherein an end region of each of the plurality of finger elements has a radially inwardly extending surface feature that is sized and configured for seating within the groove formed in the sleeve element.

26. The golf training aid of claim 25, wherein the flange housing includes a main body having

a flange formed at one end of the main body, and

an extension component that is coupled to and extending outwardly from the flange, wherein the extension component has an inner surface defining a chamber sized and configured for seating the sleeve element and the securing mechanism and an outer surface having threads formed thereon,

wherein the flange has a central opening formed therein that communicates with the chamber of the extension component.

27. The golf training aid of claim 26, wherein the nut housing has a main body forming the inner surface, and wherein the inner surface has threads formed thereon, and wherein the threads on the inner surface of the nut housing are configured to threadingly engage with the threads of the extension component, and wherein when the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the extension component, the nut housing and the flange housing completely enclose the sleeve component and the securing mechanism.

28. The golf training aid of claim 27, wherein the movable sound element assembly can be selectively disposed between a secured position where the nut housing is threadingly engaged with the flange housing and an unsecured position where the nut housing is axially separated from and not threadingly engaged with the flange housing.

29. The golf training aid of claim 28, wherein when the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly can be freely moved axially along the shaft, and wherein when the movable sound element assembly is disposed in the secured position, the movable sound element assembly is secured at a selected axial position along the shaft.

30. The golf training aid of claim 29, wherein the shaft has markings formed thereon that correspond to a plurality of swing speed positions.

31. A golf training aid configured as a golf club, comprising

an elongated shaft extending from a grip end to an opposed club head end,

an adjustable grip assembly coupled to the grip end of the shaft and configured to be axially and rotationally movable relative to the shaft, and

a club head assembly coupled to the club head end of the shaft.

32. The golf training aid of claim 31, wherein the adjustable grip assembly comprises

a first stationary subassembly configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft and is stationary relative thereto, and

a second moveable subassembly configured to be selectively coupled to the first stationary subassembly and sized and configured to be rotationally movable relative to the shaft and axially movable along the shaft.

33. The golf training aid of claim 32, wherein the first stationary subassembly comprises a hub element having

a circular tab portion having an outer circumferential surface having a plurality of teeth formed thereon and a stop element, and

a shaft extension element coupled to an extending outwardly from the circular tab portion and configured to be secured to the grip end of the shaft.

34. The golf training aid of claim 33, wherein the tab portion has an end face having markings formed thereon for conveying information associated with a plurality of different grip positions.

35. The golf training aid of claim 34, wherein the shaft extension portion is sized and configured to seat within an internal passage formed in the shaft or to couple to an outer surface of the shaft.

36. The golf training aid of claim 35, wherein the second moveable subassembly comprises

a support element for seating about the shaft,

an outer grip element for seating about the support element, and

a securing assembly for securing the second moveable subassembly to the shaft.

37. The golf training aid of claim 36, wherein the support element has a main body having an axially extending and elongated support extension portion that terminates in a flange portion that is configured to have a basket like shape forming a chamber, wherein the support element has a central passage formed therein that has a diameter that is greater than the outer diameter of the shaft, and wherein an inner surface of the chamber has a second plurality of teeth formed therein, wherein the second plurality of teeth are configured to engage with the first plurality of teeth when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber formed by the flange portion.

38. The golf training aid of claim 37, wherein the inner surface of the chamber has a portion or region that is free of teeth to form a stop region, wherein the stop region forms an arc having a selected arc length.

39. The golf training aid of claim 38, wherein the stop element of the hub element is aligned with and seats within the stop region of the chamber when the tab portion is mounted within the chamber.

40. The golf training aid of claim 39, wherein the securing assembly comprises

a second sleeve element for seating about the shaft,

a second securing mechanism disposed about the second sleeve element and configured to apply a radially inwardly extending force to the second sleeve element,

a second flange housing sized and configured for retaining the sleeve element and the securing, and

a second nut housing having an inner surface forming a chamber, wherein the nut housing is configured to be selectively secured to the flange housing, and wherein the flange housing and the nut housing house the sleeve element and the securing mechanism.