Abstract: A preferred golf club includes a first alignment mark on a grip of the club and a second alignment mark on the head proximate a centerline of the head. A preferred method for addressing a ball involves positioning the second alignment mark proximate the center of the ball; pivoting the club until the first alignment mark overhangs the ball; aiming the first alignment mark toward a target; positioning one's feet parallel to the first alignment mark; and again centering the second alignment mark with the ball. One object of the present invention is to assist a golfer both in striking a golf ball with the sweet spot of a club head and to enable the golfer to accurately sight on the target.

Abstract: A golf grip-training device includes a main body having attachment means for securement to a golf club by snap-fit in the area of the golf club grip where a golfer's hands are placed. The attachment means is preferably a collar which receives the club shaft. A deformable grip element is affixed to the main body by a living hinge and further includes a gap between the grip element and the main body. A tactile sensory stimulator is affixed to the main body and located within the gap whereby excessive deformation of the grip element causes the stimulator to project beyond the grip element and into contact with at least one of the golfer's hands. The grip element may further includes an aperture through which the stimulator extends when the grip element is excessively deformed.

Abstract: A gripping device for use with a hand of a user. The gripping device includes a body portion having a hollow interior portion adapted to be secured to a shaft. The gripping device also includes a thumb receiving member and a fingers receiving member connected to the body portion, the fingers receiving member generally opposite the thumb receiving member. The thumb receiving member and fingers receiving member allow the user to secure a hand to the shaft. The shaft is located on a golf club in one embodiment.

Abstract: A golf club grip includes a hollow tapered body having a front surface and a generally opposed rear surface defining a depth dimension therebetween, and first and second side surfaces respectively extending between and connecting the front and rear surfaces and defining a width dimension between outer extents thereof. At least the front surface of the golf club grip is planar, while the side surfaces are preferably radiused. The body includes an upper portion, an intermediate portion, and a lower portion, with the upper and intermediate portions, in combination, extending at least 60% of the body length from the second end, with at least the upper and intermediate portions of the body having a width dimension to depth dimension ratio of at least 1.1:1.

Abstract: A reverse taper grip (16, 16a) for attachment to an elongated golf club shaft (12) or other similar handle or the like is provided, the grip (16, 16a) being formed of resilient synthetic resin material and presenting an outer gripping surface (20, 20a) of reverse taper design along at least a portion of the grip (16, 16a). The grip (16, 16a) presents a moderate reverse taper angle, with the ratio of the greater thickness end (28, 28a) to the smaller thickness end (24, 24a) being from about 1.1-1.7.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a golf training apparatus configured to aid a golfer in developing a consistent golf swing. The golf training apparatus includes a triangle plane guide, a shaft coupler and a limb attachment member. The triangle plane guide includes two side members and a top member coupled to each other to form a triangular configuration. The shaft coupler is operatively coupled to a portion of the triangle plane guide and is operable to removably couple with a shaft of the golf club below a grip end of the shaft so that said triangle plane guide is disposed in a suspended position above the shaft. The limb attachment member is coupled to the triangle plane guide and operable to attach to a limb of the golfer in an adjustable manner.

Abstract: A golf teaching technique is enclosed, in addition to golf equipment for teaching and recreation. The equipment includes golf clubs, balls, and targets, and also includes a method for teaching students how to properly use these items.

Abstract: A method and device for preventing a golfer's hands from slipping off a golf club grip. The device has a body with an opening that defines an inner perimeter of the body, an outer perimeter spaced radially outward from and surrounding the inner perimeter, and a slot in the body that extends between the inner and outer perimeters thereof. The slot has a width greater than the diameter of the golf club shaft to permit installation of the body on the golf club. The opening in the body has a minimum dimension larger than the diameter of a second grip portion of the grip but smaller than the diameter of a first grip portion of the grip, so that the body can be prevented from being removed from the club over the first grip portion. In this manner, the device is secured on the grip by an interference fit.

Abstract: This optical aiming device, that is part of or attaches to a golf club grip or shaft, allows golfers to align their clubface to a predetermined target by sighting through the grip end of the golf club. By incorporating a sighting device in golf grip during manufacturing or by adding this accessory aiming device to an existing grip, the golfer's eyes, sighting device and target can all be on the same line. The device makes it possible to align the clubface to the target with a very high degree of accuracy. This device may be used during play or as a practice device to check the player's ability to aim the clubface properly. This device is particularly useful when aiming a putter to a desired target.

Abstract: A ring approximately 1¾″ outside diameter×⅞″ inside diameter×⅜″ wide that can be placed on a golf club shaft where it will engage the grip material and form a snug fit. The ring will help prevent the golf club from slipping or twisting out of the hands of a golfer when executing a swing in wet weather conditions. The ring is removable from the grip and shaft when it is not required.

Abstract: A trial golf club and golf fitting system for determining at least one custom fitted golf club. The trial club includes a golf club head having a sole defined by a radius of curvature. The sole of the golf club head includes graduated indicia for identifying an optimal lie angle for the fitted club. When the golfer swings the trial golf club, the optimal lie angle of the fitted club is identified by locating the point of impact on the sole of the head of the trial golf club.

Abstract: A golf club grip (10) with an integral hand placement indicator (20) for encouraging hand placement using a plurality of opposed arcs (32, 32′) for a traditional three knuckle power position which assists in squaring the club face (17) with a golf ball upon impact. The predetermined sinuous surface pattern (20) provides at least a first pair of opposed arcs (34, 34′), a second pair of opposed arcs (36, 36′) and a third pair of opposed arcs (38, 38′) with the second pair (36, 36′) and the third pair (38, 38′) being preferably indicative of a first hand position (40) and a second hand position (42).

Abstract: A swing training golf iron has a solid metal linear shaft attached to an iron golf head and a hand grip. The side of the shaft facing the iron golf head has linear indicia located between the head and grip to provide visual orientation of the angular orientation of the golf head relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The hand grip has a pair of projections for locating the golfer's hand son the grip. Each projection has a V-shaped indicia to aid in the angular orientation of the iron golf head.

Abstract: A golf club grip (10) with an integral hand placement indicator (20) for encouraging hand placement using a plurality of opposed arcs (32, 32′) for a traditional three knuckle power position which assists in squaring the club face (17) with a golf ball upon impact. The predetermined sinuous surface pattern (20) provides at least a first pair of opposed arcs (34, 34′), a second pair of opposed arcs (36, 36′) and a third pair of opposed arcs (38, 38′) with the second pair (36, 36′) and the third pair (38, 38′) being preferably indicative of a first hand position (40) and a second hand position (42).

Abstract: A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.

Abstract: A device for properly positioning and constraining the grip of a golfer on a golf club handle and, particularly, for preventing the thumb from rotating to the right or to the left during the golf stroke.

Abstract: A color coding system for golf clubs including a top hand outline disposed on a grip portion of a golf club. The top hand outline indicates a proper positioning for a top hand on the grip portion. The top hand outline is in a first color. A bottom hand outline is disposed on the grip portion. The bottom hand outline indicates a proper positioning for a bottom hand on the grip portion. The bottom hand outline is in a second color which contrasts from the first color.

Abstract: A golf club alignment device to be secured to an outer surface of a golf club shaft. The device comprises a band of material having first and second markings positioned at first and second ends of a central portion, the markings being of contrasting visual appearance relative to the central portion of the band, with the markings preferably being light in colour and the central portion of the band preferably being dark in colour. The contrasting visual appearance of the markings and the central portion create visual transition points between the markings and the central portion of the band. The transition points between the markings and the central portion of the band are spaced apart by a distance such that, when the band is applied to the cylindrical surface of the golf club shaft with the center point of the central portion coincident with the rearmost point of the shaft, the transition points are located at 180 degrees to one another and at 90 degrees to the rearmost point on the shaft.

Abstract: A golf putter is provided with an aiming device comprising a fastening member which is detachably fastened with the golf putter and is provided with a housing pivoted therewith. The housing contains a laser beam device for emitting a laser beam to serve as a reference indication line along which a golf ball is to travel. A main body is provided at the fastening member. A power source and a switch are mounted on the main body.

Abstract: A golf swing training club consisting of a club head, a length adjustable shaft, and a grip. A light source housed inside the grip projects, when illuminated, a highly focused beam of light outward from the top of the grip to track the player's swing plane. The light source, typically a diode laser module with power source, is removably secured within the grip by means of a collar and plug connector. Formed into the grip is a pressure sensitive switch which controls the light source. The light source is turned on whenever the grip is grasped and is turned off once the grip is released. A means for removably mounting training weights along the length of the shaft is also described.

Abstract: A golf club grip alignment device is provided by a rib of material laying along the surface of the golf club grip. The side edges of the rib guide the golfer's hands into proper alignment. The rib may be formed by a continuous metal wire which wraps around the surface of the golf club grip, in which case the rib is held to the golf club grip by means of the torsional spring resilience of the wire. In an alternate embodiment, the rib may be composed of a flaccid material whose position and affixation to the grip is provided by a highly elastic sleeve into which it is embedded. The sleeve is applied to the golf club grip as a pull-over cover which holds itself firmly in position by the elastic constriction of the sleeve.

Abstract: A bunt guard (10) removably attachable to a baseball bat (12) for protecting a player's fingers and hand from impact by a baseball while the player is learning to bunt a baseball. A ring (14) on the bunt guard encircles the baseball bat and removably secures the bunt guard to a tapered portion of the bat by a frictional fit. A shield (16) attaches to the ring (14) and extends on the front side (28) of the bat (12) where the player grips the baseball bat (12) when bunting. The shield (16) protects the player's fingers and hand from impact with a baseball.

Abstract: Indicia attached to a golf club grip or shaft indicates the proper positioning of the golf club and hands during gripping of the golf club and during the golf swing. The indicia may also warn the golfer that the golf club is incorrectly positioned. The indicia may be attached to an existing golf grip or shaft, or integrally formed with the golf grip or shaft. Additionally, the indicia may be permanently or removably attached to the golf grip or shaft. The indicia, for example, may include a first line and a second line which are visible to the golfer during a golf swing to indicate that the golf club is in the desired position, but if the first or second lines are not visible, that indicates the golf club is not in the desired position. Hand positioning indicia having a generally V-shaped configuration extends between the first and second lines, and the first and second lines are preferably spaced at least about 120.degree.

Abstract: A golf shaft grip which is lightweight, provides sufficient hand to grip adhesion qualities and can be installed without the use of glue, tape or solvents, the grip including grip nodules positioned along the grip end of a golf shaft and attached to the shaft at holes spatially positioned thereabout.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multi-use golf club which allows a user to select a long or short shot without changing the dynamics of the user's golf swing. This is accomplished with a hand grip having at least two hand grip position designations located thereon, each hand grip designation defining a different set of golf club characteristics. During use, characteristics associated with a long shot are exhibited when the user's grip is positioned adjacent one hand grip designation, and characteristics associated with a short shot are exhibited when the users's grip is positioned adjacent the other hand grip designation. Additionally, the present invention implements a variable diameter golf club shaft which is uniquely calibrated for users having reduced club head speed swings such as junior and senior golfers. The solid core shaft of the present invention has a preselected taper portion and flex point adjustably located intermediate the top and bottom ends of the shaft.

Abstract: A golf swing teaching aid designed to be removably attached to a golf club grip and having a planar member with an opening that encircles the golf club grip and the golfer's hands gripping the club, such that the planar member does not interfere with the golfer's hands or swinging of the golf club. The planar member attaches to the grip at two points, preferably with a friction fit, and locates the edges of the planar member about the grip aligning the planar member with the longitudinal axis of the club. The golfer's hands are located within the opening of the planar member and normally wrap around the grip. The planar member includes a highlighted or contrasting edge to aid the golfer in observing and assessing the position and alignment of the golfer's hands and the golf club face during the swing. The planar member provides the golfer or an instructor with an instantaneous visual picture of the true hand position and swing plane of the golfer's swing to provide for correction of the golf swing.

Abstract: A golf club (10) for use in striking a golf ball (20). The golf club (10) includes a head portion (14) for contacting the golf ball (20) and a flexible grip portion (18) including an outer gripping layer (40) having a top section (38) and a bottom section and an inner flexible layer (44) positioned within the top section (38) for gripping by a golfer (12). A solid shaft (16) is connected between the head portion (14) and flexible grip portion (18) and is positioned to extend through the bottom section of the flexible grip portion (18) to provide rigidity thereto while the flexible portion (38) remains flexible and able to bend from its position parallel to the shaft (16) during use.

Abstract: A golf putter hand grip being so shaped that the golfers two palms remain flat and parallel to each other and the striking face portion of the club head while the fingers and thumb secure the grip in a natural manner.

Abstract: A golf putting training device for a golfer comprising an elongate rigid support member, a pair of arm-embracing members for receiving therethrough and partially encircling the golfer's forearms, each arm-embracing member mounted on the support member for longitudinal movement relative to the other arm-embracing member and for independent pivotal movement relative to the bar about a pivot axis extending substantially perpendicularly of the longitudinal extent of the bar. The arm-embracing members each comprise a tapered, tubularly formed sleeve having a larger diameter at one end of the sleeve for fitting snugly over the golfer's upper forearm adjacent the crook of the elbow and a smaller diameter at the opposite end of the sleeve for fitting snugly over the golfer's lower forearm adjacent the wrist.

Abstract: A silicone rubber golf club grip comprises one hundred parts by weight of a high molecular weight polyorganosiloxane polymer, and approximately 20 to 40 parts by weight of a fumed silica filler having a surface area per gram of at least about 300 m.sub.2.

Abstract: A dual purpose training device for use with a golf club includes a base member having an inner concave side for releasable attachment to a golf club handle and an outer contoured side configured to guide a user's hands and fingers about the base member and handle in a predetermined manner to achieve a desired grip. A riser defined by a hollow tubular elongate member having a metal ball movably contained therein is releasably attachable to the base member so that it extends in substantially perpendicular relation to the base member, the ball striking opposite ends of the tubular member at predetermined positions throughout a proper golf swing to audibly indicate proper alignment and orientation of the golf club and hands, at various positions of the swing. The base member can be used independently as a grip teaching aid or in combination with the tubular member to also practice and develop a proper golf swing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a putter grip assembly including a partially threaded sleeve provided with a threaded retaining nut at the base of the sleeve. This will permit a golfer to slide the putter grip assembly including the sleeve over the shaft of the putter after having first removed the existing putter grip. Thereafter the golfer rotationally adjusts the angle of the grip to the putter face to various positions until the golfer finds the angle that works best for his/her putting stroke. The golfer then tightens the nut on the sleeve to fix the angle of the hand grip with reference to the putter face. Once the golfer has identified the best grip-face angle for his/her putting stroke, a plastic sealant such as epoxy resin is provided between the retaining nut, sleeve and shaft thereby immobilizing the retaining nut and fixedly connecting the hand grip assembly to the shaft.

Abstract: A putter grip sensitizing attachment for installation over the existing putter grip having first and second ends for sensitizing the feel of the putter to the hands of a golfer including an elongated tubular expandible plastic mesh having first and second ends, a first adhesive plastic tape for securing the first end of the plastic mesh proximate the first end of the putter grip and a second adhesive plastic tape for securing the second end of the plastic mesh proximate the second end of the putter grip.