Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to handles or hand grips, and more specifically, to handles with attached instruments, compositions of matter used to make such handles, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Articles, kits, and methods for enabling an individual to improve their top-hand grasp of a handled object, such as a baseball bat. An article has an arcuate inner portion having a groove that extends along a length thereof, configured to reversibly engage the handled object. The article also has an irregular outer portion with a thumb support that arcuately extends from the irregular outer portion, configured to reversibly engage the individual's top-hand. During use of the article in a method of the invention, the article enables the individual to grasp the handled object with the fingers of their top-hand, rather than the palm and thumb of their top-hand, to improve acceleration, velocity, precision, accuracy, and form of the individual's swing when the article is not used, as well as improved safety and consistent grip technique when it is used.

Abstract: A “Power Wedge” can be inserted into a pocket of a batting glove, or used separately. The wedge can include an elongate generally teardrop shape, with an interior face that is convexly curved, defining a trough with a curvature that corresponds to the curvature of a bat handle. The wedge can include one or more tethering loops anchored inside the wedge. Such loops may extend from the wedge out the top end of the wedge. A tethering loop can also be provided extending out the bottom tapered end of the wedge, as well. Such loops may be wrapped around the thumb, index finger, and/or wrist of the user. Such tethers can also be wrapped around the bat handle. Such tethers are particularly helpful if the wedge is not received into pocket of a batting glove. The wedge can also be used with golf gloves and golf clubs.

Abstract: A finger guard for use with a goalie hockey stick includes a collar arranged to be frictionally retained about the paddler portion of the goalie hockey stick and a guard body on the collar so as to be supported on the paddle portion of the goalie hockey stick in proximity to the top end of the paddle portion to protrude outwardly from a major front face of the paddle portion. The guard body has a bottom face which is arranged to be oriented substantially perpendicularly to the common plane of the paddle portion. The guard body provides the function of deflecting pucks away from the fingers of the goalie even when pucks are deflected upwardly along the paddle portion of the goalie hockey stick.

Abstract: A golf club grip may include a docking tube and an elongated handle. The docking tube may be configured to couple to a golf club shaft and may include a docking tube sidewall. The elongated handle may be detachably couplable to the docking tube. The elongated handle may include an elongated handle sidewall defining an axial opening configured to receive the docking tube. At least one of the docking tube sidewall and the elongated handle sidewall may include a projection and the other of the docking tube sidewall and the elongated handle sidewall may include a channel. The channel may be configured to receive the projection to prevent rotation of the elongated handle relative to the docking tube when the elongated handle is coupled to the docking tube.

Abstract: A method and device for improving golf ball drive speed and accuracy and decreasing wrist tension in the performance of swinging a golf club, by decreasing the burden of grip force to afford retention of the grip of a golf club during the swing, and by subsequently reducing detrimental and compounding effects resulting from other, prior methods in the art that are used to control swing motion.

Abstract: A golf swing playing aid device for use on a conventional golf club having a handle, an impact head and a shaft. The golf swing playing aid device includes a grip member having an outer portion and an inner portion. The outer portion is adapted to be grasped by the lower hand of the user. The inner portion is configured to slide along the golf club shaft. The grip member is configured such that when gripped by the lower hand of the user during a backswing the grip member slides down the shaft toward the head, whereby the hands of the user, when grasping the handle with the upper hand and the grip member with the lower hand can separate progressively during a backswing and then progressively return back into proximity during a downswing and follow-through of a golf swing to promote a more perfect and repeatable golf swing.

Abstract: Tool grips and handles may be enhanced by the addition of modular inserts which compensate for two voids in the human hand. A first insert may fill a void in the palm of the hand while a second may fill one by the fingers. By filling the voids, a more natural, relaxed, and customizable grip may be achieved for almost any handle. Use of a plurality of inserts allows for customization according to hand size while the size of the inserts also accounts for the size, dimensions, and axes of the handle and tool in general. Meniscus-shaped inserts may be stacked on one another for optimum effect.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a gripping aid to improve the hand-to-handle interface. The gripping aid increases the grip span of a user by bridging the anatomical gaps in the user's finger and thumb. The gripping aid provide a structure along the thumb web to oppose the gripping force of the fingers/thumb to increase grip strength. In some implementations, the gripping aid may be composed of a crush resistant and further include a fulcrum point to add instability to increase the speed and/or torque of each swing of a handle. In some implementations, the gripping aid may also provide a reduction in vibrations and superficial hand traumas normally caused when the handle strikes an object.

Abstract: A butt-end apparatus for a lacrosse stick or other sport implement. The butt-end apparatus comprises a hand abutment comprising: a handle-facing surface to face a handle of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement; and a hand-engaging surface to engage a hand of a player when holding the lacrosse stick or other sport implement. A position of the hand-engaging surface along the handle relative to a longitudinal end of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement is adjustable. An end cap may be mountable to a longitudinal end of a shaft of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement to define the longitudinal end of the lacrosse stick or other sport implement.

Abstract: A weight holding device includes a strap and a strap-separating component attached to the strap. The strap-separating component maintains a separation between two portions of said strap when a weight is suspended from said weight holding device. An optional handgrip may be included.

Abstract: A sleeve or grip for use on a ball bat or other sporting-good implement includes a low-friction inner surface and a longitudinal slit that facilitates its positioning on, and removal from, a handle of the implement. The grip is rotatable about the handle so that a user's hand may move into an optimal position during a swing. The grip may be readily removable from the implement so that, after a swing, it stays with the user, as opposed to remaining on the implement.

Abstract: A training bat apparatus includes a shaft and audible and visual swing quality indicators on the shaft. The audible indicator includes a sound-producing body affixed to a barrel portion of the shaft, and an impact-producing body movably mounted along the shaft so as to strike the sound-producing body and produce a noticeable sound in response to the training bat apparatus undergoing a dry swing relative to a pitched ball. The visual indicator is provided in a radial position along a longitudinal side, and relative to a longitudinal axis, of the shaft for enabling placement of a batter's hands in a given proper tandem grip about a handgrip portion of the shaft. Provision of these indicators and their functioning enable the batter to undergo effective dry batting training using the training bat apparatus in conjunction with a pitcher and catcher undergoing respective pitching and receiving training in a bullpen session.

Abstract: An improved drumstick is formed from a tip, shaft, and butt, the shaft having a lateral surface. The lateral surface can receive a primary fulcrum groove, which assists a drummer in holding and utilizing the drumstick. To assist with grip and improve ergonomics, an additional secondary fulcrum groove may be provided halfway around the shaft from the primary fulcrum groove. Auxiliary finger grooves can be provided along the shaft as well. To adjust the weight and provide alternate striking surfaces, receptacles and weighted inserts are incorporated into the shaft, the tip, or both. The improved drumstick can be used to help create a personalized drumstick by allowing a drummer to experiment with weight distribution and groove placements until finding one that is ideal.

Abstract: Provided herein is an improved lacrosse stick with a teaching aid. The lacrosse stick includes an elongate member comprising a shaft with a near end and a far end designed for a user to hold the lacrosse stick. The lacrosse stick further includes a basket for holding a ball, the basket being attached to the far end of the shaft. The shaft further includes a teaching aid positioned near the far end of the shaft. The teaching aid is a curling aid which serves as a physical barrier forcing a hand to engage the shaft in a curling position.

Abstract: An impact training device for a sports device. The training device includes an elongate rod, a handle engagement element and a handle connector joining the handle engagement element to the elongate rod. The elongate rod is radially displaced from a handle of the sports device when the handle engagement element is engaged to the handle of the sports device.

Abstract: A golf training apparatus and method for maintaining proper position of a golfer's hands on the grip of a golf club during a swing. The apparatus is a strap assembly that wraps around the wrist of the upper hand and is secured to the shaft of the golf club just below the grip. A backswing loop secures the wrist to the top of the club grip. As the golfer swings the club, the apparatus maintains the hands in proper alignment resulting in proper swing mechanics that produce a straighter flight of the ball with reduced slice, draw or fade of the ball that may be imparted to the ball due to undesirable spin occurring throughout either the golfer's entire swing or a portion or thereof.

Abstract: An accessory for a golf club to assist in the grip of the golf club and prevent the club from slipping out of the user's hands, especially when the grip is wet. The accessory is slid onto the grip portion of the golf club.

Abstract: A flexible, semi-rigid hand accessory designed to harness power from relatively strong, tough areas of the hand and disperse stress away from weak, sensitive areas by means of anchors pressing into tough fleshy areas with connecting structure capable of bracing and leveraging a handle away from sensitive bony areas, relocating fleshy areas into supporting and insulating positions, preventing bone bruises, enhancing finger gripping and widening the effective grip of the hand for greater control while augmenting the hand's range of motion especially in swinging a baseball bat.

Abstract: A head cover for a golf club includes a first surface having a removable cleaning pad thereon, and a second surface on which at least one golf accessory constructed of a ferrous metal is removably attached thereto. The second surface is part of a tri-layer construction with magnets forming the second middle layer so as to so retain the golf accessory thereon. The cleaning pad is removed by the golfer from the first surface and includes a scrubbing area to remove grit and/or debris from one of a golf ball and a golf club face.

Abstract: The devices described herein assist the player of a sport involving a bat (e.g., baseball or softball) or club (e.g., golf) to correctly position his or her hands on the bat or club to enhance the power and accuracy of the player's swing.

Abstract: The self-attaching golf putter aid includes an upper grip joined at a pivot point with a bottom bracket such that the upper grip can rotate about a vertical axis with the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket is designed to attach onto the handle of a putter via an adjustable strap. The aid is used by grabbing the upper grip with a first hand while grabbing the bottom bracket and handle of the putter with a second hand, and wherein the end user holds the upper grip stationary while swinging the putter to form a true and smooth pendulum golf putting stroke that is ideal when putting.

Abstract: A golf training aid comprises a body including a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface comprises a club shaft groove. The bottom surface comprises an index finger groove, a middle finger groove and a separation bulge between the two index and middle finger grooves. The body comprises an elastomeric material having sufficient flexibility so the club shaft groove generally conforms to a golf club shaft and the index and middle finger grooves generally conform to the index and middle fingers of a user when the body is positioned between the user's hand and the golf club shaft with a user's hand gripping the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A golf training tool includes a boot having a first open end to be fitted over a grip of a golf club, and a rod projecting from a second end of the boot opposed to the first open end and which rod extends into the boot.

Abstract: The disclosed systems and devices of enhancing power grip on an athletic apparatus allow for a constant pressure by the thumb and index finger to be applied to the golf club. The enhanced grip of the left thumb and index finger is sufficient to maintain proper grip during the golf swing and, most importantly, at impact. The disclosed systems and devices of enhancing power grip on an athletic apparatus comprise an index finger support, a thumb support and a locking mechanism. In an example embodiment, the index finger support comprises a slight curvature (or bevel) which allows this portion of the grip to be on the underside of the golf club. The thumb portion of the grip may be straight, exerting pressure on the top portion of the golf club.

Abstract: A device for improving a golfer's swing, the device having a training handle for a golf club wherein the golf club has a longitudinal shaft having at its superior end a gripping area and at its inferior end a head, the training handle originating on or immediately inferior to the gripping area and extending perpendicularly from the longitudinal shaft, the handle being oriented such that it is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the golf club head.

Abstract: A dynamic swing-aid device used to improve the golfer's swing action. It also reduces potential risk of swing injuries to golfers. The upper portion of this device is the wrist channel that fits over the forearm and allows the swing correction to occur. The lower part of the device is the handle guide that keeps the shaft of the golf club in the proper position with the clubface square to the target. This wrist swing-aid device is constructed of rigid material, and shaped to fit and support the club handle and to help the golfer's grip and swing motion. Its shape has a locating feature to lock in the top of club's handle. The sponge padded wrist channel has a self-adjusting feature to accommodate player's forearm size. The wrist channel upper portion may rest against the leading forearm to maintain a consistent swing motion and prevent wrist-hinging action during the club swing.

Abstract: A golf club training implement is described which includes a tapered sleeve having a first end, a tapered second end, and a longitudinal slit opening therein so that the implement fits over a shaft of a club for slidable placement on or along a golf club grip. A substantially circular guard is attached to and abuts the sleeve first end. The guard is oriented at an angle relative to the sleeve first end so that the sleeve has a longer first side and an opposite shorter second side between the sleeve first and second ends.

Abstract: A training device for use with a golf club, an elongated member enabling the device to be mounted on the grip of a golf club, the member having an inner cavity shaped to the matching surface of the grip surface. A positioner member is engaged with a post which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the elongated member, the height of the locking member being adjustable to accommodate the hand size of the golfer. A disc member is attached to the positioner member, the golfer's hand being positioned between the elongated member and the disc member. An adjustable wrap around lock is positioned at the end of the elongated member spaced from the post and is adjustable such that the training device can fit onto various sized grips and to be secured thereto.

Abstract: A system and method for a computer-based training in which a user is presented with a first training session associated with a learning strategy. Quantitative data concerning the first training session is gathered and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of the learning strategy for the user. A user is presented with a second training session associated with a different learning strategy based on the determined effectiveness of the first learning strategy.

Abstract: A practice device used to improve a golfer's putting stroke, the device including: a bar member defining a support surface and constructed to be secured to a golf club shaft in order to maintain the support surface essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the golf club shaft; and a cord member secured to the bar member and including a cord secured to the bar member to extend across the golf club shaft. The cord member is secured to the bar member in a manner to allow the golfer's forearms to be held securely between the cord member and the bar member when the golfer grips the club shaft in a normal manner to execute a putting stroke.

Abstract: A hand accessory designed to harness power from strong areas of the hand and channel stress away from weaker areas by means of anchors pressing into tough fleshy areas with connecting structure capable of leveraging a handle away from sensitive bony areas, relocating fleshy areas into supporting and insulating positions, preventing bone bruises and widening the effective grip of the hand for greater control while augmenting the hand's range of motion especially in swinging a baseball bat.

Abstract: One embodiment of a golf training aid that provides a visual and physical reference as to the correlational relationship between a golfers' hand-placement on a golf club and the face of the golf club at impact to provide means for the golfer to hit a straight golf shot or to shape a golf shot. Utilizing a rear sight guide (10) and a front sight (14) attached to an alignment guide rail (12) and a flexible joint or hinge (16), the gauging apparatus provides physical reference for the golfers' hand-placement and a visual reference to desired target lines. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A golf grip training tool utilized on a simulated golf club of reduced length. An abutment is angularly placed on the end of the shaft of the golf club and indicia relating to the placement of the golfer's thumbs and index fingers are attached thereto. Utilizing the abutment and the indicia, the golfer would be able to properly place his or her hands on the upper shaft or handle of the golf club to learn the proper grip.

Abstract: A method of using a golf training aid to train a golfer to correctly position their hands on the grip of a golf club. The training aid is temporarily engaged on the grip in the correct position by aligning a positioning aid on the training aid with the ball-striking of the club. The correct positioning of the hands is ensured by providing thumb and finger placement indicators on the training aid. The golfer is trained to use the correct amount of force to hold the club by heeding pressure sensors provided in the training aid.

Abstract: A training device for use with a golf club. A cylindrical shaped member enables the device to be mounted on the grip of a golf club, the member having an inner cavity tapered to the matching angle of the grip surface and a cutout portion formed along a portion of the length of the device. A self-locking member is engaged with a post which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting member, the height of the locking member being adjustable to accommodate the hand size of the golfer. A plurality of rib members formed at the bottom of the post allows the post diameter to be reduced while increasing post stabilization thus allowing the post to be smaller in diameter and longer in length.

Abstract: A pair of adjustable handles for use with a golf putter includes a sleeve having an interior area with a diameter at least as large as a diameter of the golf club shaft, the sleeve having first and second shafts extending outwardly. A first handle is rotatably coupled to the first shaft. A first locking mechanism is biased to fix a position of the first handle relative to the first shaft and movable to allow the first handle to rotate relative to the first shaft. A second handle is rotatably coupled to the second shaft, the first and second handles being rotatable about a common axis of rotation. A second locking mechanism is biased to fix a position of the second handle relative to the second shaft and movable to allow the second handle to rotate relative to the second shaft. The sleeve is locked to the golf club shaft.

Abstract: A golf training aid comprised of a telescopic rod mounted on an adjustable bracket and a generally spherical end member mounted on the rod. The bracket adjusts to fit over the end of the grip of a golf club and is held in place by a band around the bracket. The rod is adapted to be extended and shortened as a means to adjust the length of the device. The distance of the end member from the grip is adjusted so that the end member contacts the midsection of a golfer when he assumes his putting stance and is positioned outside the golfer's body when used for chipping. The portion of the end member which contacts a golfer's body has relatively low friction so that the end member moves relative to the body if the proper putting stroke is not used. The telescopic rod of the device is not meant to contact the golfer's body when used for chipping and will come in contact with the golfer's body when an improper chipping motion is used.

Abstract: A training device for use with a golf club. A cylindrical shaped member enables the device to be mounted on the grip of a golf club, the member having an inner cavity tapered to the matching angle of the grip surface and a cutout portion formed along a portion of the length of the device. A self-locking member is engaged with a post which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting member, the height of the locking member being adjustable to accommodate the hand size of the golfer. A plurality of rib members formed at the bottom of the post allows the post diameter to be reduced while increasing post stabilization thus allowing the post to be smaller in diameter and longer in length.

Abstract: A golf training device comprising an elongate member with a first positioning aid having an indicator thereon that is visually alignable with a portion of the club. When the indicator is so aligned, the training device is used to correctly position the golfer's hands around the circumference of the club handle. The training device includes additional aids to enable the golfer to correctly position the device linearly on the grip and to then correctly position his or her fingers and thumbs around the training device. The training device may further include pressure sensors and a speaker to aid the golfer in learning to grip the club correctly.

Abstract: A training device for use with a golf club. A mounting member enables the device to be mounted on the grip of a golf club. A positioning member is threadly engaged with a threaded post which is substantially perpendicular to the top surface of the mounting, the height of the positioner being adjustable to accommodate the hand size of the golfer.

Abstract: A golf swing training apparatus is disclosed. The invention includes a harness for use in connection with a bifurcated training apparatus having two operative elements, including an upper grip portion and a lower slide portion, the portions configured to be cooperatively engaged both with a golf club and each other in a defined cooperative manner. When assembled in the preferred truncated frustoconical structure, the lower slide portion is axially slidable along a length of golf club handle to assist the golfer to learn a desired swing position.

Abstract: The golf grip training device is removably held against, and receives, the grip of a golf club, and is adapted to be grasped in the leading hand of the user, between the thumb and index finger. The golf grip training device allows the user to better sense the motion and position of the golf club during a swing, and to better feel and gauge the pressure exerted on the user's hand during the swing. The golf grip training device has an upper wall and a lower wall, with the upper wall having a substantially arcuate contour and a substantially constant radius of curvature. The upper wall extends from the lower wall along a longitudinal axis, with the lower wall extending along a lateral axis and a transverse axis. The lower wall has a channel centrally formed therethrough for insertion of a golf club grip therein.

Abstract: A training aid for use with golf clubs has a coupler easily interchangeable from one club to another with an attached hand strap for wrapping about the golfer's hand to restrain the club against slipping from the user's grip while swinging the club, thereby to encourage a looser and more natural grip on the club.

Abstract: An accessory for a golf putter to make that putter into a putter with the feel of a belly putter. The accessory temporarily extends a regular putter to simulate the feeling of a belly putter.

Abstract: A golf training device for aiding a golfer in perfecting their grip on a golf club and their swing. The golf training device includes an elongated member made from a flexible plastic material and that is designed to frictionally engage the handle portion of the golf club. The device includes a gripping region with first and second positioning aids thereon for correct placement of the golfer's thumbs. The device further includes a pair of lasers that are mounted in a rest area that integrally formed with the gripping region. The lasers are mounted so as to emit a pair of divergent laser beams outwardly away from the lowermost end of the device and on either side of the golf club head. The lasers are used to correctly align the device on the golf club shaft and as an aid for the golfer to check his grip on the club and the position he assumes for addressing a golf ball.

Abstract: A handle for sports equipment. In an illustrative embodiment, the handle includes grip structure for accommodating a hand. The grip structure includes a first mechanism that is coupled to the grip structure for reducing involvement of a thumb of a hand in grasping the grip. A second mechanism is coupled to the grip to reduce involvement of an additional digit of the hand in grasping the grip. In a more specific embodiment, the handle is a golf club handle. The additional digit includes an index finger, a middle finger, and/or a ring finger of the hand. The involvement of a thumb includes involvement of muscles and tendons coupled to the thumb. The involvement of an additional digit includes involvement of muscles and tendons coupled to the additional digit.

Abstract: A golf training device comprising an elongate member with a first positioning aid having an indicator thereon that is visually alignable with a portion of the club. When the indicator is so aligned, the training device is used to correctly position the golfer's hands around the circumference of the club handle. The training device includes additional aids to enable the golfer to correctly position the device linearly on the grip and to then correctly position his or her fingers and thumbs around the training device. The training device may further include pressure sensors and a speaker to aid the golfer in learning to grip the club correctly.

Abstract: A hand accessory contoured to anchor into tough areas of a hand and bridge over sensitive areas in securing a grip on an implement handle, maximizing the transmission of force to the implement handle, minimizing stress received in the sensitive areas of the hand (primarily the upper areas) and increasing power transmission through tougher and stronger areas of the hand (primarily the lower areas).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a training aid which may be used with a playing device such as a golf club or baseball bat. Embodiments of the present invention may be temporarily attached to a playing device and modify how a person holds, or grips, the playing device. The present invention comprises a first portion that may be temporarily attached to part of the playing device that is gripped by a person. When the present invention is temporarily attached to a playing device and a person grips the present invention, a second portion extends at least part of one finger of the person a distance from the playing device.