Golf training device and method

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf training devices and method and, more particularly, to a device and method for promoting improved hand positioning during a golf stroke.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Proper shot-making in the sport of golf depends on a variety of factors. One of these is hand positioning on the grip of the golf club. According to one view, a preferred position requires a user to orient the fingers of the lower hand so that the forefinger is slightly extend, with an upper interior portion of the forefinger not in contact with the handle, and with the pad of the thumb of the lower hand more or less squarely in contact with the handle.

It can be difficult to maintain these positions during play. A player may when swinging the club bring the top of the forefinger into contact with the handle and/or may shift the pad of the thumb away from square contact with the handle. Such shift(s) may cause less than optimum striking of the ball, with the result being a slicing or hooking of the shot.

The present invention is concerned with provide a golf training device and method that promotes proper positioning of the forefinger and/or thumb during the golf swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a golf training device is provided. The training device, comprises, in combination: a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member configured to be secured over at least a central portion of a forefinger of a user's lower hand; wherein the substantially rigid member is open at each of a bottom and a top portion thereof and is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger about the central portion.

In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a golf training device is provided. The training device, comprises, in combination: a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member configured to be secured over at least a central portion of a forefinger of a user's lower hand; wherein the substantially rigid member is open at each of a bottom and a top portion thereof and is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger about the central portion; and a thumb pad, adapted to be positioned over an upper, anterior surface portion of the user's thumb.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention, a golf training method is provided. The method comprises: securing a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member configured over at least a central portion of a forefinger of a user's lower hand; wherein the substantially rigid member is open at each of a bottom and a top portion thereof and is adapted to limit the user's ability to bend the forefinger about the central portion; grasping a handle of a golf club in a manner in which an upper portion of the forefinger is not in contact with the handle; and swinging the golf club.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golfer's hands in position on a golf grip, showing the forefinger of the bottom hand in a preferred orientation.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the palm side of a golf training device consistent with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 2, taken along line 4-4.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 3, taken along line 5-5.

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the forefinger portion of the device of FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of a golf training device consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7a is a side view of a golf training device consistent with another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a top cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 7a, taken along line 8-8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1-6, a golf training device 10 consistent with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. In this embodiment, a substantially rigid, sleeve-type member 12 (“member 12”) is provided for a user's forefinger 15, to be positioned in the interior of a forefinger portion 14 of a golf glove 16. The member 12 is positioned over and extends above and below a knuckle portion of the forefinger, and is open at both ends.

As used herein, the word “anterior” refers to the visible surface of the forefinger 15 when a hand is held in a palm forward orientation as shown in FIG. 2, while the term “posterior” refers to the rear (non-visible) surface of the forefinger 15 in this orientation.

The member 12 has a slight forward bend, as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 6. The member 12 restricts bending of the forefinger about its central portion. This placement keeps at least the upper anterior portion of the forefinger 15 from contacting the surface of a golf club handle 18, as illustrated in FIG. 1, without placing the forefinger 15 in an absolutely perpendicular orientation. The member 12 restricts bending of a user's forefinger 15, in an amount greater than the restriction provided by a prior art golf glove. In one embodiment, the member 12 is rigid, so as to prevent a user from bending the forefinger 15 during the striking of a golf ball (not shown) with golf club 20. The member 12 may be comprised of rigid rubber, plastic, or other desired material.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-6, the member 12 may be open along a portion of a length of a posterior portion thereof. Because the posterior portion does not need to be closed to restrict bending of the forefinger 15, provision of an opening along the posterior can provide improved comfort and breathability, without sacrificing functionality. Alternatively, it may be desired to provide a member 12 that lacks the posterior opening.

FIG. 1 illustrates a golfer's hands in position on a golf club handle 18, with the user having a rigid member 12 inside the golf glove 16. As shown, an upper portion of the user's forefinger 15 extends away from the handle 18, with the rigid member 12 preventing the user from encircling the handle 18 with the forefinger 15.

In one embodiment, a thumb pad 22 may also be provided. The thumb pad 22 may comprise cotton or other pliable and relatively comfortable material and is adapted to cover an upper surface, pad portion of a thumb 24, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. An underside of the thumb pad 22 may be adhered directly to a user's thumb 24, using an adhesive surface such as that provided on a band aid. Alternatively, the thumb pad 22 may be positioned in an interior portion of the golf glove 16, so that it will be in the desired location relative to the thumb 24 when the golf glove 16 is worn by the user. The thumb pad 22 is intended to promote proper positioning of the thumb 24 in relation to the handle 18, with the thumb pad 22 being placed squarely in contact with the handle 18.

Referring now to FIGS. 7-8, in one embodiment, the rigid member 12 is secured to the interior of the forefinger portion 14 of the golf club 16. In one embodiment, the rigid member 12 may be glued or otherwise secured within a sleeve 17, with the sleeve 17 then being sewn or otherwise secured to the interior of the forefinger portion 14. In another embodiment, the rigid member 12 may be directly secured to the forefinger portion 14 by gluing or other means. In another embodiment, the rigid member 12 may be secured to the outside of the forefinger portion 14.

In one embodiment, the rigid member 12 may be provided separate from the gold glove 16. In this embodiment, a user may position the rigid member 12 in place, and thereafter position a golf glove 16 thereover.

Although particular embodiments of the invention have been described in detail for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be limited, except as by the appended claims.