US20060258474A1

US20060258474A1 - Golf club trainer

Info

Publication number: US20060258474A1
Application number: US11/126,136
Authority: US
Inventors: B. Gruenke
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-05-10
Filing date: 2005-05-10
Publication date: 2006-11-16

Abstract

A golf club trainer comprises a shaft having an upper end and a lower end, a grip attached to the upper end of the shaft and an integral oversized head attached to the lower end of the shaft for tapping a ball up and down on the integral oversized head. The golf training club is available in all types of golf clubs including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters. In another embodiment, a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer comprises a paddle having a blade with a front planar surface and a rear surface, and attachment means for removably attaching the paddle to the head of the golf club. The removable oversized golf club head tap trainer is available in various sizes and shapes, and is available for removable attachment to all types of golf club heads including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a golf training system and method, and more particularly to a golf club trainer for tapping a ball up and down on an oversized golf club head or a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer that is removably attachable to the head of a golf club for fun and improving eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and concentration.
A large number of golf training devices have been developed for use by golfers to aid them in developing and improving their swings. Unfortunately, many of these prior art devices are expensive to purchase, difficult to use and don't yield expected results. As a consequence, these devices have not gained much favor with a large number of golfers.
In addition to the golf training devices, games or other training systems have been developed for entertainment and improvement of eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and concentration. However, there are not many prior art golf training devices, games or systems that are designed to improve a golfer's eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and concentration.
Therefore, there is a need for a golf training device that is designed to improve a golfer's eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and concentration.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a golf club trainer for tapping a ball up and down on an integral oversized head for improving eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and concentration. The golf club trainer preferably includes a grip, shaft and an integral oversized head to practice tapping a ball up and down on the oversized head. The integral oversized head preferably includes a hosel, an oversized front club face and an oversized rear. The golf club trainer is available in all types of golf clubs including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer that is removably attachable to a golf club head for tapping a ball up and down on the removable oversized golf club head tap trainer for improving eye-hand coordination, strength, agility and concentration. The removable oversized golf club head tap trainer is preferably available in various sizes and shapes that are removably attachable to the golf club head. It works with all types of golf club heads including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters.
The golf club head tap trainer preferably comprises a paddle having a blade with a front planar surface and a rear surface, and an attachment means for removably attaching the paddle to the golf club head. The paddle is preferably made of a somewhat stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for bouncing a ball up and down thereon. The paddle is preferably larger than the golf club head to make it easier to bounce a ball up and down on the oversized paddle that is designed to simulate an actual golf club head. The paddle may come in a variety of sizes that a user can change based on his/her proficiency of taping the ball up in the air. For example, a novice would use the largest size paddle and then use paddles of decreasing size as he/she masters tapping the ball up in the air with one size paddle, he/she moves on to the next smaller sized paddle, or they may master tapping a ball up and down directly on the golf club head.
The attachment means preferably include a single-piece golf club head tap trainer that slips over and fits snuggly against the golf club head, at least one strip of flexible material that attaches to the rear surface of the blade and forms a loop for insertion of the golf club head, a pocket attached to the rear surface of the blade having an open end for inserting the golf club head therein and at least one strip of flexible material with one end attached to one surface of the blade and an opposite end releasably attached to the opposite surface of the blade for securing the golf club head in the pocket, a pocket attached to the rear surface of the blade with an upper open end for receiving the golf club head therein and an attachment flap extending above the upper open end for releasably closing the pocket with the golf club head inserted therein, and other attachment means.
Various other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be made apparent to those skilled in the art from the accompanying drawings and detailed description thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golfer holding a golf club trainer with an integral oversized head and tapping a ball up and down on the oversized head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golfer holding a golf club with a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer removably attached to the golf club head and tapping a ball up and down on the oversized golf club head tap trainer in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a golf club head with an embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIG. 3A removably attached to the golf club head of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a golf club head with another embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIG. 4A removably attached to the golf club head of FIG. 4A;
FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of another type of golf club head with the removable oversized golf club head tap trainer of FIGS. 4A and 4B removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIG. 5A removably attached to the golf club head of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a golf club head with yet another embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIG. 6A removably attached to the golf club head of FIG. 6A;
FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a golf club head with still yet another embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIG. 7A removably attached to the golf club head of FIG. 7A with an attachment flap closed;
FIG. 7C is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIGS. 7A and 7B removably attached to the golf club head of FIGS. 7A and 7B with the attachment flap open;
FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of another type of golf club head with the removable oversized golf club head tap trainer of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIG. 8A removably attached to the golf club head of FIG. 8A with the attachment flap closed; and
FIG. 8C is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer of FIGS. 8A and 8B removably attached to the golf club head of FIGS. 8A and 8B with the attachment flap open.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golfer 10 holding a golf club trainer 12 with an integral oversized head 14 and bouncing a ball 16 up and down on the oversized head 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the golf club trainer 12 preferably includes a grip 18, a shaft 20 and an integral oversized head 14 to practice tapping a ball up and down on the oversized head 14. The oversized head 14 preferably includes a hosel 22, an oversized front club face 24 and an oversized rear 26. The golf club trainer 12 is available in all types of golf clubs including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters. The oversized head 14 and front club face 24 make it easier for children and less skilled users to more easily bounce a ball up and down on the oversized front club face 24. The ball can be a golf ball, ping pong ball or any other type of ball that will bounce up and down on the oversized head 14.
The oversized head 14 is preferably 25% to 100% larger than a typical golf club head. The oversized head 14 may come in a variety of sizes that a user can use based on his/her proficiency of tapping a ball on the oversized front club face 24. For example, a novice would use a golf club trainer with the largest sized head and then use golf club trainers with heads of decreasing size as he/she masters tapping a ball up in the air with one sized head, he/she moves on to the next smaller sized head, etc. The smaller the head, the better eye-hand coordination, reflexes, agility and concentration are required.
The present invention is most particularly adapted for use in the development and improvement of eye-hand coordination, agility, reflexes and concentration in people of all ages. A user of the golf club trainer must constantly watch the flight of the ball to keep bouncing the ball up and down on the head. Successful execution of continuously tapping the ball requires constant and intense concentration in addition to good eye-hand coordination, reflexes and agility. Practice with the golf club trainer may improve a golfer's performance on the golf course. The present invention also improves arm strength and promotes the proper golf club grip. With enough practice, eventually, a user will be able to bounce a golf ball successfully on the club face of any golf club.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golfer 30 holding a golf club 32 with a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 34 removably attached to the golf club head 36 and tapping a ball 38 up and down on the oversized golf club head tap trainer 34 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment provides for removably attaching a tap trainer 34 having a larger club face than the club face of the golf club to the head 36 of the golf club 32 for tapping a ball 38 up and down on the oversized head and club face of the tap trainer 34 to improve eye-hand coordination. The oversized head and club face of the tap trainer 34 makes it easier for children and less skilled users to more easily bounce a ball up and down on the oversized tap trainer 34. The ball can be a golf ball, ping pong ball or any other type of ball that will bounce up and down on the oversized tap trainer 34.
The removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 34 preferably comprises a paddle 40 having a blade 42 with a front planar surface 44, a rear surface 46 and an attachment means 48 for removably attaching the golf club head 36 to the paddle 40. The paddle 40 is preferably made of a somewhat stiff or rigid material to that maintains its shape and is appropriate for bouncing a ball up and down thereon. The paddle 40 is preferably removably attachable to the golf club head 36 through a plurality of different attachment means 48. The attachment means 48 preferably include fitting or slipping the golf club head tap trainer 34 over the golf club head 36, straps for holding the golf club head tap trainer 34 on the golf club head 36, and Velcro or other releasable attachment means for attaching the golf club head tap trainer 34 to the golf club head 36.
The paddle 40 is preferably 25% to 100% larger than the actual golf club head 36. The paddle 40 may come in a variety of sizes that a user can use based on his/her proficiency of tapping a ball 38 on the paddle 40. For example, a novice would use the largest sized paddle and then use paddles of decreasing size as he/she masters tapping a ball up in the air with one sized paddle, he/she moves on to the next smaller sized paddle, etc. The smaller the paddle, the better the eye-hand coordination, reflexes, agility and concentration are required.
FIG. 3A is a front perspective view of a golf club head 50 with an embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 52 removably attached to the golf club head 50 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is preferably a one-piece integral golf club head tap trainer 52 that slips over and fits snuggly around the golf club head 50. The golf club head tap trainer 52 has a configuration and shape for covering and enclosing the hosel 66 and head 50 of the golf club. The golf club head tap trainer 52 preferably includes an access opening 54 for inserting the golf club head 50 therein and fitting snuggly around the hosel 66 and golf club head 50. The access opening 54 includes an insertion space having an inner dimension commensurate with or smaller than the hosel 66 and golf club head 50 in order to prevent the golf club tap trainer 52 from slipping off.
The golf club head tap trainer 52 preferably comprises a paddle 56 having a blade 58 with a front planar surface 60 and a rear surface 62, and an attachment means 64 for removably attaching the paddle 56 to the golf club head 50. The paddle 56 is preferably made of a somewhat stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for bouncing a ball up and down thereon. The paddle 56 and attachment means 64 are preferably an injection molded single-piece design that slips over and fits snuggly against the golf club head 50. The paddle 56 is preferably larger than the golf club head 50 to make it easier to bounce a ball up and down on the oversized paddle 56 that is designed to simulate an actual golf club head. The blade 56 is essentially oblong in shape to simulate an oversized face of a golf club head.
FIG. 3B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 52 of FIG. 3A illustrating the rear surface 64 and attachment means 64 for removably attaching the golf club head 50 to the paddle 56. The attachment means 64 has a configuration conforming in shape to the hosel 66 and head 50 of the golf club. The attachment means 64 is preferably made of a somewhat flexible material fitted to the shape of the golf club head 50. The attachment means 64 preferably includes a flexible and resilient restricted portion 68 which has an internal dimension smaller than the golf club head 50 such that upon insertion of the golf club head 50 into the access opening 54, the flexible and resilient restricted portion 68 expands to allow passage of the golf club head 50 into the attachment means 64, in order to releasable engage the golf club head tap trainer 52 around the hosel 66 and golf club head 50. The flexible and resilient restricted portion 68 preferably includes a hosel-collaring portion 70 in the shape of the hosel 66 and a head-collaring portion 72 in the shape of the head with a guide strip 74 for keeping the golf club tap trainer 52 in place on the golf club head 50.
FIG. 4A is a front perspective view of a golf club head 76 with another embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 78 removably attached to the golf club head 76 in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the golf club head tap trainer 78 preferably comprises a paddle 80 having a blade 82 with a front planar surface 84 and a rear surface 86, and an attachment means 88 for removably attaching the paddle 80 to the golf club head 76. The paddle 80 is preferably larger than the golf club head 76 and made of a somewhat stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for bouncing a ball up and down thereon. The blade 82 is essentially oblong in shape to simulate an oversized face of a golf club head.
FIG. 4B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 78 of FIG. 4A illustrating the rear surface 86 and attachment means 88 for removably attaching the golf club head 76 to the paddle 80. The attachment means 88 preferably includes at least one strip 90 of flexible material having two opposed ends 92, 94 attached to the rear surface 86 of the blade 82. The at least one strip 90 of flexible material fastened to the rear surface 86 of the blade 82 at the ends 92, 94 thereof forms a loop for insertion of the golf club head 76 as shown in FIG. 4B. The at least one strip 90 of flexible material wraps around the back of the golf club head 76 to hold the golf club tap trainer 78 in place on the golf club head 76.
FIG. 5A is a front perspective view of another type of golf club head 96 with the removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 78 of FIGS. 4A and 4B removably attached to the golf club head in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 78 of FIG. 5A removably attached to the golf club head 96 of FIG. 5A. The only difference between FIGS. 4A and 4B and FIGS. 5A and 5B is the type of golf club removably attached to the golf club head tap trainer. The golf club head tap trainer works with all types of golf club heads including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters.
FIG. 6A is a front perspective view of a golf club head 98 with yet another embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 100 removably attached to the golf club head 98 in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the golf club head tap trainer 100 preferably comprises a paddle 102 having a blade 104 with a front planar surface 106 and a rear surface 108, and an attachment means 110 for removably attaching the paddle 102 to the golf club head 98. The paddle 102 is preferably larger than the golf club head 98 and made of a somewhat stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for bouncing a ball up and down thereon. The blade 104 is essentially oblong in shape to simulate an oversized face of a golf club head.
FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 100 of FIG. 6A illustrating the rear surface 108 and attachment means 110 for removably attaching the golf club head 98 to the paddle 102. The attachment means 110 preferably includes a pocket 112 attached to the rear surface 108 of the blade 104, the pocket 112 having an open end 114 for inserting the golf club head 98 therein and a closed end 116. The attachment means 110 further includes at least one strip 118 of flexible material having two opposed ends 120 and 122, a first end 120 attached to the front surface 106 of the blade 104 and a second end 122 releasably attached to the rear surface 108 of the blade 104. The at least one strip 118 of flexible material preferably wraps around the hosel 124 of the golf club head 98 to hold the golf club head tap trainer 100 in place on the golf club head 98. The second end 122 of the at least one strip 118 of material is preferably releasably fastened to the rear surface 108 of the blade 104 with Velcro, a hook and loop fastener, a snap or other releasable fastener.
FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of a golf club head 126 with still yet another embodiment of a removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 128 removably attached to the golf club head 126 in accordance with still yet another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the golf club head tap trainer 128 preferably comprises a paddle 130 having a blade 132 with a front planar surface 134 and a rear surface 136, and an attachment means 138 for removably attaching the paddle 130 to the golf club head 126. The paddle 130 is preferably larger than the golf club head 126 and made of a somewhat stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for bouncing a ball up and down thereon. The blade 132 is essentially oblong in shape to simulate an oversized face of a golf club head.
FIG. 7B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 128 of FIG. 7A illustrating the rear surface 136 and attachment means 138 for removably attaching the golf club head 126 to the paddle 130. The attachment means 138 preferably includes a pocket 140 attached to the rear surface 136 of the blade 132. The pocket 140 having an upper open end 142 for receiving the golf club head 126 therein, a lower closed end 144 and an attachment flap 146 extending above the upper open end 142 for releasably closing the upper open end 142. FIG. 7C is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 128 of FIGS. 7A and 7B removably attached to the golf club head 126 of FIGS. 7A and 7B with the attachment flap 146 open. The attachment flap 146 preferably includes an outside surface 148 and an inside surface 150. The inside surface 150 preferably includes a releasable fastener 152 that releasably engages the outside 154 of the pocket 140. The attachment flap 146 is preferably releasably fastened to the outside 154 of the pocket 140 with Velcro, a hook and loop fastener, a snap or other releasable fastener.
FIG. 8A is a front perspective view of another type of golf club head 156 with the removable oversized golf club head tap trainer 128 of FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C removably attached to the golf club head156 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8B is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 128 of FIG. 8A removably attached to the golf club head 156 of FIG. 8A with the attachment flap 146 closed. And FIG. 8C is a rear perspective view of the golf club head tap trainer 128 of FIGS. 8A and 8B removably attached to the golf club head 156 of FIGS. 8A and 8B with the attachment flap 146 open. The only difference between FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7C and FIGS. 8A, 8B and 8C is the type of golf club removably attached to the golf club head tap trainer. The golf club head tap trainer works with all types of golf club heads including drivers, woods, irons, wedges, hybrids and putters.
While the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain substitutions, alterations and omissions may be made to the embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is meant to be exemplary only, and should not limit the scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A golf club training device comprising

a substantially linear shaft having an upper end and a lower end;

a grip attached to the upper end of the shaft; and

an integral, oversized paddle attached to the lower end of the shaft, the paddle including an upwardly disposed planar surface for tapping a ball up and down on the upwardly disposed planar surface of the integral oversized paddle.

2. A training device comprising:

a paddle having an outer surface that is removably attachable to a golf club head; and

attachment means disposed on the outer surface of the paddle for removably attaching the golf club head to the outer surface of the paddle.

3. The training device of claim 2, wherein the paddle includes a blade with a front planar surface and a rear surface.

4. The training device of claim 2, wherein the paddle is made of a stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for tapping a ball up and down on the paddle.

5. The training device of claim 2, wherein the paddle is oversized and larger than the golf club head.

6. The training device of claim 2, wherein the paddle is available in various shapes and sizes.

7. The training device of claim 2, wherein the attachment means is made of a flexible material.

8. The training device of claim 2, wherein the attachment means is made of a flexible resilient material that is integral with the paddle and includes an opening for receiving the golf club head therein.

9. The training device of claim 8, wherein the attachment means slips over and fits snuggly against the golf club head.

10. The training device of claim 3, wherein the attachment means includes at least one strip of flexible material that attaches to the rear surface of the blade and forms a loop for insertion of the golf club head therein.

11. The training device of claim 3, wherein the attachment means includes a pocket attached to the rear surface of the blade with an open end for insertion of the golf club head therein.

12. The training device of claim 11, wherein the attachment means further includes at least one strip of flexible material that wraps around the hosel of the golf club head for securing the golf club head in the pocket.

13. The training device of claim 3, wherein the attachment means includes a pocket attached to the rear surface of the blade with an upper open end for receiving the golf club head therein and an attachment flap extending above the upper open end for releasably closing the upper open end of the pocket.

14. A golf club head tap trainer comprising:

a paddle having a blade with a front planar surface and a an exterior rear surface, wherein the paddle is removably attachable to a golf club head; and

attachment means for removably attaching the golf club head to the exterior rear surface of the paddle.

15. The golf club head tap trainer of claim 14, wherein the paddle is made of a stiff or rigid material that maintains its shape and is appropriate for tapping a ball up and down on the paddle.

16. The golf club head tap trainer of claim 14, wherein the attachment means is made of a flexible resilient material that is integral with the paddle and includes an opening for receiving the golf club head therein.

17. The golf club head tap trainer of claim 14, wherein the attachment means includes at least one strip of flexible material that attaches to the rear surface of the blade and forms a loop for insertion of the golf club head therein.

18. The golf club head tap trainer of claim 14, wherein the attachment means includes a pocket attached to the rear surface of the blade with an open end for insertion of the golf club head therein.

19. The golf club head tap trainer of claim 18, wherein the attachment means further includes at least one strip of flexible material that wraps around the hosel of the golf club head for securing the golf club head in the pocket.

20. The golf club head tap trainer of claim 14, wherein the attachment means includes a pocket attached to the rear surface of the blade with an upper open end for receiving the golf club head therein and an attachment flap extending above the upper open end for releasably closing the upper open end of the pocket.