TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to golf club training systems.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Golfers may use training devices to improve various skills, such as swing tempo, swing plane and impact alignment, etc. As such, an improved golf training system is desirable.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0003] According to various embodiments, disclosed is a golf trainer device comprising a hittable and weighted head with a flexible whippy shaft. In certain embodiments, the head may have at least one flat hitting surface. In some embodiments, the flat hitting surface(s) may be angled with respect to the shaft. In further embodiments, the golf trainer device may have two flat hitting surfaces, which may be symmetrically angled. This enables the device to be used by both right-handed players and left-handed players. The disclosed device may be used for warm-up and training to assist in achieving a square club face at impact, amongst other benefits. In certain embodiments, the disclosed device is made of a rubber or rubber-like material, at least in part, which precludes it from being classified as a golf club according to the current Rules of Golf.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0004] The detailed description of some embodiments of the invention will be made below with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein the figures disclose one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a golf trainer device shown in use, according to various embodiments.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a detailed perspective view of the golf trainer device of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a front view of the golf trainer device.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a section view taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2. [0009] FIG. 5 is a section view of the golf trainer device, wherein the device is depicted without a cavity according to an alternate embodiment.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a side view of the golf trainer device according to another alternate embodiment.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a side view of the golf trainer device according to another alternate embodiment.

[0012] FIG. 8 is a front view of the golf trainer device according to another alternate embodiment.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a front view of the golf trainer device according to another alternate embodiment.

BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION

[0014] According to various embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1-9 disclosed is a golf trainer device 11, generally comprising a golf club head 13 coupled to a flexible shaft comprising an elongated shaft body 20. In embodiments, golf club head 13 may comprise a front surface 10, a back surface 12, and a side surface 15 continuously extending between front and back surfaces 10 and 12, wherein at least one of said front surface 10 and/or aback surface 12 is configured for hitting a golfball 26. In some embodiments, the shaft may further comprise a flexible shaft stem 18, which attaches the head securely and safely to the shaft body 20.

[0015] In embodiments, golf club head 13 is a non-standard head, which is considered non-conforming according to the Rules of Golf and is visually discernable as such based at least on its shape. In certain embodiments, front surface 10 and back surface 12 may have a circular profile as shown. In one example, golf club head 13 may have a diameter of between approximately 3.5 inches and 4 inches, but is not limited to these options. In some further embodiments, the circular profile may include a flat bottom portion 13 A, but not necessarily so. In certain embodiments, front surface 10 and/or back surface 12 may be substantially flat and/or include a substantially flat region for hitting golf ball 26. In certain embodiments, front surface 10 and/or back surface 12 may be angled with respect to shaft body 20/ shaft stem 18. The flat angled surface allows a user 28 to hit golf balls in a manner which simulates golf playing. In one embodiment, an angle “A” (see FIG. 4) of front surface 10 and/or back surface 12 with respect to an axial line of the shaft may be from approximately 0 degrees to approximately 30 degrees, or approximately 5 degrees to approximately 25 degrees, or approximately 9 degrees to approximately 19 degrees, or approximately 13 degrees. In certain embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, golf club head 10 may be symmetrical and angled on both faces for a balanced trainer device which may be used by both right and left-handed golfers. The symmetrical head may help the player visualize a square impact prior to striking the golfball. In other embodiments as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, only one face may be angled, while the other face may be at an angle of 0 or less for a device which is either right or lefthanded, with reduced material/ weight.

[0016] In certain embodiments, golf club head 13 may be heavier than a standard golf club head, which may be particularly beneficial for warm-up and tempo training. In some embodiments, the weight of club head 13 may be greater than about 200 g, or greater than about 250 g, or between about 200 g and about 400 g, or about 260 g. In one embodiment, golf club head 13 may be made of a rubber or rubber- like material (both referred to herein as “rubbery material”) such as thermoplastic rubber, polypropylene, polyurethane, and the like. This material may be easily molded to precise specifications, for ideal weight, symmetry, and balance in hitting golf balls, and may further be easily attachable to the shaft/ shaft stem. The rubbery material further provides durability for contact with the ground surface and multiple impacts against golf ball 26 and causes the club head to compress instead of the ball when hitting. In certain embodiments, club head 13 may be made entirely out of thermoplastic rubber and may comprise a solid thermoplastic rubber core 25 (see FIG. 4). However, in alternate embodiments, club head 13 may include a weighted cavity 24 or insert, which may be made of or fillable with a different material such as metal or carbon graphite. This enables the size of cavity 24 with respect to the size of club head 13 to be adjusted for achieving the desired club size, weight, and/or sound. It shall be appreciated that golf club head 13 may be made of different material(s) or combination of materials in alternate embodiments. It is noted that use of a non-metal or carbon graphite such as thermoplastic rubber, and a shape that does not conform to the Rules of Golf, enables the trainer device to be carried onto a golf course without being counted towards the 14-club limit currently established according to the Rules of Golf.

[0017] In certain embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, front surface 10 may comprise front face grooves 14. In further embodiments, back surface 12 may comprise back face grooves 16. In some further embodiments, side surface 15 may comprise alignment lines 22. Front face grooves 14, back face grooves 16, and/or alignment lines 22 may help user 28 visualize alignment of the ball when using trainer device 11. However, in other embodiments, as depicted in FIGS. 6-8, at least one of front surface 10, back surface 12, and/or side surface 15 may be smooth. In yet further embodiments as depicted in FIG. 9, front surface 10 and/or back surface 12 may comprise face dimples 54. It shall be appreciated that front surface 10, back surface 12, and side surface 15 may comprise different types of markings in alternate embodiments. Additionally, front surface 10 and back surface may comprise different markings, or no markings, in alternate embodiments.

[0018] In embodiments, the shaft is more flexible or “whippy” in comparison to the shaft of a standard golf club and may visibly flex during a golf swing. In certain embodiments, shaft body 20 may be made of a fiberglass material which itself is more flexible than the shaft of a standard club. In further embodiments, shaft stem 18 may also add to the overall flexibility of the shaft. In some embodiments, shaft body 20 may have a length of about 36 inches to about 50, or about 44 inches to about 46 inches. In further embodiments, shaft body 20 may have a diameter of about 0.25 inches to about 0.50 inches. In certain embodiments, the shaft body 20 may have a bending degree of about 15 inches to about 21 inches, or about 19 inches to about 20 inches across about a 43-inch shaft length as tested at 4.4 lb. weight. It shall be appreciated however, shaft body 20 may be made of different materials in alternate embodiments, such as metal, carbon, plastic, etc., which, by virtue of its length to diameter ratio and/or connection via the flexible shaft stem, render the shaft more flexible than standard golf shafts. In some embodiments, shaft body 20 may further comprise a golf grip 21. Golf grip 21 may be similar to the grip section of a standard golf club, making golf grip 21 replaceable with a standard or formed training grip when worn. In some embodiments, golf grip 21 may be made of a standard synthetic rubber but is not limited to this option. The flexibility of the fiberglass or carbon graphite shaft body 20 and shaft stem 18 may work in conjunction with the weighted head to provide extra flex that assists the user in developing a smooth tempo with an on-plane swing, and lag for a straight and powerful impact. Additionally, the standard grip design provides a natural and secure feel in the hands of the golfer. In some embodiments, the grip may be formed to aid in teaching the proper grip for better ball striking.

[0019] Thus, the disclosed subject matter provides a flexible and weighted golf trainer device for hitting golf balls, that aids in swing plane alignment, and may be used in warm-up for tempo development. The flat surface(s) of the club head, which may include markings, enables the user to see ball flight and helps detect and address swing flaws when hitting the golf ball.

[0020] The disclosed device is designed for safe use at either a golf practice facility or range, or at the user’s home. The device may be used for training and/or for warming-up just prior to playing a golf game. In certain embodiments, the user may further be provided with instructions, which may be in written, illustrated, and/ or in video format, which may teach techniques for proper use of the device. [0021] In certain embodiments, the disclosed device is made of a non-metal material or combination of non-metal and metal material. As the golf trainer device does not conform as a golf club according to the Rules of Golf, the golf trainer device may be carried legally in the golfer’s bag on the golf course and not count toward the 14-club limit.

[0022] In one embodiment, a user may begin training by swinging trainer device I l a few times in a manner similar to swinging a golf club. The user may start with a slow and easy motion to feel and develop tempo and an on-plane swing. The weight and flex of trainer device 1 1 thus helps the golfer warm-up and stretch their "golf muscles" and the hittable head with clubface may further help the player visualize the proper face position throughout the swing, including a square impact, prior to striking the golf ball, and a proper release after impact. The flexible whippy shaft in combination with the weighted head may further help the player feel and develop a proper lag with the player’s hands and club head and prevent the player from "casting" the club. The warm-up swings help establish tempo and on plane swing and prepare the player to hit balls.

[0023] Some benefits of the disclosed device include providing a user with the ability to hit real or practice golf balls and see ball flight off a weighted and flexible whippy training club. This helps the user in developing better ball striking with their own regulation golf clubs. Additionally, by seeing ball flight, the golfer and/ or a golf instructor can better detect swing flaws and address them. As the disclosed device is a swing trainer, it can be taken to the golf course prior to a game and can be carried in the player’s bag during the game. Thus, trainer device 11 provides a practical and convenient way to warm-up and practice before the game. The disclosed device further provides a comprehensive training tool for warm-up, tempo improvement, swing plane improvement, and square impact practice with the visual results and feel of hitting real golf balls on the golf range and at home.

[0024] It shall be appreciated that the disclosed device and system can have multiple configurations and comprise different materials or combination of materials in alternate embodiments. For example, the head, shaft, and/ or grip materials may be varied based on factors such as needs and/or preferences, technological advancements, etc. in alternate embodiments. As another example, a different attachment mechanism/component may be used for attachment of the shaft body for a different range of flexibility. It shall be appreciated that the device and system described herein may be of any size and/or dimension. It shall be appreciated that the device may be manufactured and assembled using any known techniques in the field. In certain embodiments, the head may be CAD designed. [0025] It shall be understood that the “Rules of Golf’ refer to a standard set of regulations and procedures by which the sport of golf should be played, as currently administered by The R&A and the United States Golf Association. A “standard” or “conforming” golf club, golf club head, and golf club shaft, as used herein refers to any golf club, golf club head, and golf club shaft, that conforms to equipment rules provided by the Rules of Golf. Conversely, a “non-standard” or “non-conforming” golf club, golf club head, and golf club shaft, as used herein refers to any golf club, golf club head, and golf club shaft, that does not conform to equipment rules provided by the Rules of Golf.

[0026] It shall be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside" is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, which is only for convenience and simplification of describing the disclosed subject matter, rather than indicating or implying that the indicated device or element must have a specific orientation or are constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0027] As used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items, and may be used interchangeably with “one or more.” Where only one item is intended, the term “one” or similar language is used. Also, as used herein, the terms “has”, “have”, “having”, “with” or the like are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “based, at least in part, on” unless explicitly stated otherwise.

[0028] The constituent elements of the disclosed device and system listed herein are intended to be exemplary only, and it is not intended that this list be used to limit the device of the present application to just these elements. Persons having ordinary skill in the art relevant to the present disclosure may understand there to be equivalent elements that may be substituted within the present disclosure without changing the essential function or operation of the device. Terms such as ‘approximate,’ ‘approximately,’ ‘about,’ etc., as used herein indicate a deviation of within +/-10%. Relationships between the various elements of the disclosed device as described herein are presented as illustrative examples only, and not intended to limit the scope or nature of the relationships between the various elements. Persons of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate that numerous design configurations may be possible to enjoy the functional benefits of the inventive systems. Thus, given the wide variety of configurations and arrangements of embodiments of the present invention the scope of the invention is reflected by the breadth of the claims below rather than narrowed by the embodiments described above. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0029] Embodiments of this invention can be used to teach someone how to play golf.