US20130023352A1

US20130023352A1 - Hand device to aid in stable grip of a golf club

Info

Publication number: US20130023352A1
Application number: US13/189,427
Authority: US
Inventors: Matthew Ian Percy
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-07-22
Filing date: 2011-07-22
Publication date: 2013-01-24

Abstract

A hand device described to stabilize the handle of a golf club in a golfer's grip throughout the golfer's swing. The device creates a stabilizing connection of the thumb and index finger of the user's dominant hand. The connecting area of the device, which anchors the thumb and index finger of the user's dominant hand together, stabilizes the club handle in the user's dominant hand allowing a more controlled grip, while allowing as much of the user's dominant hand surface to be in contact with the club handle as possible. The device can be used in training or actual play to provide a stable grip on the golf club handle when used with varying grip styles and grip pressure.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device which improves the stability of the user's grip on a golf club handle, allowing the user to focus more on the mechanics of their swing by eliminating the propensity of the golf club to move due to the momentum of the user's swing, the force created by impact with the golf ball, and contact with the ground underneath the ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A myriad of golf club gripping devices exist. Some of these devices aim to prevent the “pinching” force created by the position of the index finger and thumb of the golfer's dominant hand in a conventional golf grip, as it is believed that this “pinching” force perpetuates the over powering of the swing by the dominant hand. Other golf club gripping devices exist which interferes with most, or almost all, of the golfer's hand contact with the club handle, which in turn limits the golfer's feel for the shot. There exists a need for a device which keeps the golf club handle stable throughout the golfer's swing, without being so restrictive that the golfer's feel for the shot is diminished. The present invention fulfills that need.
The present invention is minimal in size to allow as much of the user's dominant hand to be in contact with the club as possible, which allows the player to have more feel and control of the club. The stabilizing effect of this device allows the golfer to choose the grip and grip pressure most comfortable to them, while still maintaining control over the club throughout his golf swing.
In golf, it is the common objective to return the face of the golf club head to the “square” position upon contact with the ball. The “square” position is typically the placement of the club face perpendicular to the desired flight path of the ball prior to beginning of the swing, or commonly referred to as the golfer's initial “address”. Holding the golf club in a stable manner at “address” and throughout the swing is accepted as necessary to achieve the golfer's desired flight path.
There are three (3) commonly accepted and recommended manners of gripping a golf club. They are the “baseball” grip, the “overlapping” grip, and the “interlocking” grip. All three grips are employed on the club's handle, with the club head resting on the ground behind the ball.
The “baseball” grip consists of the player seizing the club with both hands by wrapping the fingers of both hands around the club's handle, with the index finger side of the non-dominant hand pressed together with the pinky finger side of the dominant hand in a stacked manner. The player's thumbs rest on top of the grip with the dominant hand below the non-dominant hand.
The “overlapping” grip is achieved very much like the “baseball” grip; however, the ring finger of dominant hand and the index finger of the non-dominant hand are pressed together in a stacked manner with the pinky finger of the dominant hand resting on top of the non-dominant hand between the non-dominant hand's index and middle fingers in an “overlapping” manner.
The “interlocking” grip is also achieved very much like the “baseball” grip; however, the ring finger of dominant hand and the index finger of the non-dominant hand are pressed together in a stacked manner with the pinky finger of the dominant hand intertwined or “interlocked” with the index finger of the non-dominant hand.
The aforementioned grips consist of the handle of the club being held in place by the pinching together of the index finger and thumb of each hand.
It is widely accepted that not being able to control the pinching of the index finger and the thumb of the dominant hand will allow the momentum of the swing or contact with the ball or ground to move the club in the player's hands. This movement of the club, no matter how slight, can affect the player's ability to return the club face to the desired square position, or in the case of contact with the ground, will lead to a loss of distance of ball flight or a shot in an unintended direction.
This device creates added stability in a golfer's grip, allowing the golfer to focus on other necessary mechanics of a successful golf swing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The general purpose of the present invention is to provide a new and improved grip stabilizing device. The following is a summary of the present inventions proper use, design, and purpose.
The device is in the shape of a band comprised of any sort of dense flexible material such as, but not limited to: neoprene, canvas, cloth, elastic, or nylon. The device or “band” is anchored to the base of the thumb and index finger of the golfer's dominant hand via connected loops. The “band design” of the hand device creates the form of a “web” or “guide wall” between the thumb and index finger. This “web” or “guide wall” contours to the round shape of the golf club, holding the club in its desired placement throughout the swing.
In use, the user slides the index finger and thumb of the dominant hand into the loops of the hand device. The hand device connects the base of the thumb and base of index finger of the user's dominant hand, forming a “web” or “guide wall” between those two fingers, which aids in stabilizing the user's grip on a golf club handle, allowing a more fluid and controllable swing. The golf club is held securely in place by the “web” or “guide wall” located between the loops allowing the user to swing the club freely without the momentum of the back swing and forward swing, contact with the golf ball, or contact with the ground altering the position of the golf club handle in the user's dominant hand.
The present device keeps the thumb and index fingers of the user's dominant hand locked together in a “pinched” position. This “pinched” position creates stability in the user's grip throughout the backswing, downswing, and through swing of the user's stroke by preventing the club handle from moving in the golfer's hand due to the momentum caused by the weight of the club coupled with the force of the golfer's swing. The ability of the device to stabilize the club in the user's hand allows for a more fluid, comfortable, and controlled swing.
The stabilizing effect of the hand device allows the golfer to return the golf club head to its original lie at impact. The result of keeping the club stable in the user's grip also helps prevent turning of the club head due to impact with the ball or with the ground beneath the ball, more commonly known as “fat shots”.
The stabilizing effect created by wearing the hand device also allows for a lighter grip, which is commonly accepted to generate more swing speed, by supporting the club in its proper place in the golfer's grip, allowing more natural, less tense, hand and wrist movement. The lighter grip promoted by the device also allows someone who may not be able to grip the club handle very well, due to an injury or ailment such as arthritis, the ability to swing more freely as a result of the club support generated by the hand device. The hand device aids in a golfer's conventional “overlapping” or “interlocking” grip, as well as a non-interlocking “baseball grip” which can be used in a golf swing.
It is to be understood that this invention is not limited in its application described herein, as it is capable of being used for the purpose of other sports, which involve equipment that requires the player to use his/her hand to grip such equipment. Other sports in which the use of this invention would be beneficial are: baseball, tennis, hockey, lacrosse, or any other sport requiring the player to grip the handle of equipment. The terminology used herein to describe the invention and its use is not to be construed as limiting.
It is an object of the present invention to stabilize the handle of a golf club in the grip of the user's dominant hand.
It is also an object of the present invention to be used as a teaching device to guide the user in a comfortable and stable grip of the golf club.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a grip stabilizing device which can be manufactured at a very low cost due to being comprised of inexpensive materials and requiring low cost labor, so at to be economically attainable to the general public.
It is also an object of the present invention to keep the handle of a golf club from moving in the player's dominant hand, allowing the player to square the face of the club at impact more easily.
It is also an object of the present invention to hold a golf club in place in the user's grip by providing support to the handle of the club, allowing the club to impart greater force upon contact with the ball or the ground, allowing the user to have more control over the distance and flight path of the ball.
It is also an object of the present invention to allow a lighter pressure grip on the golf club handle by supporting the club in its proper desired position in the player's grip, which is commonly accepted as necessary to generate optimal swing speed.
It is also an object of the present invention to allow a more natural and less tense grip of the club handle allowing more natural hand and wrist movement during the golfer's swing.
It is also an object of the present invention to allow a player who suffers from an ailment, such as arthritis or any other injury which would limit a golfer's ability to firmly grip a golf club handle, the ability to secure and stabilize the club handle in proper position throughout their swing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS OF THE INVENTION

The invention can be better understood by observing the detailed description of the attached drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the palm side, or bottom side, of the user's dominant hand properly wearing the device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top side of the user's dominant hand properly wearing the device.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of the user's dominant hand properly wearing the device in use.

FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of the user's dominant hand properly wearing the device in use.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the device not in use, seen from a bottom angle, showing the loops in which the index finger and thumb of the user's dominant hand are placed.

The specific reference numbers refer to the same specific parts throughout the various drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention will be described by referencing the drawings labeled FIGS. 1 through 5. The present invention is generally designated by reference number 1. In a very general and broad context, the device 1 is in the shape of a band which is fashioned in such a way to create loops 2 which hold the specified fingers 4,5 together in a certain position to allow for a stable golf grip.
The invention is a device 1 which fits over the index finger 4 and thumb 5 of the user's dominant hand. The device 1 is in the form of a “band” that is made of some sort of sturdy but flexible material such as neoprene, cloth, elastic, or nylon. The band is connected down the middle 3 via stitching of heavy duty thread. The stitching of the middle 3 of the band creates two “loops” 2 which fit over the index finger 4 and thumb 5 of the user's dominant hand.
Using his non dominant hand, the user first slides one of the loops 2 over the index finger 2 of his dominant hand, sliding it down to the base of the finger. With one of the “loops” 2 in place around the base of the index finger 4, the user then brings his thumb 5 into the desired “pinched” position and then slides the available loop 2 over the tip of his thumb 5, pushing it down to the base of the thumb 5 of the dominant hand. The index finger 4 and thumb 5 of the dominant hand are now comfortably locked into the “pinched” position.
The golfer now grips the golf club handle 6 in the desired fashion with his non-dominant hand. Once the non-dominant hand is in place the golfer can now grip the club handle 6 with the device 1 wearing dominant hand. The golfer positions the dominant hand in a conventional golf grip of their choice such as the “baseball”, “overlapped”, or “interlocking” grip. No matter which of the three grips the golfer chooses, the club handle 6 will fit snugly against the connecting area 3 of the device 1 located between the index finger 4 and thumb 5 of the golfer's dominant hand.
The golfer can now choose whether to position the thumb 5 of the dominant hand to the left side of the club handle 6, directly on top of the club handle 6, or to the right side of the club handle 6. No matter which placement of the thumb 5 the player chooses, the pinching effect generated by the wearing of the device 1 will hold the handle of the club 6 in place throughout the swing, contact with the ground, contact with the ball, or both.
It is to be understood that the optimal shape, size, materials, form, assembly, and use may vary from those illustrated in the drawings attached hereto and all similar relationships to the invention depicted in the attached drawings are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.
This description, referencing the drawings attached hereto, is to be considered as an illustration of the principles of the invention. It is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, specifications, or use shown in this description and all modifications shall be considered within the scope of this invention.

Claims

1. A device to be worn on the dominant hand of the golfer to aid in stabilizing the golf club handle in a golfer's dominant hand throughout the golf swing and contact with the ball, contact with the ground, or contact with both. When properly placed at the base of the index finger and thumb of the user's dominant hand, the device holds the user's index finger and thumb in a pinched position. The connecting area of the device forms a “web” or “guide wall” between the index finger and thumb of the user's dominant hand, which receives the handle of the club, holding it firmly in the golfer's desired grip position, throughout the golfer's swing. The minimal size of the present device performs as stated while allowing the maximum amount of the surface area of the user's dominant hand to be in contact with the club handle, perpetuating more control over the golfer's swing. The device performs as stated with varying degrees of grip pressure and varying grip styles. The device is comprised of:

A band made of a sturdy yet flexible material, stitched or fashioned in such a way to form two closely connected loops which fit snugly over the index finger and thumb of the user's dominant hand.