Golf glove with grip pressure reducing means

Abstract

A golf grip training apparatus for resisting finger and thumb flexion and for counteracting grip forces is disclosed. The apparatus assists the golfer in achieving a lighter grip pressure than would be exerted on the club without its use by providing a golf glove adapted with means for actively counteracting grip pressure by creating forces in opposition to those required for gripping the club handle. The apparatus is used to teach the golfer to relax the hands and fingers and to hold the club handle more lightly.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The subject invention relates generally to training devices for the game of golf, and more particularly to a golf glove adapted to actively promote a reduction in grip pressure on a golf club.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Grip pressure (i.e., the force applied by the thumb, fingers and hands around the grip portion of a golf club shaft) is a critical factor in the execution of a successful golf swing. Grip pressure should be as light on the club as possible without sacrificing control of the club. The golfer must have a firm enough grip to prevent axial slippage and rotation of the club relative to the golfer's hands, and yet have a light enough grip to deliver the clubhead accurately and squarely into the ball. A proper grip therefore should generate a feeling of controlling the club without sacrificing the ability to sense the weight of the club head. Grip pressure should remain constant at all times during the set-up, back-swing and follow-through.[...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The present invention relates generally to a golf glove possessing means for resisting finger and thumb flexion, that is to say movement from a substantially straight or extended position to a bent or flexed position, and for counteracting grip forces. When properly used in accordance with the methods described herein, the apparatus assists the golfer in achieving a lighter grip pressure than would be exerted on the club without its use. The subject apparatus, therefore, provides a means for bringing the golfer's attention to his or her grip pressure and for actively counteracting grip pressure by creating forces in opposition to those required for gripping the club handle. The apparatus is used to teach the golfer to relax the hands and fingers and to hold the club handle more lightly.

[0014]It is, therefore, a primary object of the subject invention to provide a golf grip training aid and method of use that causes the user to be more aware of his or her grip pressure by exerting counteracting forces against the user's digits and hands when gripping the golf club.

[0015]It is another primary object of the subject invention to provide a method and means for actively causing digital extension, moving the digits away from the golf club handle, to facilitate a lighter grip.

[0017]Another object of the subject invention is to provide a golf grip training aid which is relatively simple in design and therefore capable of rapid construction at relatively low costs.

Problems solved by technology

The average golfer tends to grip the club too tightly, exerting excessive force on the club which is detrimental to accuracy and distance that the golf ball travels.

The golfer's desire to achieve greater shot distance is a primary cause of overgripping the club.

When addressing the ball, there is often a great deal of anticipation, stress and build up of energy, making it difficult to relax various parts of the body, especially the arms and hands.

A conscious or unconscious fear of losing hold of the golf club results in the tendency to grip the club more than necessary.

Ironically, over gripping the club impedes necessary forearm and wrist movement which in turn results in diminished clubhead speed, power loss and inability to deliver the club head to the ball squarely.

None of these references teach a golf glove designed to actively counteract grip pressure on a golf club handle.

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