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

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This is a division of application Ser. No. 12 / 322,466 filed on Feb. 2, 2009 and entitled, Golf Glove With Grip Pressure Reducing Means.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]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[0003]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 ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is a golf grip training aid that helps golfers to relax their hands and hold the golf club handle more lightly. It achieves this by providing a means for resisting finger and thumb flexion, which is the movement of the digits when gripping the club. The apparatus includes a glove with elastic members that counteract the grip forces produced by the wearer's fingers, thumb, and hands. The elastic members are designed to deform when subjected to force and store potential energy in the process. The apparatus helps the golfer to achieve a lighter grip by exerting counteracting forces against the digits and hands. It is simple in design, customizable to the individual user, and can be worn during training and regular play."

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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