Golf Practice Equipment

Abstract

To provide a golf training tool capable of being easily and surely fitted to any golf club.SOLUTION: A golf training tool 1 comprises: a cap part 10 fitted to an end of a grip 52 of a golf club 50; and an extended shaft part 30 extending from the cap part 10 in an opposite side of the golf club 50. The cap part 10 has a cylindrical fitting part 12 fitted to an external side of the grip 52. The fitting part 12 forms a slit 15 extending in an axial direction on a part in a circumferential direction. The golf training tool 1 comprises a holding part 20 capable of holding the fitting part 12 in a tightly contacting state to an outer peripheral face of the grip 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a golf training device that is attached to a golf club when in use. [Background technology]

[0002] As shown in Fig. 8, a rod-shaped golf training tool 200 is known that is attached to the end of a grip 102 of a golf club 100 so as to be positioned on an extension of the shaft 101. A user can use the golf training tool 200 to check and correct their own swing form. Specifically, for example, a training method is known in which the user performs an approach shot while positioning the golf training tool 200 next to the user's flank.

[0003] As a connecting structure for connecting this type of golf practice device to the grip end, a screw-in type structure and a fitting type structure are known.

[0004] The screw-type coupling structure is composed of a male or female screw provided at the base end of the golf practice tool and a female or male screw provided at the grip end of the golf club. In other words, when the screw-type coupling structure is adopted, a golf club equipped with a special structure consisting of a female or male screw is used. Such a screw-type coupling structure is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0005] When a fitting-type connection structure is adopted, a cylindrical fitting portion that fits onto the outside of the grip end is provided at the base end of the golf training tool. A golf training tool with such a fitting portion is disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 3 (see Figure 4). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3230638 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-303717 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 50-032061 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, if a screw-type coupling structure is adopted, a golf club with the special structure described above must be prepared, which makes it impossible to use for practice using a normal golf club.

[0008] Furthermore, with conventional fitting-type connection structures, unless the thickness and shape of the inner circumference of the fitting part of the golf training device match the thickness and shape of the outer circumference of the grip end, the fitting part cannot fit onto the grip end, so depending on the thickness and shape of the grip, it may not be possible to attach the golf training device.

[0009] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a golf training device that can be easily and reliably attached to any golf club. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present invention is a golf practice device comprising a cap portion that is fitted onto an end of a grip of a golf club, and an extension shaft portion that extends from the cap portion to a side opposite the golf club, the cap portion includes a cylindrical fitting portion that is fitted onto the outside of the grip, The fitting portion has a slit formed in a part of its circumferential direction, the slit extending in an axial direction, A holding portion is provided that can hold the fitting portion in a state where it is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip. And, the cap portion includes a lid portion that closes an opening of the fitting portion on the extension shaft portion side in the axial direction, At each end of the fitting portion on both sides of the slit, a notch extending in a circumferential direction is formed on the cover portion side. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] The golf training device according to the present invention can be easily and reliably attached to any golf club. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a contracted state of a golf training device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the golf training device in an expanded state. [Figure 3] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing an example of the golf training apparatus in use. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the cap portion and its surroundings of the golf training device. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a grip end of a typical golf club. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a conventional golf training device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] A golf practice device according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present invention, its applications, or its uses.

[0014] 1 and 2, a golf training tool 1 according to this embodiment is attached to the end (grip end) of a grip 52 of a typical golf club 50 when in use. The golf training tool 1 includes a cap 10 that is fitted over the end of the grip 52 of the golf club 50, and an extension shaft 30 that extends from the cap 10 to the opposite side of the golf club 50. In this application, the longitudinal direction of the extension shaft 30 is referred to as the axial direction. The circumferential direction of a circle centered on the central axis of the extension shaft 30 is referred to as the circumferential direction.

[0015] First, before describing the cap portion 10, the configuration of the extension shaft portion 30 will be described.

[0016] When the golf training device 1 is attached to the golf club 50, the extension shaft 30 is disposed on an extension line of the shaft 51 of the golf club 50. The extension shaft 30 is an extendable pipe and has a structure similar to that of a so-called pointing stick. The extension shaft 30 includes a plurality of pipe sections 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 having different diameters. Although five pipe sections 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are shown in Figures 1 and 2, the number of pipe sections is not particularly limited.

[0017] The multiple pipe sections 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are arranged coaxially and fitted together so that the smaller diameter pipe sections protrude more distally. A protective cap 40 may be attached to the distal end of the pipe section 35 that protrudes furthest distally. The material of the pipe sections 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 is not limited, and may be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or soft iron, or a resin. The material of the protective cap 40 is also not limited, and may be, for example, a resin or rubber.

[0018] The multiple pipe sections 31, 32, 33, 34, and 35 are slidably fitted together, allowing the extension shaft section 30 to be switched between a contracted state as shown in FIG. 1 and an extended state as shown in FIG. 2.

[0019] The golf training tool 1 is preferably used with the extension shaft 30 extended. Specifically, for example, as shown in Fig. 3, the extension shaft 30 in the extended state is positioned next to the flank of the user 90 while practicing approach shots, thereby improving approach shot technique. When the golf training tool 1 is not in use, the extension shaft 30 can be retracted to improve portability.

[0020] The length of the extension shaft 30 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 130 mm in the most contracted state and 590 mm in the most extended state. The thickness of the extension shaft 30 is also not particularly limited, but, for example, the diameter of the largest pipe portion 31 may be 8 mm.

[0021] Next, the cap portion 10 and the related configuration will be described.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the cap portion 10 is provided at the base end of the extension shaft portion 30. As shown in FIGS.

[0023] As shown in Figure 4, the cap portion 10 includes a cylindrical fitting portion 12 that fits onto the outside of the grip 52 (see Figures 1, 3, and 7), and a lid portion 11 that closes the opening of the fitting portion 12 on the extension shaft portion 30 side in the axial direction.

[0024] The lid 11 is made of, for example, a circular plate. The diameter of the lid 11 is larger than the outer diameter of the pipe 31 of the extension shaft 30, and preferably slightly larger than the diameter of the end face of a typical grip 52 (see FIG. 7). The material of the lid 11 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, a metal such as stainless steel or soft iron, or a resin.

[0025] The base end of the pipe portion 31 of the extension shaft portion 30 is fixed to the center of the outer surface of the lid portion 11. In addition, a plurality of rib-like reinforcing portions 38 are provided across the outer surface of the lid portion 11 and the outer peripheral surface of the pipe portion 31. This allows the cap portion 10 to stably support the extension shaft portion 30.

[0026] 4, 5(a), and 5(b), the fitting portion 12 is tapered so that its diameter decreases in the axial direction toward the opposite side from the extension shaft portion 30. Generally, the grip 52 of the golf club 50 also has a similar tapered shape (see FIG. 7). This makes it easier to bring the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 12 into close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip 52.

[0027] The fitting portion 12 is provided continuously from one end 13 to the other end 14 in the circumferential direction. The fitting portion 12 forms a slit 15 extending in the axial direction. The circumferential area occupied by the slit 15 is smaller than half of the entire circumference. In the circumferential direction, the one end 13 and the other end 14 of the fitting portion 12 are arranged adjacent to each other with the slit 15 in between. The circumferential length of the slit 15, i.e., the circumferential length of the gap between the one end 13 and the other end 14 of the fitting portion 12 in the circumferential direction, gradually decreases toward the opposite side of the extension shaft portion 30 in the axial direction.

[0028] As described above, the fitting portion 12 is not completely cylindrical, but has a slit 15 in a portion of the circumference. This makes the fitting portion 12 more susceptible to elastic deformation, reducing or increasing the width of the slit 15, compared to a case in which the fitting portion 12 is completely cylindrical (i.e., provided continuously around the entire circumference). This elastic deformation makes it possible to reduce or increase the diameter of the fitting portion 12.

[0029] Each end 13, 14 of the fitting portion 12 on either side of the slit 15 has a notch 16, 17 formed therein that extends in the circumferential direction toward the lid portion 11. Each notch 16, 17 extends in the circumferential direction along the peripheral edge of the lid portion 11. This allows both circumferential end portions 13, 14 of the fitting portion 12 to be elastically deformable without being restrained by the lid portion 11. This makes it possible to promote elastic deformation that reduces or expands the diameter of the fitting portion 12 as described above.

[0030] It is preferable to use a flexible material that facilitates the above-mentioned elastic deformation for the fitting portion 12. There are no specific limitations on the material of the fitting portion 12, but for example, soft iron may be used.

[0031] The method for manufacturing the cap portion 10 is not limited thereto. For example, the cap portion 10 may be manufactured using two plates as shown in FIG. 6. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a circular plate is used as the material for the lid portion 11, and a strip-shaped plate is used as the material for the fitting portion 12. In the plate material for the fitting portion 12, the upper edge 12a and the lower edge 12b in FIG. 6 each have an arc-like shape that bulges upward. The notches 16 and 17 described above are formed at both corners of the upper edge 12a. The cap portion 10 is completed by joining the arc-shaped upper edge 12a to the peripheral edge of the lid portion 11 by, for example, welding while rolling the plate material for the fitting portion 12. As a result, the fitting portion 12 is formed into the tapered shape described above (see FIG. 5).

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, a pin 18 is provided inside the cap portion 10, extending from the center of the lid portion 11 toward the opposite side of the extended shaft portion 30 in the axial direction. The pin 18 is located on the axis of the extended shaft portion 30. The pin 18 can be inserted into an air hole 53 (see Figure 7) provided on the end face of the grip 52. The air hole 53 is necessary to allow air to escape when the grip 52 is attached to the shaft 51, and is provided in normal grips 52.

[0033] The golf training device 1 further includes a band 20 as a holding part. By wrapping the band 20 around the outside of the fitting part 12, the band 20 can hold the fitting part 12 in close contact with the outer circumferential surface of the grip 52. Detachable hook-and-loop fasteners 21 and 22 are provided on both sides of the band 20. This allows the inner surface of one end of the band 20 to be easily attached to and detached from the outer surface of the other end of the band 20.

[0034] One end portion of the band 20 may be fixed in advance to the outer circumferential surface of the fitting portion 12, for example, by adhesive. By integrating the band 20 with the cap portion 10 in this manner, it is possible to prevent the band 20 from being lost when not in use.

[0035] The golf training tool 1 configured as above is attached to the golf club 50 in the following procedure.

[0036] First, the fitting portion 12 of the cap portion 10 of the golf training device 1 is fitted onto the outside of the end portion of the grip 52 of the golf club 50. At this time, the pin 18 of the golf training device 1 is inserted into the air hole 53 of the grip 52. This allows the golf training device 1 to be positioned radially relative to the grip 52 with high precision.

[0037] Even if the outer diameter of the grip 52 is larger than the inner diameter of the fitting portion 12, the fitting portion 12 can be fitted onto the end of the grip 52 while elastically deforming so as to expand in diameter.

[0038] Once the fitting portion 12 has been fitted into the grip 52, the band 20 tightens the fitting portion 12.

[0039] More specifically, if the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 12 is already in tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip 52, the band 20 tightens the fitting portion 12 to maintain this tight contact. On the other hand, if there is a gap between the outer peripheral surface of the grip 52 and the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 12, the band 20 tightens the fitting portion 12 so that the fitting portion 12 undergoes a diameter contraction deformation until the gap is eliminated. This allows the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 12 to be in tight contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip 52.

[0040] In either case, when the band 20 is fastened as described above, the grip 52 is positioned by the pin 18 and is therefore less likely to shift position within the fitting portion 12. This makes it easier for the band 20 to tighten the fitting portion 12 effectively.

[0041] When the fitting portion 12 is fastened by the band 20, the width of the slit 15 of the fitting portion 12 (the distance between the circumferential ends 13, 14) is kept from expanding. This ensures that the inner peripheral surface of the fitting portion 12 is well-fitted against the outer peripheral surface of the grip 52.

[0042] According to this embodiment, the fitting portion 12 of the golf training device 1 is configured to be easily deformed to fit the thickness and shape of the grip 52. This makes it easy to fit the fitting portion 12 tightly to the outer circumferential surface of various grips 52 with different thicknesses and shapes. Furthermore, this tight fit can be well maintained by tightening with the band 20. Therefore, the golf training device 1 according to this embodiment can be easily and reliably attached to any golf club 50.

[0043] Addressing the ball is important when approaching the ball, and it is preferable to address the ball so that the golf club shaft and the user's forearm are aligned in a straight line when viewed from the front. This golf training tool 1 allows the user to achieve this address without intentionally trying. If the user practices approaching the ball in this state, and the wrist turns and the club head is about to lead, resulting in a hand late position, the extension shaft 30 will hit the body, preventing the club from leading any further. This prevents unnecessary wrist movement.

[0044] The golf training device 1 can also be used for putting practice. When gripping a putter with the golf training device 1 attached and addressing the ball for putting, extending the extension shaft 30 until it touches the user's body will reveal the fulcrum for the user during putting. Practicing putting in this state allows the user to master a pendulum stroke centered on the tip of the extension shaft 30, just like putting with a long-shaft putter. While the shape of the grip end of a putter is often not circular when viewed from above, the golf training device 1 can accommodate such grips. Specifically, by orienting the slit 15 of the golf training device 1 so that it faces away from the air hole, the pin 18 can fit into the air hole and the fitting 12 can encase the grip end.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the above-mentioned embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment. For example, the band 20 may be fixed by means other than the hook-and-loop fasteners 21 and 22. [Explanation of symbols]

[0046] 1. Golf training equipment 10 Cap part 11 Lid 12 Fitting part 13 Circumferential end of fitting portion 14 Other circumferential end of fitting portion 15 Slit 16,17 Notch 18-pin 20 Band (holding part) 21,22 Hook and loop fasteners 30 Extension shaft section 38 Reinforcement 50 golf clubs 51 Shaft 52 Grip 53 Air vent

Claims

1. A golf practice device comprising a cap portion that is fitted onto an end of a grip of a golf club, and an extension shaft portion that extends from the cap portion to a side opposite to the golf club, the cap portion includes a cylindrical fitting portion that is fitted onto the outside of the grip, The fitting portion has a slit formed in a part of its circumferential direction, the slit extending in an axial direction, a holding portion that can hold the fitting portion in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the grip, the cap portion includes a lid portion that closes an opening of the fitting portion on the extension shaft portion side in the axial direction, A golf training device characterized in that a notch extending in a circumferential direction is formed on the cover portion side at each end on both sides of the slit in the fitting portion.

2. 2. The golf training device according to claim 1, wherein the holding portion is a band that is wrapped around the outside of the fitting portion.

3. 3. A golf training device according to claim 2, wherein a hook-and-loop fastener is provided on each of both sides of said band so as to be detachable from said other side.

4. 2. The golf training device according to claim 1, wherein a pin that can be inserted into an air hole on the end surface of the grip is provided so as to extend from the cover portion axially in the opposite direction to the extension shaft portion.

5. 5. The golf training device according to claim 1, wherein the fitting portion is tapered so that its diameter decreases in the axial direction away from the extension shaft portion.

6. 6. The golf training device according to claim 1, wherein the extension shaft is an extendable pipe.

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