Golf-grip training device

• US 4,861,034 A
• Filed: 07/28/1988
• Issued: 08/29/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1988
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sung Y. Lee
• Original Assignee: Sung Y. Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Sung Y.
• Primary Examiner(s): Marlo, George J.
• Application Number:
  US07/225,717
• Time in Patent Office: 397 Days
• Field of Search: 273/183 D, 273/186 A, 273/81 R, 273/81.2, 273/81.4, 273/165, 273/194 R, 273/DIG. 030
• US Class Current: 473/202
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2060/464 Means for indicating or measuring the pressure on the grip
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0625 Emitting sound, noise or music
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2071/0627 when used improperly, e.g. by giving a warning
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2209/10 with adhesive type surfaces, i.e. hook and loop-type fastener
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/17 Counting, e.g. counting periodical movements, revolutions or cycles, or including further data processing to determine distances or speed
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/56 Pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/58 Measurement of force related parameters by electric or magnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/80 Special sensors, transducers or devices therefor
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/801 Contact switches
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 2220/833 Sensors arranged on the exercise apparatus or sports implement
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 69/3635 with sound-emitting source
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 273/30 Hooked pile fabric fastener

Abstract

A golf grip training device designed to be readily attached and removed from the handle of a golf club. An elongated pressure sensitive switch is mounted on the underside of the handle and is responsive to the grip pressure of the golfer. The switch is formed of three resilient conducting strips adhesively secured to a number of spaced compressible foam blocks forming two sandwich layers. The switch is responsive to two distinct grip pressures. A signalling device containing a battery, a buzzer, and a grip pressure selector switch is mounted on the golf club and electrically connected to the pressures sensitive switch to emit an audible signal when a predetermined grip pressure is exceeded. The grip pressure selector switch can select either of the two grip pressure ranges built into the pressure sensitive switch.

Claims

1. In a training device attachable to a golf club handle to signal a proper grip pressure, a grip pressure sensing element comprising a plurality of elongated resilient conducting strips separated by a plurality of spaced blocks of compressible material, said blocks of compressible material being adhesively bonded to said conducting strips, an electrical cable connected at one end to end portions of said resilient conducting strips, an elastomeric housing encasing said conducting strips, signalling means connected to the other end of said electrical cable, securing means connected to end portions of said elastomeric housing to secure said grip pressure sensing element to said golf club handle whereby said grip pressure sensing element is responsive to a predetermined grip pressure around the golf club handle as signaled by said signalling means.

2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said predetermined grip pressure signalled by said signalling means is a function of the compressibility of said spaced blocks.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said grip pressure sensing element comprises three resilient conducting strips, an outer strip, a middle strip and a bottom strip defining first and second sandwiches of spaced blocks of compressible material.

4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein a first grip pressure applied to said outer strip compresses said first sandwich layer permitting said outer strip to contact said middle strip in the spaces between said blocks to define a first predetermined lower grip signal and wherein a second higher predetermined grip pressure applied to said outer strip compresses said first and second sandwich layers permitting said outer strip to contact said middle and bottom strips in the spaces between said blocks to define a second predetermined high grip signal.

5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said signalling means includes a separate housing detachably mounted on said handle close to the grip pressure sensing element, said housing containing a batter, a two-position grip selector switch, a modular jack, and a signal buzzer, said cable other end being insertable in said modular jack forming a signalling circuit.

6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said two-position grip selector switch includes a first position connecting said middle conducting strip to said battery and a second position connecting said bottom conducting strip to said battery, said outer conducting strip acting as a common line to complete the circuit.

7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises straps including hook and loop fasteners.

8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the means to mount said housing on said handle comprises a strap including hook and loop fasteners.

9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said first and second sandwiches of spaced blocks are arranged in partial overlapping relationship.

10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said grip pressure sensing element is adapted to be mounted on the underside of the golf club handle.