U.S. patent application number 10/854456 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-03 for golf training apparatus.
Invention is credited to Gagne, Robert M..
Application Number | 20050049064 10/854456 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34222402 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050049064 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gagne, Robert M. |
March 3, 2005 |
Golf training apparatus
Abstract
A golf training apparatus is formed of a body of a typically
rigid material and includes a head portion corresponding in shape
and dimensions to that of a regulation golf ball, and a stem
portion, extending from the head portion. Adhesive is placed on a
side of the body at the head and the stem portions, allowing the
stem portion to attach the body to a support member, while the
remaining portion of the body, including the head portion, extends
upward and stands unsupported. A golf club can now be brought into
contact with the body, and if contact is made between the club head
and the first portion, the body will separate from the support
member and the first portion will adhere to the club head,
indicating the location on the club head where it contacted the
golf ball. Based on this information, the golfer can adjust his
swing, such that contact with a golf ball will be made at the
desired "sweet spot" or other location on the club head.
Inventors: |
Gagne, Robert M.; (Leawood,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
POLSINELLI SHALTON WELTE SUELTHAUS P.C.
700 W. 47TH STREET
SUITE 1000
KANSAS CITY
MO
64112-1802
US
|
Family ID: |
34222402 |
Appl. No.: |
10/854456 |
Filed: |
May 26, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60499932 |
Sep 2, 2003 |
|
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60508021 |
Oct 2, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/236 ;
473/237 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 69/3617 20130101;
A63B 69/3655 20130101; A63B 69/3688 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/236 ;
473/237 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf training apparatus comprising: a first portion having at
least a portion for at least temporarily attaching to the head of a
golf club; a second portion in communication with the first portion
for supporting the first portion, the second portion including a
base for at least temporarily attaching to a support; and the first
portion and the second portion are configured for standing
unsupported when the base is temporarily attached to a support.
2. The golf training apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first
portion is circular with a diameter at least substantially the
diameter of a regulation golf ball.
3. The golf training apparatus of claim 2, additionally comprising:
at least one indicia on the second portion, the at least one
indicia proximate to the base of the second portion.
4. The golf training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first
portion and the second portion define an integral member having a
first side and a second side.
5. The golf training apparatus of claim 4, wherein the integral
member includes a metal foil that defines at least the first side
of the integral member.
6. The golf training apparatus of claim 5, wherein at least a
portion of the second side at the base and at the first portion
includes adhesive.
7. The golf training apparatus of claim 6, wherein the second side
includes adhesive.
8. The golf training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the at least one
indicia includes at least one score.
9. The golf training apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least one
score includes two scores oppositely disposed with respect to each
other at the edges of the second portion.
10. The golf training apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first
portion extends beyond the edges of the second portion.
11. The golf training apparatus of claim 10, wherein the first
portion attaches to the second portion in a substantially coaxial
alignment.
12. The golf training apparatus of claim 3, wherein the second
portion includes a stem attached to the base and the at least one
indicia serve as a border between the stem and the base.
13. The golf training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the stem is
substantially rectangular in shape.
14. The golf training apparatus of claim 12, wherein the base is
substantially triangular in shape.
15. A golf training apparatus comprising: a body including, a first
portion for at least temporarily attaching to the head of a golf
club, and a second portion in communication with the first portion
for supporting the first portion, the second portion including a
base; and the body configured for standing unsupported when the
base is temporarily attached to a support.
16. The golf training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first
portion is circular with a diameter at least substantially the
diameter of a regulation golf ball.
17. The golf training apparatus of claim 15, wherein the body
includes a metal foil layer defining a first side.
18. The golf training apparatus of claim 17, wherein the body
includes an adhesive layer defining a second side.
19. The golf training apparatus of claim 18, wherein the body
includes at least one indicia proximate to the base of the second
portion.
20. A golf training apparatus comprising: a body having a first
side and a second side, the first side of a metal foil layer and
the second side of at least a partial layer of adhesive, the body
including, a first portion for at least temporarily attaching to
the head of a golf club, and a second portion in communication with
the first portion, the second portion including a base for at least
temporarily attaching to a support; and the body configured for
standing unsupported when the base is temporarily attached to a
support.
21. The golf training apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first
portion is circular with a diameter at least substantially the
diameter of a regulation golf ball.
22. The golf training apparatus of claim 20, wherein the at least a
partial layer of adhesive includes a layer of adhesive covering at
least substantially all of the body.
23. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the body is an integral
member.
24. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the second portion is of a
width less than the diameter of the first portion and is coaxial
with the first portion.
25. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the second portion includes
a stem, the stem intermediate the first portion and the base.
26. A golf training apparatus comprising: a body including, a first
portion of a planar dimension at least substantially the diameter
of a regulation golf ball for at least temporarily attaching to the
head of a golf club, a second portion in communication with the
first portion for supporting the first portion, the second portion
including a base for at least temporarily attaching to a support,
and the body configured for standing unsupported when the base is
temporarily attached to a support.
27. The golf training apparatus of claim 26, wherein the body
includes a first side and a second side, the second side including
at least one adhesive portion on at least the first portion and the
base.
28. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the body is an integral
member.
29. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first side includes a
metal foil.
30. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the second portion is of a
width less than the diameter of the first portion and is coaxial
with the first portion.
31. The apparatus of claim 30, wherein the second portion includes
a stem, the stem intermediate the first portion and the base.
32. A method for determining the location on a golf club where the
golf club contacts a golf ball comprising: providing an apparatus
including a body comprising a first portion of a shape
corresponding to the shape of a regulation golf ball, and a second
portion extending from the first portion, the body of a rigid
material and including a first side having adhesive on at least
part of the first portion and at least part of the second portion;
attaching the second portion of the body to a support member to
cause at least a part of the body to stand unsupported; and
bringing a golf club head into contact with the apparatus such that
at least some of the adhesive on the first side at the first
portion adheres the apparatus to the golf club head.
33. The method of claim 32, wherein attaching the second portion of
the body to a support member includes folding the second portion to
form at least a substantially right angle, and attaching part of
the second portion to a support member, such that the other part of
the second portion and the first portion extend upward.
34. The method of claim 32, wherein the bringing the golf club head
into contact with the apparatus includes breaking the attachment of
the second portion of the body to a support member.
35. The method of claim 34, additionally comprising, separating the
apparatus from the golf club head.
Description
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is related to and claims priority
from: 1. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/499,932,
filed on Sep. 2, 2003; and, 2. U.S. Provisional Patent Application
Ser. No. 60/508,021, entitled: GOLF TRAINING APPARATUS, filed Oct.
2, 2003. U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 60/499,932
and Ser. No. 60/508,021 are incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention is related to a golf training
apparatus, and in particular, to a golf training apparatus for
visually indicating the location on the face of the golf club head
where contact with a golf ball was made.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Golf is a sport whose popularity continues to grow. As the
golfing population grows, so does the desire among its players to
improve their shots, for example, drives, fairway shots, chips,
pitches, hazard shots and putts. To improve one's shot, the ball
should be struck with the club at the "sweet spot", in order that
the maximum energy and proper trajectory be placed on the ball.
Contacting the ball at the "sweet spot" of the club head also
reduces or eliminates side spins on the ball, allowing the ball to
move in a controlled trajectory to the desired target, without
hooking or slicing.
[0004] Golfers spend large amounts of money on various shot
improvement mechanisms, in order that they make contact with the
ball at the "sweet spot" of the club head. Many of these mechanisms
are expensive, and yet, there is no way to tell the actual location
on the club face where the ball was contacted, with respect to that
particular golfer's "sweet spot" on the club head. This is because
the "sweet spot" for most golfers is preset in the club head by the
manufacturer.
[0005] However, the "sweet spot" of a club head for some advanced
and expert golfers, such as those on the professional tours, may be
at a slightly different location that the manufacturer set "sweet
spot". This alternate "sweet spot" is typically worn into the club
head. By knowing the actual location of the contact between the
club face and the golf ball, the golfer can adjust his swing and
positioning associated with it, to achieve contact with the golf
ball at the desired "sweet spot".
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention improves on contemporary golf training
devices as it provides a visual indication of the actual location
on the face of a clubhead of a golf club, where the ball has been
contacted. By knowing the actual location (position) of ball
contact on the clubhead (also known as the point of contact), the
golfer can adjust his swing, including his swing positioning as
well as the angle at which the clubhead is striking the ball, such
that contact with the ball is made at the desired location on the
club head. This location is typically the manufacturer set "sweet
spot" on the club head, or an alternate "sweet spot" on the club
head, that becomes worn into the club head by the user over
time.
[0007] The present invention is compact, simple to use, and may be
of a single piece (part). It is also economical, as each piece is
of very low cost and can be reused. It can also be used in a small
area, and does not involve separate parts, eliminating the need to
set up and adjust components.
[0008] The present invention also allows the user to use his own
golf clubs in their present state, absent any modifications or
treatments. Additionally, no special golf clubs or other custom
equipment are needed for use with the apparatus and components of
the present invention.
[0009] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a golf
training apparatus with a first portion having at least a portion
for at least temporarily attaching to the head of a golf club, and
a second portion coupled to the first portion for supporting the
first portion. The second portion has a base for at least
temporarily attaching to a support. The first portion and the
second portion are such that they can stand unsupported when the
base is temporarily attached to a support. The first portion
simulates a golf ball, as it is typically circular with a diameter
at least substantially, and may be exactly, the diameter of a
regulation golf ball. The first portion and the second portion
define a main body, having a first or smooth side, and a second or
sticky (adhesive) side.
[0010] In an exemplary operation, the golf club addresses the
apparatus (main body) at the second or sticky (adhesive) side.
Contact between the golf club and the apparatus is such that the
apparatus adheres to the golf club (upon contact with the club
head), providing the golfer with a visual indication of the actual
point of contact between the first or ball portion of the apparatus
and the club face. This visual indication is indicative of the
location on the club head where the actual contact would be made
between the club head and an actual golf ball.
[0011] An embodiment of the invention is directed to a golf
training apparatus. The apparatus has a first portion having at
least a portion for at least temporarily attaching to the head of a
golf club. This first portion is typically in a cross-sectional,
two-dimensional shape of a regulation golf ball having a diameter
that may be the diameter of a regulation golf ball. The apparatus
also has a second portion, typically extending from the first
portion, for supporting the first portion. The second portion has a
base for at least temporarily attaching to a support. The first
portion and the second portion are such that they can stand
unsupported when the base is temporarily attached to a support.
[0012] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a golf
training apparatus. The apparatus includes a body having a first
portion, for example, in the cross-sectional (two-dimensional)
shape and dimensions of a regulation golf ball, for at least
temporarily attaching to the head of a golf club, and a second
portion, typically joined to the first portion for supporting the
first portion. The second portion includes a base, and the body is
such that it can stand unsupported when the base is temporarily
attached to a support.
[0013] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a golf
training apparatus having a body with a first side and a second
side. The first side is of a metal foil layer and the second side
is of at least a partial layer of adhesive. The body includes a
first portion for at least temporarily attaching to the head of a
golf club, and a second portion, typically coupled to the first
portion. The second portion includes a base for at least
temporarily attaching to a support, and the body is typically such
that it can stand unsupported when the base is temporarily attached
to a support.
[0014] Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a golf
training apparatus with a body having a first portion of a planar
dimension at least substantially the diameter of a regulation golf
ball for at least temporarily attaching to the head of a golf club.
The body also has a second portion, typically coupled with the
first portion, for supporting the first portion. The second portion
includes a base for at least temporarily attaching to a support,
and the body is such that it can stand unsupported when the base is
temporarily attached to a support.
[0015] Another embodiment includes a method for determining the
location on a golf club where the golf club contacts a golf ball.
The method includes, providing an apparatus including a body having
a first portion of a shape corresponding to the shape of a
regulation golf ball, and a second portion extending from the first
portion. The body is of a rigid material and includes a first side
having adhesive on at least part of the first portion and at least
part of the second portion. The second portion of the body is
attached to a support member to cause at least a part of the body
to stand unsupported. A golf club head is then brought into contact
with the apparatus such that at least some of the adhesive on the
first side at the first portion adheres the apparatus to the golf
club head. The contact is typically through a golf club swing, and
once the swing is complete, the point of contact between the first
portion and the golf club head is visible, by the first portion
being stuck on the club head. The apparatus can now be peeled off
of the golf club head. Once removed and separated from the golf
club, the apparatus can be reused and the method can be
repeated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Attention is now directed to the drawings, where like
numerals and characters indicate like or corresponding components.
In the drawings:
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front view of an apparatus of the invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 is a rear view of the apparatus of the invention;
[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the invention as shown
during packaging or prior to actual use;
[0020] FIG. 4A shows the apparatus in a "straight" position in an
exemplary operation;
[0021] FIG. 4B shows the apparatus with its ball portion in an
alternate bent or curved position for the exemplary operation of
FIG. 4A;
[0022] FIG. 4C is a side view of the apparatus in the position of
FIG. 4B;
[0023] FIGS. 4D and 4E show the remainder of the exemplary
operation of the apparatus of FIG. 4A;
[0024] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the
present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6 shows the apparatus of FIG. 5 in an exemplary
operation; and
[0026] FIG. 7 shows the apparatus of FIGS. 1-3 in another exemplary
operation with a golf tee, in an outdoor or driving range
setting.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIGS. 1 and 2 show the apparatus 20 of the invention. The
apparatus 20 is typically defined by a main body 22. Throughout
this document, the apparatus 20 and main body 22 are used
interchangeably, except where the apparatus 20 is in a pre-use,
packaging or storage state, when the main body 22 is attached to a
release layer 50 or other holding or storage structure (as shown in
FIG. 3 and described below).
[0028] The main body 22 is formed of a first or ball portion 24 and
a second or support portion 26. The first or ball portion 24 is
typically concentric and coaxial (along the axis 25) with the
second or support portion 26, such that the apparatus 20 (and main
body 22) is symmetric, simulating a teed up or other suitably
addressable golf ball.
[0029] The main body 22 is typically an integral, one-piece member,
such that the first (ball) portion 24 and second (stem) portion 26,
have a common first side 30 and a common second side 31. The first
side 30 is for example, a smooth or non-adhesive side, while the
second side 31 is, for example, a sticky or adhesive side. The
first, smooth or non-adhesive side 30 can have its first or ball
portion 24 decorated like that of an actual golf ball, so as to
make it visually distinguishable from the second, sticky or
adhesive side 31. However, the first portion 24 and the second
portion 26 can be formed from multiple pieces joined together.
[0030] The first portion 24 is typically rounded, and in
particular, circular in shape, to typically define a golf ball. The
first portion 24 is typically of planar (two-dimensional)
dimensions corresponding to a regulation golf ball, that is
approximately, and typically, the diameter of 1.680 inches (42.67
mm), the maximum diameter of a regulation golf ball. For example,
the first (ball) portion may be of a diameter "D", that is 1.680
inches (42.67 mm), in conformance with the diameter of a regulation
golf ball.
[0031] The second portion 26 joins to the first portion 24 and is
typically of a width "W" less than the diameter "D" of the first
portion 24, so as to be of a shape and dimensions corresponding to
a support, such as a tee, platform or the like, for a golf ball.
This second portion 26 typically includes a stem 42 and a base 44.
Indicia 46, single, as shown here, or multiple (FIG. 5), such as
scorings (cuts), weakness lines, or marks, on either side 30, 31 or
both sides 30, 31 of the main body 22, typically serve as a
boundary, between the stem 42 and the base 44.
[0032] These indicia 46 serve to facilitate or guide bending and/or
folding of the base 44 with respect to the stem 42, at the indicia
46 locations. Folding is typically such that the base 44 is at
least substantially perpendicular to the stem 42 (and typically
also the first or ball portion 24), as detailed below. The base 44
can be triangular in shape, but can also be any other shape
suitable for providing sufficient surface area for the adhesive (on
the second side 31 of the base 44) to hold, at least temporarily,
the apparatus 20 to supports, support members or structures, such
as floors, the ground, blocks, mats, golf tees, or other suitable
supports.
[0033] While the indicia 46 typically serve as facilitators or
guides for folding the apparatus 20 (main body 22), the apparatus
20 may be folded anywhere along the stem 42 or the base 44,
provided there is sufficient adhesive on the second side 31 at the
stem 42 and/or base 44, for adhering the apparatus 20 to the floor,
ground or other support. This would allow the user to practice
shots where the ball was at other heights, corresponding to
fairway, rough and sand, bunker and other hazard shots, pitches and
chips.
[0034] The main body 22, including the first portion 24 and the
second portion 26, is typically made of a material(s), such as a
foil or a heavyweight metallic paper with a sticky (adhesive)
backing. For example, sticky (adhesive) backed metal foils suitable
for use as the main body 22 may include Material No. 81 available
from Tabco, Inc., of 1323 South 59.sup.th Street, Kansas City,
Kans. 66106, and Bright Silver Laminated Foil AP151, 3.2 Mil SLF
L-3, Item # 15134 from Technicote, 222 Mound Avenue, Miamisburg,
Ohio 45342. This adhesive backed foil material, is such that it
imparts rigidity, stiffness and flatness to the main body 22 of the
apparatus 20, such that, when in use, the apparatus 20 can stand
unsupported, with the stem 42 and first (ball) portion 24 at least
substantially coplanar, while being resistant to bends, sags and
other deformities (unless, for example, a bend is placed into the
ball portion 24 by the physical force of a user, as detailed below
and shown in FIGS. 4B and 4C). Other material(s) for the main body
22 should also possess the aforementioned qualities.
[0035] The apparatus 20 is such that the main body 22 is typically
formed from adhesive backed foils, attached to a release layer 50
in a pre-use, packaging or storage state. These adhesive backed
foils are, for example, formed of single or multiple foil layers
(for example, of metal foil), defining the first side 30 of the
main body 22, and single or multiple adhesive layers, defining the
second side 31 of the main body 22. As shown in FIG. 3, the
apparatus 20 is stored (and packaged) prior to use, such that its
main body 22 is on a release layer 50, with the second or sticky
side 31 of the main body 22 in contact with the release layer 50.
This release layer 50 is, for example, a silicon coated bleached
kraft liner. Each apparatus 20 (main body 22) can be removed from
the release layer 50, with minimal manual force, by peeling the
main body 22 off of the release layer 50 when use is desired.
[0036] The foil layer or layers are typically of a metal foil. This
metal foil (in its single or multiple layers) is typically of a
thickness to impart all of the rigidity, stiffness and deformation
resistance to the apparatus 20 (main body 22) as detailed above.
The metal or metallic nature of the foil layer(s), produces a
"metallic click", when the first or ball portion 24 of the
apparatus 20 (main body 22) is struck with a golf club, so as to
provide the user of the apparatus 20 with the feel of a "firm" or
"sold" contact between the first or ball portion 24 and the golf
club, as with an actual golf shot.
[0037] The adhesive layer or layers are, for example, of a pressure
sensitive adhesive, such as a rubber based adhesive. The adhesive
is such that it will facilitate temporary attachment of the main
body 22 to release layers, woods, metals and other materials of
golf clubs, carpets, mats and other conventional flooring
materials. The adhesive is of a strength that the main body 22 will
stick to, but remain inert from, the release layer 50 (FIG. 3), and
will also be easily removable from the aforementioned materials,
without damage to the apparatus 20 (main body 22) or the surface
where it was temporarily adhered to. This allows the apparatus 20
to be reusable, as it can be peeled off of a golf club head and
remain intact, so as to be reattached to a support structure for
subsequent uses.
[0038] This apparatus 20 (main body 22) may be an integral
one-piece member. It can be cut, stamped or the like, from a single
piece of material. It can also be formed from multiple pieces. The
adhesive or adhesive layer(s) can be placed on the member prior to
its being cut or stamped or after the cutting or stamping operation
has occurred. The adhesive or adhesive layer(s) can be placed onto
the member or piece or pieces from which it is formed by numerous
coating techniques, such as deposition, or coating techniques, or
the like.
[0039] While adhesive is shown as an adhesive layer on the entire
second side 31 of the main body 22, alternate adhesive arrangements
are also permissible. For example, adhesive need only be applied to
portions of the first portion 24 and either the stem 42 or the base
44, or portions thereof, of the second portion 26, on the second
side 31 of the main body 22. Application of adhesive should be such
that the apparatus 20 (main body 22) will suitably adhere to the
club head (upon contact therewith) and there will be sufficient
adherence of the apparatus 20 to a support, prior to a golf club
contacting the apparatus 20.
[0040] Turning also to FIGS. 4A-4E, there is shown the apparatus 20
(main body 22) in an exemplary operation. Initially, an apparatus
20 (main body 22) is removed from the release layer 50 (FIG. 3),
typically by peeling it from the release layer 50, to separate it
therefrom. The base 44 is now folded, for example, along the
indicia 46, with the adhesive or second side 31 down, so as to
contact the floor 60 or other support surface. This folding is such
that the base 44 is at least substantially perpendicular, and
typically perpendicular, to the stem 42 and the first portion 24,
that stand coplanar and unsupported by other structures.
[0041] The sticky (adhesive) side 31 of the base 44 is now attached
to ground 60, as shown in FIG. 4A. Alternately, as shown in FIGS.
4B and 4C, the user can push the first or ball portion 24 of the
apparatus 20 (main body 22) in on itself, to create a slight bend
or curvature in this first portion 24, resulting in a
three-dimensionally appearing golf ball. The material for the
apparatus 20, and at least at the first or ball portion 24 is such
that it will be of sufficient rigidity to sustain the bend or
curvature, for at least a short time period (for example, at least
a few minutes, from placement until contacted by a swinging club).
The bend can be made, for example, by pinching along the axis 25
(FIG. 1) (top to bottom of the first or ball portion 24) or by
pinching at the sides of the first or ball portion 24. Alternately,
for example, the bend can be made by pinching the first or ball
portion 24, where the pinch points are approximately a diameter
length from each other. Here, for example, the first or ball
portion 24 can be just slightly of a diameter larger than that of a
regulation golf ball to compensate for the bend or curvature.
[0042] The golfer, represented by hands 72 and 74, as shown in FIG.
4D, now assumes his normal stance, such that the club head 66 of
the golf club 68 faces the adhesive or sticky side 31 of the
apparatus 20 (main body 22). The golfer then makes his swing
(illustrated by the arrow 75) from a first position (hands 72),
where the club head 66 is about to contact the first or ball
portion 24 of the apparatus 20, positioned in accordance with FIG.
4A, to a second position (hands 74). The apparatus 20, as shown in
FIGS. 4B and 4C, would operate similarly.
[0043] In moving from this first position to the second position,
the club head 66 has contacted the ball or first portion 24 of the
apparatus 20, and the adhesive on the base 44 has yielded, such
that the first or ball portion 24 of the apparatus 20 now adheres
to the club face 76 of the club head 66, by virtue of the adhesive
on the second or sticky side 31 of the apparatus 20.
[0044] Turning to FIG. 4E, the first or ball portion 24 of the
apparatus 20 (main body 22) is now stuck to the club head 66 on the
club face 76, providing the golfer with a visual indication of the
actual location of the contact between the club face 76 and ball
portion 24. This location is indicative of the actual location of
the contact (or point of contact) between this golf club 68 and an
actual regulation golf ball.
[0045] The apparatus 20 (main body 22) can now be released from the
golf club 68, typically by being peeled off of the club face 76
(shown by hands 80). The apparatus 20 is now suitable for reuse
(but if torn, frayed or the adhesive is no longer sticky, can be
disposed of). Based on the position of the first or ball portion 24
of the apparatus 20 on the golf club face 76, the golfer can take
steps to adjust his swing and the golf club positioning associated
therewith, so that the point of contact will be at the desired
"sweet spot" on the club head 66, resulting in improved shots or
strokes.
[0046] Turning now to FIG. 5, there is detailed an alternate
embodiment of the apparatus 120. This alternate apparatus 120 is
similar in all aspects of construction and arrangement to the
apparatus 20 and its main body 22, detailed above (and similar
components are indicated with similar numerals or characters),
except that it includes secondary indicia 146. These indicia 146
are similar in all aspects to the indicia 46 for the apparatus 20,
except they are placed on the stem 42 so it can be folded proximate
these indicia 146 for putting. The primary indicia 46 may be
removed if desired. The distance "dd" between the lowest point of
the first or ball portion 24, represented by the tangent line 150,
and the indicia 146, compensates for the portion of the golf ball
that would normally protrude from the second or sticky (adhesive)
side 31 of the first or ball portion 24 (if using a
three-dimensional golf ball).
[0047] FIG. 6 shows this second embodiment apparatus 120 in use
with a putter 170, in accordance with a conventional putting
stroke. Once the putting stroke (indicated by the arrow 171) is
complete, the first or ball portion 24 will be stuck to the putter
face 172, providing the golfer with a visual indication,
corresponding to where the putter face 172 would have contacted an
actual golf ball. All other operational steps are similar to those
for the apparatus 20 and the golf club 68 detailed above.
[0048] Turning now to FIG. 7, there is shown the apparatus 20 in
use with a conventional golf tee 200. The apparatus 20 (and its
main body 22) is used similar to that described above, except that
the second portion 26, typically at the stem 42, is attached to the
tee 200 in a stick on manner. The base 44 (and in some cases a
portion of the stem 42) can also be removed, as is shown here, for
example, by cutting or tearing from the indicia 46 or other
location of the second portion 26. Alternately, portions or all of
the stem 42 and base 44, respectively, if present, can attach to
the tee 200 in a wrap-around manner, allowing for additional
securement.
[0049] Attachment of the apparatus 20 (main body 22) can be, for
example, such that the lowest point of the first or ball portion 24
(represented by tangent line 204) rests along or at least proximate
to the lowest point of the tee 200 (represented by the tangent line
205). (Here, the tangent lines 204 and 205 are coincident). The
golfer then swings the club 68 as detailed above (as represented by
the arrow 212), such that the first or ball portion 24 sticks to
the club face 76, indicating the point of contact for the tee
shot.
[0050] There has been shown and described at least one preferred
embodiment of a golf training apparatus. It is apparent to those
skilled in the art, however, that many changes, variations,
modifications, and other uses and applications for the apparatus
and its components are possible, and also such changes, variations,
modifications, and other uses and applications which do not depart
from the spirit and scope of the invention are deemed to be covered
by the invention, which is limited only by the claims which
follow.
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