GB2289629A - Golf training aid - Google Patents

Abstract

A golfing aid has two wooden or metal lengths, with a larger lower length 1 providing a dominant leading portion, and a second upper length 3 having a handle grip 2 and used for holding the combined apparatus. The lengths are joined by a connector a circular ring 4. <IMAGE>

Description

Title : Hand Held Flail, Golfing Aid A hand held flail apparatus used but not exclusively for developing the swing when using a golf club, or similar striking equipment.

The sport of golf is one that offers many old and traditional methods of play, with certain techniques and movements being used for many years, remaining the most effective and important methods to date. The ability to strike the ball in a way that is not only acceptable in projecting it sufficiently but also correctly is most important, this being something that may be learnt, but remains something that also improves with continued play.

The problem that remains in relation to this development of accuracy and technique, is the users individual ability, and periods able to be spent playing the game. lany players find a need to spend more time on a course in an endeavoured attempt to gain an improved striking, and general playing method. Each individual player also has a differing natural ability, that may remain undeveloped if less time, or practice is able to be spent on the course. The angle and overall position of the club itself also has to be taken into careful consideration at the moment when concentration is also being applied to the fluidity and quality of the actual swing itself.

Therefore, to enable a player of any ability to successfully improve and naturally develop their swing action and therefore their actual game of golf, would either require a naturally high level of ability, requiring possibly less actual playing period, or manly periods of natural practice, off the course itself for players who have less natural ability, and attend long playing periods less often.

Equipment itself offers an effective but limited method of development or exercise of the swing, and apparatus are already known that perform and provide methods of improvement of swing action, but many include large separate forms of equipment, that may be acceptable only for home use, in adequate areas, or my be costly preventing use by a majority of players.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved method for technique development, relating directly to the use of a Flail apparatus designed to offer a carefully proportioned and weighted tool that aids the golfers play ability, and exercises their swing or strike action1 for improved playing on their return to, or at the course.

An embodiment of the Flail Golfing Aid will now be described in more detail, by way of example only and with reference to the two accompanying figures, which show a version of the apparatus itself, and also a single diagram showing a non specific example of how the Flail may be held during its use.

The Band Held Flail Golfing Aid, is generally designated 1 & BR< 3 and comprise generally two lengths of material of differing weights centrally joined using a variation of methods 4. To one length is situated a handle grip 2, covering its surface and providing a point where it can be held, in both hands. The combined portions form a Flail member, having a similar action to that of a golf club when swung from behind the head in an angled downward motion.

This provides an exercise that may be repeated to enable the user to perfect the action, and develop style and even muscular areas used in this performance.

The striking portion 1 is normally of a length that would allow its weight to be greater than that of the handle arm 3, as shown in Fig 1. Its width would also contribute to its weight, with its circumference being either of a rounded nature, forming a bar that would appear cylindrical to the eye, being of a solid or hollow nature, made of a variation of materials, wood, metals being only two of many usable options.

The ends of the striking portion would also be rounded or similarly shaped to provide a non obstructive and safe finish, possibly being covered with an attached covering pad, to its surface area, to prevent damage to the surface, on any possible impact with the ground when in use. To the end of the striking portion 1, and also to the end of the handle arm 3, as shown in Fig 1, are provided holes. These pass through both sides of the 'bar' and may be situated in a position that would allow the connector 4 to pass evenly, without providing obstruction or abrasive movement of the connector to the end and surface area of the striking portion 1. The width and size of the holes would depend on the method of connector being used and its overall shape.

The connector 4 itself provides a medium to join the two 'bars' or cylindrical lengths together. It may be of a variation of types including the circular 'Ring' as shown in Fig 1. This passes through the hole or connector inlet 5 provided in both lengths and is secured in a variation of ways along its form. Some abrasion will occur around the opening of both connector inlets or holes 5 , due to the fact that it is possible that the connector 4 itself will be of a metal or similar material, although rope may also be used to join togther the two portions 1 & 3 it would not provide the same structured movement as with other options, this may in effect administer an altered performance of the Flail when in use.

The two portions 1 & 3, are weighted normally of differing amounts, this allows the striking portion 1 to have a gravitationally dominent play against that of the handle arm 3. Providing a coupled movement that has a portion that leads with its weight, giving a comfortable, and also more easily administered feeling to the swing itself, when in use. This works on the 'Flail' theory of balanced members, with the possibility of one portion, which favourably, but not necessarily exclusively, being of a greater weight than the other. This provides a well balanced tool, that is adjustable in its length and width to offer differing results, giving a choice of noted and chosen versions giving different weights, to provide users with a choice or class of product, as a purchasing option. This would relate to their needs and general performance, being self judged as a player.

To the handle arm 3, this normally being the lesser in size and weight of the two, is provided a grip area 2, as shown in Fig 1. This would be of the known methods of handle grip, being made of a rubber, or possibly plastic or related varient. This provides a comfortable area on which to hold the handle. The handle area 2 is normally to be held in both hands, with Fig 2 demonstrating a non specific way in which this may be done. Traditional holding methods used in golf would be implemented, and would normally not differ from that used with a playing club.

As the handle area is gripped it is raised in an upward motion, holding the Flail handle 3 securely the flail is swung over the back of the user possibly to the upper shoulder area or higher when fully raised prior to the commencement of the downward swing, a non specific example of which is shown in Fig 2. This shows the level plain of the handle arm 3, when raised, and the non stationary vertical adjustment of the striking portion 1. The striking portion 1 may come in contact with the back of the user not only on the raised positioning but also during movement that may possibly follow through once the downward swing has been completed. The arms are moved downwardly, at one stage almost becoming straight during the swing, this continued action may be repeated several times.

Over long periods the user will benefit from the continued swing practice, and repeated movement of muscles, helping to develop actual technique and also long term physical ability and overall fitness.

The 'flail' technique is one that has been available not only as a process but also an apparatus for some time. Its use however as a training aid relating to golf is being described, with alteration to the weights, and corresponding forms of the articles used to provide the equipment, with elements of the flail remaining. The movement itself is non specific but has performed and preferred guidelines surrounding its composure. As a movement itself the 'Flail' action in relation to the form of swing, is a natural bodily method of stricking, with relation to the use of a hand held object, to strike a ball or the like positioned to the ground, with contact taking place during the natural course of the swing.

Therefore the connection derived between the traditional flail tool, the motion as a traditional golfing action, and the said apparatus here described is a differing use of the actual tool, with additions and adaptions of the traditional design, and the use and method of the use relating to a traditional golf swing or general playing method.

It may be possible to use the flail designed in this way as a training aid for other purposes in effect the general connection with fitness for use in golf may be an extended or alternative use, although the use of the device in this instant is primarily designated toward the development of the strike and of the 'Flail' technique itself, the connection for general fitness may be suggested. As a whole the combined use of apparatus that is purposely weighted in different portions and provided with specific joining methods, having golfing related form heightened by the further use of a golf club handle or grip provide a tool and combined method that makes changes to traditional theory and usage.

Claims (8)

1) A hand held flail golfing aid has two 'bars' or cylindrical lengths being either solid or hollow. Weans to Join them together being provided by a connector of a circular ring or various types. Connection being provided by single holes passing through the lengths with the fixture passing through both. Dominant Veight adjustment forming part of the lower length, with the upper length being used as a handle, with means to hold safely provided by a sleeve.

being used in the training of golf.

2) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein, Two 'bars' or lengths form a coupled flail.

3) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 2 wherein, two coupled bars are weighted differently to provide a suitable dominant portion to the larger lower section.

4) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 3 wherein, two 'bars' or lengths are provided, the upper of which is portioned to be used as a separate handle area.

5) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 2 and 5 wherein, the two 'bars' or lengths are coupled or joined by various methods, including a circular ring.

6) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the joining circular ring passes through holes provided through each length.

7) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the smaller upper length has a sleeve covering to provide a safe grip.

8) A hand held flail golfing aid as claimed in claim 1 wherein, the flail is used to improve golfing techniques including the players swing, and general fitness.