US3791654A

US3791654A - Method of developing a proper golf club swing

Info

Publication number: US3791654A
Application number: US00299793A
Authority: US
Inventors: G Lupinacci
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1972-10-24
Filing date: 1972-10-24
Publication date: 1974-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 1991-02-12

Abstract

In accordance with the golf swing training method disclosed a person learns the proper way to swing a conventional golf club by practicing swinging a special practice club which is of approximately the same length as a conventional club, but substantially lighter and is flexible throughout in one direction normal to its length and substantially rigid in a direction at right angles to said one direction. The club is swung in a manner such that the club will flex in the direction of the swing path if the swing is executed with the exertion of undue swing force, otherwise the club will not flex.

Description

United States Patent .[19l

Lupinacci METHOD OF DEVELOPING A PROPER GOLF CLUB SWING [76] Inventor: Geno Lupinacci, 280 W. Hill Rd.,

Stamford, Conn. 06902 22 Filed: on. 24, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 299,793

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,529,305 3/1925 Gatke t 273/l93 B X 1,662,712 3/1928 Mensing 273/80 B [451 Feb. 12, 1974 Primary Examiner-George J. Marlo [57] ABSTRACT In accordance with the golf swing training method disclosed a person learns the proper way to swing a conventional golf club by practicing swinging a special practice club which is of approximately the same length as a conventional club, but substantially lighter and is flexible throughout in one direction normal to its length and substantially rigid in a direction at right angles to said one direction. The club is swung in a manner such that the club will flex in the direction of the swing path if the swing is executed with the exertion of undue swing force, otherwise the club will not flex.

1 Claim, 2 Drawing Figures METHOD OF DEVELOPING A PROPER GOLF CLUB SWING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the past there have been suggested numerous designs of practice clubs, including ones having flexible shafts and weighted heads, and ones in which the normal metal shaft is replaced by a length of cord or rope to which the head is secured and which relies on centrifugal force to maintain the cord extended. However, I have found that by the use of such practice clubs a golfer doesnot acquire the knowledge or skill necessary to properly swing a conventional club.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with my invention a person learns the proper manner in which to swing a conventional club by grasping the practice device with the same grip as that normally used and with the device so positioned that the direction in which it is flexible is in line with the arc of the swing. The device is then swung in the usual manner and if it is properly done the device will not be flexed. If, on the other hand, the device is caused to flex, it indicates that the swing was not properly executed and the person should then practice swinging until the device does not flex and then continue to swing the device in this manner until it becomes the natural thing to do. When a conventional club is used, it will come naturally to swing it in this same and proper manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a device in accordance with my invention; and

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 22 of FIG. 1.

Referring to the drawings, reference character designates a golf practice device in accordance with my invention. As there shown, it consists of an elongated, flat and thin piece of suitable material such as wood or light weight metal. Its overall length is approximately that of a wood, such as a driver while its cross-sectional dimensions are such that it is flexible in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 2, but substantially rigid in a direction at right angles thereto, that is, in the direction of arrow B. The device is of the same thickness throughout its length and hence its flexibility does not vary.

The lower end of the practice device is formed at an angle so that the lower edge 12 is approximately parallel to the ground when the device is at the bottom of the swing.

At its upper end the width of the device is reduced to provide a handle 16. If desired the handle may be marked as shown in order to indicate to the user where to grip it when practicing swinging different golf clubs.

As above stated, the device is made of light weight material and inasmuch as it is of constant cross-section from the handle down, the weight below the handle is equally distributed and there is no concentration of weight, such as is the case with the head of a conventional club.

In using the device the person grasps it by the handle portion 16, using the usual golf club grip. The device is then drawn backward and upward on the back swing in the usual manner, keeping the left elbow straight, left shoulder down, etc. The device is then swung downwardly, as though to hit an imaginary ball, the spring being continued through the follow-through.

In executing the first several practice swings, most persons in all probability will swing the device so as to cause it to flex in the direction of the arrow A. This is an indication that he is swinging too hard or pressing, and he should practice until the flexing is eliminated, and then continue until it becomes second nature to swing the device without flexing it. Once this has been mastered, it will come naturally to swing a regular club in this same manner which will result in greatly improved accuracy.

If a golfer discovers that he is swinging one club or more but not all clubs properly, he should practice with this device, gripping it at the place indicated on the handle 16 for the club or clubs he is swinging improperly.

Even when a golfer has mastered a proper swing, it is advisable for him to frequently practice with the present device in order to be sure that he is still swinging properly.

I claim:

1. A method of developing a proper golf club swing comprising the steps of gripping one end portion of an elongated light weight device in the conventional manner of gripping the handle of a golf club, said device consisting of a straight elongated member having a generally rectangular cross section throughout its length and no significant concentration of weight below the end portion gripped, said device being flexible in a first direction normal to the longer direction of said rectangular cross section and rigid in a second direction normal to the shorter dimension of said rectangular cross section, swinging said device in a manner such that said device moves along a conventional golf club swing path without flexing, said swing path including backward, upward, downward and follow-through movements, and the flexibility of said device being such that the device will flex significantly in the direction of the swing path if the device is swung with a force significantly greater than that required for a proper golf club swing, whereby a user of said device may discover the manner of swinging a golf club without exerting undue swinging force.