WO2022221438A1

WO2022221438A1 - Golf putting training device

Info

Publication number: WO2022221438A1
Application number: PCT/US2022/024667
Authority: WO
Inventors: Willie Lowell DIGGS
Original assignee: Birdie Majik Llc
Priority date: 2021-04-13
Filing date: 2022-04-13
Publication date: 2022-10-20

Abstract

A golf putting training device comprising a central body (220) with two arms (226, 225) extending generally laterally and each having an arm support (230, 231) for engagement with a golfer's forearms. The arms are at two different heights on the central body (upper and lower arms) and preferably the upper arm is angled downwardly relative to the horizontal direction while the lower arm extends generally in the horizontal direction. A shaft extends downwardly from the bottom of the central body to facilitate connection of the device with the putter. The arms can be slidably movable along their central axis against a spring bias to the extended direction and/or fixed. The device helps to immobilize the golfer's hands, wrists, and arms with the putter and facilitate the desired pendulum swing for a putting stroke.

Description

GOLF PUTTING TRAINING DEVICE

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for assisting golfers to putt with better form and/or success.

Background of the Invention

[0002] The game of golf is generally considered to be difficult. Learning the proper form and body mechanics for the various kinds of golf strokes, including driving, chipping, and putting, often takes many hours of practice and improvement can be slow. To improve the player’s swing or stroke, many golf training aides and devices have been proposed. One group of devices has related to improving the player’s putting stroke.

[0003] U.S. 3,672,682 relates to a golf putting practice aid. The device is essentially an elongated strip that is placed between the player’s arms such as the bicep area. The idea is to help stabilize the golfer’s arms and help determine the best posture for putting.

[0004] U.S. 5,145,179 relates to a golf putting training device that seeks to stabilize the forearm and wrists of the golfer and encourage a “pendulum” putting stroke. The device comprises a spacing member having a pair of forearm bracing members pivotally attached on opposing ends of the spacing member. A strap is attached to one of the forearm bracing members for securing the device to the user. [0005] U.S. 5,203,568 and related U.S. 5,470,073 relate to a golf instruction device having two arm pads and a support member adapted to be held against the club. The arm pads can be supported on adjustable links and thus sized by a trainer for an individual golfer or the links can be fixed and made integral with the support member. The device is taught to be suitable for practicing putting, chipping, or pitching.

[0006] U.S. 5,248,146 relates to a putting trainer device comprising a plate having two inverted U-channels angularly disposed on each end; the U-channels are for engaging the golfer’s forearms/wrists. The plate is formed to a predetermined length to assure proper spacing for the golfer’s arms. The channels depend from predetermined angles to assure proper positioning. The channels have an elastic band or strap that can wrap around the player’s forearm/wrists for stabilizing/minimizing wrist action during the putt. The plate preferably has a hole so that an attachment pin can be inserted for attaching the plate to the putter.

[0007] U.S. 5,904,624 relates to golf putter trainer that is releasably attached to the golf putter. A “U” shaped grip support has a lower grip with strap for attaching to the lower portion of the putter grip and an upper grip for engaging a butt end of the putter grip. The “U” shape of this support permits attachment to the putter while allowing space for the golfer’s hands to access the putter grip. The top of the “U” shaped support has a wrist swivel which in turn is attached to a height adjustment rod. The rod is attached to a forearm swivel which has left and right forearm cups to engage the golfer’s forearms. Various structures of the device can be adjusted for an individual golfer by loosening a nut, sliding the piece to the desired dimension, and re-tightening the nut. Conveniently, the wrist swivel permits the device to be folded for easier storage within a golf bag.

[0008] U.S. 7,033,282 relates to a golf training device that has arm cups that engage the bicep of the golfer and are connected to a transverse housing. The housing has a descending shaft that couples to the putter via the hole in the grip, known as a bleeder hole. The patent describes angling the transverse shaft slightly so that the golfers leading should (left should for right-handed golfer) is slightly higher than the trailing shoulder.

[0009] The above devices have certain merit, but still need improvement. For example, some of these devices engage the upper arm or bicep and thus do not prevent “wristing” the putt. Some of the devices are secured by straps around the forearm or wrist which makes using the device unhandy or impractical, e.g., getting another ball with a device strapped to one’s arm can be a challenge. Also this lack of connection with the putter permits greater range of errant motion by the golfer with their hands/wrists/arms and is less satisfactory. Conversely, many of the devices that do attach the putter create a different feeling in the hand, such as extra material, than when putting without the device. Some of the devices are adjustable but generally require tools to manipulate screws/bolts/nuts. In general, the prior devices do not adequately provide the proper ergonomic support to the golfer’s forearms to encourage and/or force a proper putting grip and stroke. It would be advantageous to have an effective device that provided a stable support for the forearms or wrists and encouraged the proper putting grip and stroke. It would be further advantageous to provide such a device that was easy to adjust and connects to the putter without changing or interfering with the normal grip of the golfer.

Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present invention provides an asymmetric golf putting training device that encourages a proper putting stroke. One aspect of the invention relates to a golf putting training device, which comprises:

(a) a central body having a top and bottom;

(b) an upper arm and a lower arm attached to said central body, wherein said upper and lower arms extend laterally from said central body in generally opposite directions and said upper arm being located closer to the top of said central body than said lower arm;

(c) a forearm support member attached to each of said upper and lower arms and extending away from said central body; and

(d) a shaft attached to the bottom of said central body and extending downwardly. The central body, arms, and forearm supports are dimensioned to fit between a golfer’s forearms. The shaft is used to connect the device with the putter and can go along the side of the grip or, in some embodiments, can be inserted through the bleed hole or top hole into the interior of the putter.

[0011] The device is considered “asymmetric” because of the uneven arm height. Though symmetry is often espoused as correct, a golfer’s arms in a proper putting grip and stroke are not symmetrical. The higher hand on the putter tends to naturally cause a greater forearm angle, relative to the putter shaft, than the forearm angle of the lower hand. That is, the forearm of the lower hand tends to be more parallel to the putter shaft than the forearm of the higher hand. In a right handed golfer, the higher hand is traditionally the left hand. The different forearm angles and different forearm positions are accounted for in the present invention by the forearm support members being carried on higher and lower arms. In use, the higher arm is used on the golfer’s higher hand grip side. This encourages the asymmetrical forearm positions as well as the shoulder of the higher hand on the grip to also be higher than the other shoulder. Thus, for a right handed golfer, the left shoulder is higher than the right shoulder, and the left forearm makes a greater angle relative to the putter shaft than the right forearm. This unsymmetrical triangle formed by the shoulders and arms in a proper grip of the putter, can be acquired and maintained during a proper pendulum putting stroke by the use of the present invention.

[0012] In preferred aspects of the invention, the upper and lower arms are not parallel. That is, the central axes of the upper and lower arms are not parallel to each other. In one embodiment, the lower arm extends in a substantially horizontal direction while the upper arm is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal direction. This particular configuration was found to provide superior ergonomic engagement resulting in added comfort and security of engagement by the forearm support member to the forearms. In alternative embodiments, the upper arm or lower arm could be angled upwardly, while the other arm is substantially horizontal. These embodiments, while suitable, often provide less secure engagement, e.g., the forearm support member may not lie flush, than the preferred embodiment where the upper arm is angled downwardly and the lower arm is substantially horizontal. Of course, a non-parallel configuration could be obtained by angling both the upper and lower arms, especially in opposite directions.

[0013] Another preferred aspect of the present invention provides at least one of, and preferably both of, said upper and lower arms as slidably movable along its central axis against a spring bias to the extended direction. The spring bias allows for automatic adjustment of the device to the golfer’s arms without the need to use tools. Typically, if only one arm is spring biased, it would be the upper arm. Preferably both are spring biased. The arms are two different heights to better accommodate the natural asymmetric putting position and as discussed above, the arms are preferably not parallel. Generally, the lower arm extends in a substantially horizontal direction while the upper arm is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal direction.

[0014] The device can be attached/connected to the putter via the shaft. In one embodiment, the shaft is essentially a rod that can be inserted into the top of the putter via the top hole, also known as the bleeder hole, in the grip. Placing the shaft within the putter (through the grip) avoids any additional material between the club grip and the golfer’s hand making the device a better training tool and without changing the golfer’s grip or feel from practice (with the device) to play (without the device). An alternative embodiment uses a shaft dimensioned to extend along the side of the grip, e.g., on the outside of the club. Some newer putter clubs do not have a bleeder hole and/or have insufficient space within the club shaft to accommodate the insertion of the shaft. This alternative embodiment uses a shaft dimensioned to extend along the side of the grip, e.g., on the outside of the club. The shaft can be held by the golfer’s hands alone but typically is secured to the club through additional means such as tying it to the club grip with elastic material (e.g., rubber bands, etc.) or inelastic material (nylon strap, hook and loop, etc.). This exterior shaft embodiment for connecting the device to the club does insert material between the golfer’s hand and the club grip, unlike the interior shaft design (e.g., using a rod), but has the advantage of accommodating all putter designs and can be less expensive to make. In all embodiments, the shaft can be fixed to the central body or can be detachable.

[0015] These and other aspects and features of the invention will be apparent from the various drawing figures and the below detailed description. Brief Description of the Drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of a first embodiment of the training device.

[0017] FIG. 2 shows a front view of the training device of FIG. 1.

[0018] FIG. 3 shows a left side view of the training device of Fig. 1.

[0019] FIG. 4 shows a right side view of the training device of Fig. 1.

[0020] FIG. 5 shows a top view of the training device of Fig. 1.

[0021] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the central body portion of the training device of FIG. 1.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows a front view of the central body of FIG. 6.

[0023] FIG. 8 shows a left side view of the central body of FIG 6.

[0024] FIG. 9 shows a right side view of the central body of FIG. 6. [0025] FIG. 10 shows a front perspective view of a forearm support member of the training device of FIG. 1.

[0026] FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of an arm and attached forearm support member of the device of FIG. 1.

[0027] FIG. 12 shows a front view of the arm and forearm support member of FIG. 11.

[0028] FIG. 13 shows a rear view of the arm and forearm support member of FIG. 11.

[0029] FIG. 14 shows a side view of the arm and forearm support member of FIG. 11.

[0030] FIG. 15 shows a top view of the arm and forearm support member of FIG 11.

[0031] FIG. 16 shows a front view of a golfer using the training device of FIG. 1 where the forearm support members are engaged with the golfer’s forearms and the rod of the device has been inserted into the top hole of the club grip.

[0032] FIG. 17 shows a front perspective view of a second embodiment of the training device.

[0033] FIG. 18 shows a front view of the training device of FIG. 17.

[0034] FIG. 19 shows a back view of the training device of FIG. 17. [0035] FIG. 20 shows a front view of the training device of FIG. 17 without the shaft being attached (the “main body”).

[0036] FIG. 21 shows a back view of the main body of FIG. 20.

[0037] FIG. 22 shows a left side view of the main body of FIG. 20.

[0038] FIG. 23 shows a right side view of the main body of FIG. 20.

[0039] FIG. 24 shows a top view of the main body of Fig. 20.

[0040] FIG. 25 shows a front view of the detached shaft of the training device of Fig. 17.

[0041] FIG. 26 shows a left side view of the shaft of FIG. 25.

[0042] FIG. 27 shows a top view of the shaft of FIG. 25.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0043] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to two embodiments. FIGS. 1-15 relate to a first embodiment having several preferred configurations including the upper arm angled downwardly and having arms that are slidably movable against a spring bias in the extended direction. FIGS 17-27 relate to a second embodiment having different configurations but maintaining the upper arm angled downwardly. In all the drawings, like reference numerals have like meaning.

[0044] Turning to the first embodiment, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a device 100 according to the present invention. The device 100 is comprised of a central body 120 having a top and bottom with a rod 140 as the shaft extending downwardly from the bottom of the central body 140. The rod 140 is shown emanating from the center or middle of the width of the central body, but such is not required as the rod could be off-center in certain embodiments. Forearm support members 130 and 131 are attached to the central body 120 via upper and lower arms 126, 125, respectively. The upper arm 126 is higher, that is closer to the top of the central body 120, than the lower arm 126. This staggered height arrangement generally better accommodates the golfer’s natural asymmetrical geometry in the grip and stance for making a putting stroke; i.e., typically, the forward arm (left arm for a right-handed golfer) is higher than the trailing arm and thus the upper forearm support member may better engage the forward arm. Both arms 125, 126 extend laterally from the central body 120 in generally opposite directions. Note that lateral extension includes the horizontal direction as well as angles above and below the horizontal; e.g., at least some lateral extension is required but need not be only lateral. The device 100 displays the central axes of the upper and lower arms as not parallel, which is a preferred configuration. Thus, in device 100, upper arm 125 extends laterally away from the central body 120 at a downward angle while lower arm 125 is shown extending laterally substantially in the horizontal direction. When one, or both, arms are angled relative to the

- l l - horizontal, typically the angle is within the range of 15° to 60°, more typically 20° to 45°, either above or below the horizontal.

[0045] The rod 140 is sized to fit within the top hole (also known as a bleeder hole) of the grip of the putter. As the inside of a traditional putter is hollow there is ample room for the rod. The sized fit of the rod through the top hole is preferably a friction fit sufficient to substantially hold the device 100 in a set or adjusted height position above the putter. Generally, this is achieved by using a rod of diameter of about 5/32 of an inch, e.g., 4/32 to 7/32 of an inch, at least over the portion of the rod length that is expected to engage the top hole in the grip, but is not limited thereto. Smaller diameters are easier to insert but may have less friction holding power. Conversely, larger diameters may be difficult to insert but offer better hold especially if the top grip hole starts to stretch from continued engagement. Such rods may benefit from a tapper (not shown) on the insertion end of the rod. The friction fit provides better attachment of device 100 to the putter. For instance, once attached to the putter, the device is hands-free as the golfer does not have to hold the device nor is it handcuffed to the golfer’s wrist. The rod is generally at least 3 inches long but typically no more than 12 inches are needed for adequate height adjustment. A typical length is 4-8 inches for convenience of stowing and sufficient height adjustment. The rod is generally sufficiently rigid to prevent or reduce lateral motion of the device 100 relative to the putter shaft; i.e., the rod can support the weight of the central body with arms and support members without flopping over. Typically, the rod 140 is made of metal though other relatively rigid materials are also suitable including plastic, carbon fiber, etc.

[0046] FIG. 3 shows the left side view of device 100 where the engagement side of forearm support member 131 is shown. The back side of forearm support member 130, attached to the upper arm, is seen above the forearm support member 131 that is attached to the lower arm. The top of central body 120 is also visible along with the exit 121 of the upper internal recess which can be covered/sealed with a cap or plug (not shown). The forearm support member 131 is lined with a cushion material 133 for added comfort. This is a preferred embodiment and such material can be any suitable fabric, foam, rubber, etc., that would provide comfort and/or cushioning to the golfer’s forearm.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a right side view of the device 100 where the engagement side of the forearm support member 130 attached to the upper arm is visible and has a liner of cushion material 132. The back side (non-engaging side) of lower forearm support member 131 along with a portion of central body 120 are visible below forearm support member 130.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a top view of the device 100. Upper and lower forearm support members 130, 131, each with cushion liners 132, 133, are attached via upper and lower arms 126, 125 to central body 120. Per the invention, at least one of the arms is slidably movable against a spring bias in the extended direction. The preferred embodiment shown in device 100 is designed for both arms to have slidable movement with spring bias as the arms are capable of moving into (and out of) the central body. The movement is in the transverse direction, that is along the central axis of the arm. This movement can be initiated by applying pressure to the attached forearm support member. Because the slidable movement is spring biased toward a fully extended position, that places the forearm support member at a maximum distance from the central body, as shown in the FIG 5. In use, the golfer forms the golf grip on the putter and engages the upper and lower forearm support members with his or her forearms and squeezes the support members to the correct and/or comfortable position. The slidable movement with spring bias provides for automatic adjustment of the length of the arms without the need for tools. Additionally, the tension of the golfer’s forearms against the spring bias encourages better immobilization of the arms and wrists so as to encourage the pendulum swing.

[0049] The length of the arms and the range of slidable movement is not particularly limited. Generally, an adequate range of motion for an arm from fully compressed to fully extended is from about 0.3 inches to 2 inches, and typically from 0.5 to 1.25 inches. When the upper and lower arms have the spring biased feature, the range of motion can be the same for each arm or different but is usually the same.

[0050] FIGS. 6-9 shows the central body 120 that is used in the device 100 but without the arms, forearm support members, or rod. A threaded hole 129 is provided on the bottom of the central body 120 for attachment of the rod 140 via threads. While using threads for attaching the rod is convenient, such attachment means is not required as, for example, the rod could be made integral with the central body, etc. The location of the threaded hole 129 (or any other attachment means) in the middle of the transverse dimension of the central body is normally preferred.

[0051] Barrel 118 and 119 represent a wall defining a recess opening 122, 124 within the central body for the upper and lower arms to slidably move into/within the central body and for locating the spring for the spring bias. As shown in FIGS 6-9, the barrels 118, 119 have a recess that traverses the length of the central body, although in practice such is not required as the recess need only be of sufficient length to accommodate the range of motion of the arm. In the context of assembling device 100, upper barrel 118 has an entrance opening 122 that extends to the exit 128 on the opposite side of the central body. Likewise, lower barrel 119 has an entrance opening 123 and an exit 124 on the opposite side of the central body. The upper arm in device 100 extends from recess opening 122 transversely from the central body 120 in a downward angle and the lower arm extends from recess opening 123 in a horizontal direction. Central body 120 as depicted contains a raised feature 128 that provides a flush mount for a spring holder described in FIGS 10-15, but such is not required.

[0052] The central body 120 in FIGS 6-9 can be flipped, however, for other embodiments such that the upper arm extends from exit 121 (instead of 122) in an upward direction and the lower arm extends from exit 124 in the horizontal direction.

[0053] The use of barrels 118, 119 is not required for providing a recess in the central body as will be understood by workers of ordinary skill in the art. Indeed, instead of the somewhat skeletonized look for central body 120, a uniform rectangular or cylindrical block could be used as the central body and the appropriate (angled) recess(es) drilled or otherwise formed therein. The skeletonized look for central body 120, however, has a weight savings over uniform blocks or cylinders and is thus advantageous. Likewise, if only one arm has slidable movement, then one recess would not be needed, and the barrel or other recess providing structure may be omitted. In these embodiments, the non- slidable arm may be fixed or integral with the central body or may be attached by a non-automatic adjustment method such as threading the arm and screwing the arm to the appropriate depth into the central body. [0054] The central body can be made of any suitable material and appropriate dimensions to fit between the golfer’s forearms. Typically, the central body is made of light weight material such as a plastic, though it is possible that metal, carbon fiber, etc., could be used. The size or dimensions of the central body are not particularly limited and can be any convenient size suitable to fit between a golfer’s forearms. In practical terms, the central body is wide enough to accommodate the desired range of motion of the slidable arm with spring bias and has a height to accommodate the difference in height of the upper and lower arms. In certain embodiments of the invention, the central body often is within 1-3 inches, or 1.25 to 2.0 inches, in width and 1.5 to 4 inches, or typically 2.0 to 3.0 inches in height. The central body is usually somewhat thin to save weight and often has a thickness of 0.5 to 1.25 inches, though thicker central bodies can be used if desired.

[0055] FIGS 10-15 show an arm and forearm support member with a preferred embodiment for providing the slidable movement and spring bias. In these figures, reference is made to the lower arm and support member as used in device 100, but the same structures are equally suited for forming the upper arm and support member of device 100. The forearm support member 131 has a lining 133 on the golfer-forearm engagement side and a lower arm 125 and spring assembly on the back-side of the support member. The spring assembly comprises a spring holder 150 that defines a cavity for the spring 151 to bias lower arm 125 in the extended position. The spring 151 can be supported against the back wall 152 of the spring holder 150 and is in contact/engagement with the arm 125. In making the device 100 as depicted in FIGS. 1-5, the spring holder 150 is inserted through recess opening 123 of the central body 120 and seated. This embodiment can be useful for manufacturing reasons but is not required nor is it the only way to provide the slidable movement with spring bias as the worker skilled in the art will readily understand. For example, the spring holder can be omitted and the spring in connection with the arm can be inserted into the recess formed in the central body, etc.

[0056] The arm 125 (and correspondingly 126 for the upper arm) can be attached to the forearm support member by any suitable mechanism or means as would occur to a worker skilled in the art. One embodiment is illustrated in FIGS.

11 and 13-15 where a recess 138 on the back side of the forearm support member is provided with a central hole 137 large enough for the arm to pass through. Attaching an anchor 139, which fits within the recess 138 but does not pass through the hole 137, to the arm 125 can be used to secure the arm and support member. Preferably the spring assembly can also pass through the central hole 137. In this preferred embodiment, the forearm support member can have rotational movement about the arm, which can enhance the fit to the golfer’s forearm. More simple mechanical means are also contemplated such as attaching the arm by bolt or screw through the front face of the forearm support member and engaging corresponding threads around or in the terminal end of the arm.

[0057] The forearm support member is typically made of plastic to be light weight and rigid though other materials can be used. Generally, the forearm support member is curved where the concave surface of the curve engages the golfer’s arms, optionally with an intermediary of a liner. The degree of curve and overall size are not particularly limited as is known in the art.

[0058] FIG 16 shows a golfer using the device wherein rod 140 has been inserted through top hole 501 of golf putter 500. The friction fit holds the device at the desired height and allows the golfer to take up the club as usual. Having taken a grip on the putter, the golfer engages the forearm support members 130, 131 and squeezes against the spring bias to automatically adjust the width of the device to the golfer’s size. This tensioned position helps lock in the club to the hands and arms and encourages a pendulum swing while discouraging wrist flexing. The downward angle of the forearm support member 130 caused by the downward slope of the upper arm can create a better engagement with the golfer’s forearm. Moreover, this arrangement tends to encourage the device’s intended shoulder position such that the leading shoulder is higher than the trailing shoulder when addressing the ball. The put stroke should then be driven not by the arms or wrists but by the shoulders in the pendulum fashion.

[0059] A second embodiment of the invention is shown in FIGS. 17-19. The device 200 has a central body 220, upper arm 226, lower arm 225, and shaft 240. The upper arm 226 has a forearm support member 230 and the lower arm 225 likewise has a forearm support member 231. The upper arm is angled downwardly as per a preferred aspect of the invention. As in the first embodiment, the angle is typically within the range of 15° to 60°, more typically 20° to 45°, below the horizontal. Other non-parallel orientations of the upper and lower arms are also contemplated as discussed above, as well as a parallel orientation.

[0060] Unlike device 100, the arms 226 and 225 are fixed in device 200, i.e., no spring bias. Because the central body does not have to accommodate the sliding movement of arms within its interior, it is possible to make the central body somewhat narrower than in device 100. Nonetheless, the central body is usually approximately the width of the putter grip or wider to provide a sufficient, non- flexing, support platform for the upper and lower arms. Typically, this results in a width of the central body between 0.5 inches and 2.5 inches, and more typically 1- 2 inches, but is not limited thereto. As described for device 100, the shape of the central body is not particularly limited and device 200 shows a rectangular shape wherein the height of the central body 220 is greater than its width. The depth of central body 220 is also greater than its width in FIG. 17, but the depth could be the same or less than the width. Likewise, the central body could be a square shape wherein the height and width are the same length, a non-rectilinear shape such as a sphere or ovoid, etc. The central body needs to provide a single structure from which the upper and lower arms can be attached.

[0061] Device 200 uses an exterior shaft 240 that is designed to extend along the outside of the grip of the putter. The shaft 240 is an example of a removable shaft. The button 245 can be accessed through aperture 229 of the central body. Pressing down on the button 245 causes sufficient flex that the shaft 240 disengages with the central body and can be extracted. The location of the shaft is shown in device 200 as being on the front side of the device, but the invention is not limited to such location as the shaft could be on the back or side. The front or back location for an exterior shaft is generally preferred as it can cause less disruption of the golfer’s grip on the putter.

[0062] The exterior shaft 240 has a rectangular shape and is dimensioned to extend along the outside of the putter grip. The shaft 240 does not protrude laterally so far as to cause noticeable gaps between the golfer’s hands and the putter grip, e.g., dimensioned to not interfere with grip but sufficient to firmly hold the device to the club. Generally, the length of the shaft 240 also accommodates a firm connection to the putter grip and is typically the length of a hand or more, typically 4 to 9 inches, more often 5 to 7 inches. The shape of an external-type shaft is not limited to rectangular and includes curved shafts that follow the radial curvature of the putter grip.

[0063] Though device 200 is depicted with an exterior shaft, an interior shaft such as the rod 140 of device 100 could be used instead. Likewise, though shaft 240 is depicted as a removable shaft, it could be made integral with the central body.

[0064] FIGS. 20-24 show the main body of the device 200 without the shaft 240. Upper and lower arms 226 and 225 are formed integral to the central body 220. Likewise, forearm support members 230 and 231 are formed integral with the upper and lower arms 226 and 225, respectively. Such an integral formation, which can be achieved by, e.g., injection molding, is often advantageous from a production efficiency perspective. But such integral formation is not required as the upper and/or lower arm could be attached to the central body via a threaded connection or friction fit (not shown). The same can apply to the attachment of the forearm support members to the arms in that a threaded connection, friction fit, or other securing means can be used instead of making the support members integral with the arms. One feature of having removeable arm(s) is potential adjustability. That is, different length arms can be swapped in and out if desired to accommodate a particular golfer. Generally, the arais are within the range 0.75 to 3 inches in length, and typically within the range of 1 to 2 inches. Other dimensions can be used such as if the central body is made wider, then the arms can be shorter.

[0065] The length of the arms, the width of the central body and the angle, if any, of an arm(s) are such that a golfer can brace against the forearm support members when holding a golf putter. Further the braced position encourages the unsymmetrical forearm angles and the unsymmetrical triangle of the shoulders and arms as discussed above. Generally, the overall maximum width of the main body is in the range of 4 to 7.5 inches, more typically 5 to 6.5 inches, depending in part on the degree of curvature of the forearm supports. The length of the main body without including the forearm support members is generally 3 to 6 inches and typically in the 3.5 to 5 inch range, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] The forearm support members 231 and 230 can also have a cushioning liner disposed therein (not shown) as was described for device 100 made out of felt, foam, etc., to improve comfort, if desired.

[0067] The central body 220 has a slot 228 for receiving the removable shaft 240. The shaft 240 as seen in FIGS 25-27 has a protruding button 245 such that when the shaft 245 is inserted through the open slot 228 the button 245 snaps into the aperture 229 of the main body 220. Depressing the button 245 can sufficiently flex the protrusion to escape the aperture 229 and the shaft 240 can be removed and exit through slot 228.

[0068] FIG. 25 shows shaft 240 as having rectangular cutouts 243. These cutouts can be used to secure the shaft to the golf club putter. For example, a cord or string (not shown) can be laced through the cutouts and tied around the grip of the putter. Similarly, a strip of hook and loop can be threaded through the cutouts and around the club grip to secure the shaft to the putter. The shape of the cutouts is not limited to rectangular as 243 shows, but can be any suitable shape for assisting in the securing of the external shaft to the putter. Providing such attachment assistance is a preferred embodiment of the invention so as to make a more secure or immobile connection between the device and the putter and thereby inhibit any motion of the device during use.

[0069] In use, the golfer can adjust the height of the device relative to the putter grip by aligning the shaft higher or lower on the grip (or higher or lower within the putter for an internal shaft). The device is oriented so that the upper arm of the device is on the side of the golfer that will have a higher grip on the putter, e.g., the forward arm side. As the golfer takes a grip on the putter, the forearm support 230 attached to the upper arm 226 contacts with the golfer’s forearm of the higher hand on the putter grip. The other forearm contacts the forearm support on the lower arm. The golfer’s forearms are now blocked, generally in an asymmetric fashion owing to the upper and lower arms. The blocking helps the golfer to make a putting stroke using the shoulders in pendulum fashion while minimizing the ability (or desire) to use the lower arms or wrists. Indeed, squeezing into the block provided by the forearm supports 231 and 230 encourages isolation of the proper muscles and movements in a proper putting stroke.

[0070] Each of the patents mentioned above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The invention having been described it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways and all such modifications are contemplated as being within the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

I CLAIM:

1. A golf putting training device, which comprises:

(a) a central body having a top and bottom;

(d) a shaft attached to the bottom of said central body and extending downwardly.

2. The golf putting training device according to claim 1, wherein the central axes of the upper and lower arms are not parallel to each other.

3. The golf putting training device according to claim 2, wherein said upper arm is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal direction and said lower arm extends substantially along the horizontal direction.

4. The golf putting training device according to claim 4, wherein said upper arm is angled downwardly between 15° and 60° relative to the horizontal.

5. The golf putting training device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said shaft is a rod sized to fit within the top hole of a golf putter grip.

6. The golf putting training device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said shaft is dimensioned to extend along the outside of a putter grip.

7. The golf putting training device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein said central body, said upper and lower arms, and said forearm support members are an integral piece.

8. The golf putting training device according to claim 7, wherein said shaft is removable.

9. The golf putting training device according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein each of said forearm support members extend in a curved fashion so as to provide a concave support member for the golfer’s forearms.

10. The golf putting training device according to claim 9, wherein said concave support member is lined with a cushion material.

11. The golf putting training device wherein at least one of said upper and lower arms is slidably movable along its central axis against a spring bias to the extended direction.

12. The golf putting training device according to claim 11, wherein said at least one slidably movable arm is at least said upper arm.

13. The golf putting training device according to claim 12, wherein said upper arm is angled downwardly relative to a horizontal direction and said lower arm extends substantially along the horizontal direction.

14. The golf putting training device according to claim 13, wherein said upper and lower arms are slidably movable along their central axis into upper and lower recesses, respectively, that are provided in said central body.

15. The golf putting training device according to claim 14, which further comprises a spring holder in each of said upper and lower recesses, each of said spring holders defining a cavity to accommodate said arm and a spring for said spring bias.

16. The golf putting training device according to claim 11, wherein each of said forearm support members extend in a curved fashion so as to provide a concave support member for the golfer’s forearms.

17. The golf putting training device according to claim 16, wherein said concave support member is lined with a cushion material.

18. The golf putting training device according to any one of claims 11-17, wherein said shaft is a rod sized to fit within the top hole of a golf putter grip.