Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Patent Law Blogs -> Golf Patents

Patent Law

: Golf Patents

A Triple Threat; Head Cover, Swing Training Device, and Wind Sock!

By David Dawsey PE Esq

The idea of incorporating some type of drag chute into a training aide seems to be a pretty popular idea; just check out THIS previous post. Recently a patent issued on a more discreet variation; you know one that doesn?t scream ?hey look at me and my fancy training aide!? In fact, USPN 7479068 titled ?Golf Swing Training Device? nicely incorporates the ?drag chute? concept into a head cover. The patent explains:

There are still many problems with golf swing strength training aids. For example, golf swing strength trainers that presently exist are heavy and awkward making them difficult to carry to and from the golf course or driving range. Current golf swing strength training aids are independent structures and do not attach to the golfers regular set of golf clubs. The difference between the grip on the golfer's regular clubs and the grip on the golf swing strength training aid may cause the golfer discomfort in switching back and forth between the clubs and the training aid. This discomfort may negatively impact the golfer's entire swing.

Accordingly, what is needed is a golf strength training aid that attaches to the golfer's regular set of clubs and that is light and easy to carry to and from the driving range.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention may provide, among other benefits: increased muscle strength and head speed without the need to purchase and carry a heavy golf swing strength training device that may be uncomfortable for the golfer to use due to the different hand grip and feeling of the training device as compared to the golfer's regular clubs.

A first embodiment of the present invention comprises: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises a closure flap; at least one air catch coupled to the head cover, wherein the at least one air catch allows air to flow through; and a sock coupled to the at least one air catch.

A second embodiment of the present invention comprises: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises a closure flap; and at least one air catch coupled to the head cover wherein the at least one air catch comprises a pocket.

Another embodiment of the present invention comprises: a head cover, wherein the head cover further comprises an opening which allows a club shaft to pass through; at least one air catch coupled to the head cover; and a sock coupled to the at least one air catch.

Alternate embodiments of a golf swing training device configured according to an embodiment of the present invention may further comprise: the head cover further comprising stretchable sidewalls, the at least one air catch further comprising at least one stiff piece of material, and wherein the at least one air catch and the sock further comprise at least one drag-reducing opening. Further embodiments of a golf swing training device configured according to embodiments of the present invention may further comprise at least one drag reducing opening, wherein the at least one drag-reducing opening can be closed and reopened. Yet other embodiments comprise a golf swing training device wherein the golf swing training device is composed of shape holding material and further comprising at least two air catches symmetrically placed on the head cover. The golf swing training device of the present invention may also comprise the at least one air catch comprising a pocket with an opening facing in a rearward direction.

Check out these drawings from the patent:

From the look of those last two drawings it seems that this device can also be used to catch butterflies.

Not a bad idea.

Dave Dawsey  - Tracking Golf Inventions

Full post as published by Golf Patents on February 03, 2009 (boomark / email).