U.S. patent application number 09/681179 was filed with the patent office on 2002-08-22 for adjustable weight golf putter.
Invention is credited to Fountain, Roger.
Application Number | 20020115502 09/681179 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24734163 |
Filed Date | 2002-08-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020115502 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Fountain, Roger |
August 22, 2002 |
Adjustable weight golf putter
Abstract
An adjustable weight golf putter for striking a golf ball having
a shaft for holding by a golfer, a putter head mounted on a distal
end of the shaft, and a plurality of putter faces that attach to a
front surface of the putter head. The putter faces releasably
connect to the putter head. The putter face is the striking surface
of the golf ball. The putter faces have different weights that are
selected for particular putting conditions. In this way, a golfer
may alter the putter weight depending on playing conditions while
maintaining a consistent putting stroke.
Inventors: |
Fountain, Roger; (Granite
City, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SENNIGER POWERS LEAVITT AND ROEDEL
ONE METROPOLITAN SQUARE
16TH FLOOR
ST LOUIS
MO
63102
US
|
Family ID: |
24734163 |
Appl. No.: |
09/681179 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/334 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0416 20200801;
A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B 53/065
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/334 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/04; A63B
053/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1] An adjustable weight golf putter for striking a golf ball having
a shaft adapted for holding by a golfer, a putter head mounted on a
distal end of the shaft, and a plurality of putter faces that
attach to a front surface of said putter head, adapted for
releasably connecting to the putter head for striking said golf
ball, at least some of said putter faces having different weights
selected for particular putting conditions, so that a golfer may
alter the putter weight depending on playing conditions while
maintaining a substantially consistent putting stroke.
2] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 1 wherein
each putter face has a surface formed for striking the golf ball to
induce rolling motion of the golf ball over a putting surface.
3] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 2 wherein
one of each of the putter faces and the base has an undercut
longitudinally extending rail, and the other of each of the putter
faces and the base has a channel formed therein, the rail being
adapted for sliding reception in the channel for releasably
connecting the putter face to the base.
4] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 3 further
comprising a spring-loaded ball detent within one of each of the
putter faces and the base and a cooperating recess in the other of
each of putter faces and the base, the detent being adapted to
engage the recess for holding each putter face in place on the
base.
5] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 1 wherein
the putter face comprises an attachment post extending laterally
outwardly from one of each of the putter faces and the base, the
other of each of the putter faces and the base including an opening
therein sized for receiving the attachment post for attaching the
putter face to the base.
6] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 5 wherein
one of each of the putter faces and the bases include an alignment
post extending laterally outwardly therefrom, the other of each of
the putter faces and the base having a groove therein for receiving
the alignment post.
7] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 6 wherein
the putter face is adapted to engage the base in a first position
and, after engagement, to rotate to a second position for locking
onto the base.
8] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 6 wherein
the attachment post has a pin passing generally transversely
therethrough and is longer in length than the width of the
attachment post, the pin being disposed to lock the putter face to
the base in said second position.
9] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 8 wherein
each putter face has the attachment post associated therewith and
the opening is associated with the base.
10] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 5
wherein one of each of the putter faces and the base further
comprises a latch bar mounted thereon for movement into and out of
engagement with the attachment post for releasably locking the
putter face on the base.
11] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 10
wherein each putter face has the attachment post associated
therewith and the opening is associated with the base.
12] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 11
wherein each putter face further comprises a guidepost, extending
laterally outwardly from the putter face, said base having an
opening therein sized for receiving the guidepost for guiding the
putter face into alignment with the base.
13] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 5
wherein the attachment post is associated with the putter face and
includes a spring-loaded plunger adapted for releasable locking
engagement with the base.
14] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 13
wherein the putter face has recesses in said inward side thereof,
and wherein the base includes guideposts attached to the base and
receivable in the recesses to locate the putter face with respect
to the base.
15] An adjustable weight golf putter for striking a golf ball as
set forth in claim 1 wherein at least some of the putter faces are
made of different materials having different densities.
16] An adjustable weight golf putter as set forth in claim 1
wherein at least some of the putter faces are made of different
materials having different hardnesses.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to golf putters and more particularly
to an adjustable weight golf putter.
[0002] Conventionally, golfers carry a golf putter during a golf
outing for striking a golf ball on a putting green to roll the golf
ball into a cup. A typical golfer carries one golf putter of
constant weight and adjusts his or her putting stroke to suit
varying green conditions.
[0003] Green conditions can vary significantly, depending on many
factors including, but not limited to, grass length, moisture, and
wind. Conventionally, golfers adjust their putting stroke according
to green conditions. By using several different putting strokes
adapted to various green conditions, golfers may find it difficult
to compensate for all green conditions. Because green conditions
may vary from green to green on a single golf course, a golfer may
make many putting stroke adjustments during one round of golf.
These adjustments may lead to an inconsistent putting stroke.
[0004] A consistent putting stroke is advantageous over an
inconsistent putting stroke, creating a consistent and uniform feel
as the golf putter strikes the ball. A golfer having a consistent
putting stroke on greens with various conditions may be better able
to place the ball in the cup with fewer putts than with an
inconsistent putting stroke. Conventional golf putter designs
attempt to increase the consistency of a golfer's putting stroke.
For illustration of the prior art, see U.S. Pat. No. 3,220,733
(Saleeby), U.S. Pat. No. 3,680,868 Jacob), U.S. Pat. No. 5,230,509
(Chavez) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,413 (Sprague). Unfortunately, none
of these previous inventions allow golfers to compensate for
varying green conditions with a golf putter having an adjustable
weight serving a dual purpose as the striking surface.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Among the several objects and features of the present
invention may be noted the provision of an adjustable weight golf
putter that permits ready attachment of putter faces of different
weights and hardnesses; the provision of an adjustable weight golf
putter that permits putter face replacement without tools; and the
provision of an adjustable weight golf putter that permits a golfer
to maintain substantially the same putting stroke for all green
conditions.
[0006] Generally, an adjustable weight golf putter is used for
striking a golf ball and has a shaft adapted for holding by the
golfer. A putter head is mounted on a distal end of the shaft and a
plurality of putter faces can attach to a front surface of the
putter head. The putter faces releasably connect to the putter
head. The putter faces have different weights selected for
particular putting conditions, so that a golfer may alter the
putter weight depending on playing conditions while maintaining a
substantially consistent putting stroke.
[0007] Other objects and features will be in part apparent and in
part pointed out hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is a front elevation of a typical adjustable weight
golf putter of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 1A is a perspective of an adjustable weight golf putter
having a longitudinally extending rail and channel design;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the putter shown in FIG. 1A
with a putter face removed from a putter base and rotated forward
to show a back side thereof;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a section of the putter taken in a plane including
line 3-3 of FIG. 1A, with a thicker putter face shown in
phantom;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a front elevation of an adjustable weight golf
putter having a bayonet design with the putter face removed from
the putter base and rotated forward to show a back side
thereof;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the putter of FIG. 4
illustrating movement of the putter face between a first and a
second position;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a rear elevation of the putter of FIG. 4, with the
putter face in a second position;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a front elevation of an adjustable weight golf
putter having a latch bar with the putter face removed from the
base and rotated forward to show a back side thereof;
[0016] FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspectives of the putter shown in FIG. 7
illustrating two positions of the latch bar;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a front elevation of an adjustable weight golf
putter having a spring-loaded plunger attachment post with the
putter face being removed from the base and rotated forward to show
a back side thereof;
[0018] FIG. 11 is a rear elevation of the putter of FIG. 10 with
the putter face attached to the base; and
[0019] FIG. 12 is a fragmentary top plan view of the adjustable
weight golf putter in FIG. 11 with portions removed to show the
spring-loaded plunger in a first and second position.
[0020] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Referring now to the drawings and specifically to FIG. 1,
reference character 21 generally indicates a golf putter of the
present invention. The adjustable weight golf putter 21 has a
putter head 23 mounted on a distal end 25 of a shaft 27. Referring
to FIGS. 1A, 2 and 3, the putter head 23 includes a base 29a and a
front surface 31 for attachment of a plurality of putter faces
33a-d. Each putter face 33a-d may have a different weight
appropriate for particular putting conditions, so that a golfer may
alter putter weight depending on playing conditions, while
maintaining a consistent putting stroke.
[0022] It is envisioned that the putter faces 33a-d may be made of
materials of different hardnesses and/or densities. Thus, besides
changing the weight, the putter faces 33a-d can change the tactile
feedback of the putter faces striking the ball to suit a particular
golfer or playing conditions. Conceivably, any material readily
attachable to the respective bases 29a-29d may be used for the
putter faces 33a-d. For instance, the putter faces 33a-d could be
made of steel, aluminum, brass, rubber, or plastic (such as nylon
or Delrin.RTM.). Moreover, the faces 33a-d may be formed with
various types of textual or graphical material, such as advertising
slogans, trademarks, photographs or drawings. The replaceable
nature of the faces 33a-d make them particularly useful for
promotional use and as gifts.
[0023] The putter faces 33a-d each have a front striking surface 34
shaped for contacting the golf ball and inducing rolling motion of
the golf ball over the green (FIGS. 1 and 3). The rear surfaces 36
of each of the faces 33a-d connect to the front surface 31 of the
bases. The base 29a is constructed for receiving a plurality of
putter faces 33a, one at a time.
[0024] FIGS. 1A-3 show the adjustable weight golf putter 21 having
a tongue-in-groove type connection. A putter face 33a has an
undercut, longitudinally-extending rail 35. The base 29a has a
mating channel 37 constructed to receive the rail 35. A viewing
window 39 in the base 29a allows the golfer to see the rail 35 as
it slides onto the channel 37. The golfer can slide the putter face
33a into the base 29a without the assistance of tools. To attach
the face 33a to the base 29a, the golfer aligns the rail 35 with an
open end of the channel 37 and slides the face longitudinally until
the face aligns with the base. The putter face's rail 35 and the
base's channel 37 have angled sidewalls 41 that cooperate with one
another as the golfer slides the face onto the base to hold the
putter face from movement relative to the base. The base 29a may
alternately be formed without a viewing window 39, such that the
putter 21 appears solid as viewed from the rear of the putter (not
shown). Without the viewing window 39, the solid area on the rear
of the base 29a may be used for branding or marking the putter 21
with text, pictures or other information.
[0025] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a spring-loaded ball detent,
generally indicated 43, fits within the base 29a. A ball 45 of the
detent 43 protrudes from a detent cylinder 46, threadably received
in the channel 37. As the golfer slides the putter face 33a
completely onto the base 29a, the ball 45 engages a cooperating
recess 47 in the rail 35 of the putter face. The cooperating recess
47 and spring-loaded ball detent 43 combine to hold the putter face
33a against longitudinal sliding motion with respect to the base
29a. The spring-loaded ball detent 43 and cooperating recess 47 may
be positioned for engagement anywhere along the base 29a and putter
face 33a, so long as they engage one another when the putter face
33a is aligned with the base 29a. The spring-loaded ball detent 43
comprises a coil spring 49 that fits within the detent cylinder 46
in the base 29a. The spring 49 is compressed within the detent
cylinder 46, between an inner end 50 of the detent cylinder and the
ball 45. An outer end 51 of the detent cylinder 46 is crimped
radially inward to retain the ball 45 within the cylinder. The
thickness T of the putter face 33a can vary, thus varying the
weight of the putter 21. In the preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2, the putter face 33a and base 29a are of similar size and
shape; however, the face may be differently sized and shaped than
the base without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 3, the spring-loaded ball detent 43
engages the recess 47. The golfer releases the putter face 33a from
the base 29a without the assistance of tools by performing the
attachment steps in reverse. First, the golfer applies enough force
to the face 33a, in a longitudinal direction opposite to the
attachment direction, to overcome the spring force of the
spring-loaded ball detent 43, forcing the ball 45 into the detent
cylinder 46. The golfer then slides the face 33a longitudinally
along the mating channel 37 until the rail 35 disengages the
channel 37.
[0027] Referring now to FIG. 4, a second embodiment of the putter
21, a bayonet putter face 33b has an attachment post 53 extending
perpendicularly outward from the rear surface 36 of the putter face
33b. A putter base 29b has a circular opening 57 with a slot 58
sized for receiving the attachment post 53. An alignment post 59
also extends laterally outward from the rear surface 36 of the
putter face 33b. The alignment post 59 engages an arcuate groove 61
of the base 29b. A pin 63 passes transversely through the
attachment post 53. The pin 63 extends from either side of the
attachment post 53, for retaining the putter face 33b within the
base 29b as described below. Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, attaching
the face 33b to the base 29b is a simple process that does not
require tools. A golfer aligns the attachment post 53 and pin 63
with the opening 57 and slot 58 in the base 29b so that the
attachment post and pin can pass completely through the opening and
slot. The putter face 33b is held at an angle with respect to the
base 29b so that the pin 63 aligns with the slot 58. Once inserted,
the golfer rotates the face 33b in a clockwise direction about the
axis of the post 53 (as shown in FIG. 5) to bring the putter face
33b into alignment with the base 29b. As the putter face 33b is
rotated, the alignment post 59 slides into the base's arcuate
groove 61. FIG. 6 depicts the putter head 23 after the putter face
33b is attached to the base 29b and locked in place. As the putter
face 33b rotates about the attachment post's axis, the pin 63
rotates past the slot 58 to engage the face. As the alignment post
59 travels along the arcuate groove 61, an interference fit between
the arcuate groove 61 and alignment post 59 holds the face 33b in
the proper position. The arcuate groove 61 has its greatest depth
at its entrance point 67 and narrowest at its end 69, creating the
interference fit between the alignment post 59 and groove as the
post moves toward the end of the groove. As this occurs, the fit
between the putter face 33b and base 29b becomes more snug due to
the changes in depth of the arcuate groove 61, alignment post 59
and attachment post 53 with transversely-passing pin 63, drawing
the putter face towards the base 29b. Once the alignment post 59
travels the full length of the arcuate groove 61, the alignment
post limits face 33b rotation. In this position, the pin 63 is not
aligned with the slot 58, and the face 33b is attached to the base
29b.
[0028] Releasing the putter face 33b from the base 29b is performed
without the assistance of tools. The golfer simply performs the
attachment process in reverse. The golfer rotates the putter face
33b so that the alignment post 59 moves out of the arcuate groove
61 in a direction opposite to the attachment process. The golfer
continues rotating the putter face 33b until it is at an angle to
the base 29b where the transversely-passing pin 63 and the slot 58
are aligned, allowing the golfer to grasp the putter face 33b and
pull the attachment post 53 with transversely-passing pin 63
through the base opening 57 and slot 58.
[0029] A putter of another embodiment having a hinged-latch putter
71 head configuration is shown in FIGS. 7-9. An attachment post 73
and a guidepost 75 extend perpendicularly outward from a
hinged-latch putter face 33c for engagement with a base 29c. The
attachment post 73 has an annular groove 79 and is positioned in
the center of the face 33c. The guidepost 75 is positioned on the
end of the face, farthest from the shaft 27. The attachment post 73
and guidepost 75 locations along the putter face 33c may change
without departing from the scope of the present invention.
[0030] The base 29c has an opening 81 sized for receiving the
attachment post 73 and a hole 83 sized for receiving the guidepost
75. A latch bar 85 is rotatably mounted on the base 29c for
engagement with the annular groove 79 to secure the putter face 33c
onto the base 29c.
[0031] Referring to FIG. 8, the putter head 23 is shown with the
attachment post 73 inserted through the opening 81. The latch bar
85 is in an open position so that the putter face 33c is not
secured to the base 29c. FIG. 9 depicts the putter head 23 having
the latch bar 85 in a second position. When engaged, the latch bar
85 secures the putter face 33c to the base 29c by holding the
attachment post 73 within the opening 81. The latch bar's bottom
portion 87 is curved for engagement with the annular groove 79. The
latch bar 85 fits within the annular groove 79 and is suitably
shaped to conform to the annular groove.
[0032] After a golfer has inserted the attachment post 73 and
guidepost 75 through the respective base openings 81 and 83, the
latch bar 85 is rotated downward toward the base 29c. With the
latch bar 85 within the annular groove 79, the base 29c secures the
face 33c. Friction between the latch bar 85 and the annular groove
79 holds the latch bar in the annular groove until the golfer
releases the latch bar by rotating it upward away from the base
29c.
[0033] Releasing the putter face 33c from the base 29c is performed
without the assistance of tools. The golfer performs the attachment
process in reverse. The golfer simply opens the latch bar 85 and
removes the putter face 33c from the base 29c by pulling the putter
face 33c away from the base 29c. After the attachment post 73
travels fully through the base's opening 81, the putter face is
fully released from the base 29c.
[0034] A spring-loaded plunger 89 embodiment is shown in FIGS.
10-12. This putter embodiment comprises a base 29d and a face 33d.
An attachment post 95 extends laterally outwardly from the rear
surface 36 of the putter face 33d. The attachment post 95 comprises
a spring-loaded plunger, generally indicated 97, for releasable
engagement with the base 29d. The plunger 97 has an outer cylinder
99 and an inner cylinder 101. The outer cylinder 99 is knurled (not
shown), improving grip for manipulating the plunger 97. A locking
pin 103 extends laterally through the attachment post 95 with
portions extending from either side of the post. The locking pin
103 helps secure the putter face 33d to the base 29d, as discussed
in detail below. The putter face 33d includes two recesses 105
designed for engaging two guideposts 107 extending laterally from
the base 29d. The guideposts 107 are positioned on opposite ends of
the base 29d. The base 29d also includes an opening 109 sized and
shaped to accept the putter face's attachment post 95.
[0035] Attaching the face 33d to the base 29d is a simple process
that does not require tools. The golfer aligns the putter face
attachment post 95 with the cooperating base opening 109 and the
base guideposts 107 with the cooperating face recesses 105. After
the attachment post 95 is fully inserted into the base opening 109
and the base guideposts 107 reside in the putter face recesses 105,
the putter face 33d and base 29d are in flatwise engagement with
one another. The golfer then grasps the spring-loaded plunger's
outer cylinder 99 and pulls the outer cylinder 99 outward while
twisting. After the golfer twists and releases the plunger 97, a
spring 111 pulls the locking pin 103 firmly against the base 29d.
The friction created between the locking pin 103 and the base 29d
holds the plunger 97 in its locked position, thus securing the face
33d to the base 29d (FIGS. 11 and 12). FIG. 12 is a partial cutaway
section showing a first unsecured position and a second secured
position in phantom.
[0036] Releasing the putter face 33d from the base 29d is performed
without the assistance of tools by performing the attachment
process in reverse. The golfer overcomes the friction force between
the locking pin 103 and the base 29d by grasping and pulling the
spring-loaded plunger's outer cylinder 99 outward while twisting
until the locking pin 103 aligns with the base opening 109. Once
aligned, the golfer simply pulls the putter face 33d and attachment
post 95 through the base opening 109.
[0037] It is envisioned that the putter faces 33a-d may be made of
materials of different hardnesses and/or densities. Thus, more than
changing the weight, the putter faces 33a-d can change the tactile
feedback of the putter face striking the ball to suit a particular
golfer or playing conditions. Conceivably, any material readily
attachable to the respective bases 29a, 29b, 29c, 29d may be used
for the putter faces 33a-d. For instance, the putter faces 33a-d
could be made of steel, aluminum, brass, rubber, or plastic (such
as nylon or Delrin.RTM.).
[0038] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained.
[0039] When introducing elements of the present invention or the
preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles "a", "an", "the" and
"said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the
elements. The terms "comprising", "including" and "having" are
intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional
elements other than the listed elements.
[0040] As various changes could be made in the above without
departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all
matter contained in the above description and shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
* * * * *