U.S. patent application number 10/061640 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-19 for fitting method for a custom made putter.
Invention is credited to Currie, Kirk, Shannon, Michael, Wright, Richard.
Application Number | 20020193184 10/061640 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27399221 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020193184 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Currie, Kirk ; et
al. |
December 19, 2002 |
Fitting method for a custom made putter
Abstract
A fitting method used to create a custom made putter includes
determining the directional aiming tendency of the individual
golfer, determining the club shaft length suited to the individual
golfers and determining the lie angle between the putter shaft and
the putter head suited to the individual golfer.
Inventors: |
Currie, Kirk; (Spring,
TX) ; Wright, Richard; (Spring, TX) ; Shannon,
Michael; (Montgomery, AL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Alan R. Thiele
Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C.
Suite 3200
1445 Ross Avenue
Dallas
TX
75202
US
|
Family ID: |
27399221 |
Appl. No.: |
10/061640 |
Filed: |
February 1, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10061640 |
Feb 1, 2002 |
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09713069 |
Nov 15, 2000 |
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09713069 |
Nov 15, 2000 |
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09239217 |
Jan 28, 1999 |
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09239217 |
Jan 28, 1999 |
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08789164 |
Jan 24, 1997 |
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5974645 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/42 20151001;
A63B 53/007 20130101; G01B 5/0023 20130101; A63B 69/3614 20130101;
A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B 53/023 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 057/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A fitting method used to obtain measurements necessary create a
custom made putter suited to the physiology of an individual
golfer, said fitting method comprising the steps of: a. determining
if an individual golfer's aim is to the left or to the right of a
target line between the position of the ball and the hole; b.
measuring the shaft length of a putter suited to the individual
golfer; c. measuring the lie angle of a putter suited to the
individual golfer.
2. The fitting method as defined in claim 1 wherein: steps b. and
c. include the use of an adjustable fitting putter.
3. The fitting method as defined in claim 1 wherein step a.
includes the use of a laser aiming device;
4. The fitting method as defined in claim 1 further including: d.
checking the aim of the golfer with the custom made putter.
5. The fitting method as defined in claim 4 wherein step d.
includes the use of a laser aiming device.
6. The fitting method as defined in claim 4 further including: e.
adjusting the position of the golfer's feet with respect to the
golf ball so that the golfer's putting stroke with said custom made
putter begins between said target line and the golfer and ends
between said target line an the golfer.
7. The fitting method as defined in claim 6 further including: f.
adjusting the offset of the ball-striking face portion of the
putter head from the long axis of the shaft.
8. The fitting method as defined in claim 7 further including: g.
adjusting the loft angle of the ball-striking face portion of the
putter head.
9. The fitting method as defined in claim 8 further including: h.
adjusting the balance of the putter head off horizontal.
10. A fitting method used to create a custom made putter suited to
the physiology of an individual putter suited to the physiology of
an individual golfer, said fitting method comprising the steps of:
a. determining if an individual golfer's aim is to the left or to
the right of a target line between the position of the ball and the
hole; b. measuring the shaft length of a putter suited to the
individual golfer; c. measuring the lie angle of a putter suited to
the individual golfer. d. causing the golfer to choose a club head
design; e. causing the golfer to choose a club head material; f.
causing the golfer to choose a grip type and size.
11. The fitting method as defined in claim 10 wherein steps b. and
c. include the use of an adjustable fitting putter.
12. The fitting method as defined in claim 10 wherein step a.
includes the use of a laser aiming device.
13. The fitting method as defined in claim 10 further including: g.
checking the aim of the golfer with the custom made putter.
14. The fitting method as defined in claim 13 wherein step g.
includes the use of a laser aiming device.
15. The fitting method as defined in claim 13 further including: h.
adjusting the position of the golfer's feet with respect to the
position of the golf ball so that the golfer's putting stroke with
said custom made putter begins between said target line and the
golfer and ends between said target line and the golfer.
16. The fitting method as defined in claim 15 further including: i.
adjusting the offset of the ball-striking face portion of hte
putter head from the long axis of the shaft.
17. The fitting method as defined in claim 16 further including: j.
adjusting the loft angle of the ball-striking face portion of the
putter head.
18. The fitting method as defined in claim 17 further including: k.
adjusting the balance of the putter head off horizontal.
19. A fitting method used to create a custom made putter suited to
the physiology of an individual golfer, said fitting method
comprising the steps of: a. using a laser aiming device to
determine if an individual golfer's aim is to the left or to the
right of a target line between the position of the ball and the
hole; b. using an adjustable fitting putter to determine the shaft
length of a putter suited to the individual golfer; c. using an
adjustable fitting putter to measure the lie angle of a putter
suited to the individual golfer; d. using a laser aiming device to
check the aim of the golfer with a custom made putter.
20. The fitting method as defined in claim 19 further including: e.
adjusting the position of the golfer's feet with respect to the
position of the golf ball so that the golfer's putting stroke with
said custom made putter begins between said target line and the
golfer and ends between said target line and the golfer.
21. The fitting method as defined in claim 19 wherein the following
three steps are interposed between steps c. and d. individual
golfer.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 08/789,164, filed Jan. 24, 1997.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention pertains to golf putters; more
particularly the present invention pertains to a fitting method to
provide input for the manufacture of a custom made putter to suit
the physiology of an individual golfer.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] There are three basic factors which impact the way a golfer
putts a golf ball. These three basic factors are: (i) the
physiology of the golfer's body, (ii) the psychology of the
golfer's approach to putting, and (iii) the putter itself. Each of
these three factors is interrelated to the other two factors.
[0004] Included in the physiology of the golfer's body are the
golfer's skeletal and muscular structure, the golfer's eye-hand
coordination, and the golfer's hearing.
[0005] Included in the psychology of the golfer's approach to
putting golf includes the golfer's conscious and subconscious
approach to moving a putter in such a way that the golfer's putting
stroke imparts motion to a stationary golf ball across a green in a
direction toward the hole on a golf course.
[0006] Finally, the dimensions and geometric relationships included
in the specifications describing a putter make up the putter
itself. It is the putter which implements the physiological and
psychological aspects of hitting a golf ball.
[0007] A more detailed explanation of the physiological,
psychological and putter factors associated with hitting a golf
ball appear in the paragraphs which follow.
Physiology of the Golfer's Body
[0008] Skeletal and Muscular Structure--The skeletal size of a
golfer's body (height, length of arms, width of shoulders, etc.)
impacts the shape of a golfer's putting stroke. Each golfer's
putting stroke is as unique and personal as his/her finger print.
Similarly, the size and strength of a golfer's muscles can have a
major impact on the geometry of a golfer's putting stroke.
[0009] Eye-Hand Coordination--The ability of a golfer to visually
determine the location of the hole with respect to the location of
the golf ball and then to properly move his/her arms and hands to
aim the stroke of a putter so that the golf ball moves across the
green toward the hole is a function of the eye-hand coordination of
each individual golfer. Four factors affect the visual component of
eye-hand coordination: (a) far sightedness, (b) near sightedness,
(c) left eye dominance and (d) right eye dominance. Each one of
these four factors or a combination of distance and directional
factors will have a significant effect on the golfer's visual
perception of the location of the hole--specifically, where the
golfer believes he/she should aim the golf ball.
[0010] While the hole itself never moves on the green, the factors
which impact on the vision of a human being may actually cause the
visual perception of the location of a hole to a golfer to be
different than its actual location on the green. In other words,
the hole is not exactly where the golfer's eyes perceive that it is
located.
[0011] Sound--The golfer's hearing or the ability to perceive the
sound made by the striking face portion of the putter's club head
as it hits the golf ball contribute to the feedback a golfer gets
from the putter. The sound of a putter's head hitting a golf ball
together with the golfer's visual picture of the head of a putter
striking the golf ball and the impact forces transmitted from the
putter's head up the shaft to the golfer's hands to provide the
"feel" associated with a particular putter. In golf, as in any
other sport, golfers seek to replicate the "feel" of a successful
putting stroke from their putter each time that they play.
Psychology of the Golfer's Approach to Putting
[0012] The conscious approach of a golfer to the striking of a
stationary golf ball to move it toward a hole on a golf course
includes the golfer's many conscious thoughts such as: the
assessment of the golf course's landscape which surrounds the
green, the read of the slope and length of the green, the golfer's
personal adjustment of the position of the putter's head with
respect to the golf ball, and the triggering of the right muscle
memory to move the putter along the path necessary to make the golf
ball travel along a selected target line from its position of rest
toward the hole.
[0013] The subconscious approach of a golfer to the movement of a
putter to properly strike a stationary golf ball includes the
underlying ability to envision the golf ball traveling along the
target line to the hole, the ability to position one's body and
hands to adjust the position of the putter's head's striking face
to aim the putt toward the hole, and the ability to adjust the
force with which the golf ball is struck to achieve the desired
travel distance. The effect of the subconscious mind on a golfer's
putting stroke may even cause the golfer to adjust those changes
made in the golfer's conscious approach to striking a stationary
golf ball. For example, some professional golfers have learned that
successful putts are made by aiming for either the right edge or
left edge of the hole. After a while, aiming to one edge of a hole
or the other no longer becomes a conscious choice; rather it
becomes part of the subconscious approach a professional golfer
uses to line up a putt.
The Putter Itself
[0014] The specifications describing a putter include (from top to
bottom):
[0015] 1. Grip type and size
[0016] 2. Shaft length
[0017] 3. Hosel length
[0018] 4. Club head:
[0019] a. Size and design
[0020] b. Material
[0021] c. Lie angle
[0022] d. Loft angle
[0023] e. Offset
[0024] f. Balance
[0025] The specifications of a putter are particularly important as
many golf teaching professionals believe that individual golfers
can dramatically improve their golf score if the golfer's putter is
custom made to fit the size, the structure, and the strength of the
golfer's body. Because each person's golf swing and physical
capabilities are unique, custom made putters can maximize the
effectiveness and efficiency of each golfer's unique putting stroke
and physical capabilities. In general terms, maximizing the
performance of an individual golfer can be obtained, in part, by
adjusting the length of the putter's shaft and further by adjusting
the spatial and geometric inter-relationships between the
ball-striking surface on putter's head with respect to the putter's
shaft. For many years, putter manufacturers made putters having
only a predetermined shaft length, lie angle, and ball-striking
face loft angle. It was then up to the individual golfer to make
subtle conscious and subconscious changes to his/her putting stroke
to use these prior art putters to properly direct the golf ball
toward the hole.
[0026] Despite the many years that the game of golf has been
played, many putter manufacturers have not thoroughly understood
the complex spatial and geometric inter-relationships between the
striking face portion of the putter's head and the putter's shaft.
The next few paragraphs will lay the foundation for an
understanding of these complex spacial and geometric
inter-relationships. This understanding is necessary to more fully
appreciate the fitting method for a custom made putter of the
present invention.
The Parts of a Putter
[0027] 1. Grip type and size. The grip on the top of the shaft
which contacts the golfer's hands is typically a rubber, leather,
cork or plastic cover designed to fit securely over the uppermost
end of the club shaft. Most putter grips include a flat surface.
Golfers use the flat surface on the grip to orient the placement of
their hands on the grip. Most golfers prefer the flat surface to be
on the top of the putter's shaft so that it is oriented in a plane
perpendicular to the striking face portion of the putter's head. A
smaller number of golfers prefer an alternative placement of the
flat surface. The diameter of a grip should be such that the
golfer's fingers may comfortably wrap around that portion the grip
to hold the putter securely while the golfer's body is properly
positioned for a putting stroke. Thus, a golfer with small hands
will use a smaller diameter grip and a golfer with large hands will
use a large diameter grip.
[0028] 2. Shaft length. The shaft is the second major portion of
the putter. A putter's shaft is typically a hollow metal tube. The
shaft may also be solid. For example, in recent years solid putter
shafts have been made from graphite. It is the adjustment of the
length of the shaft portion of a putter which is primarily used to
fit the putter to the height of an individual golfer.
[0029] 3. Hosel length. At the bottom of the putter's shaft is the
hosel. The hosel connects the bottom of the putter's shaft to the
putter's head. A particular design for a hosel is disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,275,409 which is included herein by reference. The
bottom of the club shaft may either be received in the top of the
hosel or the top of the hosel may be inserted into the hollow
interior of the putter's shaft. Alternatively, an interconnecting
insert piece may be inserted in the top of the hosel and also into
the hollow portion of the club shaft. Some golfers prefer a short
hosel, while others prefer a long hosel. The hosel length affects
the golfer's visual perception of the putter's head when it is
lined up against a stationary golf ball in preparation for a
putting stroke.
[0030] 4. Club head. At the lower end of the hosel is the putter's
head. The putter's head includes a ball-striking face and a portion
behind the ball-striking face to both support the ball-striking
face and give weight to the putter's head. The angular orientation
of the ball-striking face as it strikes a stationary golf ball
determines the extent of vertical force imparted to the golf ball
and thus the golf ball's lift off the green. The club head design
of a putter may be a blade, a perimeter or heel-toe weighted club
head, or a mallet style club head.
[0031] The material from which a putter's head is made imparts a
certain "feel" to a putter as well as a distinctive sound on the
impact of the ball-striking face with a stationary golf ball. As
previously indicated, the feel of a putter is a significant part of
the golfer's ability to properly hit the golf ball in a desired
direction to the desired distance.
[0032] Further, the visual picture of the alignment of the putter's
head with the golf ball is a significant contributing factor to the
way a golfer positions the club head to aim his/her putt.
[0033] Having now generally described the parts of a putter, a
still further understanding of the fitting method and portable golf
club customizing system of the present invention may be had by
describing the various spatial and geometric adjustments which can
be made to a putter to suit the body size, the body structure and
the eye-hand coordination of an individual golfer. Because of the
importance of the complex inter-relationships of some of the
foregoing parts of a putter, one to another, these
interrelationships will be explained in greater detail in the
following paragraphs.
Shaft Length Over the Putter Head
[0034] The most basic spatial relationship is the length of the
putter's shaft over the putter's head. The length of the putter's
shaft determines the position of the golfer's body when making a
putting stroke. Proper positioning of a golfer's body is essential
to making the golf ball travel the desired distance along the
target line to the hole.
The Offset of the Ball-striking Face Portion of the Putter Head
From the Long Axis of the Shaft
[0035] The second spatial relationship between a putter's head and
a putter's shaft is offset distance. The offset distance is the
distance between the plane of the ball-striking face portion of a
putter's head and an extension of the long axis of the putter's
shaft. Shown specifically, in FIG. 2A, is a putter 100 having no
offset distance. Therein it will be seen that the front edge of the
hosel 102 is effectively parallel with the striking face 104 of the
putter's head 106.
[0036] A slight offset 112 is shown in FIG. 2B. Therein it may be
seen that an extension of the long axis 110 of the putter's shaft
118 is slightly ahead of the ball-striking face 104 of the putter's
head 106. Further, in FIG. 2C, a even larger offset 114 is shown.
The offset distance determines how the golfer aligns his visual
picture of the golf ball 1000 with the striking face portion of the
putter's head. This alignment has a significant effect on a
golfer's putting stroke.
[0037] In addition to adjusting the visual picture of the putter's
head 106 hitting the golf ball 1000, the size of the offset
distance has a direct correlation to the size of the "sweet spot"
on the striking face 104 of the putter's head 106. The "sweet spot"
is the center of gravity of a putter's head in the toe-heel
direction. As the offset distance increases, so does the size of
the sweet spot. Thus, the larger the size of the sweet spot, the
more stable the putter is when the ball contact point on the
striking face portion of the putter's head 106 is away from the
actual center of the sweet spot.
The Angle Between the Shaft and the Putter Head (Lie Angle)
[0038] In FIGS. 3A and 3B, the effect of the lie angle is shown.
Specifically, in FIG. 3A, a putter's head 106 is shown wherein the
lie angle needs to be decreased or flattened in order for the
bottom surface 116 or more specifically the toe 118 of the putter's
head 106 to be closer to the ground. In FIG. 3B is shown the
opposite condition. Therein the lie angle bend must be increased in
order for the heel 120 of the putter's head to be closer to the
ground. While the standard lie angle bend is approximately
72.degree., the proper lie angle for an individual golfer depends
both on the distance that the golfer stands from the golf ball
1000, the golfer's body position, and the golfer's arm and hand
position. This distance, body position and arm and hand position
all affect the golfer's visual picture of the intersection of the
putter's head 106 with the golf ball 1000 just as the offset
distance affects the golfer's visual picture of the intersection of
the putter's head 106 and the golf ball 1000.
The Angle of the Striking Face Portion of the Putter Head Off
Vertical (Loft Angle)
[0039] When the striking face 104 portion of a putter's head 106
hits a golf ball 1000 it should both slightly lift the golf ball
1000 with a vertical force component and impart translational force
to the golf ball 1000 with a horizontal force component to move the
golf ball 1000 closer to the hole. In putters, the ideal lift or
loft angle is 2.degree. to 4.degree.. When a stationary golf ball
1000 is struck by the striking face 104 portion of the putter's
head 106, which is angled between 2.degree. to 4.degree., enough
vertical force is imparted to the golf ball 1000 to lift it from
the grass yet enough translational force is imparted to the golf
ball 1000 to cause it to roll across the green toward the hole.
This ideal condition is shown in FIG. 4A. Unfortunately, the
spatial relationship between the putter's shaft 118 and the
putter's head 106 caused by the posture of a golfer can have a
dramatic effect on the loft angle of on the ball-striking face 104
portion of a putter's head 106 as it contacts the ball 1000. In
FIG. 4B is shown a situation where the spatial relationship between
the putter's shaft 118 and the putter's head 106 is a result of a
rear press by a golfer. A rear press causes the actual loft angle
to increase to 6.degree. or more when the golf ball is hit. In FIG.
4C the opposite condition is shown. By an improper spatial
relationship between the putter's shaft 118 and the putter's head
106, as a result of a forward press of a golfer, the loft angle has
been decreased to 0.degree. or even to a negative angle when the
ball-striking face contacts the stationary golf ball 1000.
The Balance of the Putter Head Off Horizontal
[0040] If one were to place a finger at the point of balance on a
putter's shaft 118 so that the weight of the shaft 118 and grip on
one side of the balance point were effectively equal to the weight
of the putter's head 106 and shaft 118 on the other side of the
balance point, the putter's head 106 would turn and seek its own
angular balance orientation with respect to the long axis 110 the
shaft 118. For example, if the toe of the putter head 106 drops
down, this is called toe-heavy balance. If the toe of the putter's
head rotates upward, this is called heel-heavy balance. If the face
104 of the putter's head 106 remains horizontal this is called face
balance. The balance orientation of the putter's head 106 with
respect to the long axis of the putter's shaft 118 is particularly
important for a golfer that has a decelerating putting stroke. For
example, if the golfer's swing decelerates the putter's head 106
will tend to follow its heaviest part. A toe heavy balanced
putter's head 106 will tend to follow the toe of the putter's head
106 and thereby change the angle at which the ball-striking face
104 of the putter's head 106 hits the stationary golf ball 1000.
Similarly, a heel-heavy balanced putter's head 106 will tend to
follow the heel of the putter's head 106 and change the angle at
which the ball-striking face 104 hits a stationary golf ball
1000.
Existing Custom Made Putters
[0041] Unfortunately, in most commonly available prior art putters,
it is usually impossible to precisely adjust the complex spatial
and geometric relationships of the putter's head 106 with respect
to the putter's shaft 118. Thus the golfer using these prior art
putters must learn to modify the position of his/her body and
his/her grip to adapt to the putter.
[0042] Some golfers elect to have their putters specially made to
suit their putting stroke and style of play. Quite often these
golfers are looking for a certain feel rather than for a correction
in the spatial and geometric relationships of the putter's head to
the putter's shaft to correct for their personal physiology,
particularly, their eye-hand coordination. However, when these
prior art, specially made, putters are first provided to the golfer
the need often arises to make special adjustments or "fine tune"
the putter to give the custom made putter a better feel which many
golfers believe is the key to maximum performance. Accordingly, the
specially made putter must be returned to the factory for
adjustment or entirely remade. If the adjustments are incorrect or
the adjustments affect other parts of the complex
inter-relationships of the spatial and geometric aspects of putter
design, the custom made putter may once again have to be returned
to the factory to suit the tastes of the individual golfer.
[0043] None of the prior art customizing systems have attempted to
adjust the spatial relationship of the striking face of the
putter's head to the long axis of the putter's shaft to correct for
any problems in the golfer's personal physiology, particularly
eye-hand coordination. Nor have any prior art customizing systems
sought to provide a portable system where a custom made putter
suited to an individual golfer's physiology can be fabricated right
on the golf course.
The Need in the Art
[0044] In U.S. Pat. No. 5,275,409, an improved hosel system is
disclosed for use in golf clubs. This improved hosel system for
making a custom golf club allowed the angular relationship of the
putter's head to the putter's shaft to be easily and accurately
adjusted. While this hosel system dramatically improved the feel of
the putter in the golfer's hands when hitting a golf ball, it was
also found that the disclosed hosel could be bent to customize the
spatial and geometric relationship of the putter's head with
respect to the putter's shaft. The need remained, however, to find
a method to properly fit a putter to the physiology of an
individual golfer.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0045] A system for properly fitting a putter to the physiology of
an individual golfer includes fitting the four basic components of
a putter: the grip, the shaft,; the hosel; and the putter's
head--to an individual golfer. The present invention focuses
primarily on matching the four basic components of a putter to the
unique physiology of an individual golfer. In addition, the present
invention includes determining how to bend the hosel to adjust the
offset distance of the ball-striking face of the putter's head from
the long axis of the putter's shaft, to adjust the lie angle
between the long axis of the putter's shaft and the putter's head,
to adjust the loft angle of the ball-striking face of the putter's
head, and to adjust the rotational balance of the putter's head
about the long axis of the putter's shaft.
[0046] Further, the fitting method of the present invention
includes an assessment of the individual physiology of a golfer by
first using an aiming device and second using an adjustable fitting
putter. This assessment of the individual golfer's physiology is
then used with a portable system for creating a custom made putter
right on the golf course. The portable putter customizing system
includes a vise which both secures the head of the putter in a
known orientation and allows for custom bending of the hosel which
mounts the putter's shaft to the putter's head.
[0047] The putter is customized by first imparting an offset
distance bend in the hosel. Second, a lie angle bend is formed in
the hosel. If desired, a loft angle bend may also be placed in the
hosel. An adjustment may also be made to impart the proper balance
in the putter's head. Once the necessary bends have been made in
the hosel, the putter's shaft is cut to length and a grip is placed
thereon. The putter is now ready for use by a golfer. However, if
desired, the putter can be returned to the vise on the portable
putter customizing system and "fine tuning" adjustments can be made
to assure that the putter is exactly what the golfer needs to
optimize the fit of the custom made putter to the physiology of an
individual golfer. All bending and cutting adjustments can be done
directly on the green so the golfer can try out his custom made
putter under actual playing conditions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0048] A better understanding of the fitting method for a custom
made putter of the present invention may be had by reference to the
figures wherein:
[0049] FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of the portable golf
club customizing system used to create the custom made putter of
the present invention;
[0050] FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the portable golf club
customizing system shown in FIG. 1;
[0051] FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C are top plan views of various putter
head offset distances with respect to the center line of a putter's
shaft;
[0052] FIGS. 3A and 3B are rear elevational views of a putter
showing its relationship to the ground with an improper lie angle
bend;
[0053] FIG. 4A is a side elevational view of a putter having the
proper loft angle;
[0054] FIG. 4B is a side elevational view of a putter having too
large a loft angle;
[0055] FIG. 4C is a side elevational view of a putter having too
small a loft angle;
[0056] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the hosel bending
vise;
[0057] FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending
vise;
[0058] FIGS. 7A, 7B and 7 C are perspective views of the chucking
blocks used to hold various styles of putter heads in the hosel
bending vise;
[0059] FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of the fitting putter
used for determining the lie angle and the shaft length for an
individual golfer;
[0060] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hosel bending vise
with the fitting putter positioned therein;
[0061] FIG. 10 is chart of settings used for adjusting the balance
of the ball-striking face of the putter's head;
[0062] FIG. 11 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending
vise showing the initial location of the putter's head of the
putter to be customized;
[0063] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the hosel bending vise
showing the position of the bending pins after the completion of
the clearance bend;
[0064] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the operative end of the
bending tool;
[0065] FIG. 14A and 14 B are perspective views, in partial section,
of the engagement of the hosel with the putter's shaft;
[0066] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending
vise just prior to the initiation of the bend which establishes the
offset distance;
[0067] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending
vise after completion of the lie angle bend;
[0068] FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the hosel bending
vise showing the adjustment of the loft angle;
[0069] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the system used for holding
the shaft of the putter, for sizing the length of the shaft, and
placing the grip on the end of the shaft.
[0070] FIG. 19 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 18 with the
putter inserted in the shaft engagement vise;
[0071] FIG. 20 is an exploded view of the shaft engagement
vise;
[0072] FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the putter's shaft showing
the application of the double sided tape;
[0073] FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the putter's shaft showing
the installation of the hand grip;
[0074] FIG. 22A is a left side elevational view of the laser aiming
device;
[0075] FIG. 22B is a bottom plan view of the laser aiming device;
and
[0076] FIG. 22C is a top plan view of the laster aiming device.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0077] It has been found from hundreds of custom fittings of
putters that the actual aim of the ball-striking face portion of a
putter's head by the overwhelming majority of golfers is not such
that a golf ball will move directly along the target line or the
straight imaginary line drawn between the golf ball and the hole.
This inability to accurately position the ball-striking face of a
golf club to make contact with a stationary golf ball to cause the
golf ball to travel along the target line is due, in part, to the
visual component of a golfer's eye-hand coordination. The visual
component of a golfer's eye-hand coordination results from a
combination of far/near sightedness and left/right eye domination.
Thus, while the golfer's hands will properly respond to what the
golfer's eyes see, this response will be improper because the
golfer's eyes are not seeing the hole in its true position on the
golf course. As a result, the individual golfer either: (a)
consistently misses puts to the right or to the left according to
their individual vision, or (b) develops a compensating movement in
their aim or in their putting stroke which actually directs the
golf ball toward the actual target--which is away from the target
perceived by the golfer's eyes.
[0078] Consistently missing putts to the right or to the left is
the most common problem of infrequent golfers. Unfortunately,
infrequent golfers do not get enough playing time to see the
development of a consistent miss pattern. Those who play golf on a
more regular schedule either consciously misaim the golf ball or
subconsciously adjust their putting stroke to correct for their
visual misperception of the true location of the hole on a golf
course. Even in putts as short as 10 feet, the effect of far/near
sightedness and left/right eye dominance becomes readily
apparent.
[0079] In general, a left aiming golfer perceives the hole left of
its true location. The spatial and geometric adjustment of the
alignment of the putter's head to the putter's shaft to correct for
this vision characteristic is greater offset distance and greater
loft angle. By increasing the offset distance and the loft angle of
the ball striking face portion of a putter's head, the golfer
perceives that the ball striking face of the putter is closed or
aimed in a direction between the target line and the golfer. The
golfer's subconscious will make the appropriate correction and aim
the striking face portion of the putter's head on the target line.
The degree of directional alignment correction is determined by the
size of the offset distance and the loft angle added to the
striking face portion of the club head.
[0080] In general, a right aiming golfer perceives the hole farther
away than it actually is and right of its actual location. The
correction for this vision characteristic can be achieved by the
reducing both the offset distance and the loft angle. By reducing
both the offset distance (and in extreme cases creating onset) and
the loft angle of the ball-striking face portion of the putter's
head, it creates the optical illusion for the golfer that the
putter face is open or aiming away from the target line. The
golfer's subconscious mind will make the appropriate corrections
and aim the putter on the target line. The degree of the correction
is determined by the degree of the reduction of offset distance and
loft angle.
Putter Fitting Method
[0081] The putter fitting method of the present invention is
described according to its use for custom fitting a putter to an
individual golfer.
[0082] Step 1: Observation of the Individual Golfer's Position, Aim
and Stroke
[0083] Observe the individual golfer make several putts with
his/her putter or a putter with standard specifications. The
following specific putting stroke characteristics are to be
specifically noted.
[0084] A. Aim--using an alignment aid such as the laser sighting
device described below, determine where the individual golfer is
directionally (left or right) aiming the golf ball with respect to
the target line. In most cases, an imaginary straight line drawn
perpendicular to the ball-striking face of the putter's head as
positioned by an individual golfer will fall either to the left or
to the right of the true target line to the hole, even if the
golfer is only 10 feet away from the hole. This directional
deviation away from the target line is caused by the natural
tendency of human beings to be either left eye or right eye
dominant.
[0085] B. Stroke--observe the shape of the stroke and the travel
path of the putter's head with respect to the target line between
the hole and the golf ball. One of three basic strokes paths may be
observed because of the natural tendency of human beings to move
the head portion of a putter club along a large arcuate path.
[0086] 1. Beginning at a position outside an extension of the
target line behind the golf ball and ending at a position inside
the target line in front of the golf ball.
[0087] 2. Beginning at a position behind the golf ball inside the
target line and ending at a position outside the target line in
front of the golf ball.
[0088] 3. Beginning at a position inside the target line behind the
golf ball coming to a position which is square with the golf ball
at the point of impact and ending at a position inside the target
line.
[0089] C. Ball Position--Observe the distance of the golf ball with
respect to the individual golfer's toe line while the golfer is
setting up for the putt.
[0090] Step 2: Static Fit the Putter
[0091] A. Choose a putter head design. Though model selection is
very personal, there are certain characteristics to each model
which may compliment an individual golfer's style. The objective is
to offer a variety of designs which are classified into one of the
three basic styles to compliment an individuals' golfers style and
a preference. A blade style putter head has a very sold feel, a
simple traditional look and toe balance.
[0092] A perimeter or heel-toe weighted putter head typically
includes added weights on the heel and the toe portions of the
putter's head which gives it a unique look and a very solid
feel.
[0093] A mallet head offers a very unique feel, a large visible
alignment aid and a larger mass.
[0094] B. Choose a putter head material. Putter heads are
manufactured from various materials such as steel, copper,
aluminum, brass, bronze, and polymers. Each material provides its
own unique feel, look, and sound when the ball-striking face
portion of the putter's head hits the stationary golf ball. For
many golfers this unique feel will determine the material to be
used in the putter's head. The objective is to select a material
which responds best with an individual's senses of feel, look, and
sound.
[0095] C. Select a grip type and size. The golfer's hands contact
the putter at the grip. Golfers with small hands may prefer a small
diameter grip. The opposite may be true for golfers with larger
hands. Some like a smooth gripping surface. Still others prefer a
roughened gripping surface. Most grips include a flat surface to
assist the golfer with aligning the ball-striking face in a plane
perpendicular to the target line. Some golfers prefer this flat
surface on the grip to be located on the top of the putter's shaft
while still others prefer it along the side. Finally, some golfers
hold the grip at the top, other hold it in the middle, and still
others like to "choke up" and grab the grip at its bottom.
[0096] D. Measure the shaft length and lie angle. Using an
adjustable fitting putter 300 as shown in FIG. 8, the individual
golfer should comfortably position his/her body with respect to the
golf ball. The shaft length and the lie angle between the fitting
putter's head and the fitting putter's shaft is measured by locking
in the settings on the adjustable fitting putter 300. More details
concerning the use of the adjustable fitting putter 300 appear in
the following paragraph.
[0097] Once a proper stance and position with respect to the golf
ball have been achieved for an individual golfer, the best shaft
length for the individual golfer and the best lie angle between the
fitting putter's head 306 and the fitting putter's shaft 318 for
the individual golfer are measured by locking in settings on an
adjustable fitting putter 300. Lie angle and shaft length are
interdependent. By using the adjustable fitting putter 300, it is
easy to determine the best length of the putter's shaft 318 for an
individual golfer. For example, some golfers want to have their
arms fully extended and eyes over the golf ball. Others may want
their arms bent and their eyes slightly in front of the golf ball.
Still other golfers may assume a special stance to protect a bad
back, a bad shoulder, or correct for some other physiological
condition. Once the best length of the golf club shaft 318 has been
determined, the bottom of the golf club head 304 is moved so that
it is horizontally flat. This sets the lie angle between the
fitting putter's shaft 318 and the fitting putter's head 304. By
using a fitting putter 300 with an adjustable telescoping section
390 and an adjustable lie angle section 395, it is possible to
obtain measurements of what geometry of a putter best suits an
individual golfer.
[0098] Once the foregoing observations and measurements have been
made, it is now possible to construct a custom made putter for an
individual golfer using the portable putter customizing system
described below.
The Portable Putter Customizing System--In General
[0099] A better general understanding of the putter fitting method
of the present invention may be had by first referencing FIGS. 1A
and 1B. Therein it may be seen that the golf club customizing
system 10 which is used to create custom made putters includes a
portable rollable cart 200 in which a variety of combinations
putter heads, hosels and shafts 202 are contained in storage
sleeves 201. Additionally, there is a place 204 for storing various
types of grips 206. On top of the cart 200 is a vise 11 for bending
the hosel portion 102 of the putter 100 and a system 800 for
holding the shaft of the putter while it is cut to length. On the
opposite end of the cart 200 is a small tool tray 208 in which the
various tools needed for operation of the system 10 may be located.
Also included in the system 10 is a fitting putter 300 (FIG. 8)
which is used for obtaining the starting measurements necessary to
custom fit a putter 100 to a particular golfer.
Construction of the Bending Vice
[0100] Shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the golf
club hosel bending vise 11. Note that the hosel bending vise 11 is
built above a base plate 12. The base plate 12 provides the
mounting for the two sliding block assemblies 30, 50 which impart
the offset distance bend and the lie angle bend into the hosel 102
of the golf club 100.
[0101] Formed just above the base plate 12, in front of the bending
systems 30, 50 is the mounting space portion 16 of the clamping
system 20 in which the putter's head 106 is securely positioned to
enable the accurate bending of the hosel 102. To assure proper
positioning of the putter's head 106 in the mounting space 16, an
abutment plate 21 is provided. The toe 118 of the putter's head 106
is placed in contact with the abutment plate 21. The ball-striking
face 104 portion of the putter's head 106 engages an angled face
22. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of this surface is
31/2.degree. which matches the angle of the ball-striking surface
104 of the putter's head 106.
[0102] After the toe 118 of the putter's head 106 engages the
abutment plate and the ball-striking face 104 portion of the
putter's head 106 is in contact with the angled surface 22 a
chucking block 23, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 B and 7 C is placed
against the rear surface 120 of the putter's head 106. The chucking
blocks 23, 23' and 23" includes a specially designed recess 24, 24'
and 24" to accommodate corresponding types of putter heads. On the
back of the clucking block 23, 23' and 23" is a circular bore 25,
25' and 25" which is sized to engage the end 26 of a threaded rod
27.
[0103] Once a chucking block 23, 23' and 23" has been placed behind
the putter's head 106 the end 26 of the threaded rod 27 is moved
into contact with the back of the chucking block 23, 23' and 23" by
turning it through internally threaded stationary block 29. The
hosel portion 102 of the putter 106 is now in a position where it
can be accurately bent to custom fit a golf club to an individual
golfer.
[0104] Recall that offset distance is the result of a bend in the
hosel 102 which places an extension of the long axis 110 of the
putter's shaft 118 a short distance in front of the plane of the
ball-striking surface 104 portion of the putter's head 106. The
offset bend sliding block assembly 30 is slidably mounted on the
base plate 12. The offset bend sliding block assembly 30 is
positioned by reference to a scale 48 formed on a base block 49
which is mounted on the base plate 12. The scale 48 provides the
ability to measure the putter's hosel bending vice 11 for various
offset bend angles. A recording of the offset distance bend angle
settings for an individual golfer or any of the other measurements
described herein will enable the duplication of any putter when the
customized putter has been lost or damaged.
[0105] The sliding block portion 34 of the offset bend sliding
block assembly 30 is moved along path 32 by turning a knob 44 which
is attached to a threaded rod 42. The threaded rod 42 passes
through a threaded hole in a stationary block 46 which is affixed
to the base block 49. The sliding block portion 34 is then locked
in position by tightening a cap screw 40 which threadably engages
the base block 49. Tightening of the cap screw 40 assures that the
sliding block portion 34 of the offset bend sliding block portion
34 is a first pin 38. It is the first pin 38 which provides the
surface against which the hosel 102 of the putter 100 is bent to
place an offset distance in the putter 100 between the long axis
110 of the shaft 118 and the striking face 104 portion of the
putter head 106. If a short hosel 102 is used the pin 38 is placed
in a lower pinhole 37.
[0106] By turning a knob 64, a threaded rod is caused to pass
through an internally threaded hole in a stationary block 63. The
stationary block 63 is affixed to the base block 49. The turning of
the knob 64 causes the lie angle bend sliding block 54 to move
along a path 52 over the base block 49. Positioning of the lie
angle sliding block 54 is accomplished by reference to a scale 68
formed on the base block 49. A bending surface is provided by a
second pin 58 which passes through a pinhole 56 in the lie angle
sliding block 54. For short hosels 102 a lower pinhole 57 is also
provided. A cap screw 60 is used to hold the lie angle sliding
block 54 against the base block 49.
[0107] An extended angular gauge bar 70 projects upwardly from the
lie angle sliding block 54. The extended angular gauge bar 70 is
used to measure the proper bending of the putter's hosel 102 to the
predetermined lie angle bend. At the bottom of the angular gauge
bar 70 is a pointer 72 which is positioned near an arcuate scale
74. The angular gauge bar 70 is locked in position by tightening a
threaded fastener 76 which passes through a hole formed in the
angular gauge bar 70 and an ear 78 which extends upwardly from the
lie angle sliding block 54.
[0108] The actual manufacture of a custom made putter is described
in the paragraphs which follow.
[0109] Based upon the measured directional aiming tendency (either
to the right or to the left) of the individual golfer determined by
using a laser sighting device such as the one described below, the
putter's hosel is bent for the appropriate offset distance and loft
angle. Offset distance and loft angle are added for left aim
tendencies, offset distance and loft angle are reduced for right
aim tendencies. The exact size of the lie angle is determined by
placing the fitting putter 300 in the bending vice 11 as shown in
FIG. 9. By placing the toe 318 of the fitting putter's head 306
against the abutment plate 21, the angular gauge bar 70 can be
moved so that it is parallel with the shaft 318 of the fitting
putter 300. The position of the pointer 72 at the end of the
angular gauge bar 70 against the arcuate scale 74 provides a
reading of the size of the lie angle. The difference of the
measured lie angle from the standard 72.degree. is used to enter
the chart 700 shown in FIG. 10 whose use will be explained
below.
[0110] Next, the adjustment for the proper balance of the putter's
head is determined. Specifically, some golfers may want the head
106 of their putter 100 to be face balanced, toe balanced or heel
balanced. Most golfers prefer a face balanced putter head. With a
face balanced putter head, there is equal distribution of weight on
either side of the sweet spot. Because of the complex
inter-relationships of putter head balance and loft angle, the face
balance chart 700 shown in FIG. 10 is used. To determine a setting
for the lie angle sliding block 54 against the scale 63, the lie
angle determined from the reading on the arcuate scale 74, as
previously explained, and the type of putter head and hosel
combination are used to enter the face balance chart 700 shown in
FIG. 10. The number extracted from the fact balance chart 700 is
set on the bending vise II by moving the lie angle sliding block
54.
[0111] The shaft length for the putter to be customized is
determined by matching up the length of the uncut shaft to the
length of the shaft measured by the fitting putter. The shaft of
the golf club being customized is marked so that it may be cut to
the proper length using the length sizing equipment 800 on top of
the cart 200.
[0112] The golfer's preferred grip is then affixed to the end of
the putter's shaft. The type, size, and orientation of the grip
should be determined by whatever provides the most comfortable feel
to the golfer and the least amount of tension in the muscles of the
golfer's hand and forearms.
[0113] The following detailed operational steps will provide a
still better understanding of how the custom made putter may be
customized using the portable putter customizing system.
[0114] First, the cap screw 40 is loosened. By turning the
adjustment knob 44, the offset bend sliding block 34 is moved to
impart the necessary bend in the hosel 102 to obtain the desired
offset distance. The standard offset distance is indicated on scale
48 as 0. The preferred offset distance is the top edge of the
putter's head 106 aligning with the long axis of 110 of the shaft
118. Each mark on the scale 48 represents a {fraction (1/16)}th
inch change in offset distance. A total offset distance of 1/2 inch
can be obtained. Once the desired setting of the sliding block 34
is made with respect to the scale 48, the cap screw 40 is
tightened.
[0115] The next step involves assuring that the lie angle gauge bar
70 is at the desired angle. A standard lie angle is 72.degree..
This standard lie angle is indicated on the arcuate guide scale 74
as 0. All other lie angle settings are represented as being degrees
away from the standard 72.degree. angle.
[0116] The third step is to loosen the cap screw 60 which holds the
lie angle sliding block 54 in place. Using the putter head balance
chart 700, it is then possible to determine the setting required to
obtain the type of club head balance preferred by a particular
golfer. By using the chart 700 shown in FIG. 10, a gauge 68 setting
is found for a face balanced putter head. If the golfer desires a
heel heavy putter head, the chart value is increased. By turning
the adjustment knob 64, the lie angle sliding block 54 is moved to
the desired setting against gauge 68 and then tightened in position
by turning the cap screw 60.
[0117] In the fourth step, the bending pins 38, 58 are inserted
into the appropriate pin holes. It may be seen that there are two
pin holes for each of the two bending pins 38, 58. The top pin
holes 36, 56 are for long hosels. The bottom pinholes 37, 57 are
for short hosels.
[0118] The fifth step is to insert the putter head 106 into the
bending vise 11. It is important that the ball-striking face 104
portion of the putter head 106 fits flush against the angle plate
22. The toe of the putter head 106 should contact the abutment
plate 21.
[0119] The sixth step is to select the appropriate chucking block
23, 23', 23" to place against the rear surface 120 of the putter
head 106. As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 B and 7 C the shape of the
chucking block 23, 23 and 23" is dependent on the style of the
putter head 106. By rotating the handle 28 the end of the threaded
rod 27 is moved into the bore 25, 25', 25" on the back of the
chucking block 23, 23', 23". The club to be customized is now in
position for the bends to be made in the hosel 102. Proper
placement of the putter head 106 in the vise 11 is shown in FIG.
11.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 12A, the seventh step involves attaching a
bending tool 600 to the bottom of the shaft 118 and securing the
bending tool 600 to the putter's shaft 118. As shown in FIG. 13,
the end of the bending tool 600 includes a first recessed plate 602
and a keeper plate 604. A threaded rod 606 turned by a knob 608
into an internally threaded hole 610 in the first plate 602. The
handle 614 which extends from the first plate 602 is used to impart
force on the putter's shaft 118.
[0121] The recess 612 generally will fit loosely over the putter's
shaft 118. To avoid possible damage to the putter's shaft 118, the
bending tool 600 must be secured at the bottom of the putter's
shaft 118, into which a solid insert from the hosel extends, as
each bend is made. To understand why the location of the bending
tool 600 on the putter's shaft 118 is important, reference is made
to FIGS. 14A and 14B. In FIG. 14A a short hosel 102' is shown
extending upwardly from a putter's head 106. The upper portion 103'
of the hosel 102 extends into and is tightly fit into the interior
of the putter's shaft 118. In FIG. 14B a long hosel 102 is shown.
To minimize the weight of the hosel 102, its upper portion 103 is
shorter. An extension 105, formed of a lightweight metal, mates
with the upper portion 103. When the bending tool 600 is in place
on the putter's shaft 118 it is important that the bending tool 60
surround the upper portion of the hosel 103, 103'. Otherwise, when
force is placed on the handle 614, the putter's shaft 118 will
crimp and the putter's shaft 118 will be ruined.
[0122] Referring back to FIG. 12A, a clearance bend is now made in
the hosel by exerting force on the handle 614 which extends from
the bending tool 600. This clearance bend is necessary so that the
bending pins 38, 58 may be pushed through the pinholes 37, 57 until
their ends touch. This is shown in FIG. 12B.
[0123] The ninth step involves imparting the offset bend into the
hosel 102. This is accomplished by bending the hosel 102 with the
bending tool 600 until the putter's shaft 118 is in a substantially
vertical plane which is parallel to the vertical plane of the
angular gauge bar 70. The beginning of the offset bend is shown in
FIG. 15. A completed offset bend is shown in FIG. 12B.
[0124] The tenth step is to impart the lie angle bend into the
hosel 102. This is done by rotating the bending tool 600 on the
bottom of the putter's shaft 118 so that the hosel 102 may be bent
to an angle so that the angle of the putter's shaft 118 matches the
angle of the angular gauge bar 70. This is shown in FIG. 16.
[0125] If a loft adjustment is needed, the hosel 102 is bent as
shown in FIG. 17. Specifically, the putter's shaft 118 is bent
slightly forward or slightly backward to change the loft on the
ball-striking face 104 portion of the putter's head 106.
[0126] The customized golf club is now removed from the vise 11 and
provided to the golfer. Adjustments may be made by reinserting the
putter's head 106 back into the hosel bending vice 11.
[0127] In the final steps, the shaft of the putter is cut to the
desired length. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 the club head 106 is
placed against a stop 502 on the top surface of the cart 200. The
face 104 of the club head is aligned by comparison with vertical
lines 504 marked on the stop 502. The shaft engagement vise 800 is
used to secure the shaft 118 in position to be cut to length.
[0128] The construction of the shaft engagement vise 800 is shown
in FIG. 20. A base plate 802 is secured to the top of the cart 200
by threaded fasteners 804. A pin 806 holds an eccentric cam 808
against the base plate 802. When the handle 810 causes the
eccentric cam 808 to rotate, a first movable block 812 is moved
toward a second stationary block 814. This compresses a flexible
cradle 816 which may be made from rubber or plastic. The flexible
cradle 816 is attached to the base plate 802 by threaded fasteners
818.
[0129] While the shaft 118 is secured in the shaft engagement vise
800 the shaft 118 is cut to length using a commonly available
tubing cutting tool 400 as shown in FIG. 19. Next the grip 206
selected by the golfer is removed from the selection of grips in
the tray 204 and attached to the end of the shaft 108. This is
accomplished by applying double sided tape 402 to the end of the
putter's shaft 118 as shown in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 21B the
grip 206 is then slid over the double sided tape 402 by using an
evaporative solvent. When the solvent has evaporated, the grip 206
will be securely attached to the putter's shaft 118.
[0130] Once the custom made club has been made to accommodate the
observations and measurements of the individual golfer, the custom
made club may be further "fine tuned" according to the following
two steps:
[0131] A. Observe the golfer make several putts with the newly made
custom putter. Once again, use the laser sighting device (described
below) to determine the accuracy of the golfer's aim. Only small
fine tuning adjustments should be necessary to place the golfer's
aim squarely on the target line.
[0132] B. Observe the path of the golfer's putting stroke. Adjust
the distance between the toe line of the golfer's front foot and
the golf ball so that the putting stroke begins inside the target
line, meets the golf ball perpendicular to the target line and ends
inside the target line.
Laser Sighting Device
[0133] The laser sighting device 2000 depicted in FIGS. 22A, 22B,
and 22C provides a precise method of determining an individual's
putter aim by projecting a laser light beam perpendicular to the
ball-striking face portion of the putter's head. A perfectly aimed
putter would cause the laser light beam to fall squarely on the
target line or the imaginary line between the golf ball and the
hole.
[0134] The laser sighting device 2000 of the present invention
includes two parts.
[0135] The first part is a precisely milled body 2001 which can be
placed flush against the ball-striking face portion of the putter's
head. The second part is a laser light assembly 2002 which projects
a laser beam perpendicular to the ball-striking face portion of the
putter's head. The laser light assembly 2002 is calibrated for
alignment with respect to the milled body 2001 using both
horizontal and vertical adjustment screws 2028.
[0136] The laser sighting device 2000 has a pointed end 2004 and a
straight end 2006. Connecting the pointed end 2004 to the straight
end 2006 is a body portion 2001 which has a top surface 2002 and a
bottom surface 2018. Formed near the straight end 2006 of the body
portion 2001 are two optional cutouts 2005 for ease of handling of
the laser sighting device 2000. Along the top surface 2002 is a
score mark 2008 which runs from the pointed end 2004 to the
straight end 2006. Perpendicular to the top surface 2002 of the
laser sighting device 2000, at the straight end 2006, is a
ball-striking face mating surface 2010 which is constructed and
arranged to be perpendicular to the score mark 2008 which is on the
top surface 2002 of the laser sighting device. Supporting the body
portion 2001 is a rear leg 2012 and two middle legs 2014, 2016. The
three legs 2012, 2014, 2016 provide a space between the bottom
surface 2018 of the laser sighting device 2000 and the surface upon
which the laser sighting device 2000 rests. In this space, a laser
light assembly 2022 is mounted. The laser light assembly 2022 is
attached to the bottom of the laser sighting device 2000 by
engagement of a laser mounting bracket 2024 at the rear of the
laser light assembly 2022 with a laser mounting block 2020. The
laser light assembly 2022 features an on/off switch 2026 and
adjustments 2028 for aiming the laser beam as it passes through
aperture 2030 at the end of the laser light assembly 2022 directed
toward the pointed end 2004 of the laser sighting device 2000.
[0137] Once the laser sighting device 2000 has been placed against
the ball striking surface of the putter's head, the laser assembly
2022 is turned on by engagement of the on/off switch 2026. The
laser light beam passing through the aperture 2030 will follow a
path parallel to the score mark 2008 on the top surface 2002 of the
laser sighting device 2000 and provide an indication to the golfer
where a line projected perpendicularly from the ball-striking face
portion of the club head will lie relative to a target such as a
hole or a simulated hole. By using the laser sighting device 2000,
the golfer or teaching professional will be able to determine how
much the ability of the golfer to aim a golf ball along the target
line is affected by the golfer's right eye or left eye
dominance.
[0138] The following steps are used to determine the accuracy of a
golfer's aim using the laser sighting device 2000.
1 Step 1 - Choose a relatively flat surface on a putting green or,
if inside, on a carpet. Place a background target just behind a
hole or a simulated hole. Step 2 - At a distance of approximately
10-15 feet away from the hole or simulated hole, instruct the
individual golfer to position his/her putter to direct a putt
toward the hole or simulated hole. Step 3 - Once the ball-striking
face of the putter is aligned to the golfer's satisfaction, secure
the putter in place by stabilizing the putter's head to prevent
movement of the putter's head and replace the golf ball with the
laser sighting device. Square the laser sighting device to the
ball-striking face of the putter by placing its back edge flush
against the ball-striking face of the putter. Step 4 - Turn the
laser light on to obtain an indication of the individual golfer's
aim. To obtain a precise assessment of an individual golfer's aim,
check the golfer's aim three to four times without having the
individual golfer view the results. This prevents the individual
golfer from making subconscious directional aim compensating
adjustments.
[0139] Accordingly, the present invention provides easy to use
method by which the measurements for a custom made putter may be
determined and a custom made putter may be manufactured and "fine
tuned" to the special needs of an individual golfer without having
to rely on the capabilities of a special factory. Thus, a better
fit of a custom made putter to the physiological needs of an
individual golfer has been achieved and all waiting time for a
custom made putter has been virtually eliminated.
[0140] While the fitting method of the present invention has been
described according to its preferred and alternate embodiments,
those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other
embodiments of the method of the present invention have now been
enabled. Such other embodiments shall fall within the scope of the
appended claims.
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