U.S. patent application number 09/934809 was filed with the patent office on 2003-01-09 for golf putter.
Invention is credited to Griffin, Ronald E..
Application Number | 20030008724 09/934809 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26920408 |
Filed Date | 2003-01-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030008724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Griffin, Ronald E. |
January 9, 2003 |
Golf putter
Abstract
A golf putter including a head attached rigidly to a shaft
through the center of mass to minimize lateral rotation and to
promote a pendulum like stroke, having optimized mass and shape to
create a powerful "sweet spot" enabling consistent distance
control, superior "feel" and increased "touch" while providing
tangible "forgiveness" for random changes in dynamics introduced by
less skilled players; the head having a continuous face comprised
of a non-radial contour to provide improved rebound trajectory by
initiating overspin and minimizing outside effects on the ball
until all gyroscopic properties allow it to become a stabilized
mass. The head includes a narrow sole to decrease drag, a doze to
brush back taller grass, increasing the odds of making putts
launched from less manicured greens or fringe areas, and semi
circular markings approximating the radius of a golf ball to enable
alignment of the ball with the "sweet spot".
Inventors: |
Griffin, Ronald E.; (San
Jose, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Theresia C. Sandhu, Esq.
955 Woodgrove Lane
San Jose
CA
95136
US
|
Family ID: |
26920408 |
Appl. No.: |
09/934809 |
Filed: |
August 21, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60226300 |
Aug 21, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/251 ;
473/305; 473/313; 473/330; 473/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/007 20130101;
A63B 53/02 20130101; A63B 53/0445 20200801; A63B 60/02 20151001;
A63B 53/0462 20200801; A63B 60/00 20151001; A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/0441 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/251 ;
473/313; 473/330; 473/305; 473/331 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/02; A63B
053/04; A63B 069/36 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A golf putter comprising: A shaft with a top end and a bottom
end, said top end enclosed by a grip and said bottom end fixedly
attached to a head at an angle ten degrees or greater from a
direction perpendicular to said head and a longitudinal axis
extending from said top end to said bottom end;
2. A head having mass, a center of gravity, a top face having an
alignment means, a bottom face having a narrow sole and rearwardly
and upwardly extending doze portion, a front striking face having a
non radial curvature and a sweet spot, a rear section having a cut
out for concentrating said mass at a point of attachment of a
shaft, a heel section and a distal toe section being made of a
metallic or non-metallic material.
3. The head of claim 2 wherein said center of gravity is midway
between said heel and distal toe sections at a point along a
longitudinal axis of a shaft.
4. The head of claim 2 wherein said top face has an alignment means
extending in a radial arc from said front face wherein a fulcrum of
said arc is centered at said center of gravity of said head and
defines said sweet spot.
5. The head of claim 2 wherein said bottom face has a narrow
sole.
6. The head of claim 2 wherein said bottom face has a rearwardly
and upwardly extending doze.
7. The doze of claim 6 wherein said doze extends upwardly and
rearwardly at an angle of greater than 10 degrees from a horizontal
plane.
8. The head of claim 2 wherein said front striking face has a
surface forming a non-radial curvature vertically extending across
said front striking face and a non-radial curvature horizontally
extending across said front striking face whereby when a golf ball
having a surface is struck by said front striking face surface, a
one degree loft is imparted to said golf ball over a larger impact
zone regardless of where on said front striking surface said front
striking surface intersects said golf ball surface at a moment of
impact.
9. The front striking face surface of claim 8 wherein said
vertically and horizontally extending non-radial curvatures are
defined by an arc derived from a smoothing of a series of
individual non-radial surfaces across said front striking face.
10. The individual non-radial surfaces of claim 9 whereby each
non-radial surface is defined by an non-radial curvature
individually formulated to provide a surface which when in contact
with said golf ball surface imparts a one degree loft to said golf
ball regardless of where on said front striking face surface said
front striking face surface intersects said golf ball surface at a
moment of impact.
11. The rear section of claim 2 wherein said cut out removes mass
from said head whereby said center of gravity is concentrated at an
entry point of said shaft along said longitudinal axis of said
shaft rearward of said front face, enabling a pendulum swing by a
golfer.
12. The entry point of claim 11 wherein said entry point is located
at a point midway between said heel and said toe portions of said
putter head.
13. The entry point of claim 11 wherein said entry point is located
a distance away from said point midway between said heel and said
toe portions of said putter head. A golf putter comprising:
14. A shaft with a top end and a bottom end, said bottom end
fixedly attached to a head and a longitudinal axis extending from
said top end to said bottom end;
15. A head having mass, a center of gravity, a top face having an
alignment means, a bottom face having a narrow sole and rearwardly
and upwardly extending doze portion, a front striking face having a
non-radial curvature and a sweet spot, a rear section and a distal
toe section.
16. The head of claim 15 wherein said center of gravity may be at
any point between said heel and distal toe sections along a
longitudinal axis of said shaft.
17. The head of claim 15 wherein said top face has an alignment
means extending in a non-radial arc from said front face wherein a
fulcrum of said non-radial arc is centered at said center of
gravity of said head and defines said sweet spot.
18. The head of claim 15 wherein said bottom face has a rearwardly
and upwardly extending doze.
19. The doze of claim 18 wherein said doze extends upwardly and
rearwardly at an angle of greater than 10 degrees from a horizontal
plane.
20. The head of claim 15 wherein said front striking face has a
surface forming a non-radial curvature vertically extending across
said front striking face and a one degree loft is imparted to said
golf ball regardless of where on said golf ball surface said front
striking surface intersects said golf ball surface at a moment of
impact.
21. The front striking face surface of claim 20 wherein said
vertically and horizontally extending radial curvatures are defined
by an arc derived from a smoothing of a series of individual
non-radial surfaces across said front striking face.
22. The individual non-radial surfaces of claim 21 whereby each
non-radial surface is defined by an non-radial contour individually
formulated to provide a surface which when in contact with said
golf ball surface imparts a one degree loft to said golf ball
regardless of where on said front striking face surface said front
striking surface intersects said golf ball surface at a moment of
impact.
23. The rear section of claim 15 wherein said cut out removes mass
from said head whereby said center of gravity is concentrated at an
entry point of said shaft along said longitudinal axis of said
shaft rearward of said front face, enabling a pendulum swing by a
golfer.
24. The entry point of claim 23 wherein said entry point is located
at a point between said heel and said toe portions of said putter
head.
25. The putter head of claim 15 being composed of metallic or
non-metallic materials. A golf putter head comprising:
26. A head having a top face with an alignment means, a bottom
face, a front striking face having a non-radial curvature, a sweet
spot and a rear section.
27. The head of claim 26 wherein said top face has an alignment
means extending in a non-radial arc from said front face wherein a
fulcrum of said non-radial arc defines said sweet spot.
28. The head of claim 26 wherein said front striking face has a
surface forming a non-radial curvature vertically extending across
said front striking face and a one degree loft is imparted to said
golf ball regardless of where on said front striking face surface
said front striking surface intersects said golf ball surface at a
moment of impact.
29. The front striking face surface of claim 28 wherein said
vertically and horizontally extending non-radial curvatures are
defined by an arc derived from a smoothing of a series of
individual non-radial contours across said front striking face.
30. The individual non-radial surfaces of claim 29 whereby each
non-radial surface is defined by a non-radial curve individually
formulated to provide a surface which when in contact with said
golf ball surface imparts a one degree loft to said golf ball
regardless of where on said front striking face surface said front
striking face surface intersects said golf ball surface at a moment
of impact.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/226,300, filed Aug. 21, 2000.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to the field of sports
equipment used in the game of golf, more particularly to a golf
putter with an improved putter face, alignment means, doze, sole
and its preferred embodiments.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The object of the sport of golf is to attain a score of
"Par", a 72-stroke standard over a typical course where there are
18 individual fairways or "holes" to be played. In order to score
well on each hole, when beginning the series of strokes designed to
move the ball from the tee to the hole or cup into which the ball
must be dropped, a golfer must first strike the ball with a golf
club called a wood, designed to hit the ball as straight and long
as possible or a golf club called an iron to attain distance and
achieve control over the ball as it lands on the designated green
area surrounding the hole. The object of the game is to move the
ball from the initial teeing off position of each hole to the
designated green area of each hole in as few strokes as possible.
Once the ball lands on the green, an area of short well-cut grass
forming a uniform surface, the golfer uses a putter to move the
ball towards and into the hole itself.
[0004] While golf courses vary in design, most follow a standard
configuration of four par 5 holes, ten par 4 holes, and four par 3
holes. To maintain a uniform scoring system the game allows for 2
strokes per hole using a club called a putter to finally drop the
golf ball into a cup 41/4 inches in diameter, partially buried in
the earth. The current scoring standard for a par 72 game calls for
36 putts and 36 of all other shots. Improving the function of the
putter and achieving a precise execution of putting skills is
essential to developing a winning scoring strategy. Optimization of
the putter and putting skills is as essential as the optimization
of all other clubs and skills combined. It is to that end that the
golf putter herein described has been invented.
[0005] A putter is composed of a shaft upon which is mounted a
handle at the uppermost end and a putter head on the lowermost end
which comes in actual contact with the ball. The shaft may be
attached to the putter head on its uppermost surface either in the
center between the two ends or at some point nearer one of the
ends. To be tournament legal, the putter face must have a length in
the direction horizontal to the ground longer than its vertical
height; It must have a continuous face, and the angle at which the
shaft joins the head must be no less than 10 degrees off the
vertical. The angle of the shaft requires the golfer to position
his body close to the grip ostensibly to be in a position to better
align the putter with the ball, to position the putter so that the
surface of the putter contacts the ball at the desired location and
to accurately determine the direction of travel required to reach
the hole. The resultant crowded, hunched position of the golfer
inhibits the pendulum like swing of the ideal putting stroke.
[0006] The present invention includes a shaft that extends rigidly
from the putter head at an angle greater than 10 degrees from the
vertical. This allows the golfer more freedom to execute a pendulum
swing which is more likely to result in a controlled contact with
the ball. The guide contours described below enable the golfer to
align the ball with the optimum striking surface, allowing him or
her to view the guidelines and ball from a position directly above
the ball.
[0007] The ball will travel in a direction perpendicular to the
face of the putter at the moment the face of the putter strikes the
ball. Therefore it is desirable that the putter face be
perpendicular to the direction that the ball must travel in order
to arrive at the hole. If the putter face is not perpendicular to
this direction, the ball will not arrive at the hole and extra
strokes will be required to make the ball fall into the hole.
[0008] Commonly, the golfer is required to grasp the putter firmly
to assure that the ends of the putter do not move off the plane
perpendicular to the ball's direction of travel. During the
pendulum swing of the putt, the golfer must be careful to hold the
grip rigidly to avoid twisting the grip with resultant movement of
the putter head to an angle off the perpendicular to the ball's
desired direction of travel. During the pendulum swing of the putt,
the golfer must exert excess torque on the grip to maintain the
putter head in the desired position. In order to achieve the
desired putt, the golfer must be practiced in exerting the proper
amount of torque to compensate for the putter's tendency to rotate
or twist during the swing.
[0009] During the swing of the putt, the head of a face balanced,
or "dynamically" balanced putter remains perpendicular to the
desired direction of travel of the ball and parallel to the ground.
Thus the golfer does not have to exert torque on the grip to
maintain the putter head in the desired position.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,984 to Solheim discloses his solution to
minimizing twist during the swing. He distributes the weight of the
putter head in the heel and toe sections. Further, U.S. Pat. No.
5,913,731 to Westerman provides a face balance by offsetting the
shaft from the center of the putter head and including a double
bend in the shaft. This distribution of weight and offsetting of
the shaft from the center of the putter head results in a dulling
of the sensation when kinetic energy is imparted to the ball as it
is hit. The golfer experiences a reduced "touch" and "feel" and is
not able to effectively judge how much force has been applied to
the ball because he cannot "feel" the impact.
[0011] The putter head of the present invention has mass
concentrated near the shaft at the center of the putter head behind
the impact zone of the putter head face. This weight distribution
results in a better release of the kinetic energy of the swing to
the ball. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft is inserted into
the putter head at the center of the putter head. Thus, the axis of
the putter shaft extends through the center of the putter head,
resulting in a static balance where the head of the putter assumes
a position vertical to the plane of the ground when the putter is
balanced at a point along its shaft. Normally, a statically
balanced putter exhibits a tendency to twist or rotate during the
pendulum swing. However, in the present invention, the
concentration of weight in the center of the putter head along the
axis of the shaft effectively limits twist which would result if
the weight of the putter head were evenly distributed along the
length of the putter head or concentrated in the toe and heel. The
putter's balance is laterally extended from the center of mass
outwardly to promote a pendulum like swing increasing the chances
of the front face remaining parallel with the ground and
perpendicular to the target while moving through the putting
stroke
[0012] Further, the advantage of the putter head weight being
concentrated at the center near the shaft rather than distributed
along the length of the putter head or concentrated at the opposing
ends of the putter head is that there is greater feed back up the
shaft (i.e. the golfer is better able to feel the impact of the
putter head against the ball and consequently control the force
used to propel the ball towards the hole.) The head weight is
distributed by forming a cavity behind the heel and toe causing the
center of gravity of the putter head to rise from the bottom
portion of the putter head to the optimum strike area. Positioning
the weight increasingly up toward the middle and centering the
majority of the mass directly behind the optimum strike area
creates a dense and powerful "sweet spot", allowing the user to use
shorter and more compact strokes for more consistent distance
control and a decrease of the human error factor.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 1,525,137 to Lawton teaches "flexibility of
the hosel" with the objective to make the shank more flexible,
avoid crowding of the ball and the resultant checking of the ball's
movement. The putter of present invention has no hosel and the head
is rigidly attached to the shaft to decrease lateral rotation and
impart greater control over the speed and direction of the golf
ball.
[0014] Further, it is desirable that the putter approach the ball
while grazing the surface of the green and contact the ball at a
point on the equator of the ball, a point along the circumference
of the ball that is equidistant from the top and the bottom of the
ball as it rests on the surface of the green. In reality, most
golfers will not strike the ball with the putter in the ideal
position, resting on the surface of the green, but will strike the
ball with the putter at some variable distance above the surface of
the green resulting in the putter hitting the ball at some unknown
point either above or below the equator. Hitting the ball above the
equator results in imparting an undesirable spin to the ball and
driving the ball into the ground which causes the ball to bounce
uncontrollably. Striking the ball at a point below the equator
results in a lofting or lifting of the ball and a subsequent loss
of control.
[0015] It is desirable to impart a slight forward or "over" spin to
the ball. This results in the ball hugging the ground without
bouncing or skipping. U.S. Pat. No. 1,525,137 issued to Lawton
describes a desire to "avoid crowding the ball toward the ground".
However, U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,739 to Garcia points out that "a
preferred putter would propel the golf ball forward with overspin
in order to create greater control between the putter face, the
golf ball and the putting surface." An overspin results when the
putter surface hits the surface of the ball at a one degree angle
forward from the perpendicular. The putter of present invention
imparts over spin in order to create improved control of the putter
face, the golf ball, and the putting surface.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,739 to Garcia discloses a putter which
has a radius of curvature of the ball striking face of about
between 0.84 and 1.12 inches. Both the horizontal plane and the
ball striking face are located essentially 0.84 inches from the
sole. The strike point of the Garcia putter is ideally at the
intersection of the horizontal plane and the radius of curvature of
the ball striking face. This design accomplishes two objectives,
namely 1--to impart an overspin to the ball and 2--to eliminate the
possibility of lofting the ball. Garcia further points out that
regardless of whether the putter hits the ball while grazing the
ground or while at some distance from the ground, the curvature of
the striking face renders lofting impossible.
[0017] However, Garcia assumes that golfers will use a "preferred
putting stroke". This assumption overlooks the possibility that the
golfer may swing the putter so that at the point of impact, the
shaft is at a forward angle rather than perpendicular to or at an
obtuse angle to the ground. If the shaft is at a forward angle to
the ground, the beveled edge may contact the ball with uncertain
results.
[0018] Further, Garcia does not consider that the ideal forward
motion of the ball includes not only an overspin but a one degree
loft. An ideal loft is imparted by where the ball is struck by a
putter surface that is one degree off the perpendicular. The
putting head surface in Garcia invention is merely defined by a
radius similar to the radius of the golf ball.
[0019] The present invention comprises a putting head surface with
a non radial curvature which results in a striking surface that is
approximately a one to 3 degree deviation from the perpendicular
regardless of what part of the putter head actually impacts the
ball.
[0020] Many commercially available golf putters including Ping.TM.,
Oddessy.TM. and Callaway.TM. address the problem of imparting a
loft by having a putter head surface which is three to five degrees
forward off the perpendicular when the shaft is held
perpendicularly to the ground. Unfortunately, if the putter head
strikes the ball surface at the equator while the shaft is
perpendicular to the ground, the ideal overspin and loft would not
be realized. This requires the golfer to hold the putter in such a
manner as to deloft the putter to maintain the position of the head
vertical to the ground. This presumes that the golfer strikes the
ball with the putter shaft at a position nearly vertical to the
ground. However, most golfers strike the ball at an angle greater
than one degree forward, imparting an excessive overspin resulting
in a bounce, or an angle greater than one degree backward resulting
in an uncontrollable lofting of the ball.
[0021] U.S. Pat. No. 1,525,137 issued to Lawton which describes a
putter with a curved, cylindrical face wherein the contact point
between the club and the ball is above the center of the ball. The
putter of present invention to strikes the ball at the preferred 1
degree of loft at the point of contact whether above, below or at
the equator of the ball. Lawton further discloses a convex striking
face curving upwardly and backwardly in order to impart an overspin
to the ball. The Lawton putter does nothing to impart a loft to the
ball, a loft which compensates for excessive overspin and helps to
avoid driving the ball into the ground.
[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,307 issued to Guerin D. Rife discloses a
weight distribution formed by a cavity in the upper surface whereby
the predominance of the weight of the head is at the heel, the toe
and bottom portions of the putter. This bottom weight configuration
is combined with a ball striking face having a loft no greater than
three degrees. The weight distribution, acting to lift the ball
when it is struck, eliminates the need for a more lofted ball
striking face. The purpose of the lofted face is to maintain the
golf ball closer to the ground immediately after impact.
[0023] The obvious drawback to the lofted face is that it creates
"skid" or "slide" which is the initial travel of the golf ball
prior to the moment when the friction from the putting surfaces
forces the golf ball to begin its forward roll toward the golf
hole. The bottom weight configuration contributes to excessive
slide.
[0024] The present invention has a center of mass located above the
bottom immediately behind the "sweet spot" or preferred area of
impact on the striking surface along the longitudinal axis of the
shaft. The location of the putter's center of mass enables a
pendulum like swing and contributes to an increased ability of the
golfer to fell the ball and sense the precise amount of force
required to impel the ball toward the target. The striking face of
the present invention imparts a desirable one-degree loft to the
ball regardless of where on the putter head striking surface impact
is made.
[0025] U.S. Pat. No. 4,077,633 issued to Mr. George Studen
discloses a golf ball striking face on the head "being" divided
into two contiguous transverse face segments, the lower of which is
slanted downwardly and backward at about 1-7 degrees, and the upper
of which is slanted upwardly and backward at about: 1-3 degrees. It
further envisions a non-planar, obtuse angle configuration for the
ball striking face and the contact being envisioned preferably
along the intersection between two contiguous transverse face
segments mentioned. The problem with this invention is that is
assumes once again that the putter head is grazing the ground and
that the shaft is vertical to the ground when the ball is impacted.
Studen attempts to compensate for an imperfect position of the
shaft and height of the putter off the ground by introducing angles
to the face of the putter. However if the ball is hit on the follow
through of the stroke by the lower transverse segment, a likely
scenario since the putter will be rising up from the ground, the
angle of the putter off the vertical at impact will be close to
zero.
[0026] The assumption implicit in the design of a putter having a
face of one degree off the perpendicular is that the putter is
striking the ball when the sole of the putter is grazing the
ground. Most golfers do not know or understand how high their
putter is from the ground at the moment of impact with the ball.
Professional golfers correct for variances in the height of their
putter from the ground by holding the shaft in a position known as
delofting to result in the ball being hit at a one-degree angle off
the perpendicular. This favorable or preferred stroke results in
the ball being hit at a one-degree angle. The success of this
depends heavily on the experience and skill of the golfer. This
method is unreliable for the average golfer.
[0027] The present invention solves the problem of imparting a one
degree loft and a controllable overspin to the ball by providing a
novel striking surface which impacts the ball at a one degree angle
off the perpendicular throughout an expanded strike zone or "sweet
spot". The striking surface of the preferred embodiment is defined
by a closed plane curvature generated by a point moving in such a
way that the sums of its distances from two fixed points is a
constant. The new striking surface of the present invention begins
with a 1-degree non-radial contour in the optimum-striking center
in the middle of the striking surface. A non-radial striking face
is created by using the equivalent of a finite element grid
specified to reshape the striking surface at {fraction (1/10)}-inch
increments and recalculate the surface contour to allow its user a
1-degree ball strike when the ball is impacted at any point on the
putter head striking surface. This provides a tangible
"forgiveness" for those less skilled in the art of putting. Thus,
if the golfer strikes the ball with the shaft angled forward or
angled back from the striking point, or with the putter head at a
varying distance from the ground, the ball will attain the desired
overspin and loft. The present invention compensates for
unfavorable strokes, correcting for under and over striking through
the use of a novel surface curvature.
[0028] Putters in use up to this time have proven themselves useful
for professional players or those well practiced in the art of
putting. Unfortunately one needs to work for years to perfect the
skills necessary to use these clubs in such a manner as to attain
preferred results
[0029] Without the years of practice it takes to perfect a pendulum
like swing or the hours of lessons to required to attain the skills
needed to deloft putters common in the art and strike the ball at
the preferred 1 degree loft most golfers have fallen far short of
the "Par" standard. In fact 85% of golfers have attested scores
above 85 strokes. Hence golfers have an immediate need for a new
golf putter.
[0030] Although pre-existing putter advances are noteworthy to one
extent or another, none have achieved the object of an effective,
efficient, and economical putter head, which always imparts a
preferred forward motion with overspin to a golf ball.
[0031] Various devices have been used to provide the golfer with a
means to line the putter up with the ball so that the ball is
struck in the sweet spot of the putter strike face. U.S. Pat. No.
4,077,633 to Studen, U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,035 to Calozzo, U.S. Pat.
No. 5,921,871 to Fisher, U.S. Pat. No. 5,913,731 to Westerman all
disclose alignment mechanisms on the upper surface of the putter
head consisting of either a single line (Westerman and Fisher),
straight parallel lines delineating a line of sight (Calozzo) or
parallel lines perpendicular to the line of sight (Studen). The
lines either extend or are repeated across a length of the putter
head corresponding to the diameter of the golf ball. The lines may
terminate at the edge of the putter head or may be truncated to
form a semicircle roughly conforming to the curvature of the
circumference of the golf ball. The golfer is forced to project the
lines and estimate where the edges of the golf ball will line up
with the parallel lines' edges.
[0032] The alignment means of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention is a pair of lines on the top surface of the
putter head forming a semicircle, the curvature of which
corresponds to the circumference of a golf ball. The center of the
semicircle is at a point on the top surface directly above the
desired strike point, extending from the forward edge of the putter
head towards the rear of the putter head. The lines may be engraved
on or form depressions in the surface of the putter head. The lines
may be colored so that they contrast with the color of the putter
head itself The advantage of having circular lines corresponding to
the circumference of the golf ball is that the golfer may make a
quick check of the hand positioning while using the circular lines
as a precise guide for proper sight alignment because the golfer's
eye flows naturally from the extended edges of the curved lines to
the ball itself much as a cupped catcher's mitt enables the catcher
to envision where the ball will land and line up his mitt
accordingly.
[0033] Putters common in the art are designed to have a wide sole.
This provides a surface upon which the putter may rest and slide
upon the ground, giving the golfer a means of aligning the putter
so that the putter head sweet spot meets with the ball at the
equator of the ball. The implicit assumption is that the ground or
green along which the putter glides is smooth, having no friction.
In reality, putters are also used along the fringes of the putting
green where the grass is not well manicured or smooth.
[0034] Further, the putting green itself may be wet or
un-manicured. The resultant friction between the putter sole and
the surface of the ground creates a drag that interferes with the
smooth execution of the putt and results in loss of control during
the putt.
[0035] The preferred embodiment of the present invention solves
this problem by limiting the width of the sole across the
transverse portion of the putter head. The head forms a narrow sole
to decrease drag allowing a smoother juncture between the earth,
the grass and the putter. In addition, the sharp edged rearward
angle extending rearwardly from the sole forms a doze to brush back
the taller grass, increasing the odds of making putts launched from
less manicured greens or from the fringe areas surrounding the
green.
[0036] As illustrated by the great number of prior patents as well
as commercial devices, efforts are continuously being made in an
attempt to improve putters to render them more efficient, effective
and economical. None of these previous efforts, however, provides
the benefits of touch, accuracy and control of trajectory attendant
with the present invention. Additionally, putters and putter heads
common in the art do not suggest the present inventive combination
of component elements arranged and configured as disclosed and
claimed herein.
[0037] The present invention achieves its intended purposes,
objects and advantages over the putters known in the art through a
new, useful and non-obvious combination of component elements, with
the use of a minimum number of functioning parts, at a reasonable
cost to manufacture and by employing readily available
materials.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0038] It is an object of this invention to provide an improved
putter for use during tournament play in the sport of golf having a
head that achieves compliance with the rules of golf as promulgated
by the USGA.
[0039] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter including a head having a continuous face that measures no
wider than its longest length attached to a shaft at greater than a
10 degree angle with the remainder of the shaft covered by a
grip.
[0040] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter head including a body having the quantity and location of
mass in conjunction with shape to enhance the ease of performing a
pendulum-like swing and to provide the user with superior "feel"
and increased "touch".
[0041] Another object of this invention is to provide the golfer
with a means of aligning the putter head with the golf ball with a
minimum of effort on his part, allowing his dominant eye to easily
follow through from the putter head to the ball on a direct line of
sight to the hole.
[0042] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter head including a body that is not prone to dragging and
which compensates for the uncertainties of the surface upon which
the ball rests.
[0043] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter including a head having a new shape, overall balance and
weight distribution to provide increased influence over the
accuracy of a putt, providing a tangible "forgiveness" for the
variables imposed by a hostile human factor that interfere with the
successful completion of a putt.
[0044] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter head including a body having a front face with a series of
surface angles to provide improved rebound trajectory including a
more desirable over-spin and loft, thus increasing accuracy and
distance control.
[0045] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter head including a body having a non radial-front face along
the horizontal and vertical axes to initiate overspin, minimizing
the outside effects on the ball and forcing it into an early
gyroscopic stability, obtaining a better transfer of kinetic energy
from the swing to the ball, allowing the user to execute shorter
and more compact strokes and providing the user with an enhanced
ability to execute more accurate putts.
[0046] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter head which compensates for the random changes in dynamics
often introduced by those less skilled in the art of putting,
thereby enhancing the user's ability to attain preferred
results.
[0047] Another object of the present invention is to provide a golf
putter head that can be milled, machined, cast, forged or molded
using one or more of several materials and methods as is typical in
the industry.
[0048] Various other objects and advantages of the present
invention, and its most novel features, will become apparent to
those skilled in the art by perusing the accompanying
specification, drawings and claims.
[0049] It is to be understood that although the invention disclosed
herein is fully capable of achieving the objects and providing the
advantages described, the characteristics of the invention
described in the specification are merely illustrative of a
preferred embodiment.
[0050] Accordingly, I do not intend that the scope of my exclusive
rights and privileges in the invention be limited to the details of
the embodiments described. I do intend that equivalents, adaptation
and modifications of the invention reasonably inferable from the
description contained herein are included within the scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0051] The present invention is an improved golf putter using a
novel combination of shape, balance, weight distribution, to
provide a superior "feel" and increased "touch", a more accurate
trajectory, and compensation for unfavorable strokes, achieving a
new, useful and non-obvious technology which will become apparent
to persons skilled in the art upon disclosure of the invention
described herein.
[0052] The putter head of the preferred embodiment of the present
invention has mass concentrated near the shaft at the center of the
putter head. In the preferred embodiment, the shaft is inserted
into the putter head at its center. Thus, the axis of the putter
shaft extends through the center of the putter head, resulting in a
static balance where the head of the putter assumes a position
vertical to the plane of the ground when the putter is balanced at
a point along its shaft. Normally, a statically balanced putter
exhibits a tendency to twist or rotate during the pendulum swing.
However, in the present invention, the concentration of weight in
the center of the putter head along the axis of the shaft
effectively limits twist which would result if the weight of the
putter head were evenly distributed along the length of the putter
head or concentrated in the toe and heel. The putter's balance is
laterally extended from the center of mass outwardly to promote a
pendulum like swing increasing the chances of the front face
remaining parallel with the ground and perpendicular to the target
while moving through the putting stroke. The concentration of mass
near the shaft also provides for greater feed back up the shaft
(i.e. the golfer is better able to feel the impact of the putter
head against the ball and consequently control the force used to
propel the ball towards the hole.) The head weight is distributed
by forming a cavity behind the heel and toe causing the center of
gravity of the putter head to rise from the bottom portion of the
putter head to the optimum strike area. The sharp angle of the
dozed back further positions the weight upward to the center of the
putter heads rear to optimize weight distribution directly behind
the strike center creating a dense and powerful center of inertia
assisting its user to develop a shorter and more compact back and
forth stroke to attain superior "feel" and increased "touch"
providing for consistent distance control. Positioning the weight
increasingly up toward the middle and centering the majority of the
mass directly behind the optimum strike area creates a dense and
powerful "sweet spot" providing the user consistent distance
control.
[0053] The present invention includes a shaft that extends rigidly
from a putter head at an angle greater than 10 degrees from the
vertical allowing the golfer more freedom to execute the pendulum
swing which is more likely to result in a controlled contact with
the ball while conforming to tournament rules of play established
by the USGA. The putter head is rigidly attached to the shaft to
decrease lateral rotation and impart greater control over the speed
and direction of the golf ball.
[0054] The alignment means of the preferred embodiment of the
present invention is a pair of lines on the top surface of the
putter head forming a semicircle, the curvature of which
corresponds to the circumference of a golf ball. The center of the
semicircle is at a point on the top surface directly above the
desired strike point, the "sweet spot", extending from the forward
edge of the putter head towards the rear of the putter head. The
lines may be engraved on or form depressions in the surface of the
putter head. The lines may be colored so that they contrast with
the color of the putter head itself. The advantage of having
circular lines corresponding to the circumference of the golf ball
is that they form a frame around the golf ball whereby the golfer
may make a quick check of hand positioning while serving as a
precise guide for proper sight alignment. The golfer's eye flows
naturally from the extended edges of the curved lines to the ball
itself much as a cupped catcher's mitt enables the catcher to
envision where the ball will land and line up his mitt
accordingly.
[0055] At either ends of the radius the back forms a line parallel
to the face improving the golfer's ability to keep the clubface
square throughout impact. The tip ends are flat and square. In a
preferred embodiment, the putter head measures 41/4 inches in
overall length, approximately the same as the diameter of the hole,
so that the golfer can more easily see the desired direction of
ball travel which must be maintained in order to fell the ball into
the hole. The putter head of the preferred embodiment has with
rounded edges on the bottom and the top of the heel and toe
portions to reduce snag and snare and to maintain aesthetic
uniformity.
[0056] The present invention compensates for unfavorable strokes,
correcting for under and over striking through the use of a novel
striking surface curvature to strike the ball at the preferred 1
degree of loft at the point of contact whether above below or at
the equator of the ball. The imparted loft compensates for
excessive overspin and helps to avoid driving the ball into the
ground.
[0057] The present invention imparts a one degree loft and a
controllable overspin to the ball, forcing it into an early
gyroscopic stability and minimizing outside effects on the ball
until, by providing a novel striking surface which impacts the ball
at a one degree angle off the perpendicular regardless of where on
the striking surface the ball is struck. The striking surface of
the preferred embodiment of the present invention is defined by a
closed plane curvature generated by a point moving in such a way
that the sums of its distances from two fixed points is a constant.
The new striking surface of the present invention begins with a
1-degree non-radial contour in the optimum-striking center in the
middle of the striking surface. The equivalent of a finite element
grid is used in reshaping the striking surface at {fraction (1/10)}
inch increments and recalculating the surface contour to allow its
user a 1-degree ball strike when the ball is impacted at any point
on its surface. This achieves a non-radial striking face, imitating
the positioning at impact of those more practiced in the art of
putting further providing an increased "touch" and superior "feel"
and is self compensating for the random positioning of the putter
head during the swing and at the moment of impact, providing a
tangible "forgiveness" for those less skilled in the art of
putting.
[0058] Thus, if the golfer strikes the ball with the shaft angled
forward, angled back from the striking point, or the putter head
any distance from the ground, the ball will attain the desired
overspin and loft. The present invention compensates for
unfavorable strokes, correcting for under and over striking through
the use of a novel surface curvature.
[0059] A preferred embodiment of the present invention limits the
width of the sole across the transverse portion of the putter head.
The bottom portion of the head forms a narrow sole to decrease drag
and to provide for a smooth juncture between the earth, the grass
and the putter. In addition, the sharp edged rearward angle
extending rearwardly and upwardly from the sole forms a doze to
brush back the taller grass, increasing the odds of making putts
launched from less manicured greens or from the fringe areas
surrounding the green.
[0060] The putting head may be formed by milling, machining,
casting, molding or forging using one or more of several materials
and methods as is typical in the industry.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention
showing non-radial contours on the curved non-radial front striking
surface.
[0062] FIG. 2 is a side view of the golf putter head of the present
invention showing the individual non-radial contours of the curved
non-radial front striking surface, the narrow sole and the angle of
the doze.
[0063] FIG. 3 is a side view of the golf putter head of the present
invention in a machined embodiment indicating the changes in angle
of the front striking surface when the individual non-radial
contours of FIG. 2 are smoothed over.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the putter head of the present
invention in an ideal striking position with sole adjacent to the
ground.
[0065] FIG. 5 shows a side view of the putter head of FIG. 4 in a
non-ideal striking position with sole some distance from the
ground.
[0066] FIG. 6 shows the putter head of FIGS. 4 and 5 in a non-ideal
striking position with the shaft tilted forward and backward,
illustrating impact points above and below the equator of the
ball.
[0067] FIG. 7 shows a top view of the putter head of FIGS. 4, 5 and
6 in a non-ideal striking position with the putter head twisted
illustrating impact points to the side of the desired direction of
travel of the ball.
[0068] FIG. 8 is a magnified cross sectional view of the putter
head face showing the individual non-radial contours in contact
with the ball. The exploded views illustrate the curve resulting
from a smoothing of the non-radial contours and the one-degree loft
imparted to the ball by any of the non-radial contours at the point
of impact.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a magnified cross sectional view of the putter
head face with the putter raised a distance from the ground as in
FIG. 5 showing the individual non-radial contours in contact with
the ball.
[0070] FIG. 10 is a top view of the putter head showing the
non-radial curvature and individual non-radial contours along the
longitudinal axis of the putter head, the cut out and the alignment
means.
[0071] FIG. 11 is a top view showing the putter head in putting
position with relation to the ball and the hole.
[0072] FIG. 12 is a top view of the putter head
[0073] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the putter head showing the
narrow sole and the doze.
[0074] FIG. 14 is a plan view of an embodiment of the putter head
striking face where the front surface is milled.
[0075] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of FIG. 14.
[0076] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
putter head showing the shaft at the center of the head with an
angle suitable for right handed golfers.
[0077] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
putter head showing the shaft at the center of the head with an
angle suitable for left handed golfers.
[0078] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the
putter head showing the shaft entering the head at an offset from
the center with an angle suitable for right handed golfers.
[0079] FIG. 19 is a side view showing a face-balanced embodiment of
the present invention.
[0080] FIG. 20 is a side view showing a static balanced embodiment
of the present invention.
[0081] FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing an embodiment with the
non-radially curved striking face of the present invention on a
heel and toe weighted putter.
[0082] FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing an embodiment with the
non-radially curved striking face of the present invention on a
blade putter.
[0083] FIG. 23 is a perspective view showing an embodiment with the
non-radially curved striking face of the present invention on a
mallet putter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0084] Turning now to the detail of the drawings, FIG. 1 shows the
front striking face 7 of the present invention putter head 1 with a
magnified view showing a sample 1/2 inch by 1/2 inch finite element
grid 2 and one individual {fraction (1/10)} inch by {fraction
(1/10)} inch non-radially shaped surface area 3. Each non-radially
shaped surface area 3 is formed by the intersection of the non
radial curvature of the surface along the vertical plane (see FIG.
2) and the non-radial curvature of the surface along the horizontal
plane of the strike face of the putter head (see FIG. 10).
[0085] FIG. 2 shows a side view of the putter head of the present
invention. This view shows the narrow sole plate 5 and the angle
theta of the doze 6. Theta is a minimum of 10 degrees. The front
striking face 7 is characterized by individual non-radial contours
8 recalculated at each {fraction (1/10)} of an inch along the
vertical plane of the front striking face. Each non-radial contour
8 is unique, individually calculated and shaped to provide a one
degree loft to a golf ball 9 (See FIGS. 4, 5 and 6) at any impact
point along the surface of the putter head striking surface 7.
[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates the points 26 along the putter head 1
where the recalculations take place. FIG. 8 shows a greatly
enlarged cross sectional view of the front striking surface of the
putter head striking surface 7 and the golf ball surface 10. View A
shows a magnified view of the non-radial surface 11 of an
individual non-radial contour 3 in contact with the surface 10 of
the golf ball at the moment of impact. At this moment, the
non-radial surface 11 imparts a one degree loft (alpha is one
degree) to the ball 9. The dotted line in view B of FIG. 8
indicates the smoothing of the surface of the putter head 19 along
the vertical axis of the front striking surface 7 with the surface
being defined by the tangents of each non-radial contour 8. FIG. 3
illustrates the smooth non-radial surface of the striking face 19
accomplished by machining. FIG. 3 shows that the angle of curvature
changes at each {fraction (1/10)} of an inch 26 across the vertical
axis of the striking face. FIG. 10 shows that the angle of
curvature changes at each {fraction (1/10)} of an inch across
horizontal axis of the strike face 7. Note that in one embodiment,
the strike face appears slightly bowed as shown in FIG. 10.
[0087] FIG. 4 shows a side view of the putter head 1 with the shaft
13 and putter head 1 held perpendicularly to the ground with the
sole 4 adjacent to the ground. In this ideal putting position, the
front striking surface 7 will intersect the ball 9 at the equator
of the golf ball 14, imparting an over-spin and one degree loft to
the ball 9, propelling the ball 9 in a direction of travel 15
towards the hole 16. FIG. 4 shows the ideal putting position
attainable only after much practice and by only a very few golfers.
The more likely scenario is shown in FIG. 5. The putter head 1 is
held some unknown distance off the ground 17. The front striking
surface 7 impacts the surface of the ball 9 at an unknown point on
the surface of the putter striking face. With other putters known
and used in the sport of golf, the variability of distance 17 would
create uncertainty as to where the impact point with the ball 9
would be and result in an unpredictable over-spin and/or loft to
the ball 9. The striking surface 7 of the present invention will
impart a one-degree loft and overspin to the ball 9 regardless of
where on the striking surface the ball is impacted. Distance 17 may
be any length consistent with actually striking the ball. Since it
takes many years of practice to repeatably hit the ball with the
putter head a predictable distance from the ground, the present
invention provides for a great deal of forgiveness in the swing.
Further, the inexperienced golfer is much more likely to hit the
ball with the shaft 13 at a non-perpendicular angle from the
direction of travel 15 as shown in FIG. 6 resulting in the ball
being propelled forward with an undesirable loft (rearward angle)
or an undesirable skidding and bounce (foreward angle). Further
complicating the task of propelling the ball 9 forward is that the
novice golfer will tend to twist even the most well balanced putter
as shown in FIG. 7. The recalculation of the non-radial curvature
of the striking surface 7 along the horizontal axis of the putter
head 1 results in a non-radial curvature which is forgiving to the
twist 18.
[0088] FIG. 10 is a top view of the putter head 7 showing the
cutout 19 of the back surface 21 which tends to concentrate mass of
the putter head at the entrance point 20 of the shaft. 13. The
center of mass is further concentrated upwardly from the bottom of
the putter head by the cut of the doze 6 as seen in FIGS. 2, 3, 4
and 5.
[0089] FIG. 10 also shows the alignment means 22 where the
curvature of the lines 22 may be engraved into the top surface of
the putter head, painted or otherwise applied in a contrasting
color to the surface of the putter head. The diameter of the of the
circle defined by the curvature of the lines 22 is approximately
the same as the diameter of a golf ball 9 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0090] In the preferred embodiment, the width of the putter head 1
is approximately the same as the diameter of the hole 16 in which
the ball is to be sunk. This feature further enables the golfer to
envision the path the ball must travel and to align the putter head
1 with the hole 16 to determine the correct direction of travel for
the ball 9 as shown in FIG. 11.
[0091] FIG. 12 shows a top view similar to FIG. 10. Note that the
angle and resultant thickening of the mass at the center point of
the putter head 23 concentrates the center of mass near the entry
point of the shaft. FIG. 13 shows a view of the bottom portion of
the putter head 1 showing the narrow sole 4., the front striking
face 7 and the doze 6. Note the curved outline 23 revealing a shape
designed to concentrate mass at the center of the putter head 1 and
away from the sole plate 4.
[0092] FIGS. 14 and 15 are respectively plan and perspective views
of the striking face 7 of the present invention showing a radius of
curvature along the vertical axis of the front striking face 7
where the surface has been milled smooth. It can be appreciated
that the manufacture of the putter head in metallic form such as
brass and the like require that the putter head surface vertical
curvature extend across the face horizontally. Thus the curvature
of the front striking surface 7 as shown in FIG. 10 may not appear
in such an embodiment.
[0093] FIGS. 16, 17 and 18 show perspective views of various
embodiments of the shaft placement and angle with respect to the
putter head. FIG. 16 shows a putter designed for the right handed
golfer with the shaft 13 in the center of the putter head 1. FIG.
17 shows an embodiment with the shaft positioned to suit a left
handed golfer. FIG. 18 shows the shaft off center.
[0094] FIG. 19 shows a side view of the putter 24 in balance in the
face balance position with the putter in balance at its center of
gravity 25. FIG. 20 shows a side view of the putter 24 in balance
in a static balance position with the putter in balance at its
center of gravity 25.
[0095] FIGS. 21, 22 and 23 show varying embodiments of the
invention where the non-radially curved strike face 7 is
incorporated into the common heel and toe weighted putter, the
blade putter and the mallet putter head designs.
* * * * *