U.S. patent application number 10/737177 was filed with the patent office on 2005-02-17 for golf club head.
Invention is credited to Green, Timothy M..
Application Number | 20050037854 10/737177 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 30002561 |
Filed Date | 2005-02-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050037854 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green, Timothy M. |
February 17, 2005 |
Golf club head
Abstract
A golf club (110) has a head (111) with a curved reflective
surface (128) for visually aligning a shot. The club head is
counterbalanced above the plane of the ball (120) and has balance
weights (116, 118) which may be selected to accommodate the style
and preference of the user. The striking surface may be of a
different material than the surrounding club head to dampen
vibration on the stroke and may be of a material tailored to the
user's preference. The other parts of the club may also be
composites of several materials to assist in dampening vibration.
An alternative aligning structure uses lenticular lens (142, 144,
146) to provide guiding images to the user.
Inventors: |
Green, Timothy M.; (Fenton,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HARNESS, DICKEY, & PIERCE, P.L.C
7700 BONHOMME, STE 400
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105
US
|
Family ID: |
30002561 |
Appl. No.: |
10/737177 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10737177 |
Dec 15, 2003 |
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09958400 |
Oct 9, 2001 |
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6679781 |
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09958400 |
Oct 9, 2001 |
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PCT/US00/11154 |
Apr 25, 2000 |
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60130965 |
Apr 26, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/226 ;
473/240; 473/242; 473/251; 473/256; 473/288; 473/332; 473/342 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0416 20200801;
A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 53/0437 20200801; A63B 69/3685
20130101; A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B
2053/0491 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/226 ;
473/240; 473/242; 473/251; 473/256; 473/332; 473/342; 473/288 |
International
Class: |
A63B 069/36 |
Claims
1-21. (Canceled)
22. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface and a
reflective surface disposed above the striking surface for
reflecting an image of a golf ball to a user when the striking
surface is adjacent the golf ball, the reflective surface having a
convex curvature relative to at least one of a horizontal direction
and a vertical direction.
23. The golf putter head of claim 22, wherein the reflective
surface includes a convex curvature relative to both the horizontal
direction and the vertical direction.
24. The golf putter head of claim 22, further comprising a rear
surface positioned opposite the striking surface and the reflective
surface, and at least one weight coupled to the rear surface above
the striking surface.
25. The golf putter head of claim 24, wherein the at least one
weight is disposed above a top edge of the golf ball.
26. The golf putter head of claim 24, wherein the at least one
weight comprises at least two spaced apart weights respectively
disposed outside of each corresponding side edge of the golf
ball.
27. The golf putter head of claim 22, wherein the reflective
surface includes a plurality of reference elements for visually
indicating a location of the golf ball, a proper stance of the
user, and alignment of a stroke of the golf putter head.
28. The golf putter head of claim 22, wherein the reflective
surface includes at least two diverging lines.
29. The golf putter head of claim 22, further comprising a body
having a rear curvature, and wherein the reflective surface defines
a rear curvature substantially matching the rear curve of the body
when viewed from above by the user and when the golf putter head is
aligned with the golf ball.
30. The golf putter head of claim 22, wherein the golf putter head
defines a substantially arrowhead shape when viewed from above by
the user.
31. The golf putter head of claim 22, wherein the reflective
surface includes a convex curvature relative only to the vertical
direction.
32. The golf putter head of claim 22, wherein the reflective
surface includes a convex curvature relative only to the horizontal
direction.
33. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface and a
reflective surface disposed above the striking surface for
reflecting an image of a golf ball to a user when the striking
surface is adjacent the golf ball, the reflective surface curving
generally upward and backward with curvature in a vertical plane
and in a horizontal plane.
34. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface, a rear
surface positioned opposite the striking surface, and at least one
weight removably coupled to the rear surface above a top edge of a
golf ball when the striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf
ball.
35. The golf putter head of claim 34, wherein the at least one
weight comprises at least two spaced apart weights respectively
disposed outside of each side edge of the golf ball.
36. The golf putter head of claim 35, further comprising a
reflective surface disposed above the striking surface for
reflecting an image of a golf ball to a user when the striking
surface is adjacent the golf ball.
37. The golf putter head of claim 36, further comprising a body
having a rear curvature, and wherein the reflective surface defines
a rear curvature substantially matching the rear curve of the body
when viewed from above by the user and when the golf putter head is
aligned with the golf ball.
38. The golf putter head of claim 34, wherein the golf putter head
defines a substantially arrowhead shape when viewed from above by
the user.
39. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface and means for
reflecting an image of a golf ball to a user when the striking
surface is adjacent the golf ball.
40. The golf putter head of claim 39, further comprising means for
counterbalancing the golf putter head.
41. The golf putter head of claim 40, wherein the means for
counterbalancing comprises at least one weight coupled to the golf
putter head above a top edge of the golf ball.
42. The golf putter head of claim 39, wherein the means for
reflecting comprises a reflective surface disposed above the
striking surface, the reflective surface having a convex curvature
relative to at least one of a horizontal plane and a vertical
plane.
Description
[0001] This application claims priority from U.S. provisional
application Ser. No. 60/130,965, filed Apr. 26, 1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to the field of sports equipment and
in particular to golf clubs. The invention is especially related to
clubs for use in putting and to improvements in such clubs, but may
be used on other clubs as well.
[0004] 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art
[0005] Golf enthusiasts and equipment manufacturers have
continually sought to improve golf clubs, including putters, for
many years. These efforts have included the addition of structures
to improve the play of the clubs and structures designed as
teaching aids to assist in instruction in the use of particular
clubs. For example, elements have been developed to assist in
teaching effective putting technique. Club improvements, of both
types, include elements designating the center of mass of the club
head or the effective contact area of the club head, i.e., the
"sweet spot." Modifications have also been added to assist the user
in properly aligning the club head with the ball and the desired
path of the ball to achieve a true hit and an accurate shot.
[0006] The following U.S. patents are incorporated by reference
herein:
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 1,975,341
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 3,921,984
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 4,844,468
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,052,690
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,351,962
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,429
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,620,379
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,640,777
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,709,612
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,776,016
[0017] U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,230
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] The present invention relates to a golf club head having
several novel features in a variety of combinations. The club head
can include aligning means, such as reflective lenses or a
reflective surface, as described herein. The club may also have a
counterbalance above the plane of the ball and an arrow shape, as
more particularly described below.
[0019] The club may also be constructed of a plurality of
materials, as described herein. The various materials of
construction preferably are of differing densities and thus have
different vibrational modes. The different vibrational modes and
densities act to cancel out the vibration produced on striking the
ball and assist in providing a true hit of the ball.
[0020] The club head, such as a putter head, will preferably have
the mass of the club distributed in the horizontal plane, rather
than being concentrated at the center of mass. This distribution
increases the moment of inertia of the club in the horizontal plane
and increases the effective size of the "sweet spot" on the club
face.
[0021] The club is thus more effective at delivering a true hit,
even if contact with the ball is off of the location of the center
of mass of the club head.
[0022] It is an object of this invention to provide a golf club
head, such as a putter head, which incorporates a vibration
dampening structure.
[0023] It is an object of this invention to provide a golf club
head, such as a putter head, which includes an optical aligning
feature.
[0024] It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf
putter head which has a curved reflective surface to aid in
aligning a putt.
[0025] It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf
putter which may accommodate a selectively installed striking
surface.
[0026] It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf
putter which has an improved sweet spot to create a true hit on
contact with the ball.
[0027] An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club
head with one or any combination of said features.
[0028] The invention summarized above comprises the constructions
hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated
by the subjoined claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] In the drawings, corresponding reference characters refer to
corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings in
which:
[0030] FIG. 1 is a front, exploded, perspective view of a golf
putter head in accordance with the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of a modified assembled
golf putter head, similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but with a
different aligning means;
[0032] FIG. 3 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 1;
[0033] FIG. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the golf
putter head shown in FIG. 1, with alternative aligning means shown
in phantom;
[0034] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the golf putter head
shown addressing a golf ball; and,
[0035] FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the golf putter head reflecting
the golf ball and a golf hole or pin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] Referring particularly to FIGS. 1 and 3, a golf putter head
or club head 110 in accordance with the present invention has a
club head body 111 which is preferably constructed from a low
density material, for example a plastic such as a high density
polypropylene or similar material. The club head 110 may be
fastened to a shaft 112 mounted in shaft hole 114, as known in the
art. The club head may be provided with specific inserts 115, 116,
and 118 of higher density material, such as lead, aluminum, brass
or stainless steel. The particular materials may be chosen to suit
the preference of the individual golfer. A harder material for
insert 115 will impart a sharper impact to the ball, on contact. A
softer material will impart a softer impact to the ball, on
contact. It will be understood, however, that club head 110 and
club head body 111 may be produced out of a higher density
material, such as stainless steel, aluminum or brass. The club head
110 may also us a lower density insert 115 in the front cavity 119,
for example, a plastic material such as high density polypropylene
or equivalent.
[0037] Higher density inserts 115, 116, and 118 are located to
provide and enhance specific club head functions. For example,
insert 115 in the front face of the club head 110 functions as the
primary striking surface. Insert 115 provides a small concentrated
area of weight and mass in the vertical plane. The vertical
dimension of insert 115 preferably is smaller than the diameter of
a golf ball 120. This focuses more of the force of impact into the
ball and results in a more straight and true putt with less of a
club stroke. The horizontal dimension of insert 115 is extended to
increase the moment of inertia of the club head 110 in the
horizontal plane; this extends the "sweet spot" of the club head
and assists in providing a true hit when the ball is struck off
center. Insert 115 also preferably is formed of material having a
specific "coefficient of restitution." This material may be
tailored to the preference of the user. A particular user may be
comfortable with a very hard insert 115, which provides a sharp
impact on contact with the ball. Another user may be comfortable
with a soft insert 115, which provides a soft impact on contact
with the ball. The features preferred by the user can assist in
providing consistent straight and true putts.
[0038] Front insert 115 is sized and located to work with other
inserts 116 and 118 in producing a specifically located center of
gravity that ensures a more straight and true putt. Specific
inserts 116 and 118 are also located from the rear of club head 110
in sockets 117. For example, these inserts are located to work with
front insert 115 and produce a specific center of gravity.
[0039] Inserts 116 and 118 are located at the top of a vertically
rising structure 122 starting directly above the small contact area
of the club face, and gradually expanding in width as it rises and
curves back along a geometric path. Inserts 116 and 118 are located
at the top of the vertically rising structure 122. Inserts 116 and
118 provide a counterbalancing effect for the club. Since they are
located wider and higher than golf ball 120, the force of impact
between club head 110 and golf ball 120 is better distributed. This
permits the club head 110 to swing through more smoothly and
increases the opportunity for a straight and true putt. Vertically
rising structure 122 is preferably made of a lower density
material, and thus is flexible. With inserts 116 and 118 at its
top, the vertically rising structure flexes like a spring,
absorbing the golf ball impact. The system behaves like a
"spring/damper," increasing the chance of an uninterrupted smooth
swing and increasing the opportunity for a straight and true
putt.
[0040] Vertically rising structure 122 gradually expands in width
as it rises and curves back along a geometric path. When vertically
rising structure 122 is viewed from above as seen in FIG. 6, it
takes the shape of an arrowhead 124. This results in a dramatically
improved way of aligning club head 110 along a prescribed path
towards a hole or pin 126; the construction of club head 110, using
vertically rising structure 122 is especially useful as a training
device and as a practice tool to develop a good putting stroke.
More particularly, vertically rising structure 122 allows the
golfer to match the rear curve of arrowhead 124 with the rear curve
of body 111 for perfect alignment of club head 110 with ball
120.
[0041] A front surface 128 of vertically rising structure 122 has a
tapered center reflective surface, for example formed of sputter
coated aluminum, that allows the golfer to visually align golf ball
120, with a reflection 130 of the golf ball and a reflection 132 of
hole or pin 126 as shown in FIG. 5. Front surface 128 of vertically
rising structure 122 can be flat or preferably slightly curved in
its third dimension, as shown. As club head 110 is stroked,
reflections 130, 132 should stay along the visual centerline of
tapered mirror surface 128, and within the diverging curved
boundary lines 129, shown in FIG. 1; if they do not, then the
golfer is not stroking along the correct path towards the hole.
Correction is made by changing the stance and club alignment to
correctly position the image of reflections 130, 132 on mirror
surface 128.
[0042] When club head 110 is made out of a low density material,
such as injection moldable plastic, it has the enhanced ability to
have "snap fit" details molded into its shape. For example, there
can be "snap" details on the rear of vertically protruding
vertically rising structure 122 that can hold certain golf
accessories. These can include golf tees, golf divot repair tools
and golf ball markers, not shown. If club head 110 is produced out
of a higher density material, using a lower density insert 115 in
the front cavity, the club head still has the advantages of the
vertically rising structure 122 and inserts 116 and 118 above the
plane of the ball. As shown in FIG. 3, vertically rising structure
122 may be provided with strengthening webs 134 and 136 to increase
the strength of this element without increasing its weight.
Strengthening webs 134 and 136 form cavities 152 and 154 on the
back side of vertically rising structure 122, as shown. Cavities
152 and 154 can receive "snap fit" structures for golf accessories,
as previously described. Cavities 152 and 154 can also receive
additional inserts, not shown, to adjust the weight and balance of
the club head 110 to suit the style and preference of the club
user. Also as shown in FIG. 3, insert 115 may be held in cavity 119
by fasteners 138 and 140. Fasteners 138 and 140 may be conventional
elements, such as machine screws, as shown.
[0043] It will be appreciated that the various elements described
herein, such as inserts 115, 116, 118, and the structure receiving
these elements may be formed to be interchangeable by the use of
"snap fit" mating elements, such detent and socket features, not
shown, and by the use of removable fasteners such as machine screws
138 and 140. Thermoplastic adhesives and equivalent materials may
also be used to provide further reliability to the constructed club
head 110 and still permit the elements of club head 110 to be
interchanged to suit the preferences of the user. For example,
insert 115 may be replaced by the user to compensate for wear or
breakage or to interchange hard or soft striking surfaces, i.e.,
brass, lead or plastic. The construction of club head 110 may also
be made substantially permanent, if desired. For example, a
substantially permanent adhesive, such as a catalytic epoxy or
equivalent, may be used to join the elements of club head 110.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 2, an alternative embodiment is shown
which has a further alternative aligning guide means. In this
construction, alignment is provided by reference to a set of
reflective elements or lens, 142, 144 and 146 which are mounted on
the upper surface of club head 110, as shown, for example by an
adhesive, as known in the art. Preferably elements 142, 144 and 146
are lenticular lens, for example, of the type commonly used to
decorate credit cards with multiple images. Suitable structures are
also described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,896,230. The lens 142, 144 and
146 are aimed to provide an image to the user when the head of the
user is positioned directly over the club head 110, the proper
position for putting. When the user looks down at the club head 110
the three images from lenses 142, 144 and 146 are in view. As the
club is stroked, all three images remain in view if the club is
stroked along the proper path through the ball.
[0045] The image viewed by the golfer, when in position, can be
color or other indicia such as parallel arrows indicating the
direction of the club stroke. If the golfer's head is improperly
positioned other images are seen by the golfer, indicating an error
in the address of the ball and suggesting correction. For example,
a different color is seen or a different set of arrows is seen
suggesting repositioning of the stance forward or backward. It will
be appreciated that combinations of indicia may also be used, such
as color and shapes.
[0046] In view of the above, it will be seen that the several
objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous
results attained. As various changes could be made in the above
constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it
is intended that all matter contained in the above description or
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as
illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
* * * * *