U.S. patent application number 11/059731 was filed with the patent office on 2005-08-18 for golf putter heads.
Invention is credited to Green, Timothy M..
Application Number | 20050181889 11/059731 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34886101 |
Filed Date | 2005-08-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050181889 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Green, Timothy M. |
August 18, 2005 |
Golf putter heads
Abstract
A golf putter head generally includes a first striking surface,
a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a
third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking
surface, and indicators for indicating to a user when the user's
head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter
head.
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: |
34886101 |
Appl. No.: |
11/059731 |
Filed: |
February 17, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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60544961 |
Feb 17, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0441 20200801;
A63B 53/0416 20200801; A63B 53/0437 20200801; A63B 2071/0027
20130101; A63B 53/0487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 |
International
Class: |
A63B 053/04 |
Claims
What is claimed:
1. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second
surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface
extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface, at least
one sidewall extending upwardly from the third surface and defining
a cavity behind the first striking surface, the sidewall including
an indicator within the cavity that is not visible to a user when
the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf
putter head, thereby indicating to the user when the user's head is
at the predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.
2. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the second indicator
comprises a portion of the sidewalls having a color different than
adjacent portions of the sidewalls.
3. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the second indicator is
not visible to the user when looking substantially straight down at
the golf putter head.
4. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the third surface
includes a second indicator for aligning the first striking surface
with a golf ball.
5. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of
the second surface extending above the first striking surface is
reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf
ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned
adjacent the golf ball.
6. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the cavity is generally
U-shaped.
7. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the golf putter head
includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.
8. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second
surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface
extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface and
including a first indicator having a first primary color, and a
second light-transmissible indicator disposed above the first
indicator, the second indicator having a second primary color that
when combined with the first primary color forms a secondary color,
the first and second indicators cooperating with one another such
that a user sees the first and second indicators as having the
secondary color when the user's head is at a predetermined position
relative to the golf putter head, thereby indicating to the user
when the user's head is at the predetermined position relative to
the golf putter head.
9. The golf putter head of claim 8 wherein the first and second
indicators appear as a single indicator having the secondary color
to the user when the user is looking substantially straight down at
the golf putter head.
10. The golf putter head of claim 8, wherein the second indicator
is translucent.
11. The golf putter head of claim 8 further comprising a plurality
of interchangeable indicators each having a different color to
thereby enable the user to customize the golf putter head with a
particular color scheme.
12. The golf putter head of claim 8 wherein at least a portion of
the second surface extending above the first striking surface is
reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf
ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned
adjacent the golf ball.
13. The golf putter head of claim 8 wherein the golf putter head
includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.
14. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a
second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third
surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface and
including an image, and a lens disposed above the image such that
the image viewed through the lens is only in focus when the user's
head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter
head, thereby indicating to the user when the user's head is at the
predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.
15. The golf putter head of claim 14 wherein the image viewed
through the lens is only in focus when the user is looking
substantially straight down at the putter head.
16. The golf putter head of claim 14 wherein at least a portion of
the second surface extending above the first striking surface is
reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf
ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned
adjacent the golf ball.
17. The golf putter head of claim 14 wherein the golf putter head
includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.
18. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a
second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third
surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface, and
first and second indicators including corresponding image portions
which cooperate to form an image when a user's head is at a
predetermined position relative to the golf putter head, thereby
indicating to the user when the user's head is at the predetermined
position relative to the golf putter head.
19. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein the first and second
indicators cooperate to form the image only when the user is
looking substantially straight down at the golf putter head.
20. The golf putter head of claim 18 further comprising a colored
portion disposed under the third surface and behind the first
striking surface, the colored portion having a color different than
the first and second indicators that is not visible when the first
and second indicators are cooperating to form the image.
21. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein the second indicator
is disposed at a top portion of the third surface.
22. The golf putter head of claim 21 wherein the second indicator
is configured to reflect an image of at least a portion of a golf
ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned
adjacent the golf ball.
23. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein at least a portion of
the second surface extending above the first striking surface is
reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf
ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned
adjacent the golf ball.
24. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein the golf putter head
includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.
25. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface, a reflective
translucent surface extending above the striking surface for
reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to a user
when the striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball, and
an alignment surface extending rearwardly behind the striking
surface, the alignment surface including at least one indicator
positioned relative to the reflective translucent surface such that
the indicator is visible through the reflective translucent surface
and coincides with the reflected image of at least a portion of the
golf ball on the reflective translucent surface when the striking
surface is aligned with the golf ball and the user's head is at a
predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Application No. 60/544,961, filed Feb. 17, 2004, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to golf equipment,
and more particularly, to golf putter heads having
three-dimensional alignment features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] 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 and use of particular clubs.
For example, elements have been developed to assist in teaching
effective putting technique.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf
putter head generally includes a golf putter head generally
includes a first striking surface, a second surface extending above
the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly
behind the first striking surface, and indicators for indicating to
a user when the user's head is at a predetermined position relative
to the golf putter head.
[0005] Further aspects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific
examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the invention,
are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended
to limit the scope of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0007] FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of a golf putter
head according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear perspective views of the golf
putter head shown in FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a front view of the golf putter head shown in FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a rear view of the golf putter head shown in FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is a left view of the golf putter head shown in FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a right view of the golf putter head shown in FIG.
1;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a top view of the golf putter head shown in FIG.
1;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the golf putter head shown in
FIG. 1;
[0015] FIGS. 9A and 9B are front perspective views of a golf putter
head according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIGS. 10A and 10B are rear perspective views of the golf
putter head shown in FIG. 9;
[0017] FIG. 11 is a rear view of the golf putter head shown in
FIGS. 9 and 10;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a top view of the golf putter head shown in FIGS.
9 and 10;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 13;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a top view of the golf putter head shown in FIGS.
13 and 14;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 16;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a top view of the golf putter head shown in FIGS.
16 and 17;
[0025] FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head
according to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 19;
[0027] FIG. 21 is a top view of the golf putter head shown in FIGS.
19 and 20;
[0028] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf putter
head shown in FIGS. 19 through 21;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a top view of a golf putter head according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a side view of the golf putter head shown in FIG.
23;
[0031] FIG. 25 is a top view of a golf putter head according to
another embodiment of the invention;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a front view of the golf putter head shown in
FIG. 25; and
[0033] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf putter
head shown in FIGS. 25 and 26.
[0034] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding
features throughout the drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0035] The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely
exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the
invention, its applications, or uses.
[0036] According to various aspects, the invention provides various
golf putter heads having three-dimensional alignment features and
other features for assisting golfers in putting a golf ball. As
described herein, the alignment features can be provided in various
ways.
[0037] Various embodiments can also include features that help a
golfer putt more consistently and help the golfer in keeping the
putting on line, and also putt the golf ball with less skidding or
skipping of the golf ball with more immediate rolling to the golf
ball. For example, one particular putter head embodiment generally
includes a striking surface, a surface extending above the striking
surface, and a surface extending rearward of the striking surface.
In this particular embodiment, the golf putter head has a
center-of-gravity higher than a golf ball's center-of-gravity and
rearward of the striking surface. Accordingly, upon contact between
the striking surface and a golf ball during putting, impact forces
are transmitted above the center-of-gravity of the golf ball with a
large "moment-arm" effect, causing the golf ball to begin rolling
immediately with no (or at least very little) skipping or skidding.
Advantageously, this results in the golf ball proceeding on its
intended path with more surety.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, there is shown a golf putter
head, generally indicated by reference number 110, according to one
embodiment of the present invention. The golf putter head 110
includes a striking surface 112 and a surface 114 which extends
above the striking surface 112. In various embodiments, the surface
114 is reflective so as to reflect an image of a golf ball 116 to a
user when the striking surface 112 is positioned adjacent the golf
ball 116. Alternatively, however, other embodiments include a
non-reflective surface above the striking surface of the putter
head.
[0039] The golf putter head 110 further includes an alignment
surface 118 extending rearwardly behind the striking surface 112.
The alignment surface 118 includes an indicator 120. As described
herein, the surfaces 114 and 118 can be used by a golfer to
statically and dynamically align the putter head 110 with the golf
ball 116. As used herein, the term "golf ball" generally refers to
and includes golf balls approved by the United States Golf
Association (USGA) and golf balls approved by the Royal and Ancient
Golf Club of St. Andrews.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 7, the alignment surface 118 includes only
one circular indicator 120. The circular indicator 120 is sized
such that its diameter is about equal, and preferably is equal, to
the golf ball's diameter. In addition, the color of the indicator
120 can be white or other suitable color (e.g., yellow, pink,
orange, etc.) so as to even further resemble a golf ball.
Alternatively, a wide range of other non-circular geometric shapes
can be used for the indicator, including semicircular shapes,
triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, etc. In addition, the size
of the indicator 120 can also vary.
[0041] In addition, the alignment surface may define any number of
(i.e., one or more) indicators which can vary in size and have
diameters larger, smaller, and/or about equal to a golf ball
diameter. In various embodiments, the alignment surface and
indicator(s) can have a monolithic construction and be integrally
formed as a single component. Alternatively, the alignment surface
and indicator(s) may comprise separate components in which case the
indicator(s) can be attached to the alignment surface, for example,
by welding, adhesives, and/or other suitable fastening methods.
[0042] With continued reference to FIG. 7, a guide line 124 is
defined by the indicator 120. The guide line 124 is aligned with
the center of the striking surface 112. The guide line 124 is
generally perpendicular to the striking surface 112.
[0043] In various embodiments, the guide line 124 comprises a
groove inscribed in the indicator 120. The groove is preferably
highlighted or colored (e.g., with paint, etc.) so as to increase
the contrast between the guide line 124 and the surface of the
indicator 120, thus making the guide line 124 more readily visible.
Alternatively, the indicator and guide line can be separate
components. For example, the guide line can be engaged to the
indicator, for example, by welding, adhesive, and/or other suitable
fastening methods. Still further embodiments include a golf putter
head having an indicator that does include such a guide line.
[0044] The putter head 110 includes sidewalls 166 defining an
opening or cavity 168 behind the striking surface 112. The cavity
168 extends through a portion 170 of the surface 114 providing the
surface 114 with a generally U-shaped upper edge that is generally
symmetrical about a centerline of the putter head 110. The cavity
168 extends downwardly to the alignment surface 118, with the
circular indicator 120 forming a bottom surface of the cavity 168.
In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 168 is generally U-shaped
when viewed from above. Alternatively, the cavity 168 can be
provided in various other shapes, such as cylinders, triangles,
teardrops, among other suitable shapes. In various embodiments, the
cavity 168 can be configured for carrying a golf ball therein, for
example, while practicing.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, a portion 172 of the
sidewalls 166 defining the cavity 168 is highlighted (e.g., colored
differently, etc.) so as to make that sidewall portion 172 more
readily visible. In the illustrated embodiment, the portion 172 is
colored with a bright readily visible color, such as red. The
sidewalls 166 (or at least the colored portion) are also inwardly
tapered when viewed from above so that the colored sidewall portion
172 is not visible when the golfer is looking straight down into
the cavity 168. Accordingly, the colored sidewall portion 172
provides a strong negative visual indicator to the golfer when the
golfer's head is not properly positioned relative to the putter
head 110.
[0046] The golfer can thus learn to get into proper putting
position using the indicator 120 for initial alignment of the
putter head 110 towards the hole. The golfer can then look into the
cavity 168 and adjustably position the putter head, e.g.,
front-to-rear and/or heel-to-toe, as needed until the golfer no
longer sees the colored sidewall portion 172. In this manner, the
golfer aligns the putter head towards the hole, and is guided by
the three-dimensional alignment means to look directly down over
the putter head, which is generally regarded as the proper head
position for putting. Alternative embodiments, however, such as the
golf putter head 210 shown in FIGS. 9 through 12 does not include
colored sidewalls 266.
[0047] With further reference to FIGS. 1 through 8, in those
embodiment in which the surface 114 is reflective, the reflective
surface 114 reflects an image of a golf ball 116 to a user when the
striking surface 112 is positioned adjacent the golf ball 116. The
reflective surface 114 can be muted so to render the putter head
110 in compliance with USGA rules. By way of example only, an
exemplary embodiment includes a reflective surface 114 which has
been roughened so as to mute the reflective properties of the
surface 114. In another embodiment, a coating can be applied to the
reflective surface with the coating decreasing the reflective
nature of the surface 114.
[0048] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the reflective surface 114
includes a center guide line 128 positioned between two diverging
guide lines 130. The center guide line 128 is positioned relative
to the indicator guide line 124 such that the two lines 124 and 128
appear as a single line to a golfer looking downward at the putter
head 110 when the golfer's head is directly over the putter head
110, which is generally regarded as the proper head position for
putting. In some embodiments, however, the reflective surface does
not include a center guide line and/or diverging guide lines. For
example, one exemplary golf putter head includes a reflective
surface having a center guide line but not diverging guide
lines.
[0049] Further, the entire surface extending above the striking
surface 112 can be reflective. In other embodiments, however, the
surface above the striking surface may only be reflective between
diverging guide lines, with the portion outside the guide lines
being non-reflective.
[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, the golf putter head 110
further includes a heel portion 132, a toe portion 134, and a rear
surface 136 positioned opposite (i.e., on a backside of) the
striking surface 112 and the reflective surface 114.
[0051] In various embodiments, the sidewalls 166 also function to
distribute weight wider than the golf ball 116 (FIG. 7). This, in
turn, increases the effective contact area of the striking surface
112 with the golf ball 116. In other words, the relatively extreme
heel and toe weighting due to the sidewalls 166 extends or
increases the "sweet spot" of the striking surface 112.
Accordingly, the sidewalls 166 thus allow the putter head 110 to be
more forgiving and more effective at delivering a truer hit to the
golf ball 116 when the point of contact between the golf ball 116
and the striking surface 112 does not coincide with the location of
the center of mass of the putter head 110.
[0052] Further, the sidewalls 166 also distribute weight above the
striking surface 112, shown in phantom in FIG. 4. In the
illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 8, the sidewalls 166
extend along both sides 144 and 146 of the golf ball 116 when the
striking surface 112 is positioned adjacent the golf ball 116 on
the putting surface 148. As shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 7, the
sidewalls 166 also extends substantially from the heel portion 132
to the toe portion 134.
[0053] Accordingly, the sidewalls 166 distribute a substantial
portion of the weight of the putter head 110 higher and wider than
the golf ball 116 so as to better distribute the impact force
between the striking surface 112 and the golf ball 116. This, in
turn, increases a golfer's opportunity at achieving a straighter
and truer putt of the golf ball 116 with the putter head 110.
[0054] Further, the various putter head features (e.g., the
striking surface 112, reflective surface 114, alignment surface
118, sidewalls 166, etc.) are designed (e.g., sized, positioned,
material selections, etc.) to position the center of gravity 154
(FIGS. 5 and 6) and for the putter head 110 as desired horizontally
and vertically. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the center of gravity
154 of the putter head 110 is located above the golf ball's center
of gravity 158. Indeed, various embodiments include a center of
gravity 154 of the putter head 110 which is located above the top
edge 160 of the golf ball 116 as well when the golf ball 116 and
putter head 110 are both positioned on the putting surface 148.
[0055] Positioning the putter head center of gravity 154 above the
golf ball's center of gravity 158 enables the putter head 110 to
more readily impart topspin and rolling to the golf ball 116
instead of causing the ball to skip and/or skid as is the case for
putter heads which have a center of gravity lower than a center of
gravity of a golf ball.
[0056] With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the golf ball's
center of gravity 158 is about 0.84 inches (2.13 centimeters) above
the putting surface 148, whereas the golf ball's top edge 160 is
about 1.68 inches (4.27 centimeters) above the putting surface 148.
The center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is preferably
located a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00 inch (2.54
centimeters) above a bottom surface of the putter head 110. Stated
differently, the center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is
preferably located a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00
inch (2.54 centimeters) above a level putting surface 148 when the
putter head 110 is resting on a level putting surface 148.
Accordingly, the center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is
above the golf ball's center of gravity 158 when the putter head
110 and golf ball 116 are both resting on a level putting surface
148.
[0057] In addition, the alignment surface 118 is preferably
designed along with other putter head features (e.g., sidewalls
166, etc.) so as to move the putter head's center of gravity 154
further rearward from the striking surface 112. In the exemplary
embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the rearward location of the
center of gravity 154 is rearward of a shaft hole 162 and shaft 164
(shown in phantom). Still referring to the exemplary embodiment of
FIGS. 5 and 6, the center of gravity 154 of the putter head 110 is
preferably located behind the striking surface 112 a distance equal
to or greater than about 1.00 inch (2.54 centimeters).
[0058] By having a more rearward center of gravity 154 which is
above the golf ball's center of gravity 158, the putter head 110 is
able to impart a greater moment arm and thus greater roll distance,
and more immediate rolling, to the golf ball 116 with less stroke
power, e.g., with a softer and slower stroke. Because a slower and
softer putting stroke is usually more easily controlled, the putter
head 110 can improve a golfer's chances of maintaining a straight
line during a putting stroke.
[0059] In various embodiments, the golf putter head can have a
monolithic construction in which the golf putter head is integrally
formed as a single component. Alternatively, the golf putter head
may comprise two or more separate components that are secured to
one another, for example, by welding, adhesives, and/or other
suitable fastening methods.
[0060] By way of example only, the golf putter head 110 in FIGS. 1
through 8 includes monolithic reflective and alignment surfaces 114
and 118 which are integrally formed as a single component. The
striking surface 112, however, is defined by a front surface of an
insert formed of a material different than the putter head body. In
other embodiments, the striking surface (e.g., 312 in FIGS. 13
through 15) is integrally formed along with the putter head body as
a single component.
[0061] The putter head 110 can be used as follows to statically
align the putter head 110 with the golf ball 116. At address, a
golfer positions the striking surface 112 adjacent the golf ball
116 so as to align the golf ball 116 with an axis passing through a
center of a reflected golf ball image on the reflective surface 114
and to align the indicator guide line 124 with the golf ball
diameter perpendicular to the striking surface 112.
[0062] Further, the indicator's guide line 124 and reflective
surface's center guide line 128 can be used to indicate when the
golfer's head is positioned directly over the putter head 110,
which is generally regarded as the proper head position for
putting. More specifically, the guide lines 124 and 128 will appear
as a single line and the colored sidewall portions 172 will not be
visible to the downwardly looking golfer when the golfer's head is
directly over the putter head 110. Alternatively, however, other
embodiments can include the guide lines 124 and 128 and the colored
sidewall portions 172 being configured such that when the golfer's
head is at a different predetermined position relative to the
putter head (e.g., other than directly over the putter head), the
guide lines 124 and 128 will appear as a single line and the
colored sidewall portions 172 will not be visible to the
golfer.
[0063] Dynamic alignment of the putter head 110 with the golf ball
116 during a putting stroke can be maintained as follows. During
the backswing, the reflected golf ball image visually travels up
the reflective surface 114. Conversely, the reflected golf ball
image visually travels down the reflective surface 114 during the
forward swing.
[0064] Ideally, the golfer keeps the moving image of the golf ball
centered on the reflective surface 114, and thus centered relative
to the putter head 110, during both the backswing and forward
swing. To assist the golfer with this feat, the reflective surface
114 includes the guide lines 128 and 130. By keeping the moving
reflected image of the golf ball 116 centered along the center
guide line 128 and/or between the guide lines 130, the golfer is
able to keep the putter head 110 dynamically aligned with the golf
ball 116.
[0065] In addition, the indicator guide line 124 can further assist
the golfer in maintaining the dynamic alignment of the putter head
110 and the golf ball 116 during the putting stroke. The golfer can
maintain the alignment by keeping the indicator guide line 124
aligned with the axis passing through the center of the moving
reflected image of the golf ball 116.
[0066] FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate another embodiment of a golf
putter head 310. As shown, the golf putter head 310 includes a
striking surface 312 and a surface 314 extending above the striking
surface 312. In various embodiments, the surface 314 is reflective
so as to reflect an image of a golf ball to a user when the
striking surface 312 is positioned adjacent the golf ball.
Alternative embodiments, however, include a non-reflective surface
above the striking surface.
[0067] The golf putter head 310 further includes an alignment
surface 318 positioned behind the striking surface 312. The
alignment surface 318 includes a lower indicator 320 having a
predetermined color.
[0068] The golf putter head 310 also includes sidewalls 366
defining an opening or cavity 368 behind the striking surface 312.
The cavity 368 extends through a portion 370 of the surface 314
providing the surface 314 with a generally U-shaped upper edge that
is generally symmetrical about the centerline of the putter head
310. The cavity 368 extends downwardly to the alignment surface
318, with the lower indicator 320 forming a bottom surface of the
cavity 368. In the illustrated embodiment, the cavity 368 is
generally U-shaped when viewed from above. Alternatively, the
cavity 368 can be provided in various other shapes, such as
cylinders, triangles, teardrops, among other suitable shapes. In
various embodiments, the cavity 368 can be configured for carrying
a golf ball therein, for example, while practicing.
[0069] The golf putter head 310 also includes an upper indicator
320' positioned at about the top of the surface 314 and cavity 368.
In various embodiment, the upper indicator 320' is
light-transmissible or at least partially see-through (e.g.,
translucent, transparent, etc.). The upper indicator 320' is
color-coordinated with the lower indicator 320. In one particular
embodiment, the upper and lower indicators 320' and 320 are
respectively colored yellow and blue, and the upper indicator 320'
is positioned above the lower indicator 320 so that the golfer sees
a single green-colored indicator when the indicators 320 and 320'
are aligned and the golfer is looking directly down over the putter
head. The single green-colored indicator thus provides the golfer
with a strong positive indicator that the putter head and the
golfer's head are properly positioned relative to one another.
Accordingly, the "mated" indicators 320 and 320' force the golfer
to look directly down over the putter head, which is generally
considered the proper putting position. To align the indicators 320
and 320' located on different vertical levels, the golfer may have
to adjustably reposition the putter head front-to-rear and/or
heel-to-toe.
[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, the indicators 320 and 320'
are sized and shaped to resemble a two-dimensional golf ball.
Alternatively, the indicators can be provided in a wide range of
other shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, ovular, rectangular,
three-dimensional objects, etc.) and/or other sizes (e.g., larger
or smaller than a golf ball).
[0071] FIGS. 16 through 18 illustrate another embodiment of a golf
putter head 410 in which the lower indicator 420 is configured to
resemble a three-dimensional object. As shown, the lower indicator
420 resembles a three-dimensional golf ball. An upper indicator
420' is positioned above the lower indicator 420. The upper
indicator 420' comprises a translucent material that is
color-coordinated with the lower indicator 420. For example, the
upper indicator 420' can be yellow, and the lower indicator 420 can
be blue, such that the golfer sees a single green-colored indicator
when the putter head 410 and the golfer's head are properly
positioned relative to one another. In addition, the golfer can
also align the golf-ball shaped indicator 420 with the golf ball
416 (FIG. 18) to thereby align the striking surface 412 with the
golf ball 416. Alternatively, the indicator 420 can be configured
to resemble other three-dimensional objects. For example, another
embodiment includes a lower indicator configured to resemble an
upper hemispherical portion of a golf ball.
[0072] The upper and lower indicators can also be provided in
various colors and color combinations, depending, for example, on
user preferences. For example, another embodiment includes a
red-colored lower indicator, and a blue-colored upper indicator. In
which case, the golfer sees a single purple-colored indicator when
the golfer is looking directly down over the putter head. Or, for
example, either or both the upper and/or lower indicators can be
colorless but still be relatively positioned so as to line-up when
the golfer is looking directly down over the putter head.
[0073] In yet other embodiments, the upper indicator can also be
configured to reflect an image of the golf ball to a user when the
striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball. For example,
the upper indicator may include a upwardly bent rear portion for
reflecting the image of the golf ball. Or, for example, the upper
indicator may be tilted or slanted relative to the striking surface
such that its front portion is lower than its rear portion. In
these embodiments, the reflected image of the golf ball (or portion
thereof) on the upper indicator can indicate a proper putting
position as well as the putter head alignment towards the hole.
[0074] FIGS. 25 through 27 illustrate another embodiment of a golf
putter head 710 having an upper indicator 720' and a lower
indicator 720. As shown, the upper indicator 720' comprises a
reflective translucent material disposed at about a top portion of
the surface 714. The upper indicator 720' reflects an image of a
golf ball (or portion thereof) to the user when the striking
surface 712 is positioned adjacent the golf ball. The upper
indicator 720' is configured for positioning within an opening
defined within the surface 714. In such embodiments, the upper
indicator 720' can be engaged to the surface 714 by adhesives or
other suitable fastening means. In yet other embodiments, the upper
indicator 720' may be configured to form an interference or
friction fit with the surface 714 when the indicator 720' is
positioned within the opening. In these embodiments, the upper
indicator 720' may be readily removed from the opening, for
example, to eliminate the reflective properties associated with the
indicator 720', and/or to replace the indicator 720' with a
different indicator, such as one having a different color. The
surface 714 (or portions thereof) can also be reflective, or the
surface 714 can be non-reflective. Alternatively, the upper
indicator 720' can be integrally formed with the surface 714
extending above the striking surface 712. For example, the surface
714 can be formed entirely (or at least partially) from a
reflective translucent material. In which case, the upper indicator
720' is defined by the reflective translucent surface 714.
[0075] As shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, respectively, the upper
indicator 720' is configured such that it has a circular shape
(FIG. 25) when viewed from above, but has an elliptical or ovular
shape when viewed from the front (FIG. 26). Alternatively, the
upper indicator can be configured in various other shapes,
including triangular, rectangular, etc.
[0076] The indicators 720 and 720' are relatively positioned such
that the image of the golf ball (or portion thereof) that is
reflected on the upper indicator 720' coincides or lines-up with
the lower indicator 720 as viewed through the upper indicator 720,
when the striking surface 712 is aligned with the golf ball and the
user's head is at a predetermined position (e.g., positioned
directly over, etc.) relative to the golf putter head 710.
[0077] FIGS. 19 through 22 illustrate a golf putter head 510 having
an upper indicator 520' that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped,
and positioned) so as to mesh with and form a generally smooth
continuous juncture with the surface 514. Alternatively, the upper
indicator 520' can be an integral part of the surface 514.
[0078] The striking surface 512 of the golf putter head is defined
by a front surface of an insert formed of a material different than
the putter head body. Alternatively, the striking surface 512 can
be integrally formed along with the putter head body as a single
component.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 22, the upper indicator 520' comprises a
lens 521, and the lower indicator 520 defines an image, such as
golf ball or other suitable image. The upper and lower indicators
are configured such that lens 521 focuses the golf ball image (or
other suitable image) defined by the lower indicator 520 so that
the golf ball image is only visible and in focus to the golfer when
the golfer's eye 523 is looking directly down at the lens 521.
[0080] FIGS. 23 through 24 illustrate another exemplary golf putter
head 610 having indicators 620 and 620'. The indicators 620 and
620' include respective mating portions that cooperate to form an
image of a golf ball (or other suitable image) when the indicators
620 and 620' are properly aligned. In this particular embodiment,
the upper indicator 620' is configured to resemble a first half of
a golf ball, and the lower indicator 620 is configured to resemble
the other half of the golf ball. Alternatively, other embodiments
can include the upper and lower indicators defining differently
sized portions of an image. For example, another embodiment
includes the upper indicator defining about one-third (1/3) of a
golf ball image, while the lower indicator defines the other
two-third (2/3) portion of the golf ball image.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 23, the upper indicator 620' is disposed at
a top portion of the surface 614. In one embodiment, the upper
indicator 620' is a separate component that is attached to the
surface 614, for example, by adhesives, or other suitable fastening
means. The upper indicator 620' is configured (e.g., sized, shaped,
and positioned) so as to mesh with and form a generally smooth
continuous juncture with the surface 614. Alternatively, the upper
indicator 620' can be integrally formed with the surface 614.
[0082] With further reference to FIGS. 23 and 24, the putter head
610 can be used as follows to help a golfer with the difficulties
associated with putting. At address, a golfer positions the
striking surface 612 adjacent the golf ball 616 so as to align the
golf ball 616 with an axis passing through a center of a reflected
golf ball image on the reflective surface 614 and to align the
indicator guide line 624 with the golf ball diameter perpendicular
to the striking surface 612.
[0083] The golfer then adjusts the putter head 610 and/or the
golfer's head position until the image portions on the indicators
620 and 620' are aligned to form a single golf ball image. To
assist the golfer with this task, the area 674 under the surface
614 within a recessed cavity 676 can be highlighted so that the
area 674 is readily visible but only when the upper and lower
indicators 620' and 620 are not aligned correctly. In one
embodiment, the area 674 is red-colored so as to provide a strong
negative visual indicator to the golfer that the indicators 620 and
620' are not aligned, and that the golfer should thus reposition
the golfer's head and/or the putter head 610. In addition, the
upper indicator 620' can also reflect an image of the golf ball 616
(or portion thereof) to the golfer. Alternatively, the upper
indicator and/or the surface 614 can be non-reflective.
[0084] In various embodiments, the golf putter head (e.g., 110,
210, 310, 410, 510, 610, etc.) can have a monolithic construction
in which the golf putter head is integrally formed as a single
component. Alternatively, two or more of the components of a golf
putter head may comprise separate components that are secured to
one another, for example, by welding, adhesives, and/or other
suitable fastening methods. For example, upper and/or lower
indicators of a putter head can be attached to a putter head via
any suitable fastening means, including mechanical fasteners,
adhesives, etc.
[0085] Various embodiments include interchangeable upper and/or
lower indicators in different colors and that are removably
attachable to the golf putter head. This allows a golfer to
customize the putter head with a particular color or color
combination. For example, the user may want to change from a
blue-yellow combination to a red-blue combination, depending, for
example, on user preferences, a user's color-blindness, and/or
lighting conditions. In such embodiments, the interchangeable
different colored indicators could, for example, be removably
fastened to the putter head using one or more screws that are
configured for use with a hex key or other exotic screwdriver-type
end tool. In various embodiments, either or both of the upper and
lower indicators are removably attached to the putter head in a
manner that still complies with current USGA rules requiring that
all components of a clubhead must not be easily adjustable during
play.
[0086] The description of the invention is merely exemplary in
nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its
application, or uses. Thus, variations that do not depart from the
substance of the invention are intended to be within the scope of
the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a
departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *