U.S. patent application number 11/292018 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-07 for customizable putter for golf.
Invention is credited to Ray Solari.
Application Number | 20070129163 11/292018 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38119517 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070129163 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Solari; Ray |
June 7, 2007 |
Customizable putter for golf
Abstract
A customizable putter provides a platform having removable and
adjustable weights. A customizable putter for golf is achieved by
providing a platform with an embodiment having a vertical face
portion and rearwardly extending flange portion attached to the
bottom of the face portion. Weights may then be removably attached
by threaded screws or bolts. The weights may have cavities within
them into which weighted inserts may be fitted to provide further
adjustment to the weight distribution and overall weight of the
putter head. Such inserts, as well as the weight cavities, may take
a variety of geometrical shapes and sizes.
Inventors: |
Solari; Ray; (Playa Del Rey,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
CISLO & THOMAS, LLP
233 WILSHIRE BLVD
SUITE 900
SANTA MONICA
CA
90401-1211
US
|
Family ID: |
38119517 |
Appl. No.: |
11/292018 |
Filed: |
December 1, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/336 ;
473/337; 473/340; 473/341 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2053/0491 20130101;
A63B 60/02 20151001; A63B 53/0487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/336 ;
473/337; 473/340; 473/341 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A customizable golf putter head, comprising: a putter platform;
a first weight attachable to said platform, said first weight
defining a first cavity within said first weight, said first cavity
adapted to receive a first insert; whereby said first weight is
selectable in mass and shape to provide customization to the
customizable golf putter head.
2. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said putter platform further comprises: a face for putting a golf
ball; and a flange coupled to a bottom portion of said face, said
flange generally extending rearwardly and providing a lower support
for said first weight.
3. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 2, wherein
said flange further comprises: a flange having a curved bottom and
a curved top, said weight coupled to said curved top.
4. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 1, wherein
said weight further comprises: said first cavity of said first
weight having a cross section selected from the group consisting
of: circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles.
5. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: said first weight attachable to said platform by a
screw.
6. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 1, further
comprising: second and third weights attachable to said
platform,
7. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 6, further
comprising: said second weight defining a second cavity within said
second weight; and said third weight defining a third cavity within
said third weight.
8. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 7, further
comprising: said second cavity of said second weight having a cross
section selected from the group consisting of: circles, triangles,
squares, and rectangles; and said third cavity of said third weight
having a cross section selected from the group consisting of:
circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles.
9. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 8, further
comprising: said first weight being adjacent to a heel of said
putter platform; said second weight being adjacent a center of said
putter platform; and said third weight being adjacent a toe of said
putter platform; whereby said first, second, and third weights are
distributed across said putter platform for selectable control of
weight distribution of the customizable golf putter head.
10. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 9,
further comprising: said second weight being selected from the
group consisting of block-type weights and mallet-head-type
weights.
11. A customizable golf putter head, comprising: a putter platform,
said putter platform having a face for putting a golf ball and a
flange coupled to a bottom portion of said face; a first weight
attachable to said platform, said first weight defining a first
cavity within said first weight, said first cavity adapted to
receive a first insert; a second weight attachable to said
platform, said second weight defining a second cavity within said
second weight, said second cavity adapted to receive a second
insert; a third weight attachable to said platform, said third
weight defining a third cavity within said third weight, said third
cavity adapted to receive a third insert; and said flange generally
extending rearwardly and providing a lower support for said first,
second, and third weights; whereby said first, second, and third
weights are selectable in mass and shape to provide customization
to the customizable golf putter head.
12. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 11,
further comprising: said first cavity of said first weight having a
cross section selected from the group consisting of: circles,
triangles, squares, and rectangles; said second cavity of said
second weight having a cross section selected from the group
consisting of: circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles; said
third cavity of said third weight having a cross section selected
from the group consisting of: circles, triangles, squares, and
rectangles; said first, second, and third weights attachable to
said platform by screws; said first weight being adjacent to a heel
of said putter platform; said second weight being adjacent a center
of said putter platform, being selected from the group consisting
of block-type weights and mallet-head-type weights; and said third
weight being adjacent a toe of said putter platform such that said
first, second, and third weights are distributed across said putter
platform for selectable control of weight distribution of the
customizable golf putter head.
13. A customizable golf putter head as set forth in claim 12,
further comprising: first, second, and third inserts removably
fitted within said first, second, and third cavities,
respectively.
14. A method for providing a customizable golf putter head,
comprising: providing a putter platform; and attaching a first
weight to said platform, said first weight being selectable in mass
and shape, said first weight being detachably attachable to said
platform, said first weight defining a first cavity within said
first weight, said first cavity adapted to receive a first insert;
whereby selection of said first weight is in mass and shape
provides customization to the customizable golf putter head.
15. A method for providing a customizable golf putter head as set
forth in claim 14, further comprising: said putter platform having
a face for putting a golf ball and a flange coupled to a bottom
portion of said face; attaching a second weight to said platform,
said second weight being selectable in mass and shape, said second
weight being detachably attachable to said platform, said second
weight defining a second cavity within said second weight, said
second cavity adapted to receive a second insert; attaching a third
weight to said platform, said third weight being selectable in mass
and shape, said third weight being detachably attachable to said
platform, said third weight defining a third cavity within said
third weight, said third cavity adapted to receive a third insert;
said flange generally extending rearwardly and providing a lower
support for said first, second, and third weights.
16. A method for providing a customizable golf putter head as set
forth in claim 15, further comprising: said first cavity of said
first weight having a cross section selected from the group
consisting of: circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles; said
second cavity of said second weight having a cross section selected
from the group consisting of: circles, triangles, squares, and
rectangles; said third cavity of said third weight having a cross
section selected from the group consisting of: circles, triangles,
squares, and rectangles; said first, second, and third weights
attachable to said platform by screws; said first weight being
adjacent to a heel of said putter platform; said second weight
being adjacent a center of said putter platform, being selected
from the group consisting of block-type weights and
mallet-head-type weights; said third weight being adjacent a toe of
said putter platform; first, second, and third inserts removably
fitted within said first, second, and third cavities, respectively;
whereby said first, second, and third weights are distributed
across said putter platform for selectable control of weight
distribution of the customizable golf putter head.
Description
Copyright Authorization
[0001] Portions of the disclosure of this patent document may
contain material which is subject to copyright and/or mask work
protection. The copyright and/or mask work owner has no objection
to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or
the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark
Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright
and/or mask work rights whatsoever.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to relates to golf clubs and more
particularly a customizable golf putter head.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Those who have played the game of golf are well aware that
putting often accounts for nearly half the golfer's total score.
Although there are a wide variety of putters available to the
golfers, they still seek improved designs that will assist them in
lowering their total score.
[0006] Golf putter heads have been designed to impart a rolling
motion to the golf ball for short distances. The putter is
specifically constructed for use in striking the golf ball
accurately toward the cup once it has reached the putting green.
Typically, the general construction of a golf club includes a grip
portion adapted to be grasped by the golfer, a shaft extending
linearly downward from the grip portion, to a club head at the end
of the shaft opposite the grip portion. Typically, the club head
extends traversely to the shaft and the shaft has a neck portion
located at one end thereof, which is connected by a hosel to the
shaft.
[0007] The golfer addresses the golf ball by placing the club
adjacent to the ball. The golfer then swings the club in a short,
sweeping arc for a desired, but seldom achieved, perfect swing.
[0008] Of importance to the control and swing of the golf putter is
its balance. The balance is determined by the weight and weight
distribution of the golf club in general, and in specifically the
putter in the instance case. Much of this balance is derived from
the putter head as it generally concentrates most of the mass of
the club in this area.
[0009] Consequently, it would be desirable to provide a golf club
putter where the weight distribution at the putter head is
controllable, selectable, and/or adjustable. In this way, forces
and torques arising from the swing of the putter, as well as the
striking of the golf ball, can be adjusted for a golfer's personal
swing idiosyncrasies and characteristics.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In view of the disadvantages inherent in the known types of
putters and putter heads now present in the prior art, the present
invention provides a new golf putter head construction wherein the
same can be used to accommodate and/or complement the golfer's
unique or idiosyncratic swing of the golf club.
[0011] The general purpose of the present invention, which will be
described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new golf
club putter head, construction, and method for providing same
having many of the same advantages of golf club putters mentioned
and/known heretofore along with many novel features that result in
a new golf club putter head construction which is not anticipated,
rendered obvious, suggested, taught, or even implied by any other
prior art golf club putters and putter heads, either alone or any
combination thereof.
[0012] The golf club putter heads set forth herein use a unique
construction and architecture whereby the weight and weight
distribution of the putter head is selectable and adjustable
according to the preferences and/or requirements of the particular
golfer.
[0013] As shown in the drawings, the putter head generally four
distinctive portions, although these may be adjustable as well with
the total number of configurable parts being determined by the
demands of the golfer, his game, and his swing.
[0014] The putter head platform has a face and a lower flange upon
which individual weights may be attached. Generally it is better to
attach the weights by screws or the like that are flush with the
bottom of the flange. In this way, the face of the putter is not
disturbed by the presence of the screwheads or the like.
[0015] Each of the weights is separately configurable, but may
share a common aesthetic scheme or sense in order to provide a more
attractive golf club head. Generally, a weight is present at the
heel, the center, and the toe of the putter head. With each of
these weights may be cavities or recesses into which one or more
inserts may be placed. The inserts may adjust the mass of the
individual weights. Consequently, the overall mass of the weight
can be crudely approximated in the casting of such weight. The
inserts allow for a particular adjustment and minute alteration of
the weight and weight distribution of the weights attached to the
putter platform.
[0016] As a result, the weights themselves do not need to be cast
or formed at the exact mass, but can approximate it in order to
make the resulting putter one that is tailored specifically to the
specific golfer. Furthermore, should the golfer's game change, the
inserts and/or the weights can be altered to accommodate new swing
features of the particular golfer.
[0017] In one embodiment of the present invention, a customizable
golf putter head is set forth having a putter platform and a first
weight attachable to the platform, the first weight defining a
first cavity within the first weight, the first cavity adapted to
receive a first insert such that the first weight is selectable in
mass and shape to provide customization to the customizable golf
putter head.
[0018] In a second embodiment of the present invention, a
customizable golf putter head is set forth having a putter
platform, the putter platform having a face for putting a golf ball
and a flange coupled to a bottom portion of the face. A first
weight attachable to the platform also defines a first cavity
within the first weight, the first cavity adapted to receive a
first insert. A second weight attachable to the platform also
defines a second cavity within the second weight, the second cavity
adapted to receive a second insert. A third weight attachable to
the platform also defines a third cavity within the third weight,
the third cavity adapted to receive a third insert. The flange
generally extends rearwardly and provides a lower support for the
first, second, and third weights such that the first, second, and
third weights are selectable in mass and shape to provide
customization to the customizable golf putter head.
[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for
providing a customizable golf putter head is set forth where the
steps include providing a putter platform and attaching a first
weight to the platform, the first weight being selectable in mass
and shape, the first weight being detachably attachable to the
platform, the first weight defining a first cavity within the first
weight, the first cavity adapted to receive a first insert such
that selection of the first weight is in mass and shape provides
customization to the customizable golf putter head.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] FIG. 1 is a rear left side and perspective view of the
customizable putter for golf according to the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 2 is a rear, left side, and exploded view of the
customizable putter for golf shown in FIG. 1. Shown in exploded
view are the weights, inserts, and screws which all function in
conjunction with the putter head platform and its rearwardly
extending flange.
[0022] FIG. 3 is a rear, left side, and exploded view of an
alternative embodiment of the customizable putter for golf shown in
FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the center weight is shown in an alterative
mallet-type-head embodiment that may be screwed or otherwise fixed
to the putter head and defines cavities similar to the other
weights.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0023] The detailed description set forth below in connection with
the appended drawings is intended as a description of
presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not
intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention
may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the
functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating
the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.
However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent
functions and sequences may be accomplished by different
embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the
spirit and scope of the invention.
[0024] The present invention resides in a customizable putter for
golf wherein the weight distribution can be selectively altered by
the addition and/or removal of both weights in gross as well as
providing fine adjustment of the weight distribution by weight
inserts into the larger weight blocks.
[0025] Referring to the drawings where like numerals of reference
designate like elements throughout, it will be noted that FIG. 1
shows the Customizable Golf Putter 100 with its putter head 102 and
attached hosel 104. The shaft and hosel ring are shown at the top
of the drawing in phantom.
[0026] The customizable putter 102 has a platform portion 106 with
a face 108 and rearwardly extending flange 110. The sole 112 of the
platform 106 may be a flat or curved as may be the top 114 of the
flange 110.
[0027] FIG. 1 shows the customizable putter head 102 in an
assembled configuration as with a heel weight 120, a center weight
122, and a toe weight 124.
[0028] In distinction to FIGS. 2 and 3, FIG. 1 shows a central
recess 126 which is an optional feature and one into which the
center weight 122 may fit in a snug or free-fitting manner and
generally allows the mass of the center weight 122 to be located
generally along the center of the face 108, immediate
therebehind.
[0029] Having set forth the general structure of the customizable
putter head 102, FIGS. 2 and 3 show alternative embodiments of the
putter head 102 as well as additional features in parts of the
weights 120-124.
[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, screws 130 pass through
respective holes 132 in order to engage threaded screw holes 134 in
each of the weights 120-124. Generally, the heads of the screws 130
are mounted flush with the sole 120 of flange 110. In this way, the
screw heads do not interfere with the passage of the putter head
102 as the sole 120 engages the ground beneath it during the golf
stroke.
[0031] FIGS. 2 and 3 also show (in phantom) recesses and/or
cavities 140 in the interior of the weights 120-124. Note should be
taken that the openings 142 of the cavities 140 are generally along
the face of the weight engaging the backside 144 of the face
portion 108 of the putter head 102. This ensures that the openings
are not readily accessible as the associated face of the weight
120-124 is generally in close contact with the back 144 of the face
portion 108. This generally holds the cavities 140 closed and any
inserts 150 therein.
[0032] Prior to assembly, when the screws 130 are threaded into the
screw holes 134, weighted inserts 150 of a variety of shapes and
sizes can be slid into the cavities 140.
[0033] It is anticipated that most of the inserts 150 will be
cylindrical in nature in a manner that allows easy manufacturing as
the cavities 140 can then be drilled with a cylindrical bit or the
like. However, if the weights 120-124 are cast (or possibly
milled), it is possible that other shapes of recesses 140 could be
achieved. This is shown in FIG. 2 where a triangular recess 154 may
receive a triangular insert 156 and a rectangular recess 160 may
receive a rectangular insert 162. Generally, any size or shape of
cavity 140 or 150 may be achieved so long as the care is taken to
provide for a generally close fit as it may be a distraction if the
insert 150 moves within the cavity 140 as it would generally cause
the putter head 102 to rattle and would cause the weight
distribution of the putter head 102 to shift unpredictably. In a
similar manner, the weights 120-124 should be securely fitted to
the top 114 of the flange 110 so that they do not move during the
swing of the putter 100, the striking of the ball, or at any other
time.
[0034] FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the putter head
102 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. Instead of a block-like center weight
122, an alternative mallet-head-type embodiment is achieved for the
center weight 170. As shown in FIG. 3, a mallet-type-weight 170 has
a lower and broader weight distribution which some golfers may find
advantageous. This may lower the center of gravity for the putter
head 102 overall as well as possibly widening across the face 108
of the putter head 102 any "sweet spot" where the striking of the
golf ball is particularly advantageous.
[0035] While the present invention has been described with regards
to particular embodiments, it is recognized that additional
variations of the present invention may be devised without
departing from the inventive concept. Such variations include, but
are not limited to, any distribution of the weights 120-124 along
the flange 110. Furthermore, the weights 120-124 and inserts 150
may be of any of a variety of materials, including synthetic
materials, common metals, precious metals, or otherwise. The same
is similarly true for the fabrication materials of the putter head
platform portion 106 and/or the hosel 104. Materials for use in
construction of the putter head 102 may include materials ranging
from steel, titanium, and/or aluminum to gold, silver, lead,
platinum and any combination of such materials.
[0036] Additionally, the heel, toe, and center weights 120-124 may
be fused together in a single unit attached separately or in any
combination thereof, attached with a single or multiple screws, and
could also be attached to the putter platform 106 from the sides
and/or top if the putter platform 106 was so conformed and/or
constructed to allow for same. For example the flange could extend
from the top of the putter face 108 and not the bottom.
Alternatively, flanges could extend from the sides of the putter
face portion 108 at the heel and/or the toe. Further, any
combination of these putter platform designs could be putter
platform constructions could also be achieved to possibly good
effect.
[0037] Of advantage in the particular system set forth herein for
putter heads 102 is the fact that the weights 120-124 can be
milled, cast, or otherwise fabricated in any shape or size as well
as any mass. Additionally, the cavities 140 can be milled, cast, or
fabricated in any size or shape as well. Of course, room must be
left for the screw holes 134 that are present in the weights
120-124. However, in the bulk of the weights 120-124, the cavities
can be generally constructed as seen fit by the golfer and/or
manufacturer.
[0038] Furthermore, even though a certain configuration has been
achieved with respect to the putter head 102, the putter platform
106, the weights 120-124, and/or the inserts 150, this
configuration can be adjusted and changed according to the
preferences of golfer. Consequently, if one configuration is
achieved that was initially thought to be the most advantageous but
does not work to the expectations and/or the desires of golfer,
such configuration can be changed with relatively little, if any,
damage to the putter 100. Reasonable experimentation may lead to
predictable and reliable results with respect to individual putters
once a swing analysis or other evaluation has occurred.
[0039] From the foregoing, it can be seen that the customizable
putter 100 provides golfers means by which a better putter can be
achieved. Furthermore, variation of the structure and weight of the
putter head 102 and its components provides the golfer means by
which his putting game can be fine tuned via tailor fitting the
putter golf club to the golfer's game. Ease of manufacturing and
such adjustment can be made by the preparation of a variety of
types, sizes, and masses of the weights 120-124 as well as their
respective inserts 150. In such tailoring, the golfer may want to
control, alter, and/or adjust the weight distribution within the
individual weights 120-124 by the propitious selection of the
associated inserts 150. As set forth above, such configuration can
be changed easily such that once that certain preferences are
established regarding the weights 120-124, the inserts 150 can be
readily exchanged for different ones by simply detaching the weight
from the platform portion 106 via the screws 130.
* * * * *