U.S. patent application number 11/655381 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-05 for golf putter with a viewing port and a method of using the same.
Invention is credited to Scott G. Haack.
Application Number | 20070155536 11/655381 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46327086 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070155536 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haack; Scott G. |
July 5, 2007 |
Golf putter with a viewing port and a method of using the same
Abstract
A golf putter including a plurality of physical and visual aids
for assisting the golfer to more consistently assume a good head
and body position and to better putt a golf ball toward a remote
hole. The putter head is provided with a viewing port and a first
linear marking to aid in aligning the ball with a remote hole.
Preferably the putter head includes a detachable flange that
includes a substantially transparent insert which constitutes the
viewing port. The putter head has a first linear marking thereon
and the transparent insert has a second linear marking thereon. The
first and second markings are alignable with a remote hole to
ensure that the golf ball is putted in the correct direction toward
the hole.
Inventors: |
Haack; Scott G.; (Massillon,
OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SAND & SEBOLT
AEGIS TOWER, SUITE 1100
4940 MUNSON STREET, NW
CANTON
OH
44718-3615
US
|
Family ID: |
46327086 |
Appl. No.: |
11/655381 |
Filed: |
January 19, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11490209 |
Jul 19, 2006 |
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11655381 |
Jan 19, 2007 |
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11337428 |
Jan 23, 2006 |
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11490209 |
Jul 19, 2006 |
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60702131 |
Jul 25, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/065 20130101;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101; A63B 24/0003
20130101; A63B 2225/12 20130101; A63B 69/3682 20200801; A63B 60/02
20151001; A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 2053/0491 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00 |
Claims
1. A golf putter for putting golf balls, said golf putter
comprising: a shaft; a handle disposed at a first end of the shaft;
a putter head disposed at a second end of the shaft, and wherein
said putter head includes: a front wall having a front face adapted
to strike the golf ball; a rear face; an upper surface and a lower
surface; and a viewing port formed in the head between the upper
and lower surfaces and rearwardly of the front wall.
2. The golf putter as defined in claim 1, wherein the putter head
includes a pair of spaced apart legs extending rearwardly away from
the rear face of the front wall; and wherein said legs defining a
gap therebetween and the gap constitutes the viewing port.
3. The golf putter as defined in claim 2, wherein the front wall
includes a first linear marking disposed on an upper surface
thereof; said first linear marking being oriented substantially at
right angles to the front face; and wherein said first linear
marking is adapted to be lined up with a remote hole into which the
golf ball is to be putted.
4. The golf putter as defined in claim 3, wherein the first linear
marking extends between the front face and rear face of the front
wall.
5. The golf putter as defined in claim 3, wherein the putter head
further comprises: a mounting area; and a flange removably
mountable to the mounting area; and wherein the viewing port is
disposed in the flange.
6. The golf putter as defined in claim 5, wherein the mounting area
is provided on at least one of the front wall and legs of the
putter head.
7. The golf putter as defined in claim 5, wherein the flange
includes an aperture therein and the viewing port comprises a
substantially transparent insert that is receivable in the aperture
in the flange.
8. The golf putter as defined in claim 7, wherein the transparent
insert has an upper and a lower surface; said flange further
including a second linear marking on the upper surface of the
insert; and wherein the second linear marking is substantially
parallel to the first linear marking on the front wall of the
putter head and is alignable therewith.
9. The golf putter as defined in claim 6, wherein the first and
second linear markings are disposed at different heights relative
to each other.
10. The golf putter as defined in claim 8, wherein each of the
first and second linear markings comprises one of a groove, a ridge
and a physical line marked upon the upper surface and insert
respectively.
11. A method of putting a golf ball into a remote hole, comprising:
positioning a putter head of a golf putter adjacent a ball to be 1
0 played; standing behind the ball and viewing a remote golf hole
through a viewing port in the putter head; aligning a linear
marking on the putter head with the center of the remote hole to
determine a direction in which the ball is to be played;
positioning the head of the putter so that the aligned linear
marking is centered through the ball; hitting the ball in the
determined direction.
12. The method of putting a golf ball as defined in claim 11,
further comprising the step of: aligning a second linear marking
formed on a transparent insert that includes the viewing port with
the remote golf hole.
13. The method of putting a golf ball as defined in claim 12,
further comprising the step of: taking a practice shot by passing
the putter head over the top of the ball in the determined
direction; viewing the apparent travel of the ball through the
viewing port in the putter head; comparing the apparent travel of
the ball with the second linear marking; and adjusting the
orientation of the putter head to align the direction of apparent
travel of the ball with the determined direction prior to hitting
the ball.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 11/490,209, filed Jul. 19, 2006, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
11/337,428, filed Jan. 23, 2006, which claims priority from U.S.
Provisional Application No. 60/702,131, filed Jul. 25, 2005. The
complete specifications of these applications are incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Technical Field
[0003] This invention generally relates to golf clubs. More
particularly, the invention relates to golf putters. Specifically,
the invention relates to a golf putter that includes a flange
having a transparent surface and an alignment mechanism thereon
which helps'the golfer to correctly position the putter head to
putt more accurately.
[0004] 2. Background Information
[0005] Golfers are always trying to improve their game and,
consequently, they are always seeking out aids, teaching tools,
videos and programs that will assist them in improving their game
and achieving their potential as a golfer. The golfer may utilize
all of these resources yet still encounter problems when they are
actually out on the course. Many amateurs presume that the most
important part of the game is driving the ball to the green and
they consequently spend a lot of their self-improvement efforts in
correcting their strokes to minimize slicing or hooking of the ball
and to drive the ball as far as possible. While these aspects of
the game are important, most golfers tend to drop strokes when they
reach the putting green. This is because the typical golfer tends
to have little awareness of the position of their body, and
especially their head, in relation to the position of the ball when
they are putting. The golfer's stance and head position are
extremely important in determining where the putted ball will land
up once struck. Even if the golfer is aware that their head
position and their stance are of great importance for the accuracy
of their putt, they may not know if the stance they are actually
assuming is correct and appropriate for viewing the correct line to
the hole. Typical amateur golfers tend to position the putter head
on the grass, glance up at the hole once or twice to try and ensure
that they are putting the ball in the correct direction and then
they strike the ball. On occasion, the position of the golfer's
head relative to the putter head is accidentally correct and the
putt is good. At other times, the golfer's head is not in a good
position relative to the putter head and the putt is bad. The
golfer is therefore inconsistent in their putting and their overall
game is weakened.
[0006] There is therefore a need in the art for a device which will
aid the golfer in more consistently and correctly positioning their
head and assuming the correct putting stance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The device of the present invention comprises a golf club,
and more specifically a putter, that includes a plurality of
physical and visual aids for assisting the golfer to more
consistently assume a good head and body position for putting and
to strike a golf ball more correctly and accurately. The club
includes a putter head mounted on a shaft. The putter head is
provided with a viewing port that comprises one of an aperture in
the putter head and a substantially transparent portion therein.
The putter head has a first linear marking thereon and the
transparent portion has a second linear marking thereon. The first
and second markings are alignable with a remote hole to ensure that
the golf ball is putted in the correct direction toward the
hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The preferred embodiments of the invention, illustrative of
the best mode in which applicant has contemplated applying the
principles, are set forth in the following description and are
shown in the drawings and are particularly and distinctly pointed
out and set forth in the appended claims.
[0009] FIG. 1 is a front view of a golfer using the golf putter
with a reflective head insert in accordance with the present
invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a front view of the putter head showing a small
section of the shaft of the club extending outwardly away from the
putter head;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the golf putter head showing the
removeable flange engaged with the putter head and having the
reflective surface facing outwardly;
[0012] FIG. 4 is an exploded top view of the putter head; the
removeable flange and the reflective insert;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional rear view of the putter head
through line 5-5 of FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of the putter head
through line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a top view of the golf putter head with the
removeable flange that has been rotated through 180.degree. so that
the non-reflective surface of the flange is facing upwardly;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a top view of a golf putter head in accordance
with the present invention and showing a second embodiment of a
removeable flange engaged therewith;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a top view of a golf putter head in accordance
with the present invention and showing a third embodiment of a
removeable flange engaged therewith;
[0018] FIG. 10 is an illustrative front view of the golf putter
head with the toe of the putter head lifted off the ground;
[0019] FIG. 11 is an illustrative top view of the golf putter head
of FIG. 10, showing the relative position of the first linear
marking and second linear marking;
[0020] FIG. 12 is an illustrative front view of the golf putter
head with the heel of the putter head lifted off the ground;
[0021] FIG. 13 is an illustrative top view of the golf putter head
of FIG. 12, showing the relative position of the first linear
marking and second linear marking;
[0022] FIG. 14 is an illustrative front view of the golf putter
head correctly soled on the ground;
[0023] FIG. 15 is an illustrative top view of the golf putter head
of FIG. 14, showing the relative position of the first linear
marking and second linear marking;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a top view of a golf putter head in accordance
with the present invention and showing a fourth embodiment of a
removeable flange engaged therewith;
[0025] FIG. 17 is a top view of a golf putter head in accordance
with the present invention and showing a fifth embodiment of a
removeable flange engaged therewith;
[0026] FIG. 18 is a top view of the golf putter head showing a
sixth embodiment of the flange engaged with the putter head, and
FIG. 19 is a top view of the golf putter head of FIG. 18 showing
the ball positioned beneath the transparent insert.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a golfer 10 holding a
golf putter 12 in accordance with the present invention. Putter 12
includes a handle 16, a shaft 18 and a putter head 20. Putter head
20 is illustrated as soled on the ground 14, i.e., putter head 20
is disposed resting substantially horizontally relative to ground
14. Golfer 10 is illustrated standing with their head 21 and eyes
22 positioned correctly over putter head 20, so that golfer 10 is
ready to most accurately putt the ball 23 into a remote hole (not
shown).
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 2-6, and in accordance with a specific
feature of the present invention, putter head 20 comprises a
generally U-shaped base 24 that engages a removeable flange 26.
Base 24 preferably is manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum and
flange 26 preferably is manufactured from stainless steel. The
aircraft-grade aluminum gives the putting stroke a soft feel and
gives the golfer optimum control of ball 23.
[0029] Flange 26 has an upper side 26a and a lower side 26b, with
the upper side 26a including a reflective surface, as will be
hereinafter described, and the lower side 26b including a
non-reflective surface. Flange 26 can be selectively removed from
base 24, flipped over through over 180.degree. and reinserted into
base 24, depending on whether the golfer wants the reflective
surface or non-reflective surface facing outwardly away from the
ground 14 and toward his eyes 22. Typically, flange 26 would be
retained in base 24 with the reflective surface facing upwardly
during practice sessions. During an actual game, flange 26 would be
reversed so that the non-reflective surface would face upwardly so
that the putter would meet the rules and regulations of the
USGA.
[0030] Base 24 preferably is an integrally formed member having a
front wall 28 and a pair of substantially parallel legs 30, 32 that
extend outwardly and rearwardly away from front wall 28. Legs 30,
32 are spaced a distance apart from each other and thereby define a
gap 42 between them. Front wall 28 includes a front face 52 adapted
to contact ball 23, a back face 54, an upper surface 46 and a lower
surface 48. The shaft 18 of putter 12 extends upwardly and
outwardly away from upper surface 46. Shaft 18 may be received
within an aperture (not shown) in upper surface 46 or it may be
welded to upper surface 46. A pair of spaced apart apertures 44 are
provided in back face 54 of front wall 28 in the region disposed
between legs 30 and 32. As seen in FIGS. 4 & 5, a bottom wall
40 extends rearwardly away from front wall 28 and proximate the
lower surface 48 thereof. Bottom wall 40 preferably is generally
triangular in shape and extends into gap 42. The outermost side
edge of each leg 30, 32 preferably is tapered inwardly so that
putter head 20 has an aerodynamic profile that allows air to flow
more fluidly over and around putter head 20. Legs 30, 32 terminate
in terminal ends 76 and 78 respectively. The bottom wall 40
terminates in an apex 40a that is disposed a distance inwardly of
terminal ends 76, 78 of legs 30, 32.
[0031] In accordance with one of the specific features of the
present invention, upper surface 46 of front wall 28 includes a
first linear marking 50 that is disposed substantially at right
angles to front face 52 of putter 12. First linear marking 50 is
adapted to be lined up with a remote hole (not shown) in which
golfer 10 is attempting to sink his golf ball 23. First linear
marking 50 preferably is in the form of a groove formed in upper
surface 46 and extending between front face 52 and back face 54 of
front wall 28. Alternatively, first linear marking 50 may comprise
a ridge or a line that is physically marked on upper surface 46 in
paint, ink or the like. First linear marking 50 preferably
terminates in a small arrow-shaped protuberance 56 which extends
rearwardly into gap 42.
[0032] In accordance with another specific feature of the present
invention, flange 26 is removeably received in gap 42 and is
detachably secured to base 24. In the preferred embodiment of the
invention, flange 26 is secured to rear surface 54 of front wall
28. However, it will be understood that flange 26 could also be
secured to one or both legs 30, 32 or to a combination of the legs
30, 32 and rear face 54 of front wall 28. Flange 26 comprises a
housing 58, preferably having an inverted V-shaped back end 60, a
substantially planar front end 62 and an intermediate portion 64
disposed between front and back ends 62, 60. Back surface 54 of
front wall 28 may be provided with a recess shaped to receive the
front end 62 of flange 26 therein. Both of the back end 60 and
front end 62 of flange 26 extend laterally outwardly beyond
intermediate portion 64 so that an indentation 65 is effectively
formed on either side of housing 58. Intermediate portion 64 has an
upper surface 64a and a lower surface 64b, with upper surface 64a
defining a recess 66 therein. Recess 66 is configured to retain a
mirrored plate 68 therein. Both the recess 66 and mirrored plate 68
can be of any desired shape, but mirrored plate 68 preferably is
retained within recess 66 by both an adhesive (not shown) and the
flanges 64c formed in intermediate portion 64 surrounding at least
a portion of recess 66. Second linear marking 70a is inscribed on
mirrored plate 68. This second linear marking 70a may be in the
form of a centrally disposed groove or ridge or simply be a line
that is physically marked on mirrored plate 68 in paint, ink or the
like. Second linear marking 70a is designed to be alignable with
first linear marking 50 on front wall 28 when flange 26 is oriented
in putter head 20 so that the reflective surface 66 faces upwardly
and outwardly, as will be hereinafter described.
[0033] The lower surface 64b of flange 26 has a non-reflective
surface. Lower surface 64b is also provided with a central groove,
ridge or line that serves as a second linear marking 70b. This
second linear marking 70b is designed to be alignable with first
linear marking 50 on front wall 28, when flange 26 is flipped over
in putter head 20 so that the non-reflective surface faces
upwardly, as will be hereinafter described.
[0034] Flange 26 is secured to base 24 by a plurality of fasteners
72 that are inserted into holes 74 in front end 62 of flange 26 and
then into threaded apertures 44 in rear face 54 of front wall 28.
As seen in FIGS. 4 & 5, fasteners 72 preferably are Allen
screws that are rotatable by way of an Allen key (not shown) that
is inserted through apertures 61 in back end 60 of housing 58. When
fasteners 72 are rotated in a first direction, they secure flange
26 to base 24. When fasteners 72 are rotated in a second direction,
they release flange 26 from base 24. When flange 26 is secured to
base 24, the back end 60 of flange 26 preferably is substantially
continuous with the terminal ends 76, 78 of legs 32, 30
respectively, so that putter head 12 has an aerodynamic trailing
edge. Flange 26 is secured to base 24 in such a manner that when
legs 30, 32 are resting on ground 14, flange 26 is held a spaced
distance above bottom wall 40 (FIG. 5) resulting in less drag on
the putter 12 as the stroke is executed. This distance is ideally
around 4/10 inch.
[0035] In accordance with another specific feature of the present
invention, each leg 30, 32 includes a longitudinal bore 34, 36
(FIG. 6) configured to receive one or more weights 38 therein. The
weights 38 provided may be of any suitable size, such as around 15
g or 30 g each, and one or more weights 38 may be selectively
inserted into one or both bores 34, 36. This enables golfer 10 to
balance putter head 20 in a manner that is pleasing to the golfer.
Weights 38 preferably include a threadable portion 38a (FIG. 6)
that engages an internally threaded portion 34a, 36a of bore 34, 36
respectively. Each weight 38 may be provided with a recess (not
shown) which allows it to be inserted or removed by an Allen
wrench. It should be noted that the gap 42 formed between legs 30
and 32 in conjunction with weights 38 results in a putter head with
an increased moment of inertia and a center of gravity that is
positioned about 1.4'' from the club face. This reduces the
backspin in the golf ball 23 and results in a smoother stroke.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 8, there is shown a differently shaped
flange 126 for engagement in putter head 20. Flange 126 has an
upper surface having a shaped mirrored insert 168 including a
second linear marking 170a. Flange 126 has a V-shaped back end 162,
the apex 162a of which is disposed inwardly of the terminal ends
76, 78 of legs 32, 30. All other components of flange 126 are
substantially identical to that of flange 26, including the feature
that the lower surface (not shown) of the flange 126 has a
non-reflective surface and a second linear marking thereon. Back
end 162 of flange 126 is again substantially continuous with
terminal ends 76, 78 of base 24.
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another shape of flange which is
indicated generally at 226. Flange 226 includes a peripheral wall
262 that is not substantially continuous with terminal ends 76, 78
of legs 32, 30. Flange 226 includes an upper surface having a
mirrored insert 268 therein and a lower surface (not shown) that is
non-reflective. As with previous embodiments, flange 226 is easily
removed by unscrewing the Allen screws (not shown) that secure it
to the base 24. It will be understood that any suitably shaped
flange can be received within the gap 42 between legs 30, 32 of
base 24 without departing from the spirit of the present
invention.
[0038] Referring to FIGS. 10-15, putter 12 is used in the following
manner. (It should be noted that the specific elements of the
putter head, save for the front wall and reflective insert, have
been removed from these figures for the sake of clarity.) When the
golfer is preparing to putt, he places putter head 20 on the ground
14. Normally, the golfer would not be able to determine very easily
if the putter head was soled or not, i.e., if the putter head 20
was lying with both the toe portion 20a and heel portion 20b in
contact with the ground 14. As will be described hereinafter, the
putter 12 of the present invention solves this problem.
[0039] FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the situation where toe portion
20a is out of contact with ground 14 and as a consequence, from the
viewpoint of the golfer, the first linear marking 50 lies closer to
the golfer than does the second linear marking 70a. The
non-alignment of first linear marking 50 and second linear marking
70a tells the golfer that he does not have putter head 20 soled
properly. The fact that the first linear marking 50 is disposed
closer to the golfer than the second linear marking 70a, lets the
golfer know that toe portion 20a is lifted off ground 14.
[0040] FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the situation where heel portion
20b is out of contact with ground 14. In this instance, first
linear marking 50 is disposed further away from the golfer than is
second linear marking 70a. This tells the golfer that the heel
portion 20b is lifted off the ground 14.
[0041] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate the situation where putter head
20 is correctly soled on ground 14. The golfer can tell the putter
head is correctly positioned because first linear marking 50 lies
in complete alignment with second linear marking 70a.
[0042] FIG. 16 illustrates a putter head 20 that is engaged with a
fourth embodiment of a removeable flange, which flange is generally
indicated at 326. Flange 326 is secured to rear surface 54 of front
wall 28 of base 24. However, it will be understood that flange 326
could also be secured to one or both legs 30, 32 or to a
combination of the legs 30, 32 and rear face 54 of front wall 28.
Flange 326 is substantially identical to flange 26 except that
flange 326 is at least one of a reduced size and different weight
to flange 26. When flange 326 is engaged with base 24, the V-shaped
back end 360 of flange 326 terminates a distance inwardly from
terminal ends 76, 78 of base 24. Flange 326 includes a mirrored
plate 368 on an upper surface thereof and is non-reflective on a
lower surface (not shown). As with previous embodiments, flange 326
is provided with a second linear marking 370a that serves as an
extension of first linear marking 50 on front wall 28. Flange 326
may be either lighter or heavier than flange 26. The different
length and weight of flange 326 relative to flange 26, allows the
golfer the opportunity to change the center of gravity of putter
head 20 and to thereby alter the characteristics of the putter. The
center of gravity of putter head 20 can be shifted forwardly toward
front face 52 by using flange 326. The center of gravity of putter
head 20 can be shifted rearwardly toward terminal ends 76, 78 by
using flange 26. This is especially useful in pendulum type motions
and different loft angles. If putter 12 has a face 52 with negative
loft (e.g., -6 degrees) then switching the center of gravity from
the front to the back or from the back to the front of the putter
head 20 by engaging the appropriate flange 26 or 326 therewith may
be beneficial to the golfer's game. If the golfer drags putter 20
straight back and straight through the ball, he might find that the
ball rolls better when the center of gravity of putter head 20 is
somewhere between the front face 52 and middle section A-A' of the
putter head 20. If the golfer has a pendulum motion to their
backswing, then moving the center of gravity of putter head 20 to
between the middle section A-A' and terminal ends 76, 78 may be
beneficial. The golfer is therefore able to select the appropriate
size and weight flange 26, 326 to change the center or gravity of
the putter head. The position of the center of gravity of the
putter head 20 may also make a difference in the roll of the ball
depending on whether the golfer positions the ball off his front
foot or in the middle of his stance. It would be beneficial to
position the center of gravity in the middle section A-A' or just
off the front face 52 of putter 12 by selecting a shorter flange
326 if the golfer places the ball more toward his front foot. This
way the club face will stay parallel to the ground and will tend to
strike the ball squarely at impact. If the golfer places the ball
in the middle of his stance, then the center of gravity of putter
head 20 would be more beneficially positioned toward the terminal
ends 76, 78 of head 20. This could be achieved by selecting a
longer flange 26. This will create a more pendulum-like action,
allowing the club to strike the ball on the upstroke and will tend
to eliminate "blocking" or striking the ball on the downstroke,
which tends to cause hopping/skipping or backspin in the struck
ball.
[0043] FIG. 17 illustrates a fifth embodiment of flange, being the
flange indicated generally at 426. Flange 426 is substantially
identical to the flange 226 shown in FIG. 8, except flange 426 is
again of a diminished size and different weight to flange 226.
Flange 426 includes a peripheral wall 462 that is not substantially
continuous with terminal ends 76, 78 of legs 32, 30. Peripheral
wall 462 terminates a distance inwardly of terminal ends 76, 78 of
base 24. Flange 426 includes an upper surface having a mirrored
insert 468 therein and a lower surface (not shown) that is
non-reflective. Mirrored insert 468 also includes a second linear
marking 470a that aligns with the first linear marking 50 on base
24. As with previous embodiments, flange 426 is easily removed by
unscrewing the Allen screws (not shown) that secure it to the base
24 and this makes it easy for the golfer to switch between various
length, weight and shape flanges and to thereby change the putting
characteristics of his putter. It would be beneficial if the golfer
places the ball to more toward his front foot, then shifting the
center of gravity of the putter head to proximate the middle
section B-B' or just off the front face 52 can be achieved by
selecting a shorter flange 426. The golfer could have provided to
him a range of shorter flanges that are of different weights. In
this instance, selecting one of the shorter but heavier flanges 426
will cause the movement of the center of gravity to be even more
pronounced.
[0044] If the golfer places the ball in the middle of his stance,
then the center of gravity of putter head 20 would be more
beneficially positioned toward the terminal ends 76, 78 of head 20.
This could be achieved by selecting a longer and/or heavier flange
26. This shift in the center of gravity will create a more
pendulum-like action, allowing the club to strike the ball on the
upstroke and will tend to eliminate "blocking" or striking the ball
on the downstroke.
[0045] It is envisaged that putter 12 might be sold as a base 24
that may be selectively engaged with any one of a plurality of
flanges that are manufactured in different shapes, weights or
lengths. The golfer would then select a first-shaped flange of his
choice and attach the same to the base 24. If he decides that the
selected first-shaped flange is not helping him in the manner he
desires, he could simply detach the first-shaped flange and replace
it with a second-shaped flange. The golfer might alternatively
select a different length or weight of flange to purposefully
change the center of gravity of the putter head 20 to compensate
for or enhance his putting style.
[0046] The golfer can train himself to correctly position his head
by utilizing the mirrored inserts 68, 168, 268, 368 or 468 that is
provided on any of the shaped flanges 26, 126, 226, 326 and 426.
For instance, when the mirrored insert 68 of flange 26 is facing
upwardly on putter head 20, the golfer will be able to see the
reflection 22a of one or both of his eyes 22 in insert 68. When
putter head 20 is properly soled on ground 14, the golfer would
move his head until the reflection 22a of his eyes 22 is disposed
along second linear marking 70a or just slightly below second
linear marking 70a. Repeated positioning of his head in this manner
will help the golfer train himself to correctly position his head
under circumstances where the flange 26 is positioned with the
non-reflective surface facing upwardly and toward him.
[0047] Putter 12 is also designed so that the golfer can add
weights 38 into one or the other or both of the bores 34, 36 in
legs 32, 30 in order to balance putter head 20 and thereby reduce
his tendency to hold the putter head with either the toe portion
20a or heel portion 20b out of contact with ground 14.
Alternatively, if the golfer finds that he plays better with the
putter in a slightly unbalanced mode, he can add one or more
weights to one or the other bore 34, 36 to cause the putter head 20
to be more easily held in the toe-up or heel-up position. The
golfer can also utilize the relative positioning of first linear
marking 50 and second linear marking 70a or 70b to determine how to
habitually hold putter 12 if they wish to play with the putter head
in the toe-up or heel-up position. If they wish to play with putter
head 20 in toe-up position, then shaft 18 is pulled slightly toward
the body to ensure that first linear marking 50 is positioned
closer to the body than is second linear marking 70a or 70b. If the
golfer wishes to play with putter head in the heel up position,
then they push shaft 18 slightly away from their body to move first
linear marking 50 so that it lays further from their body than does
the second linear marking 70a or 70b.
[0048] The golfer is trained by frequent and regular use of the
alignment mechanism, i.e., the first and second linear markings 50,
70, to consistently position their head relative to the putter head
20; and to position the putter head 20 in a particular manner
relative to the ground; and to line up a putter head with the ball
and with a remote flag/hole. Regular use of the weights 38 also
help the golfer to more consistently hold the putter at a
particular angle. Essentially, all of these aids help the golfer
develop his muscle memory by helping him to consistently position
his body and most specifically position his shoulders, head and
eyes relative to the putter head.
[0049] It will be understood that while flange 26 is shown as
reversibly connected to said front wall 28, flange 26 could
alternatively be connected to one or both legs 30, 32 or to said
legs and said front wall. Furthermore, while the preferred
embodiment has shown the flange 26 mounted within a gap 42 defined
between legs 30, 32, flange 26 could alternatively be mounted in a
recess formed in the putter head rearwardly of front wall 28.
[0050] FIGS. 18 and 19 show a sixth embodiment of the flange in
accordance with the present invention, said flange being generally
indicated at 526. Flange 526 is substantially identical to the
flange 26 shown in FIG. 3 in that flange 526 comprises a housing
558, preferably with an inverted V-shaped back end 560, a
substantially planar front end (not shown) and an intermediate
portion 564 disposed therebetween. Flange 526 may be fixedly
secured to putter head 20 or may be detachable therefrom. Both of
the back end 560 and the front end of flange 526 extend laterally
outwardly beyond intermediate portion 564 so that an indentation
565 is effectively formed on either side of housing 558.
Intermediate portion 564 has an upper surface 564a and a lower
surface (not shown), with upper surface 564a defining a recess 566
therein. A complementary shaped plate 568 is retained within recess
566, preferably by both an adhesive and flanges 564c of
intermediate portion 564 that surround recess 566.
[0051] In accordance with a specific feature of the present
invention, putter head 20 includes a viewing port through which
objects outwardly from the lower surface of the putter may be
viewed. The viewing port may constitute an aperture in putter head
20 which extends between the upper and lower surfaces thereof.
Alternatively, the viewing port may be provided as an aperture in a
fixed or detachable flange 526 or, as is illustrated in FIG. 18, a
substantially transparent insert or plate 568 in flange 526. Plate
568 preferably is manufactured from an acrylic material and is
therefore see-through, allowing the golfer to see the ground or
objects such as the ball 23 beneath plate 568. Plate 568 is
provided with a second linear marking 570a in the form of a
centrally disposed groove, ridge or a line that is physically
marked thereon in paint, ink or the like. Second linear marking
570a is designed to be alignable with first linear marking 50 on
front wall 28. Both of the first and second linear markings 50,
570a are alignable with remote objects, such as flags at remote
golf holes. The mechanism for aligning first and second linear
markings 50, 570a with each other has been described herein with
reference to previous embodiments of the golf putter.
[0052] The golfer uses putter 20 which incorporates the viewing
port, and particularly the transparent plate 568 in flange 526 in
the following manner. The golfer stands behind the ball and locates
the center of the cup by looking through the viewing port or
transparent plate 568. He then aligns one or both of the first and
second linear markings 50, 570a with the center of the cup (as
indicated by the remote flag) and tracks the line all the way back
to the ball. The putter head 20 is positioned so that the second
linear marking 570a bisects the ball and thereby provides a
determined direction that the center of putter head 20 needs to
travel through the ball in order for the ball to be directed toward
the hole. Keeping this orientation, the putter head is positioned
adjacent the ball with the second linear marking 570a centered
through the ball and aligned with the determined direction of
travel. The stroke is then played.
[0053] The golfer may decide to take a practice swing before
playing the ball. In order to do this, the putter head must be
passed over the top of the ball in the determined direction. As the
practice stroke is played, the golfer views the apparent travel of
the ball under the putter head by looking through the viewing port
or transparent plate 568. He then compares the apparent travel of
the ball under the head with one or both of the first and second
linear markings 50, 570a. If the ball is not traveling
substantially in line with one or both of the first and second
linear markings, the golfer makes any necessary adjustments to the
orientation of the putter head to cause the direction of apparent
travel to become aligned with the first and second linear markings
and thereby with the determined direction of travel. Once he
decides the determined direction and apparent direction are one and
the same, the golfer positions the putter head adjacent the ball so
that first and second linear markings 50, 570a are aligned with
each other and so that the ball is bisected by first and second
linear markings 50, 570a. Then the stroke is played.
[0054] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0055] Moreover, the description and illustration of the invention
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *