U.S. patent application number 11/706093 was filed with the patent office on 2007-08-16 for golf putter enhancement device.
Invention is credited to Aristo Kouldus.
Application Number | 20070191130 11/706093 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38369350 |
Filed Date | 2007-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070191130 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kouldus; Aristo |
August 16, 2007 |
Golf putter enhancement device
Abstract
An easily attached, universal performance enhancement device for
existing golf putters. The invention comprises an "L" shaped body,
made of a rigid, lightweight material. The device is designed to
mount in front of and on top of an existing putter by clamping a
clubhead between the face of the device and a set screw mounted on
the underside of the device. The face of the device becomes the new
striking surface, and provides improved tactile feedback and
control of the golf ball. The top of the device provides alignment
aids and also moves the center of gravity back away from the face
and upwards from the sole of the existing putter. The threaded end
near the back end of the device is used to house various weights or
attachments which alter the overall weight, swing weight, and
position of the center of gravity of the existing golf putter.
Inventors: |
Kouldus; Aristo; (Salinas,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Aristo Kouldus
24 Oak Street
Salinas
CA
93901
US
|
Family ID: |
38369350 |
Appl. No.: |
11/706093 |
Filed: |
February 12, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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60772273 |
Feb 10, 2006 |
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11706093 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/251 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 60/02 20151001;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 60/22 20151001; A63B 53/0408 20200801;
A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 53/14
20130101; A63B 69/3685 20130101; A63B 53/0416 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/251 |
International
Class: |
A63B 69/36 20060101
A63B069/36 |
Claims
1) A golf club enhancement device which attaches to the head of a
golf club providing a nominally flat front face piece for a ball
striking surface, and an attaching mechanism, and Which provides at
least one weighting element attached to said enhancement
device.
2) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 1, where the
attaching mechanism comprises a threaded clamping bolt which clamps
a golf club head between said face piece and said threaded clamping
bolt.
3) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 1, Where said device
comprises a raised alignment rib which runs from front to back of
the device, where said alignment rib runs perpendicular to the
front face piece of the device.
4) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 1, Where said device
comprises a plurality of half circles which runs from front to back
of the top of the device.
5) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 1, Where said device
comprises at least one weighting element which attaches to the back
of said device by contact with a threaded element.
6) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 1, Where said device
comprises at least one weighting element which is wing shaped, and
which removably attaches to the back of said device.
7) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 6, Where said device
comprises at least one weighting element which is wing shaped, and
which removably attaches to the back of said device by contact with
a threaded element.
8) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 6, Where said device
comprises at least one weighting element which is wing shaped, with
a pair of wings extending outward from the horizontal center of the
winged weight, and which removably attaches to the back of said
device, and which further comprises weighted elements which attach
to the outer ends of said wings.
9) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 1, where the
attaching mechanism comprises a threaded clamping bolt which clamps
a golf club head between said face piece and said threaded clamping
bolt, and which further comprises at least one weighting element
which attaches to the back of said device by contact with a
threaded element.
10) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 9, where the
attaching mechanism comprises a threaded clamping bolt which clamps
a golf club head between said face piece and said threaded clamping
bolt, and which further comprises at least one weighting element
which attaches to the back of said device by contact with a
threaded element, where at least one said weighting element is wing
shaped, and which removably attaches to the back of said
device.
11) A golf club enhancement device, Where said club enhancement
device comprises an L shaped device, and Where said device
removably attaches to a golf club head.
12) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 11, where the
attaching mechanism comprises a threaded clamping bolt which clamps
a golf club head between said face piece and said threaded clamping
bolt.
13) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 11, Where said
device comprises a raised alignment rib which runs from front to
back of the device, where said alignment rib runs perpendicular to
the front face piece of the device.
14) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 11, Where said
device comprises a plurality of half circles which runs from front
to back of the top of the device.
15) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 11, Where said
device comprises at least one weighting element which attaches to
the back of said device by contact with a threaded element.
16) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 11, Where said
device comprises at least one weighting element which is wing
shaped, and which removably attaches to the back of said
device.
17) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 16, Where said
device comprises at least one weighting element which is wing
shaped, and which removably attaches to the back of said device by
contact with a threaded element.
18) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 16, Where said
device comprises at least one weighting element which is wing
shaped, with a pair of wings extending outward from the horizontal
center of the winged weight, and which removably attaches to the
back of said device, and which further comprises weighted elements
which attach to the outer ends of said wings.
19) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 11, where the
attaching mechanism comprises a threaded clamping bolt which clamps
a golf club head between said face piece and said threaded clamping
bolt, and which further comprises at least one weighting element
which attaches to the back of said device by contact with a
threaded element.
20) A golf club enhancement device as in claim 9, where the
attaching mechanism comprises a threaded clamping bolt which clamps
a golf club head between said face piece and said threaded clamping
bolt, and which further comprises at least one weighting element
which attaches to the back of said device by contact with a
threaded element, where at least one said weighting element is wing
shaped, and which removably attaches to the back of said device.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This Utility Patent Application for "Golf Putter Enhancement
Device" filed on Feb. 10, 2007 is a Continuation-in-Part to U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 60/772,273 filed Feb. 10, 2006
and claims the benefit of the priority date of that U.S.
Provisional Patent Application. The aforementioned U.S. Provisional
Patent Application No. 60/772,273 is hereby incorporated by
reference in it's entirety for all purposes into this Patent
Application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Through the history of golf, manufacturers of golf putters
have tried to improve the features of their golf clubs. Features of
improvement often have targeted issues affecting enhanced accuracy,
such as ease of alignment of the club face to the ball and to the
target, and enhanced weighting and balance to provide for a smooth
firm stoke into the ball, through contact, and release of the ball
from the club face. Some succeed better than others. Those putters
that do offer improvement in most of these areas are usually quite
expensive and fail to offer each golfer a wide range of
adjustability so that they may tailor the putter to their own
particular preferences. The golf putters that do not succeed very
well in these areas have a definite performance dis-advantage and
yet they too can be quite expensive.
[0003] Most putters which are sold do not offer any means to adjust
the features affecting accuracy, nor the performance of the club,
but are built with fixed characteristics. There have been built in
the past, some golf putters which have built-in adjustability
features, to allow a golfer to adjust the weighting and balance of
the putter head. These units also are expensive, and do not allow
the adjustable features to readily be transferred to a different
putter, but are inherently designed into the particular golf club
head itself.
[0004] This leaves most golfers with the dilemma of either buying
an expensive new putter, which may or may not meet all their needs,
or keeping the putter they have, with it's inherit limitations, and
knowing they're at a disadvantage compared to other golfers who can
afford to buy the latest, expensive, high tech equipment. Thus,
there is a need for an inexpensive, after market, attachable device
which can be mounted on a wide variety of putters and which will
enable a golfer to technically improve and upgrade his putter to
current industry performance standards while still allowing him the
flexibility to make adjustments according to his own particular
preferences.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] In view of the limitations now present in the prior art, the
present invention provides a new and useful way to upgrade a golf
putter where said invention is universally usable and more
versatile in operation than known apparatus of this kind.
[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a new,
inexpensive, universal, attachable golf putter performance
improvement device which is not apparent, obvious, or suggested,
either directly or indirectly by any of the prior art apparatus. An
easily attached, universal and inexpensive performance enhancement
device for a wide variety of existing golf putters, which are
limited in their performance specifications and options. This
device does not require any modifications to the existing golf
putter to which it will be attached and was designed so that it may
be use during the actual playing of a round of golf. The device is
designed to mount in front of and on top of an existing golf putter
by means of adhesive tape between the device and the existing golf
putter, and by squeezing or clamping the existing golf putter
between the backside of the face of the device and a set screw
mounted in a tube or cylinder on the underside of the device. The
face of the device replaces the face of the existing golf putter
and becomes the new striking surface, which is now softer and
provides improved audio and tactile feedback on centered and off
centered strikes of the golf ball. The top of the device
approximates the width of an actual golf ball and extends rearwards
away from the face and provides a flat surface for an alignment aid
and also moves the center of gravity back away from the face and
upwards from the sole of the existing golf putter. The alignment
aid on top of the device consists of a raised rib which is centered
and extends from the front to the back of the device. This rib is
bordered by four raised white, half circles which offer a three
dimensional visual image of two white balls split in half by a bold
line that extends from the end of the device towards the actual
golf ball. The underside of this top piece houses the pre-mentioned
set screw in a tube which is either threaded or has threaded
inserts at both ends. The threaded end near the back end of the
device is used to house various length weighted cap screws which
alter the overall weight, swing weight and position of the center
of gravity of the existing golf putter. All these improvements and
options are considered industry standards for improving a putter's
performance and consequently the putting skills of golfers.
[0007] The present invention generally comprises an "L" shaped
body, made of a somewhat rigid, thin and lightweight material,
which mounts in front of and on top of an existing golf putter. The
front section or leg of the invention is slightly smaller in
height, width and length of the face of the average existing golf
putter and mounts in front of and replaces such face. The top
section or leg is approximately the width of an actual golf ball
and extends rearward, away from the face for approximately the
length of two actual golf balls with appropriate spacing in between
and at both ends. This top section has a raised rib on top of it
which is centered and travels from the front to the rear of the
device. Along either side of this rib are two raised half circles,
which makes four in total. The two half circles on one side of the
rib are directly opposite the two half circles on the other side of
the rib. These circles can be painted white or have white half
circle labels adhered to them or they may be reduced in height to
allow a white half circle of plastic to be glued to them, in which
case they must be reduced in height to allow for the thickness of
the white plastic and glue. Whichever means is used, their purpose
is to give a golfer looking down at this device a three dimensional
image of two full white circles (which simulate two actual golf
balls) with a bold alignment or target line running thru the middle
of these circles and pointing at the target. The surfaces of the
front and top of the device may be textured slightly and/or painted
a dull, flat color to reduce glare into the golfer's eyes. On the
underside of the top section is a centered, cylindrical tube
referred to as the mounting tube which is threaded or has threaded
inserts at both ends and sits approximately 0.625 inches back and
away from the backside (or cavity) of the face of the existing golf
putter. The other end of the tube is indented slightly from the
very end of the top section. This tube serves two functions. The
front end near the face carries an internal set screw which screws
forward towards the backside or cavity of the existing club and
clamps the existing club between itself and the backside of the
face of this device. This screw is accessed thru the rear end of
the tube with an appropriate wrench. This clamping force is
reinforced or boosted by double sided adhesive tape which is
applied between the face of the existing club and the backside of
the device's face. After the set screw has been tightened properly
so that the top piece of the device is parallel to the sole of the
existing club and at the same time perpendicular to the shaft or
hosel of the existing club, the rear end of the mounting tube can
now accept different length weighted screws to affect the weight
distribution and center of gravity of the existing club, or a V
shaped device with two threaded, cylinder shaped legs may be
attached at that same point. The V shaped tube will also accept
different length weighted screws at the end of each leg in order to
affect the perimeter weighting of the putter.
[0008] The foregoing has outlined, in general, the physical aspects
of the invention and is to serve as an aid to better understanding
the more complete detailed description which is to follow. In
reference to such, there is to be a clear understanding that the
present invention is not limited to the method or detail of
construction, fabrication, material, or application of use
described and illustrated herein. Any other variation of
fabrication, use or application should be considered apparent as an
alternative embodiment of the present invention.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This invention relates generally to the field of apparatus
for a golf club. Moreover it pertains specifically to an apparatus
for attachment to existing golf putters in order to improve
performance features, and increase accuracy and consistency. Such
performance features to increase accuracy and consistency include,
but are not limited to: target alignment, variable movement of the
center of gravity, variable adjustment of the static weight,
variable adjustment of the swing weight, variable adjustment of the
perimeter weighting and softening the striking face, all of which
will enable a golfer to improve their putting skills.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] A principal object of the present invention is to provide an
easily attached device which upgrades the performance
specifications and options of existing golf putters and that will
overcome the deficiencies of the prior art devices.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade device that is inexpensive, fits
many existing golf putters and is simple to use.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade device that can easily be attached
and removed from an existing golf putter without making any
modifications to the existing golf putter.
[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade device that will variably move an
existing golf putter's center of gravity back away from it's
striking surface and upwards away from it's sole.
[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade device that will allow variable
adjustment of an existing golf putter's static weight and swing
weight.
[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade that will allow variable adjustment
of an existing golf putter's perimeter weighting.
[0016] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade device that will offer space on top
of the putter for an alignment aid, including but not limited to, a
three dimensional aid.
[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade device that eliminates glare and
reflection into a golfer's eyes.
[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
performance and option upgrade that can be permanently mounted and
adhere to the United States Golf Association's rules of golf club
design and conformity.
[0019] It is intended that any other advantages and objects of the
present invention that become apparent or obvious from the detailed
description or illustrations contained herein are within the scope
of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The following drawings further describe by illustration the
advantages and objects of the present invention. Each drawing is
referenced by corresponding figure reference characters within the
"DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION` section to follow.
[0021] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the front (or face) and top
of a golf putter enhancement device according to the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a bottom and side view of a golf putter
enhancement device according to the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a bottom and rear view of a golf putter
enhancement device according to the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a side view of a golf putter enhancement device in
position to be attached to an existing putter.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a side view of a golf putter enhancement device
partially attached to an existing putter.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a top view of a golf putter enhancement device
completely attached to an existing golf putter.
[0027] FIG.7 is a cutaway view of a golf putter enhancement device
showing nuts and bolts.
[0028] FIG. 8 is a top view of a golf putter enhancement device
completely attached to an existing golf putter, showing an added
wing weight.
[0029] FIG. 9 is a bottom and rear view of a golf putter
enhancement device according to the present invention, showing an
added wing weight.
[0030] FIG. 10 is a cutaway view of a golf putter enhancement
device wing weight showing threaded inserts.
[0031] FIG. 11 is a front view of a golf putter enhancement device
according to the present invention, showing an additional trim
ring.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0032] A golf putter enhancement device of the present invention is
generally designated 1. The device 1, shown in FIG. 1, is made as a
universal attachable device to enhance the performance of a golf
club. The device 1 in a preferred embodiment is configured to be
fitted onto the head portion of a golf putter. Since the device 1
as shown is designed to quickly and simply attach to any number of
golfing putters, it can serve as an aftermarket kit to enhance an
otherwise ordinary golf putter. The device 1 is made to attach to a
wide variety of existing golf putters without the need to alter the
existing putter such as without drilling holes or tapping threads.
Thus the device is useful for enhancing the play of a golfer who
has several putters, or for a golfer who wants to enhance the
characteristics of an existing favorite putter.
[0033] As shown in a preferred embodiment in FIG. 1, the body of
the device 1 is basically "L" shaped, with a front end 2, and a
back end 3, and with a top side 4, and a bottom side 5. The front
end 2 can be described as having an outside 6 and an inside 7. The
device as shown is made with a bend 8 of approximately 90 degrees
at the top side 4 of the front end 2, where the bend 8 can be
described as running between between a top piece 12 and the front
face piece 13. The device 1 as shown can further comprise an
alignment rib 14 running down the center of the top piece 12, from
front 2 to back 3, where the rib 14 serves as an alignment aid, and
also serves to stiffen the top piece 12. As a further means to
enhance alignment, a plurality of half circles 15 can be included
along either side of rib 14, such as shown in FIG. 1 with two half
circles 15 placed on each side of the rib 14. The half circles 15
are preferably placed with a slight spacing between each half
circle 15, and outside each half circle 15, such as to enhance the
visibility of the alignment enhancement means. The half circles 15
are designed as an alignment enhancement means, serving in this
embodiment to replicate the visual image of a plurality of golf
balls aligned with a golfer's actual target golf ball, where the
alignment enhancement means is designed to assist the golfer in
visualizing the preferred direction of the golfer's stroke for
hitting a ball towards a desired direction. Similarly, the
described alignment rib 14 can be built into the inventive device 1
as an alignment enhancement means, such that the alignment rib 14
as described is designed to assist a golfer in visualizing and
aligning the golf stroke in the desired direction. Obviously, the
rib 14 and/or the half circles 15, as described can be used
singularly or together in various particular embodiments of the
inventive device. Other alignment means may similarly be employed
within the scope of the invention which are designed to assist a
golfer in aligning the golf stroked in a desired direction.
Obviously, full round circles (not shown) could similarly be used
as a golf club alignment means incorporated into a golf club
enhancement device 1.
[0034] In a simple embodiment of a golf club enhancement device 1,
an alignment rib 14, and/or a plurality of half circles 15, and/or
other alignment enhancement means, can be built flush into the top
4 surface of the top piece 12 of the device 1. However, in a more
preferred embodiment as depicted in FIG. 1, an alignment rib and a
plurality of half circles can be mounted onto the top 4 of the
surface of top piece 12 of the device 1, such that they are raised
above an otherwise nominally flat surface top 4 of the top piece
12, presenting a three dimensional visual enhancement means. This
usage as described herein of a three dimensional, raised alignment
rib 14 as a golf club visual enhancement means may well be useful
and novel in of it self within the realm of useful golf clubs.
Similarly, the usage as described herein, of a plurality of white
half circles 15, (or full round circles, not shown), which are
raised to form a three dimensional raised flat surface above the
otherwise nominally flat top 4 surface of a golf club may be novel
in of itself within the realm of useful golf clubs.
[0035] As shown in FIG. 2 and in FIG. 3, the bottom side 5 of top
piece 12 can be made with an attaching mechanism 9 to attach the
device I to a golf putter. In one preferred embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2, an attaching mechanism 9 can be made using a threaded
mounting tube 16 which can be molded onto the bottom 5 of the top
piece 12, or otherwise attached to the device 1. Such a threaded
mounting tube 16 can be made with threads molded directly into the
inside of the tube 16, such as with plastic molding or metal
molding methods, or alternatively, one or more separate threaded
element(s) 17 can be inserted and affixed inside the mounting tube
16. A threaded mounting tube 16 can be used both for attaching the
device 1 to a golf putter, using a threaded clamping bolt 18, and
also can be used to affix one or more threaded weighting elements
19 to the golf enhancement device 1. If desired, rather than making
an attaching mechanism 9 with a long continuous threaded mounting
tube 16, a mounting mechanism 9 can be made with a threaded element
17 towards the front 2 of the device, to receive and secure a
clamping bolt 18, and additionally with weighting element receiving
threads 20 affixed towards the back 3 of the device 1. A weighting
element 19 can be easily and quickly removed and exchanged for a
different sized weighting element 19 of any reasonable amount of
desired mass which is useful for enhancing the swing weight, center
of gravity, and momentum characteristics of a golf putter. A
weighting element 19 can be made comprising a simple metal bolt for
example, and various size bolts may be used interchangeable to
quickly and inexpensively adjust and enhance the characteristics of
a desired golf putter.
[0036] With this preferred method of attaching threaded weighting
elements 19 to the back 3 of the device 1, such weighting elements
19 can be made of various desired amounts of weights, where said
various weights can be readily interchanged, to alter the effective
weighting of the putter. Furthermore, with this method of using a
threaded mounting tube 16 along with weighting elements 19, the
effective swing and momentum of the putter can be fine tuned, by
adjusting a weighting element along the threaded element 17 from
the front 2 to the back 3 of the device 1.
[0037] Thus by building the device 1 equipped for affixing the
inventive device 1 in a removable and nondestructive manner to a
golf club, such as by using a clamping type of attaching mechanism
9 as described above, and by making the device 1 such that various
weighing elements 19 can be interchanged within the device, as
described above, the inventive golf putter enhancement device
presented herein provides a unique advantage over club weighting
methods which require a specialized putter, or require drilling and
thread tapping into the club itself.
[0038] As would be obvious to those skilled in the arts, other
effectively similar methods could be used to attach the device 1 to
a golf club, and also other methods could be used to attach
weighting elements 19 to the device 1. For example, another method
for attaching an attachable golf club enhancement device 1 to a
golf club, would be with a cantilever type clamp (not shown).
Similarly, glue, tape, suction cups, or simple spring clip
mechanisms could be used, along with any number of comparable
attaching methods which are known or could be devised by those
skilled in the arts. As shown in FIG. 2, a strip of double sided
sticky tape 11 can be useful in conjunction with a mechanical
clamping attaching mechanism 9, to help secure the device in
position on the club to help prevent shifting of the device 1
relative to the attached club, through constant play and
transport.
[0039] Preferably, in a first embodiment, the golf club enhancement
device 1 would be made to be removably attachable to a golf club
head, so that the device 1 could be used for instance, on a first
putter one day, then removed, and attached to a second different
putter another day, depending upon the golfers desire, or golfing
conditions for a particular course or weather conditions. In a
second embodiment, a golf club device as described here could be
permanently affixed to a single particular golf club, such as where
a golfer wanted that particular club to conform to golfing
regulations, such as USGA regulations which might require all parts
of a putter to be permanently affixed. If a user of the device 1
desired to make the attachable golf club enhancement device 1
permanently affixed to a particular golf club, attachment methods
might be broadened to include permanent glue, or epoxy, or
soldering or welding, or other known methods of attachment.
[0040] The device 1 can be inexpensively manufactured using any of
a variety of well know methods. The material used should be
somewhat rigid, yet thin and lightweight, including but not limited
to, plastic or aluminum. ABS plastic can successfully used, and is
very inexpensive and easy to work with. In a preferred embodiment,
the body portion 12 should be lightweight, so that most of the
weight of the device is placed well back from the face of the
putter to enhance the momentum characteristics. The device body 12
and face 13 could be injection molded, milled from a solid block or
created by bending of sheet stock. The thickness of device body 12
and face 13 would vary depending on the strength and weight of the
material. In preferred embodiment the device is molded from black
plastic as one piece and external hardware such as threaded inserts
17 and 20 are added to mounting tube 16. The top side 4 of top
piece 12 and the front end 2 of the front face piece 13 are also
preferably textured during the injection process to reduce glare in
the golfer's eyes. This could also be done by painting these
surfaces with a dull or flat color.
[0041] In FIG. 4, a perspective view of top piece 12 and front
piece 13 is shown along with rib 14 and half circles 15. Front face
piece 13 is intended to fit over the front of an existing golf
putter and replace such front with the new striking surface. Since
there are many different size putters available, in one embodiment,
front piece 13's dimensions have been created to be 4 inches wide
at it's widest point, which is 0.1875 inches up from the bottom
edge and 1.0625 inches high at it's highest point, which is in the
center, top portion of front piece 13. The thickness of front piece
13 is 0.125 inches. As the bottom edge of front piece 13 moves
outward, left and right from the center, it rises slightly to
reflect the gradual curve or radius that most existing putters have
to their soles. At the 4 inch wide point the sides edges of front
piece 13 move upwards 0.75 inches and slightly inward 0.375 inches,
again, to reflect the shape of most existing putters. As these
sides rise upwards and reach the plane of top piece 12's bottom
edge they move inwards horizontally until they junction with top
piece 12.
[0042] Top piece 12 extends (horizontally) from it's junction bend
8, with front piece 13, away from what would be the front of the
putter towards what would be referred to as the rear of the putter.
The corner edge bend 8 where front piece 13 and top piece 12 meet
has a curve to it with a radius of 0.0625 inches, for aesthetic
purposes. Rib 14's front end starts on this plane and also has a
0.0625 radius to it, so that it may blend into front edge 13. The
width of top piece 12 is 1.75 inches. This dimension reflects the
average width of the cavity or hollow on the backside of most
existing putters and their attempts to visually frame the outside
edges of an actual golf ball. The basic thickness of top piece 12
is 0.125 inches, except for rib 14 and half circles 15 which extend
0.125 inches above top piece 12. In this embodiment, half circles
15 are painted white or labeled white. Another option is to mold
them slightly thinner, perhaps 0.0625 inches thick, and glue a
white plastic half circle on top of the black plastic half circles.
The two combined would still be level with rib 14 at 0.125 inches
above top piece 12. All half circle 15's have a 0.75 inch radius.
Top piece 12 extends rearward away from front piece 13 for 3.625
inches. This dimension allows a 0.25 inch space between the edge of
front piece 13 and the first set of half circles 15, 0.25 inches
between the first set of half circles 15 and the second set of half
circles 15 and 0.125 inches between the second set of half circles
15 and the back edge of top piece 12. Rib 14, which stiffens top
piece 12 and separates half circles 15 is 0.125 inches wide. All
dimensions relating to top piece 12 are variable averages depending
on a number of things: the length and width desired for the
alignment features, the total weight desired to be added to the
existing putter, the degree of movement desired in relocating the
center of gravity, etc. All these dimensions can differ yet still
reflect the purpose of this invention.
[0043] The device 1 can be made in any reasonable desired size
useful for playing golf, yet possible dimensions of one useful
embodiment shall be given here for a detailed example for building
the device 1. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the bottom 5 of top piece 12
and the backside 7 of front piece 13. In this embodiment, the
bottom 5 of top piece 12 has for an attaching mechanism 9, a molded
tunnel or tube running along it's center line. This is referred to
as mounting tube 16. It can be made "U" shaped with a 0.3906 inch
diameter hole running from one end to the other. The center of this
hole is 0.375 inches below the bottom 5 of top piece 12.
[0044] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the bottom of top piece 12 and the
backside of front piece 13. In one embodiment, the bottom of top
piece 12 has a molded tunnel or tube running along it's center
line. This is referred to as mounting tube 16. It's made "U" shaped
with a 0.3906 inch diameter hole running from one end to the other.
The center of this hole is 0.375 inches below the bottom of top
piece 2. Mounting tube 6 has 0.3125 inch threaded inserts 7
inserted at each end.
[0045] In another, later developed preferred embodiment, as shown
in FIG. 7, mounting tube 16 has affixed a nylon threaded nut 22
which serves as providing the weighted element receiving threads 20
towards the back 3 of mounting tube 16, and another nylon threaded
nut 23 towards the front 2 of mounting tube 16 to serve as threaded
element 17 used to affix a threaded clamping bolt 18. Nylon nuts
are used to reduce the basic weight of the device, so that a
broader weighting range towards a lighter range, can be achieved
overall. Clearly, various types of similar methods can be devised
to accommodate a clamping bolt 18 and to removably affix a weighted
element 19.
[0046] In this useful embodiment detailed example, the outside
dimensions of the "U" shaped mounting tube 9 are on the order of
0.5 inches across the base (connecting to top piece 12), 0.625
inches high and a 0.5 inch radius to the curve of the "U" shape.
The length of mounting tube 16 is 2.5 inches. It is situated 0.75
inches back and away from the backside of front piece 13 and
indented 0.25 inches from the back edge of top piece 12. The
purpose of mounting tube 16 is two fold. First, it is the main
means of attaching the device to an existing golf putter. Using the
proper hex key or allen wrench, a 1.times.0.325 inch set screw 18
is screwed into the threaded insert 20 at the back of mounting tube
16 until it travels thru the tube 16 and reaches the threaded
insert 17 at the front end of mounting tube 16. It is then screwed
thru this insert 17 until it makes contact with the backside or
cavity of the existing putter to which it will be attached. This
will result in the existing putter being squeezed or clamped
between the backside 7 of front piece 13, and set screw 18. After
set screw 18 is tightened properly, mounting tube 16 is able to
accomplish it's second purpose: adding more overall weight, which
will increase the swing weight and move the center of gravity of
the putter further backwards 3 and upwards 5. This is accomplished
by screwing in various length and weight cap screws 19, which also
have 0.3125 inch threads, into the back threaded insert, also
referred to as the weighted element receiving threads 20 at the
back of mounting tube 16. With cap screws available in an
assortment of different lengths and weights a golfer should have
quite a few different "feels" (light, medium, heavy) he can assign
to his putter. A slotted head threaded set screw could similarly be
used rather than an allen set screw for the clamping bolt 18.
[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates device 1 about to be mounted to a typical
existing golf putter, and FIG. 5 illustrates device 1 attached to a
typical existing golf putter. To reinforce the clamping force of
threaded mounting bolt 18 a 0.75.times.3 inch strip of double sided
adhesive tape 11 can be applied to the backside 7 of front piece
13. Just before device 1 is placed in front of and on top of
existing putter the protective cover of tape 11 is removed. Device
1 is then moved downward until the bottom side 5 of top piece 12
contacts putter. Device 1 is then pushed rearwards until tape 11
contacts the face of putter. Both movements are done while keeping
device 1 generally centered between the toe and the heel of putter.
After tape 11 has contacted putter face, pressure is applied to
front piece 13 by hand from one end to the other for a few seconds
to ensure a good adhesive bond has been created. Finally, the
threaded mounting bolt is tightened thru the backend 3 of mounting
tube 9 until it is seated into the cavity of putter. Due to most
existing golf putters having anywhere from 3 to 5 degrees of loft
designed into their face, device 1's top side will not be
perpendicular to putter's hosel when first positioned for
attachment, as shown in FIG. 5. Therefore, threaded mounting bolt
18 should continue to be tightened towards cavity on the back of
the putter until top piece 12 is perpendicular to putter shaft.
This will ensure that top piece 12 is horizontal and level in
relation to the putting surface or green and that a sufficient
amount of clamping force has been applied between device 1 and
putter. When these steps have been completed a golfer looking down
at his putter will see a view similar to that shown in FIG. 6. At
this point it is up to each individual golfer to experiment with
inserting different weighting elements 19 into backside insert 20
and arrive at a weighting "feel" that's comfortable and works for
them.
[0048] As another slight variation of manufacturing the device 1, a
mounting tube 16 can be made with two pieces, as shown in FIG. 7. A
first piece of mounting tube 16 would be molded or affixed onto
bottom side 5 of the top 12 of device 1 as shown, to accommodate
the placement of threaded nylon nuts 22 and 23. A second cap piece
21 is made to fit on to complete the enclosure of threaded, and to
hold the nuts 22 and 23 firmly in place. By making the mounting
tube 16 in this two part manner, a threaded clamping bolt can also
easily be inserted into place during manufacture as depicted in
FIG. 7. A nylon or other plastic material bolt is useful as a light
weight choice for clamping bolt 18. The cap piece 21 can be
attached to the base of mounting tube 16 with glue or by sonic
welding.
[0049] Various types, sizes and shapes of weighting elements 19 can
be used in conjunction with the inventive golf club enhancement
device 1. Modern golf putter technology often includes the usage of
a significant amount of weight to be placed towards the far back 3
of a putter. Also, modern putters often employ weighting styles
which put significant amounts of weight spreading horizontally out
away from the striking center of the putter face, such that
back-weighting is effected behind the toe and the heel of the
putter, in order to prevent twisting of the putter head if a golf
ball is struck off of the horizontal center of the putter face.
[0050] A shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the inventive device 1 can employ
a V-shaped wing weight 32 in order to enhance the quality effect of
the stroke of a putter to which the device is attached, by
employing a significant amount of back weighting and significant
amounts of horizontal weight spreading to prevent twisting of the
putter in case of an off centered strike. The wing weight 32 and
other useful weighting elements 19 can be designed to bring the
weighting center of gravity upwards, to produce less "hop" to a
struck ball.
[0051] FIG. 9 shows a wing weight 32 inline to be connected to the
device 1. the wing weight 32 as shown, has two wings 33 placed one
on each side of the horizontal center of the wing weight 32. At the
end of each wing farthest from the horizontal center of the wing
weight 32, a wing weight threaded portion 34 can be added, to
accommodate a weighted element 19, where such weighted element 19
can be identical to the weighted element 19 used in the weighting
threads 20 described above, and similarly, weighting elements 19
used here can be of various desired mass. The wing weight 32 can be
simply and removably connected to the back 3 of the device 1 using
a wing weight attachment portion 35. Such an attachment portion 35
can comprise a through hole from front 2 to back 3, and may
optionally include wing weight attachment threads 36. A simple bolt
which is used as a weighting element 19 can be used to connect the
wing weight 32 to the weighted element receiving threads 20 of the
device 1, thus making the device very conveniently adjustable and
modular in style.
[0052] A useful way to manufacture such a wing weight 32 is
depicted in a cutaway diagram shown in FIG. 10. The wing weight 32
is made with three molded parts, including the wing weight base 37,
and two wing caps 38, which are designed to fit onto a cutaway
version of the wing weight base 37, as shown. This manufacturing
method allows the wing weight threaded portions 34 to be built
using wing weight threaded inserts 39, which can be placed into the
cut away portion of the wing weight base 37 and then sealed into
place such as by gluing or sonic welding of the wing caps 38. Such
wing weight threaded inserts 39 can be preferably made of a
threaded brass cylinder for example, to make them strong and
durable, and to add weight into this desired region.
[0053] It should be noted, that according to some golf tournament
rules, a tournament legal putter must have a nominally flat face
which is used to strike the ball, where only a slight amount of
texturing and/or grooves are allowed. One useful and novel feature
of the inventive device 1 described herein, is that the device as
designed provides a nominally flat striking face 13 which also
serves as part of the method and apparatus for attachment, when a
clamping type connection method is employed, as described
herein.
[0054] However, since the device is designed as a useful universal
aftermarket kit to attach to many types and shapes and sizes of
putters, there arises the situation where a single size and shape
for the front face 13 of device 1 will not simply fit all existing
putters that a golfer may wish to use. Although many golfers do not
need to compete in USGA tournaments, other golfers will. The device
1 as described in the above specified example listing preferred
embodiment dimensions will be useful for many putters, although
some putter faces may be slightly larger than the face 13 of the
device 1 as described. Thus an additional component may be added to
the device 1, called a trim ring 40, as pictured in FIG. 11. The
trim ring would be included in a golf club enhancement device kit
and can optionally be added to the device 1 by the golfer, or can
be fitted by a golf club maintenance shop, or other handy person
skilled in the art. The trim ring 40 is made of the same material
as the front face 13 and is the same thickness as the front face
13. As shown in FIG. 11, the inner portion 41 of the trim ring 40
is made to fit exactly around the facial circumference of the front
face 13 of the device 1 as provided. The trim ring 40 can be fitted
to the club after the device 1 is attached to the golf club head.
It can be placed for measurement fitting tightly around the front
face 13, and then marked and trimmed to size, to fully cover the
front face of the desired putter. After cutting to size, the
remaining desired sized portion of the trim ring 40 can then be
attached to the club face, such as with epoxy cement. The resultant
device 1 now includes the basic device 1 as described above, along
with the affixed trim ring 40 portion attached.
[0055] It should also be noted, that another feature of the
inventive device 1 is that an enhanced ball contacting surface can
be enabled with the device, depending upon the usage of a selected
material with which the front face 13 of device 1 is constructed.
The front face 13 can be made with a soft material to add more
"touch" of "feel" to the putter, and to give a desired action to
the ball upon contact. Also the front face 13 of the device 1 can
be made with texture or slight grooves to add more feel and control
of the ball upon contact with the front face 13 surface of a golf
club enhancement device 1. A plurality of layers of material could
also be employed in manufacturing the front face 13 of the device
1.
[0056] Obviously, many other effectively similar manufacturing
methods, materials, and embellishments for weighting, attachment,
and alignment can be used to create various embodiments of the
inventive golf club enhancement device which shall be construed to
be within the intended scope of the description and claims of this
patent.
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