U.S. patent application number 11/764209 was filed with the patent office on 2007-10-11 for mini-face putter with non-horizontal grooves.
Invention is credited to Lanny L. Johnson.
Application Number | 20070238548 11/764209 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46328050 |
Filed Date | 2007-10-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070238548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johnson; Lanny L. |
October 11, 2007 |
Mini-Face Putter with Non-Horizontal Grooves
Abstract
A golf putter head with a front edge is used for striking a golf
ball in an essentially linear contact area horizontal to the ground
when putting and an opposed back edge. A length is defined between
a toe edge which extends from the front edge to the back edge of
the blade and an opposed heel edge, and a thickness is defined
between a top side bordered by the edges and an opposed bottom
side. The golf putter includes a non-horizontal groove on the front
edge at least adjacent to a ball contact portion of the head
defined by a non-horizontal projection corresponding to the
non-horizontal groove.
Inventors: |
Johnson; Lanny L.; (Okemos,
MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILSON DANIEL SWAYZE, JR.
3804 CLEARWATER CT.
PLANO
TX
75025
US
|
Family ID: |
46328050 |
Appl. No.: |
11/764209 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10672185 |
Sep 26, 2003 |
6962537 |
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11764209 |
Jun 17, 2007 |
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11173066 |
Jul 1, 2005 |
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11764209 |
Jun 17, 2007 |
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11408830 |
Apr 21, 2006 |
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11764209 |
Jun 17, 2007 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 53/0416 20200801; A63B 69/3617
20130101; A63B 53/065 20130101; A63B 53/0445 20200801; A63B 53/02
20130101; A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B
53/022 20200801; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 60/00 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. In a golf putter head with a front edge used for striking a golf
ball in an essentially linear contact area horizontal to the ground
when putting and an opposed back edge, a length defined between a
toe edge which extends from the front edge to the back edge of the
blade and an opposed heel edge, and a thickness defined between a
top side bordered by the edges and an opposed bottom side, the
improvement which comprises a non-horizontal groove on the front
edge at least adjacent to a ball contact portion of the head
defined by a non-horizontal projection corresponding to the
non-horizontal groove.
2. The putter head of claim 1 wherein the front edge defines a
substantially flat face to strike the golf ball.
3. The putter head of claim 1 wherein the groove is substantially
slanted with respect to the vertical.
4. The putter head of claim 3 wherein said slanted groove is
slanted toward a heel of said golf putter head.
5. The putter head of claim 3 wherein the slanted groove is slanted
toward a toe of said golf putter head.
6. The putter head of claim 1 wherein the groove has a width of no
more than 0.07 inches.
7. The putter head of claim 1 wherein the groove has a have a width
of 0.05-0.07 inches.
8. The putter head of claim 1 wherein the putter face has a radius
of up to 8 inches.
9. The putter head of claim 3, wherein the slanted groove defines a
slanted projection.
10-19. (canceled)
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/672,185, filed Sep. 26, 2003 and U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 11/173,066 filed on Jul. 1, 2005 and is
a Divisional Application of the Parent Application filed Apr. 21,
2006 with a Ser. No. 11/408,830.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] (1) Field of the Invention
[0004] The present invention relates generally to golf equipment,
and more particularly to golf putter heads. Specifically, the
present invention relates to a putter head having a grooved
striking face.
[0005] (2) Description of the Related Art
[0006] The traditional putter has a vertical blade with a flat
surface and a vertical height usually one inch (25 mm) or greater.
Subsequent traditional putters have a similar geometry on the face
allowing for flat, convex, but not concave faces. The contact
surface is often distinguished by the shape of the mass behind the
vertical face. There have been putters with curved contact faces
from heel to toe on the putter. This feature is permissible under
United States Golf Association (U.S.G.A.) rules. There also have
been putters that are totally cylindrical in geometry. There also
has been a putter introduced that has an apparent vertical rolled
face, but close examination shows the face to be flat in the
central ball striking area. (The Tear Drop Putter) Existing putters
come in many sizes and geometries. There is often heel to toe
weighting to resist the turning of the vertical positioned putter
blade.
[0007] The rules of golf equipment are controlled by the U.S.G.A.
for America. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews
(R.&A.) is the governing authority for the rules of golf in
more than one hundred affiliated nations. More recently, in a
written `statement of principles` published jointly by the
R.&A. and the U.S.G.A., it was acknowledged that, "History has
proved that it is impossible to foresee the developments in golf
equipment which advancing technology will deliver." However, both
the R.& A. and the U.S.G.A. remain vigilant when considering
the equipment rules. The main objective of U.S.G.A. Rules 4 and 5
and Appendices II and III is to protect golf's best traditions, to
prevent an over-reliance on technological advances rather than
skill, and to ensure that skill is the dominant element of success
throughout the game. Therefore, any club design must consider these
rules if the club is to be deemed legal by the governing
authorities of golf. Any putter must be compatible with the
U.S.G.A. rules of golf in regards to being plain in shape, with
runners that do not extend into the face, a width that is greater
than the depth, a face without concavity, a face angle of no more
than fifteen degrees, and an angle of shaft to the head of ten
degrees incline or greater. There is no rule regarding the vertical
depth of the face of the putter. When there are grooves in the
putter face, and if a groove exceeds 0.035 inches in width and
0.020 inches in depth, the following guidelines apply: 1. The width
may not exceed 0.06 inches. 2. The width to spacing ratio must be
no less than 1:1. 3. The depth must be less than the width, and may
not exceed 0.04 inches. As for the grooves on irons and woods, the
grooves on a putter must not have sharp edges.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,165,076 to Cella teaches a putter with the
blade face formed with a longitudinal edge, which is the normal
ball striking component of the golf club, being located above the
center line of the ball in blade striking position. On the reverse
side of the blade there is provided a secondary ball striking edge
located below the center line of the ball.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,987 to Perkins et al. teaches a golf
putter having a club head with a striking face comprising a
striking edge defined by at least two substantially planar surfaces
which engages a golf ball at a point below the center of the golf
ball.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,464,598 to Miller teaches a golf club with a
wedge face, a rounded sole, and a putting face located along a
blade area between the wedge face and a front portion of the
rounded sole. The putting face is located at a height above the
crown of the rounded sole so that the putting face strikes a golf
ball above the equator of the ball to impart top spin when
putting.
[0011] U.S. Design Pat. No. D396257 to Spano teaches an ornamental
design for a golf club head. It is not clear from the drawings how
the club is used.
[0012] Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-150233 to Hotta et al.
discloses a golf putter having a thin-plate head portion. The
thin-plate head portion can have protrusion constructed of a very
light-weight material on the bottom surface or top and bottom
surfaces of the thin-plate head portion, but does not provide
grooves or provide for variable weighting of the putter.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 4,529,202 to Jacobsen discloses a golf club
head suitable for use on putting surfaces having a generally planar
blade member with disc-like members which provide a predetermined
weight to the toe and heel ends golf club head.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 6,849,004 to Lindsay discloses a golf-putter
head having a grooved flat impact face with a multiplicity of
substantially parallel ridges extending lengthwise along the head.
Lindsay does not disclose a golf putter head having a rolled face
vertically with a radius less than that of a golf ball.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,193,806 to Burkly discloses a spin control
chipper-putter with grooves. The round golf club head has grooves
which extend along upper and lower portions of the putter head. The
grooves are omitted to provide a smooth surface on the right and
left faces of the putter head.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 5,637,044 to Swash discloses the use of
concentric grooves on the face of a putter to increase accuracy.
The putter has a conventional flat putting face.
[0017] The U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,379 discloses a golf putter
including a head having a face including a centered first face, a
second face formed on one side of the first face and incline inward
and a third face formed on the other side of the first face and
incline inward.
[0018] While the related art describes alternative ways to address
improving putter performance, there is still a need for a superior
solution.
Objects
[0019] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a putter head having a grooved striking face. It is still
further an object of the present invention to provide a putter with
a geometry such that the contact area between the putter and the
ball at impact is linear and essentially horizontal. In addition,
the combination of the vertical radius face and the grooves further
decrease the surface area of the impact geometry between the ball
and the face. These and other objects will become increasingly
apparent by reference to the following description and the
drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0020] The present invention provides a golf putter head with a
curved front edge used for striking a golf ball in an essentially
linear contact area horizontal to the ground when putting and an
opposed back edge, a length defined between a toe edge which
extends from the curved front edge to the back edge of the blade
and an opposed heel edge, and a thickness defined between a top
side bordered by the edges and an opposed bottom side, the
improvement which comprises one or more grooves on the curved front
edge at least adjacent to a ball contact portion of the head
defined by two or more ridges between the grooves, wherein the
front edge is curved vertically such that the front edge strikes
the golf ball on a small contact area dependent on the length of
the radius and how hard the ball is hit.
[0021] The orientation of the radius may be parallel to the bottom
of the putter and therefore horizontal to surface of the ground
resulting in the radius face orientation perpendicular to the
bottom of the putter.
[0022] In some embodiments the front edge is curved vertically with
a radius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball. In
further embodiments the front edge has multiple grooves. In still
further embodiments the one or more grooves are parallel and extend
along the length of the front edge from toe edge to heel edge, so
as to be horizontal to the ground when putting. One such front edge
used for striking a golf ball may be provided as an interchangeable
face. In further embodiments the one or more grooves have a width
of no more than 0.06 inches, a depth of no more than 0.04 inches,
and a width to spacing ratio of at least 1:1. In still further
embodiments the one or more grooves have a width of 0.06 inches, a
depth of 0.04 inches and are separated by 0.07 inches. In some
embodiments of the putter head, the putter face has a radius of 0.5
to 8.00 inches. In still further embodiments the grooves have a
0.06 inch width with a 0.06 inch space between the grooves, a depth
which does not exceed 0.04 inches, and wherein the ridges are
without sharp edges. In still further embodiments the thickness of
the front edge of the putter head is less than about 0.25 inch (6.4
mm). In further embodiments the thickness of the putter head varies
from the front edge to the back edge. One model may have a single
groove.
[0023] For two sided putters, both sides of the putter should have
the same geometry in accordance with the rules of golf.
[0024] The present invention provides a golf putter head with a
front edge used for striking a golf ball in an essentially linear
contact area horizontal to the ground when puttig and an opposed
back edge, a length defined between a toe edge extending from the
front edge to the back edge of the blade and an opposed heel edge,
and a thickness defined between a top side bordered by the edges
and an opposed bottom side, the improvement which comprises one or
more projections on the curved front edge at least adjacent to a
ball contact portion of the head, wherein the front edge is curved
vertically such that the front edge usually strikes the golf ball
on a small contact area upon no more than two of the projections
with typical putting force.
[0025] In some embodiments the front edge is curved vertically with
a radius of curvature less than a radius of the golf ball. In
further embodiments the front edge has three or more projections.
In further embodiments the one or more projections are parallel and
extend along the length of the front edge from toe edge to heel
edge, so as to be horizontal to the ground when putting. The front
edge used for striking a golf ball may be provided as an
interchangeable face. In still further embodiments the one or more
projections have a width of 0.06 inches and are separated by 0.07
inches. In still further embodiments the putter face has a radius
of 0.5 to 0.8.0 inches. In still further embodiments the
projections have a 0.06 inch width and have a 0.06 inch space
between the ridges. In still further embodiments the thickness of
the front edge of the putter head is less than about 0.25 inch (6.4
mm). In still further embodiments the thickness of the putter head
varies from the front edge to the back edge. In still further
bodiments the projections are parallel to one another and are
horizontally oriented. In still further embodiments the projections
are disposed perpendicularly to a tangent of the face of the putter
head.
[0026] The present invention provides a golf putter having a shaft
with a grip at a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the
shaft for contacting a golf ball on the ground during putting of
the golf ball, the improvement in the head which comprises: an
elongate flat blade having opposed ends, with a top side and a
bottom side, and a first linear edge extending there between,
wherein the top side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of
the shaft and the first linear edge acts as a striking face for the
golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentially linear
contact area horizontal to the ground, wherein the striking face is
curved vertically with one or more grooves at least adjacent to a
ball contact portion of the striking face. The grooves can extend
along the length of the striking face, however they can extend less
than the entire length of the first linear edge.
[0027] The present invention provides a golf putter having a shaft
with a grip at a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the
shaft for contacting a golf ball on the ground during putting of
the golf ball, the improvement in the head which comprises: an
elongate flat blade having opposed ends, with a top side and a
bottom side, and a first linear edge extending therebetween,
wherein the top side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of
the shaft and the first linear edge acts as a striking face for the
golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentially linear
contact area horizontal to the ground, wherein the striking face is
curved vertically with one or more grooves at least adjacent to a
ball contact portion of the striking face; and a runner provided on
the bottom side of the blade wherein during putting, the runner
acts to space the bottom side of the blade from the ground.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a top view of a putter head (10) of the
present invention having toe and heel projections (22, 23) bordered
by a curvilinear ledges (22A, 23A).
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrates a cross-sectional view of alternative
embodiment of the putter head of FIG. 1 with two curved striking
faces. One curved striking face having grooves (14) is at the front
edge (16A) and a second striking face having grooves (14') is at
the back edge (16B') of the putter head (10').
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the putter head (10)
showing a front edge (16A) having grooves (14).
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the putter head (10)
having both small weights (17A) and both large weights (17B)
secured in the slots (24, 25).
[0032] FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the putter head (10)
having large weights (17B) secured towards the back edge (16B) in
the slots (24, 25).
[0033] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom view of the putter head (10)
having small weights (17A) secured towards the back edge (16B) in
the slots (24, 25).
[0034] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the putter head (10)
without any weights (17A, 17B) attached in the slots (24, 25)
showing holes (21) for attachment.
[0035] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putter head
(10) with a single curved striking face taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 3 showing small weights (17A) and large weights (17B) attached
with screws (19) in holes (21) in the heel slot (25).
[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of another putter head (110)
of the present invention having a rectangular toe projection (122)
and a rectangular heel projection (123).
[0037] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the putter head (110)
showing a front edge (116A) having grooves (114).
[0038] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of an elongate flat blade
golf putter head 210 according to the present invention having a
single groove 219.
[0039] FIG. 11 illustrates a heel view of the golf putter head 210
of FIG. 10.
[0040] FIG. 12 illustrates a cross-section view of the golf putter
head 210 of FIG. 10 taken along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10.
[0041] FIG. 13 illustrates a face view of another putter head (310)
according to the present invention with linear grooves (320) on the
front edge (315).
[0042] FIG. 13A illustrates a face view of an alternative
configuration of the putter head of FIG. 13 having circular grooves
(320') configured as a target on the front edge (315) of the putter
head (310').
[0043] FIG. 14 illustrates a heel end view of the golf putter head
(310).
[0044] FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of the golf putter head
(310).
[0045] FIG. 16 illustrates a back view of the golf putter head
(310).
[0046] FIG. 17 illustrates a bottom view of the golf putter head
(310).
[0047] FIG. 18 illustrates a golf ball (30) showing a typical
contact area (34A) resulting from contact with a grooved thin-blade
putter head (110) of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 18A illustrates a closer view of the designated region
in FIG. 18.
[0049] FIG. 19 illustrates a front view of a putter head (110) of
FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 showing the typical contact area (34A) resulting
from contact with the golf ball (30) of FIG. 18.
[0050] FIG. 19A illustrates a closer view of the designated region
in FIG. 19.
[0051] FIG. 20 illustrates a golf ball (30) showing a typical
contact area (34B) resulting from contact with a grooved round face
putter head (310) of the present invention.
[0052] FIG. 20A illustrates a closer view of the designated region
in FIG. 20.
[0053] FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of a golf putter (310)
illustrated in FIG. 13 through FIG. 17 showing the contact area
(36B) resulting from contact with the golf ball (30) of FIG.
20.
[0054] FIG. 21A illustrates a closer view of the designated region
in FIG. 21.
[0055] FIG. 22 illustrates a face view of the putter head (310)
having four projections (330) along the front edge (315).
[0056] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putter
head (310) taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 22 showing the four
rounded projections (330) along the front edge (315).
[0057] FIG. 23A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a putter head
(310') taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 22 showing four horizontally
oriented projections (330') having sharp ledges along the front
edge (315).
[0058] FIG. 23B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a putter head
(310'') taken along line 20-20 of FIG. 22 showing four projections
(330'') having sharp ledges which project perpendicularly to a
tangent of the curve of the front edge (315).
[0059] FIG. 24 illustrates a right-handed face view of a
cylindrical putter head (410) having grooves (430A) in the
right-handed face (439) and grooves (430B) the left-handed face
(438).
[0060] FIG. 25 illustrates a heel view of the cylindrical putter
head (410) having grooves (430A) in the right-handed face (439) and
grooves (430B) the left-handed face (438).
[0061] FIG. 26 illustrates a top view of the cylindrical putter
head (410) having grooves (430A) in the right-handed face (439) and
grooves (430B) the left-handed face (438).
[0062] FIG. 27 illustrates a face view of another embodiment of a
cylindrical putter head (510) having grooves (430A) in the front
(439).
[0063] FIG. 28 illustrates a top view of the cylindrical putter
head (510) having grooves (430A) in the front (439).
[0064] FIG. 29 illustrates a heel view of the cylindrical putter
head (510) having grooves (430A) in the front (439).
[0065] FIG. 30 illustrates a front view of another putter head
(610) of the present invention showing a front edge (616A) having a
single groove (614).
[0066] FIG. 31 illustrates a top view of the putter head (610) of
FIG. 30.
[0067] FIG. 32 illustrates a back view of the putter head (610) of
FIG. 30.
[0068] FIG. 33 illustrates a heel view of the putter head (610) of
FIG. 30.
[0069] FIG. 34 illustrates a bottom view of the putter head (610)
of FIG. 30.
[0070] FIG. 35 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putter
head (610) taken along line 35-35 of FIG. 30.
[0071] FIG. 36 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the putter
head (610) taken along line 36-36 of FIG. 30;
[0072] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head with
a radius face having slanted grooves;
[0073] FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head with
a radius face having oval grooves;
[0074] FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head with
a radius face having semi circular grooves;
[0075] FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view of the putter head
with a radius face having circular grooves;
[0076] FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head
having circular grooves;
[0077] FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head with
a radius face having vertical grooves;
[0078] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head with
a radius face having intersecting grooves.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0079] All patents, patent applications, government publications,
government regulations, and literature references cited in this
specification are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety. In case of conflict, the present description, including
definitions, will control. Definitions for the following terms are
provided to promote a further understanding of the present
invention.
[0080] The term "contact area" as used herein refers to the area on
either a putter face striking area or a golf ball where there is
contact between the ball and the putter blade.
[0081] The term "proximal" as used herein refers to the direction
or portion of a putter near to the golfer when in use.
[0082] The term "distal" as used herein refers to the direction or
portion of a putter away from the golfer when in use.
[0083] The term "front" as used herein refers to the edge of the
putter head used by a right handed golfer as a striking surface for
contacting a golf ball during putting. A "face" as used herein
refers to any surface used to strike a golf ball. Some putters
having a central shaft can be used in a right or left handed
fashion under U.S.G.A. rules. Right handed designations are used
herein with reference to the Figures, however left handed uses and
configurations are encompassed by the present invention. In some
embodiments there can be the same hitting surface on both front and
back. The two opposing front and back striking surfaces each have
grooves so as to conform with regulations. In this case the front
and the back are each a striking face, since either one can be used
to strike the golf ball.
[0084] The term "ball contact portion" as used herein refers to a
part of the striking face which is at or near to the center of the
face. It is intended to be used for striking the golf ball. It can
be located on the front and/or the back of the putter head when it
can be used to strike the golf ball.
[0085] The term "back" as used herein refers to the side of the
putter head opposed to the front striking face. In some embodiments
of the putter heads of the present invention the back is also
configured as a striking face with grooves so as to conform to USGA
and R&A rules.
[0086] The term "toe" as used herein refers to the side of the
putter head which is distal to the golfer when putting.
[0087] The term "heel" as used herein refers to the side of the
putter head which is proximal to the golfer when putting.
[0088] The term "horizontal" as used herein refers to an
orientation parallel the ground upon which the golf ball lies. When
used in reference to the putter head, it refers to a line which is
horizontal when the putter rests on the ground and addresses the
golf ball. Therefore the term "horizontal" refers to the ground
and/or the bottom side of the club.
[0089] The term "vertical" as used herein refers to an imaginary
line which is normal to the horizontal plane of the ground upon
which the golf ball lies or to the horizontal plane of the sole
(bottom) of the club.
[0090] The term "fastening means" as used herein refers to any
means known in the art, conforming to the rules of golf, of
fastening, including screws of a number of types, bolts, pins, and
clips. One preferred fastening means is an Allen screw.
[0091] The term "weights" as used herein refers to any of a variety
of solid materials, preferably metal, having a size and shape
capable of being removable and secured by a fastening means within
a slot in the putter head, which can have a wide range of densities
and masses. Preferably the weights are constructed of a variety of
metals having different densities, however the weights can be
constructed of lighter materials.
[0092] The term "target" refers to a set of two or more concentric
circular grooves.
[0093] A putter head with a rounded vertical face which has the
advantage of producing a straight smooth roll of the ball, even
when the toe is inadvertently up or down. It has been demonstrated
on a robot in a laboratory that if the typical flat faced putter
(with a 4 degree incline) is elevated even 3.6 degrees that the
resultant ball roll will be 6 inches off line towards the player's
stance on a 10 foot putt. This is not so with a putter with a flat
vertical face. The ball impact area on the radius putter face is
lower on the face and towards the heel of the club, but the
resultant geometry of the impact is the same as if the putter were
horizontal and square to the ball. The resultant roll is straight.
Robotic testing confirmed the efficiency of each of the disclosed
embodiments herein.
[0094] According to the rules of golf, a putter with two opposing
striking surfaces will require grooves on both the front edge and
back edge. Therefore, to be in conformity with the rules, any
putter herein can have grooves on both the front edge and the back
edge so as to provide the same hitting surface on front and back.
Additionally, the grooves of the present invention can be in a
variety of configurations, including grooves in a pixel,
crosshatched, or a circular format which appears as a target on the
striking face. The grooves can extend the entire length of a face
of the putter head, or only be placed at or adjacent to the ball
contact portion of the striking face.
[0095] The present invention provides a putter with a vertically
convex surface and grooves. The convex face can be of any radius,
but preferred embodiments of the putter head have a rounded face
with a vertical curvature having a radius which is less than that
of a golf ball. There can be any number of grooves, including only
one. The grooves can be of any size, width and depth, but preferred
embodiments are grooves which conform to USGA and the Royal &
Ancient (R&A) rules of Golf.
[0096] The grooves can be like those which can be used on the other
clubs according to the specifications set out in USGA Guide to the
Rules on Clubs and Balls, Supplement A: "How to Determine Whether
Grooves Conform". According to Appendix II, 5c (i) of the Rules of
Golf markings in the impact area must not have sharp edges or
raised lips as determined by a finger test. Grooves in the impact
area must meet the following specifications, according to the
Rules: (1) A series of straight grooves with diverging sides and a
symmetrical cross-section may be used. (2) The width and
cross-section must be consistent across the face of the club and
along the length of the grooves. (3) Any rounding of groove edges
shall be in the form of a radius which does not exceed 0.020 inches
(0.508 mm). (4) The width of the grooves must not exceed 0.035
inches (0.9 mm), using the 30 degree method of measurement on file
with the United States Golf Association. (4) The distance between
edges of adjacent grooves must not be less than three times the
width of a groove, and not less than 0.075 inches (1.905 mm). (5)
The depth of a groove must not exceed 0.020 inches (0.508 mm).
[0097] In a first embodiment of the putter head of the present
invention the front edge has one or more grooves in the face. The
golf putter can be a round or rolled face putter. The problem which
this putter solves is that on a round or rolled face with a smooth
polished surface, a ball hit above or below the equator has the
potential to slide a microscopic distance on the face which then
elevates (up side) or depresses (down side) the ball trajectory. If
the putter face has a groove this undesirable result would be
minimized or eliminated. In addition the already horizontal impact
geometry between the club and the ball would be more linear and of
less surface area. There are multiple benefits to the grooves on
the radius face of a putter.
[0098] The purpose of the grooves are to further minimize the
surface of the impact geometry, and maximize the linear nature of
the impact geometry. Further purposes of the grooves is that they
provide for traction on the ball at club-ball impact, especially
when the impact on the round club face is above or below the
equator. The absence of the grooves on a convex vertical striking
area has the potential to have the ball slide up or down the face.
The grooves act to avoid this undesirable result and give enhanced
control to the resultant direction of the putt. As illustrated in
the Figures, the grooves increases the linear nature of the contact
area of the putter head face with the golf ball. The grooves lessen
the total contact area made with a golf ball than a face lacking
grooves. The grooves conform to USGA and Royal & Ancient rules,
but can be used on nonconforming clubs for a novelty club.
[0099] The ridges between the grooves and horizontal nature of the
impact geometry results in the impact bridging and not dropping
into one or more dimples on the golfball's surface. Dropping into
the dimples results in the potential for unexpected and undesirable
misdirection of the subsequent direction of the roll of the
ball.
[0100] The contact geometry surface area is related to the
magnitude of the force of the impact. It is greater with a greater
impact and less with a lesser impact. It can be as little as a
portion of exposed surface to multiple grooves and linear surfaces.
The orientation of the grooves have a positive impact on a
subsequent ball movement for example, the horizontal impact will
tend to move the ball in a straight and the linear path. The effect
of minimizing the impact surface area between the ball and putter
should be considered. If the ball is struck in the cavity of the
dimple of the ball with a conventional putter, the ball will not
travel in a straight path. The groove dimensions of the present
invention result in ridges that bridge the cavity of the dimple of
the golf ball at impact, thereby minimizing the misdirected path of
the ball. The grooves can extend over any length of the face from a
short length to the entire length of the face. There can be any
combination of length and width of the grooves on the face. The
grooves can be on an insert constructed of any material on the face
and have any of the configurations disclosed herein. The putter can
have one or two striking surfaces. In the latter case the surfaces
will have the same geometry in conformity to the rules of golf.
[0101] The putter head can be constructed having interchangeable
faces of varying materials and geometry, including but not limited
to those which conform to the rules of golf. The putter heads of
the present invention preferably have variable weighting. The
weight can be placed in any of a variety of ways, not necessarily
symmetrical, so as to adjust for and accommodate the individual
golfer's stroke.
[0102] The grooves or projections of any of the putter head of the
present invention can all be parallel to one another and be
horizontally oriented. Alternatively they can all be disposed
perpendicularly to the tangent of the arc of the face of the putter
head, ie. aligned normal to the arc of the face. They can also be a
combination of either of these configurations, with some grooves
horizontally oriented and others perpendicularly oriented. The
angle of cut of the grooves can be of any orientation, i.e.
crosshatch, oblique, triangular, semi-circular, and circular
orientations.
[0103] The grooves do not necessarily, but will preferably conform
to USGA and R&A rules. The grooves can be as those on a regular
club as outlined in the rules of golf. In some embodiments the
grooves have a width of 0.06 inches, a depth must be less than the
width and may not exceed 0.04 inches and are separated by 0.06 with
the width to spacing ratio being no less than 1:1 inches. The
grooves on the putter must not have sharp edges. The design of the
groove may be USGA conforming. The groove could be spaced farther.
In preferred embodiments, the grooves are at or nearly the 0.07
inch minimum spacing allowed by USGA rules. In some embodiments,
the grooves are perpendicular to the tangent of the arc of the
face. In further embodiments the grooves are parallel to one
another and not tangential to the curve of the face. In further
still embodiments the grooves are along the horizontal axis of the
putter face or other geometrical configurations.
[0104] In another embodiment of the putter head of the present
invention, the putter head has one or more ridges on the front
edge. In some embodiments, the ridges are provided by a projecting
ridge along the front edge. In further embodiments the ridges and
the face of the putter are constructed from a single piece of
material such as titanium. The face may be constructed of titanium
or brass to be more resistant to abrasion and denting in any of the
embodiments. The material is constructed with a continuous or
varying weight distribution and for abrasion resistance.
Additionally, different materials can be provided for a different
"feel" and sound at impact to provide important biofeedback and
psychomotor performance.
[0105] In one embodiment the putter head has a rolled face
vertically with a radius less than that of a golf ball. In
preferred embodiments the putter face has a radius of 0.5 to 8.0
inch with several grooves of 0.06 inch width and 0.06 inch space
between the grooves. The depth of the grooves does not exceed 0.04
inches and the grooves do not have sharp edges. The putter face can
comprise one or more grooves which are placed at any angle relative
to one another. Preferably the grooves are perpendicular to the
tangent of the curve of the face. In some embodiments the grooves
can be horizontal to another and not tangential to the curve of the
face. The putter head configuration with grooves decreases the
surface area of the club face to ball contact. It also assures the
likelihood of a horizontal geometry of the impact strike
pattern.
[0106] A round face putter makes a linear impact geometry on the
face and ball. The surface area is less than that made by contact
with a flat putter face and a round ball. The surface area of
impact can be made smaller by placing grooves in the round face.
Grooves have been in flat face putters. The geometry of the impact
becomes more linear with grooves on a round face, as illustrated in
the Figures. Grooves are permitted on putter faces according to
USGA rules, and can be different than on regular club faces.
[0107] In one embodiment, the golf putter head of the present
invention comprises an elongate flat blade which has a width
defined between a front edge used for striking a golf ball and an
opposed back edge. The length of the blade is defined between a toe
edge, which extends from the front edge to the back edge of the
blade and an opposed heel edge. The thickness of the blade is
defined between a top side, bordered by each of the edges, and an
opposed bottom side nearest to the ground when putting. The top
side of the blade has an opening, into which a shaft can be
affixed. The shaft can be affixed to the putter head by welding or
any means known in the art. Optionally the shaft is affixed using a
hosel. The bottom side of the blade has two or more slots, adapted
to receive weights, which extend along the width of the blade. Two
or more weights can be secured into one of the slots by one or more
fastening means attached in holes in the slots in the bottom side
of the blade. The weights provide the putter head various weighting
configurations. Preferred weighting configurations place the center
of mass of the putter head towards the back of the putter head
(posterior) and towards the bottom side of the blade (inferior).
Preferably, the putter has heel/toe weighting. The total weight of
the putter head can be adjusted by adding or removing the weights.
The optimal weighting can be determined by robotic testing or by
trial and error in the golfer's hands.
[0108] The putter head can also be any of the putter head
embodiments described herein and having an interchangeable face.
The interchangeable faces can be screwed on or attached by any
means known in the art. The interchangeable faces can be of a
variety of configurations. The face can be with an elevation from
vertical of zero to four degrees; a rolled (rounded) face having a
radius which is less than that of a golf ball; a rolled (rounded)
face of any radius with grooves; a rolled (rounded) face with
linear grooves to provide ridges constructed of any of a number of
materials; a rolled (rounded) face having linear elevated
projections. The face is preferably constructed of titanium so as
to be more resistant to abrasion and denting. The grooving can be
on a putter to minimize the contact geometry, especially the larger
grooving permitted on putters under the rules of golf.
[0109] A first embodiment of the putter head 10 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 to FIG. 7 described in commonly
owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/050,062 to Johnson hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In this
embodiment, the putter head 10 includes an elongate flat blade 16
with a runner 18. The elongate flat blade 16 includes a front edge
16A and an opposed back edge 16B. A convexly rounded toe edge 16C
extends from the front edge 16A to the back edge 16B of the blade.
On an opposite side of the blade a convexly rounded heel edge 16D
extends from the front edge 16A to the back edge 16B of the blade.
A thickness of the blade 16 is defined between a top side 16E,
bordered by each of the edges, and an opposed bottom side 16F. The
curved front edge 16A of the blade 16 used as a striking face for
contacting a golf ball between the ends defined by toe edge 16C and
heel edge 16D, and the parallel top side 16E and bottom side 16F.
The front edge 16A of the blade 16 has three parallel grooves 14,
running the length of the striking face from toe edge 16C to heel
edge 16D. One of the grooves is located centrally along the height
of the striking face, while the other two are located towards the
top side 16E and the bottom side 16F of the front edge 16A.
[0110] Appendix II, 4c of USGA Rules states: "The club head shall
only have one striking face, except that a putter may have two such
faces if their characteristics are the same, and they are opposite
each other." According to the USGA Guide to the Rules on Clubs and
Balls "Determining whether a surface constitutes a second (or
third) striking face is often a matter of opinion. However, in
general, a surface should be considered an additional striking face
if: the area is flat and it is clearly designed to be used for
striking the ball, or it is opposite the intended face and consists
of a flat surface of a different loft and/or material, or it is a
flat surface on the toe and/or heel of a cylindrical, rectangular
or square head design which could effectively be used to strike the
ball, or it could otherwise effectively be used to strike the
ball." To provide putters which conform to the Rules, each of the
putter heads of the present invention can be provided having a
curved striking face with grooves on a back side of the putter
opposed to the front striking face. For example, FIG. 1A
illustrates a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of
the putter head of FIG. 1 which has two opposed striking faces. One
curved striking face having grooves 14 is on the front edge 16A and
a second curved striking face having grooves 14' is on the back
edge 16B' of the putter head 10'. The rest of the putter head 10'
of FIG. 1A is identical to putter head 10 of FIG. 1.
[0111] The blades 16 of these putter heads 10, 10' are not flat on
the top side 16E, but rather have a toe projection 22 and a heel
projection 23 which are disposed towards the periphery of the
putter heads adjacent to the toe edge 16C and heel edge 16D,
respectively. On the top side 16E of the blade 16, the toe
projection 22 protrudes from the top side 16E of the putter head 10
at curvilinear toe ledge 22A. The toe projection 22 extends along
the length of the blade 16 from the convexly rounded toe end 16C to
a curvilinear toe ledge 22A. The curvilinear toe ledge 22A curves
back from the intersection of front edge 16A and toe edge 16C to
back edge 16B, extending the width of the putter head. At the
rounded heel end 16D of the top side 16E is a heel projection 23
which protrudes from the top side 16E of the putter head 10 at a
curvilinear heel ledge 23A. The heel ledge 23A curves back from the
intersection of front edge 16A and heel edge 16C to back edge 16B,
extending the width of the blade 16. The toe projection 22 and heel
projection 23 provide the putter head 10 peripheral toe-heel
weighting for stability and posterior weighting.
[0112] An indented sighting line 20 extends along the width of the
blade 16 centrally with respect to the length of the blade 16 from
front edge 16A to the back edge 16B. The sighting line 20 is useful
for alignment of the putter head 10 when addressing the golf ball.
Optionally, a runner 18 is attached to the bottom side 16F of the
blade 16. The runner has an convex outer surface 18C projecting
from the bottom side 16F of the blade 16 from a front end 18A near
the front edge 16A of the blade 16 to a back end 18B near the back
edge 16B of the blade 16. The outer surface 18C of runner 18 keeps
the blade 16 the proper distance from the putting surface, and
allows for a smooth swinging movement during the stroke, by
minimizing drag due to small surface area contact with the
ground.
[0113] FIG. 3 to FIG. 5 illustrate bottom views of the putter head
(10) with small weights (17A) and large weights (17B) attached to
provide different weighting configurations. FIG. 3 and FIG. 7
illustrate a heavily weighted putter head configuration of the
putter head 10 wherein small weights 17A are secured by Allen
screws 19 towards the front edge 16A of the blade 16 in both the
toe slot 24 and the heel slot 25. In addition large weights 17B are
secured by Allen screws 19 towards the back edge 16B of the blade
16 in both the toe slot 24 and the heel slot 25. This configuration
results in maximal weighting of the putter head 10. FIG. 4
illustrates a moderately weighted putter head configuration having
only large weights 17B secured by Allen screws 19 in the holes 21
and situated towards the back edge 16B of the blade 16 in both the
toe slot 24 and heel slot 25. This configuration results in
posterior, inferior weighting of the putter head 10 and moderate
weighting. FIG. 5 illustrates a lightly weighted putter head
configuration having only small weights 17A secured by Allen screws
19 in the holes 21 and situated towards the back edge 16B of the
blade 16 in both the toe slot 24 and heel slot 25. This
configuration results in posterior, inferior weighting of the
putter head 10 and light weighting. FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom
view of the putter head 10 without either the small weights 17A or
the large weights 17B in either the toe slot 24 or the heel slot
25. This result in the lightest putter head 10 configuration.
Additionally, any combination of the weights can be inserted into
either or both of the slots so that the putter head is not
symmetrically weighted.
[0114] A second embodiment of the putter head 110 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 also described in
commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/050,062 to
Johnson hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In
this embodiment, the putter head 110 includes an elongate flat
blade 116 with a runner 118. The elongate flat blade 116 includes a
front edge 116A and an opposed back edge 116B. A convexly rounded
toe edge 116C extends from the front edge 116A to the back edge
116B of the blade. On an opposite side of the blade a convexly
rounded heel edge 116D extends from the front edge 116A to the back
edge 116B of the blade. A thickness is defined between a top side
116E, bordered by each of the edges, and an opposed bottom side
116F. The front edge 116A of the blade 116 used as a striking face
for contacting a golf ball between the ends defined by toe edge
116C and heel edge 116D, and the parallel top side 116E and bottom
side 116F. The front edge 116A of the blade 116 has three parallel
grooves 114, running the length of the striking face from toe edge
116C to heel edge 116D. One of the grooves is located centrally
along the height of the striking face, while the other two are
located towards the top side 116E and the bottom side 116F of the
front edge 116A.
[0115] The blade 116 is not flat, but rather has a toe projection
122 and a heel projection 123 towards the periphery of the putter
head adjacent to the toe edge 116C and heel edge 116D,
respectively. The toe projection 122 protrudes from the top side
116E of the putter head 110. Near the rounded toe end 116C of the
top side 116E is a rectangular toe projection 122 raised from the
top side 116E of the putter head 110 at a toe ledge 122A and
extending the width of the putter head 110. At the rounded heel end
116D of the top side 116E is a rectangular heel projection 123
raised from the top side 116E of the putter head 110 at a heel
ledge 123A and extending the width of the putter head 110. An
indented sighting line 120 extends along the width of the blade 116
centrally with respect to the length of the blade 116 from front
edge 116A to the back edge 116B. The toe projection 122 and heel
projection 123 provide the putter head 110 peripheral toe-heel
weighting for stability.
[0116] The sighting line 120 is useful for alignment of the putter
head 110 when addressing the golf ball. Optionally, a runner 118 is
attached to the bottom side 116F of the blade 116. The runner has
an convex outer surface 118C projecting from the bottom side 116F
of the blade 116 from a front end 118A near the front edge 116A of
the blade 116 to a back end 118B near the back edge 116B of the
blade 116. The outer surface 118B of runner 118 keeps the blade 116
the proper distance from the putting surface, and allows for a
smooth swinging movement during the stroke. On the bottom side 116F
of the blade 116 is a toe slot 124 near toe edge 116C and a heel
slot 125 near heel edge 116D, each extending the width of the
putter head 110 and adapted to receive small weight (not shown) and
large weights 117B. This allows for various weighting
configurations identical to those shown for the first embodiment of
the putter head 10 as illustrated in FIG. 3 through FIG. 6
described previously.
[0117] FIG. 10 through FIG. 12 illustrate a further embodiment of a
putter head 210 of the present invention comprising a single groove
219 in the front edge 216A of blade 216, described in commonly
owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/672,185 to Johnson hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The putter head
210 comprises an elongate flat blade 216 with a runner 218. The
elongate flat blade 216 includes a front edge 216A and an opposed
back edge 216B. A toe edge 216C extends from the front edge 216A to
the back edge 216B of the blade. On an opposite side of the blade a
heel edge 216D extends from the front edge 216A to the back edge
216B of the blade 216. A thickness of the blade 216 is defined
between a top side 216E, bordered by each of the edges, and an
opposed bottom side 216F. The front edge 216A of the blade 216 used
as a striking face for contacting a golf ball between the ends
defined by toe edge 216C and heel edge 216D, and the parallel top
side 216E and bottom side 216F. The front edge 216A of the blade
216 has a single groove 219, running the length of the striking
face from toe edge 216C to heel edge 216D. FIG. 10 shows the putter
head 210 from a front view, showing the groove 219 in the front
edge 216A of blade 216. Groove 219 runs horizontally across the
center line of front edge 216A of the blade 216. In one embodiment,
groove 219 is approximately 0.06 inches (1.5 mm) wide and
approximately 0.04 inches (1.0 mm) deep and extends from heel edge
216D to toe edge 216C. FIG. 11 illustrates a heel view and FIG. 12
illustrates a cross-section along the line 12-12 of FIG. 10 both
showing the groove 219 having these dimensions.
[0118] The present invention further provides the putter head 310
illustrated in FIG. 13 through FIG. 17 described in commonly owned
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/915,610 to Johnson hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The putter head
310 is an elongate blade having a first linear edge which is a
front edge 315 of the putter head 310 used as a face for striking a
golf ball. The front edge 315 of the putter head 310 has a vertical
radius which is less than that of the golf ball. The front edge 315
has three parallel grooves 320 running the length of the striking
face from toe edge 313 to heel edge 314. One of the grooves or
ridges is located approximately central along the height of the
striking face, while the other two are located incrementally
towards the bottom side 317 of the front edge 315. The grooves do
not have to be linear. In some embodiments, any of the putter heads
herein can have circular grooves which are configured as a target
pattern on the striking face. For example, FIG. 13A illustrates a
face view of an alternative configuration of the putter head of
FIG. 13 having circular grooves 320' configured as a target on the
front edge 315. The rest of the putter head 310' is identical to
the putter head 310 of FIG. 13.
[0119] The distal end 311B of the shaft 311 can be attached to the
putter head 310 exactly centered between the toe end 313 and the
heel end 314 of the putter head 310. In other embodiments, the
distal end 311A of the shaft 311 can be attached to the putter head
310 just short of center between the toe end 313 and the heel end
314 of the putter head 310 to line up the ball off the end of the
shaft. In further embodiments, the distal end 311B of the shaft 311
can be attached to the putter head 310 near the heel end 314 of the
putter head 310. In further still embodiments, the distal end 311B
of the shaft 311 can be attached to the putter head 310 anywhere
along the length between the toe end 313 and the heel end 314 of
the putter head 310. The insertion of the shaft can be at a variety
of positions: front, middle, heel, toe, etc. The shaft can be
straight or bent to accommodate insertion site and alignment.
[0120] The putter head 310 can be constructed of any suitable
material including, but not limited to, metals such as aluminum,
brass, and steel. The putter head can be constructed of other
materials, including any other natural or synthetic material. Also
encompassed by the present invention are golf putters having
various markings for alignment of the putter head 310 to a golf
ball. Various weights 318A, 318B can be used to adjust the center
of mass along an axis running front to back, toe to heel, and/or
top to bottom for proper balancing of the putter head 310.
[0121] Preferably, the vertical radius of the face of the present
invention is less than that of a regulation golf ball, however any
radius is encompassed by the present invention. Some preferred
embodiments of the putter head 310 have a radius less than half of
the radius of a regulation golf ball down to a 0.135 inch (3.43 mm)
radius. The regulation golf ball must have a diameter of not less
than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm) according to Appendix III of the USGA
Rules of Golf. Golf putter head 310 having a narrow radius result
in a contact area between the elongate blade and the golf ball
which is linear, of narrow width, and essentially horizontal. Such
putter head 310 provide reproduce putting distance according to the
length of the backswing and putt the golf ball with a minimal skid
distance.
[0122] Putter head 310 comprises a top side 312 and opposing bottom
side 317, the bottom side 317 being adjacent to the ground when
addressing a golf ball. Top side 312 and opposing bottom side 317
are of a "D" shape defined by straight linear front edge 315 and an
essentially elliptical portion defined by toe edge 313, back edge
316, and heel edge 314. The distance from heel edge 314 to toe edge
313 (length .DELTA.) is greater than the distance from front edge
315 to back edge 316 (width *). The length to width dimensions can
vary, however the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A.
rules. The distal end 311A of the shaft 311 is attached to the top
side 312 of putter head 310. The putter head 310 is attached to the
distal end 311A of the shaft 311 near front edge 315 at the center
of the length of front edge 315 between toe edge 313 and heel edge
314. The distal end 311A of shaft 311 is attached to the putter
head 310 near the heel edge 314 and the front edge 315 of the top
side 312 of putter head 310. In further embodiments, the shaft 311
is attached to the top side 312 of the putter head 310 through a
single plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or socket
axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is approximately
5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall length of the putter from
proximal end of the shaft 311 to the top side 312 of putter head
110 is at least approximately 18 inches (457 mm).
[0123] The front edge 315 of the putter head 310 is linear from toe
end 313 to heel end 314 along a horizontal plane, and is convexly
curving from top side 312 to bottom side 317 in the vertical
orientation. The front edge 315 of the putter head 310 is used as a
face to strike a golf ball, and has a vertical radius of curvature
which is less than the radius of curvature of a regulation size
golf ball. When the golf putter head 310 is used to strike a golf
ball, the contact area upon the golf ball and contact area on the
front edge 315 of the putter head 310 are both linear with a narrow
width, and are also horizontal in orientation. Additionally, the
contact area on the ball usually spans the dimple diameter on the
golf ball without entering the dimple concavity, so that direction
of roll is not influenced by the dimple concavity. Further
embodiments of the putter head 310 of the present invention can
include any number of grooves in the front edge 315 of the putter
head 310. In some embodiments, the groove runs longitudinally along
the center line of front edge 315 from toe end 313 to heel end 314
of the putter head 310.
[0124] FIG. 14 shows a heel edge view of putter head 310. The
putter head 310 tapers from front edge 315 to back edge 316 of the
putter head 310, such that the top side 312 of the putter head 310
angles downward towards the bottom side 317 of the putter head 310.
A central depression 319 in the top side 312 is bordered by a toe
wall 319A and an opposing heel wall 319B, both of which smoothly
indent from the top side 312, and a flat front wall 319C. The
central depression 319 can be used to pick up a golf ball. In some
embodiments a raised curved projection 319D extends slightly above
the central depression 319 from the flat front wall 319C, however
this is optional. The curved projection 319D provides a
semicircular geometry behind the striking area of the putter head.
In other embodiments the central depression 319 extends without
projections smoothly into flat front wall 319C.
[0125] The putter head 310 includes a circular toe weight 318A and
a circular heel weight 318B, both secured within corresponding
circular depressions into the bottom side 312 towards the toe end
313 and heel end 314, respectively. Toe weight 318A and heel weight
318B can be independently varied in mass to fit the swing of the
individual golfer. This is important when fitting the club to the
golfer's individual swing to derive the best possible putt. Toe
weight 318A and heel weight 318B can be made of any dense material
to balance the club swing. The toe weight 318A and heel weight 318B
are thereby physically symmetrical with respect to each other,
however they can be of different weights to adjust the center of
mass from the centerline. Addition of toe weight 318A and heel
weight 318B of different masses allows a user to adjust the center
of mass of the complete putter head 310. Therefore, the center of
mass of the putter head 310 can be adjusted to fall behind any
point for contacting golf ball along front edge 315 which is
preferred by the user, that is it allows the putter head 310 to be
face balanced. Merits of this embodiment is that it allows for
posterior and/or inferior weighting, and adjustable weighting by
varying materials used for toe weight 318A and heel weight 318B.
The center of mass can be shifted from the centerline along the
length of the putter head 310 a distance .A-inverted., from the
front of the face along the width of the putter head 310 a distance
(, and from the bottom side of the putter head 310 a distance, as
shown in FIG. 14. In a preferred embodiment, the toe weight 318A
and heel weight 318B each are drilled and counter bored for
attachment using cap screws (not shown). In a preferred embodiment
of the putter head 310, the total weight is 350 grams with the toe
weight 318A and the heel weight 318B and cap screws attached. In
this embodiment, the length .DELTA. is 3.387, the width * is 2.236,
the face height 2 is 0.824, while the center of mass is located
such that .A-inverted.=0.087, (=1.238, and,=0.408 without cap
screws or shaft 311 attached, for posterior and inferior
weighting.
[0126] The putter head 310 has a contact area between the front
edge 315 and a golf ball which is linear, and of narrow width. The
vertical radius of the front edge 315 is less than that of a golf
ball, and in some embodiments less than half of the radius of a
golf ball. In some embodiments of the putter head 310 the vertical
radius is c inch (3.2 mm) to 7/16 inches (11.1 mm). The contact
area on the golf ball when struck by the putter head 310 is
horizontal in orientation. The slope of the putter head 310 can be
front to back (i.e. cross-section narrowing towards the back) or
back to front (i.e. cross-section widening towards the back).
Preferably, the weight of the putter head 310 of the present
invention is between 250 to 450 grams, however other weighted
putter head 310 are encompassed by the present invention. The
weight of the putter head 310 is most preferably 350 grams. The
putter head 310 can be constructed of any metal including, but not
limited to, aluminum, brass, and steel. Alternatively, the putter
head 310 can be made of any other natural or synthetic material.
Further embodiments of the putter head 310 incorporates various
means of providing bottom weighting to the putter head 310 and
include embodiments having bottom posterior weighting.
[0127] Additionally, the contact area on the ball usually spans the
dimple diameter. While not wishing to be held to any one theory,
the contact area allows the reduction in the release time of the
ball from the front edge 315 and thereby the ball starts rolling in
less time. Additionally, the horizontal and linear contact area
geometry can create a dominant resultant direction of the ball to
one plane, while with conventional putters the contact area is
circular, which thereby allows for 360.degree. of directional
course tracking of the ball. Putting with a conventional putter or
one with a round surface produces a circular area of contact on the
putter and ball. Putting with the golf putter head 310 of the
present invention creates a contact area on the ball which is
horizontal and linear.
[0128] Another aspect of the putter is that the shaft 311 is
attached to the putter head 310 at or near the area of anticipated
contact of the front edge 315 to a golf ball. This is in contrast
to the typical putter which has a connection at some distance from
the contact site where it is attached to some part of the body of
the putter. This customary connection requires the force of impact
to travel through the mass of the club head material prior to
entering the shaft of the putter, thus reducing the feel of the
contact. The intimate connection to the anticipated site of contact
produces a faster transmission of force of the impact to the
golfers hands. This produces an improved "feel" which is important
component of putting proficiency.
[0129] The putter head 310 provides a potential for various weights
318A, 318B to meet the individual golfers preferences. Various
positions of the head weight can be used to optimize the linear
nature of the horizontal contact. The weight of the putter head is
transmitted or disbursed to a horizontal narrow striking area by
adjusting the center of gravity. Additionally, the putter head will
accommodate alignment lines or graphics.
[0130] The putter head 310 was machined using a computer numerical
control (CNC) mill during manufacturing. The ball striking face of
the club is the most important part of the club. Initially the face
was machined so that half of the width was machined and then the
other half was machined. It was found that this created a thin flat
line in the center of the face (i.e. transition line). The
machining was then modified so that 75% of the face, usually from
the top of the face down, was machined so that the transition line
did not occur at a ball striking portion of the face. This resulted
in a significant performance improvement in the putter. Another
method can be to totally machine the face in one motion to avoid
the seam.
[0131] FIG. 18 through FIG. 21A illustrate typical contact areas
made between putter heads of the present invention and a golf ball.
Two putter heads, the putter head 110 as illustrated in FIGS. 8-9
and the putter head 310 illustrated in FIGS. 13-17 of the present
invention are used in this Example to illustrate typical contact
areas. It is to be understood that the other putter head designs
disclosed herein will result in similar contact geometries. To
determine the contact geometries, the front edges (116A, 315) of
two of the described putter heads (110, 310) were first sprayed
with a fine powder 32. The powder 32 adhered to the front edges
(116A, 315) of the putter heads (110, 310), but was easily removed
by contact. A surface of a golf ball 30 coming into contact with
the powder 32 was coated with the powder 32 at the contact area
(34A, 34B) with the front edges (116A, 315) of the putter heads
(110, 310). The powder 32 coated putter heads (110, 310) were then
used to strike a golf ball 30. The golf ball 30 was then examined
to see the contact area (34A, 34B) left upon the ball 30. This
contact area (34A, 34B) represented the area of the ball 30 which
strikes the front blade 16A of the putter heads (110, 310). The
contact area (34A, 34B) had notable differences to the contact
areas of a traditional putter (not shown). The contact area (34A,
34B) of the putter heads (110, 310) are linear with a narrow width,
and are also horizontal in orientation.
[0132] FIG. 18 illustrates a golf ball 30 showing a typical contact
area 34A resulting from striking the ball 30 with a grooved
thin-blade putter head (110) of the present invention. FIG. 18A
illustrates a closer view of the designated region in FIG. 18. FIG.
19 illustrates a front view of a putter head (110) showing the
typical contact area 34A resulting from contact with the golf ball
30 of FIG. 18. FIG. 19A illustrates a closer view of the designated
region in FIG. 19. Illustrated in FIG. 20 is a typical contact area
(34B) resulting from striking a golf ball 30 with a grooved round
face putter head (310) of the present invention. FIG. 20A
illustrates a closer view of the designated region on the golf ball
30 in FIG. 20. FIG. 21 illustrates a front view of the putter head
(310) showing the contact area (34B) on the front edge 315
resulting from striking the golf ball (30) of FIG. 20. FIG. 21A
illustrates a closer view of the designated region in FIG. 21.
[0133] The contact area (34A, 34B) upon the golf ball 30 is
identified by striking the ball 30 with the putter heads (110, 310)
covered with powder 32. The contact area (34A, 34B) is estimated by
the powder 32 transferred from front edge 16A of blade 16 onto the
golf ball 30 after the ball 30 has been struck with a powder coated
front edge 16A of blade 16. The corresponding contact area (34A,
34B) upon the putter head after contacting the golf ball 30 can
also be seen where the powder 32 has been removed from the front
edge 16A of blade 16. As can be seen both putter heads (110, 310)
result in a contact area (34A, 34B) having one or two very narrow
horizontal portions. The grooves minimize the contact area, and no
more than two ridges contact the ball.
[0134] An alternative embodiment of the putter head 310, described
previously and illustrated in FIG. 13 through FIG. 17, is
illustrated in FIG. 22 through FIG. 23B. This putter head 310 is
the same as described previously, except that the face 315 has four
projections of various geometries (330, 330' or 330''). FIG. 22
illustrates a face view and FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional
view of this embodiment of the putter head 310 with projections 330
in the front edge 315. Alternatively, the projections have other
shapes and configurations as illustrated in FIG. 23A and FIG. 23B.
The projections (330, 330' or 330'') provide linear elevated ridges
for striking the golf ball such that the contact area is linear, of
narrow width, and horizontal in orientation. The projections
further minimize the contact area over a face without projections,
minimize slip of the golf ball against the face when striking, and
improve the linear nature of the contact geometry. The projections
(330, 330' or 330'') can be provided as a continuous piece of the
front edges (16A, 116A, 315) of any of the putter heads described
herein.
[0135] The projections of the present invention can all be parallel
to one another and be horizontally oriented as illustrated in FIG.
23A. Alternatively they can all be disposed perpendicularly to the
tangent of the arc of the face of the putter head, ie. aligned
normal to the arc of the face as illustrated in FIG. 23B. They can
also be a combination of either of these configurations, with some
projections horizontally oriented and others perpendicularly
oriented. Any putter head embodiment disclosed herein can be
provided with any of these projections instead of grooves.
[0136] Another embodiment of the present invention is provided as a
cylindrical putter heads 410 and 510 as illustrated in FIG. 24
through FIG. 26 and FIG. 27 through FIG. 29, respectively. These
putter heads 410 and 510 are described in commonly owned U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/586,318 to Johnson
hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The face
439, 539 of the round cylindrical putter heads 410, 510 have a
vertical radius which is preferably less than that of a golf ball
60, however the radius is not necessarily so limited. The round
cylindrical putter heads 410, 510 are preferably of a 1/8 (3.2
mm)to 7/16 inch (11.1 mm) radius. A shaft 431, 531 can be attached
to the round cylindrical putter head 410, 510 anywhere between the
toe end 433, 533 and the heel end 434, 534 of the round cylindrical
putter head 410, 510. Preferably, the distal end of the shaft can
be attached to the round cylindrical putter head 410, 510 just
short of center between the toe end 433, 533 and the heel end 434,
534 of the round cylindrical putter head 410, 510 to line up the
ball off the end of the shaft. The weight of the putter head 410,
510 is most preferably 350 grams. Preferably, the weight of the
putter head 410, 510 is between 250 to 450 grams. The bar stock or
pipe can be of any metal including, but not limited to, aluminum,
brass, and steel. Alternatively, the putter head 410, 510 can be
made of any other natural or synthetic material. Any shape or size
of a cut out is also encompassed by the present invention to allow
for manipulation of the center of mass and total weight of the
round cylindrical putter head 410, 510. Also encompassed by the
present invention are golf putters having round cylindrical putter
head 410, 510 with various markings for alignment of the
cylindrical putter head 410, 510 to a golf ball 60.
[0137] One embodiment of the putter head having a round cylindrical
head 410 has a toe end 433 and opposing heel end 434 shown in FIG.
24 through FIG. 26 constructed of stainless steel bar stock. No
weights are added to the putter head 430. A shaft 431 can be
inserted into an opening 432 in the top of head 430 which is
illustrated to be approximately equidistant between toe end 433 and
heel end 434 of head 430, however the opening 432 can be placed
anywhere along the length of the putter head 430. A right-handed
face 439 of the putter head comprises four grooves 430A in the
cylindrical putter head. Any number of grooves 430A, however can be
provided. The grooves 430A minimize the contact area made between
the face 439 and a golf ball, and increase the linear geometry of
the contact area. Since the face 439 has a vertical curvature, the
contact area made with the golf ball is small, however the grooves
430A decrease the contact area with the ball even further as with
all embodiments of the putter heads herein. In this embodiment of
the cylindrical putter head 410 grooves 430B are also provided on
the opposing side as a left-handed face 438 of the putter head 410.
Therefore a right-handed player or a left-handed player can use the
putter head and still have grooves upon the striking face.
[0138] Another embodiment of the cylindrical putter head has a
round cylindrical head 510 with a toe end 533 and opposing heel end
434 as shown in FIG. 27 through FIG. 29 is constructed of stainless
steel bar stock. The toe end 533 of the stainless steel bar stock
has a beveled edge 533A, and the heel end 534 of the head 60 also
has a beveled edge 64A. A bottom 535 of the stainless steel bar
stock is machined towards the toe end 533 and heel end 534 to
create a machined portion 567 as illustrated in FIG. 29. This
machined portion 567 provides a slight curvature to the bottom 535
of the putter head 510 as illustrated in FIG. 27. No weights are
added to the putter head 510. A shaft 531 can be inserted into
opening 532 in the top 536 of the head 510. While the opening 532
is illustrated slightly off-center towards the heel end 534, the
opening 532 can be placed at any location along the top 536 of the
head 510. A wedge of the bar stock running axially along the
top-back from toe end 533 to heel end 534 along the cylindrical bar
stock is removed to provide an elongate cavity 538. Any shape or
size of cut out is encompassed by the present invention to allow
for manipulation of the center of mass and total weight of the
round cylindrical head 510. In the elongate cavity 538, centrally
located along the length of the putter head 510 is a sighting line
537. The sighting line 537 runs front to back in the cavity 538 to
assist a golfer in aligning the putter head 510 to a golf ball when
putting. A striking face 539 of the putter head 510 comprises four
parallel, horizontally oriented grooves 530A in the cylindrical
putter head 510. While the putter head 510 is illustrated having
four parallel, horizontally oriented grooves 530A, any number of
grooves can be provided. As with any embodiment of the grooved
putter heads of the present invention, the grooves 530A can be cut
parallel as illustrated in FIG. 29 or cut perpendicular to a
tangent to the curvature of the face 539. The grooves 530A minimize
the contact area made between the face 539 and a golf ball, and
increase the linear geometry of the contact area. Since the face
539 has a vertical curvature, the contact area made with the golf
ball is small, however the grooves decrease the contact area with
the ball even further.
[0139] A further embodiment of the putter head 610 of the present
invention is illustrated in FIG. 30 through FIG. 36. In this
embodiment, the putter head 610 includes an elongate flat blade 616
with a runner 618 attached to the blade 616 by means of an Allen
screw 619. The elongate flat blade 616 is provided as a top plate
620 and a bottom plate 630 secured together with four Allen screws
640 passing through the bottom plate 630 and into the top plate 620
near each corner. Preferably the top plate 620 and bottom plate 630
are constructed of materials having different densities for
weighting purposes. The elongate flat blade 616 includes a rounded
front edge 616A and an opposed back edge 616B. A toe edge 616C
extends from the front edge 616A to the back edge 616B of the
blade. On an opposite side of the blade a heel edge 616D extends
from the front edge 616A to the back edge 616B of the blade. A
thickness of the blade 616 is defined between a top side 616E of
the top plate 620, bordered by each of the edges, and an opposed
bottom side 616F of the bottom plate 630. The front edge 616A of
the blade 616 used as a striking face for contacting a golf ball
between the ends defined by toe edge 616C and heel edge 616D, and
the parallel top side 616E and bottom side 616F. The front edge
616A of the blade 616 has a single groove 614, running the length
of the striking face from toe edge 616C to heel edge 616D. The
groove is located centrally along the height of the striking face
between the top side 616E and the bottom side 616F of the front
edge 616A. In a preferred embodiment of the putter head 610 the
dimensions are two (2) inches in width by one-half (1/2) inch
thickness by four and three-quarters (43/4) inches in length. The
top plate 620 is 1/4 inch thick and constructed of lighter mass.
Preferably the top plate 620 is constructed of aluminum. The lower
plate 630 is 1/4 inch thick and constructed of heavier mass.
Preferably the lower plate 630 is constructed of brass.
[0140] The elongate flat blades 16, 116, 216, 616 of the blade
putter heads 10, 110, 210 described herein are thin horizontal
blades with distance from heel edge 16D, 116D, 216D, 616D to toe
edge 16C, 116C, 216C, 616C (length) approximately twice the
distance from front edge 16A, 116A, 216A, 616A to back edge 16B,
116B, 216B, 616B (width). The dimension ratios can vary, however
the length is greater than the width by U.S.G.A. rules.
[0141] All of the putter heads of the present invention can be
attached to the distal end of any shaft known in the art. The shaft
can be of any type known in the art, including a "belly putter"
type, which is longer than a traditional putter, and allows for a
style of putting where the proximal end of the putter is stabilized
on the player's belly. In some embodiments, the shaft can be of a
long putter type, which makes it ideal for a pendulum style of golf
stroke. Any grip known in the art can be fitted to the shaft. In
some embodiments, the shaft is of a traditional short length, at
least longer than approximately 18 inches (457 mm).
[0142] The golf putter heads can be affixed to a distal end of any
shaft on the top side of the putter heads in the openings such that
the projection of the shaft onto the vertical plane through the
front edge of the blade is 10.degree. or more. In further
embodiments, the shaft is attached such that the projection of the
shaft upon a vertical plane through the toe edge of the putter head
is 20.degree. or less. In some embodiments, the shaft is attached
through a single plain neck or socket. The length along the neck or
socket axis in these embodiments, following any bends, is
approximately 5.0 inches (127 mm) or less. The overall length of a
golf putter from proximal end of the shaft to the outer surface
18C, 118C of runner 18, 118 is at least approximately 18 inches
(457 mm).
[0143] After striking a golf ball with the putter head 10, 110,
210, 610 the contact area on the golf ball and on the face are
small, due to the thin striking face and the grooves. The curvature
of the striking face further minimizes the contact area. The
contact area on the golf ball and on the face are both linear with
a narrow width, and are also horizontal in orientation.
Additionally, the contact area on the ball usually spans the dimple
diameter on the golf ball without entering the dimple concavity, so
that direction of roll is not influenced by the dimple concavity.
The one or more grooves minimize the contact area made with the
golf ball over a smooth faced putter. The contact area allows the
reduction in the release time of the ball from the front and
thereby the ball starts rolling in less time. Additionally, the
horizontal and linear contact area geometry or other suitable
contact area geometry can create a dominant resultant direction of
the ball to one plane, while with conventional putters the contact
area is circular which thereby allows for substantially 360.degree.
of directional course tracking of the ball.
[0144] The geometry of the elongate flat blade putter heads 10,
110, 210, 610 allow for various angles of approach and positions of
contact. The elongate flat blade 16, 116, 216, 616 can strike the
ball along the center of the ball or off-center of the ball. The
angle of approach allows control of roll of the ball. Striking the
ball in upward or downward angles of approach can result in
straight tracking of the ball, especially when compared to
conventional putters. The putter heads 10, 110, 210, 610 can strike
the ball in upward or downward angles of approach with little
bounce. A golf putter having the putter head 10, 110, 210, 610 can
work well off the fringe of the green, and can have a smoother roll
when a forward press is used. There is a smoother roll with varying
manipulation of the club by the golfer. With the vertical curved
face and a strike with the lower leading edge of a sand iron or
wedge results in a relatively straight path of the ball. Another
example from the golf experience is the `blading` of a five iron
which results in the ball going neither right or left but low and
straight. The impact area in the above golf experience is in the
lowest inferior portion of the leading edge with a radius of 0.5
inches.
[0145] The putter heads of the present invention can be constructed
of any metal including, but not limited to, aluminum, brass, and
stainless steel. Alternatively, the putter heads can be made of any
other natural or synthetic material. The putter heads of the
present invention include embodiments having further bottom
posterior weighting. The weight of the putter head is transmitted
to a horizontal narrow striking area by adjusting the center of
gravity. Merits of the embodiments having variable weighting is
that they allow for posterior and/or inferior weighting, and
adjustable weighting by varying the materials used and the
thickness of the weights 17A, 17B, 117B. The center of mass of the
putter head 10, 110 can be shifted from the centerline along the
length, width or thickness of the putter head 10, 110 by
configuration of the weights 17A, 17B, 117B. In a preferred
embodiment, weights 17A, 17B, 117B, 318A, 318B each are drilled and
counter bored for attachment using Allen screws 19, 119 as
fastening means. In preferred embodiment of the blade putter heads
10, 110, the total weight is about 350 grams with no added weights
17A, 17B, 117B to about 425 grams with all of the weights 17A, 17B,
117B. In preferred embodiments the weights 17A, 17B, 117B can be
added to increase the total weight of the putter head 10, 110 in 25
gram increments. In these embodiments, the center of mass can be
located such that there is a posterior and inferior weighting.
EXAMPLE 1
[0146] The Sandwich #3 putter head 610 as illustrated in FIG. 30
through FIG. 36 was tested. The first independent test was on the
rolled (rounded) face without a groove. The second was with a
single groove as illustrated in the Figures. The Sandwich has two
layers provided as top plate 620 and bottom plate 630. The bottom
plate 630 of this putter head is brass, a heavier metal, and the
top plate 620 of the putter head is aluminum, a lighter metal.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Testing data for the Sandwich #3 Putter Head
610. Skid face and groove configuration (inches) Putting Efficiency
Index rounded with only a seam: 14 0.86 rounded single groove 14
0.87 rounded three (3) grooves 19 0.78
[0147] The first test showed surprisingly wide sweet spot which
extends to 1/2 inch heel and toe from the center of the face.
Contact at the center of face resulted in a Putter Efficiency Index
of 0.857, the toe (contact near toe edge) resulted in a Putter
Efficiency Index of 0.895 and the heel (contact near heel edge)
resulted in a Putter Efficiency Index of 0.8925. The skid resulting
from contact at the center of the face was 14.03 inches. All of
these results are very good numbers according to this test. When
the face has a single groove, the PEI was 0.885 and the skid was
14.1 inches. To summarize, the putter head with no groove or a
single groove is best. It can be just as good or better for the ten
foot putt tested on artificial surface with speed of 10.5 on a
STIMPMETER.RTM. apparatus (USGA, Delaware). The real advantage of
the putter head is seen on the golf course with "clinical" testing
with harder hits and longer putts. The performance of the putter
head is enhanced.
[0148] FIG. 37 illustrates a perspective view of the putter head
3710 of the present invention. In a similar fashion to the above
subject matter, the distal end 3711b of the shaft 3711 can be
attached to the putter head 3710 near the heel edge 3714 of the
putter head 3710 in the top side 3712. However, as the distal end
3711b can be attached to the putter head 3710 anywhere between the
toe edge 3713 and the heal edge 3714 of the putter head 3710. The
putter head 3710 could be constructed of any suitable material
including such metals as aluminum, brass, steel or any other
suitable material including natural or synthetic materials.
Furthermore, the putter head 3710 could include weights to adjust
the center of mass along the axis running front to back, toe edge
to heel edge and/or top to bottom for proper balancing of the
putter head 3710. The putter head 3710 includes a top side 3712 and
an opposing bottom side 3717 which is generally adjacent to the
ground when addressing a golf ball. The top side 3712 and the
bottom side 3717 are substantially `D` shaped defined by the
substantially straight linear front edge 3715 and a substantially
elliptical portion defined by the toe edge 3713, back edge 3716 and
the heel edge 3714. The putter head 3710 includes a front toe edge
3718 and a front head edge 3719. The distance from the heel edge
3714 to the toe edge 3713 (length) is generally greater than the
distance from the front edge 3715 to the back edge 3716 (width).
The length to width dimensions may very however, the USGA rules
dictate that the length is greater than the width. The front edge
3715 of the putter head 3710 is used as a face to strike the golf
ball. The contact area on the golf ball usually spans the dimple
diameter of a golf ball and may not enter the dimple concavity so
that the direction of the role of a golf ball is not influenced by
the dimple concavity. The front edge 3715 includes oblique linear
grooves 3714 which form linear projections which strike a golf
ball. The oblique linear grooves 3724 as shown extends from the top
side 3712 to the bottom side 3717; however, other embodiments may
not extend to the bottom side 3717, may not extend to the top side
3712 or may not extend to the bottom side 3717 and to the top side
3712. One embodiment may be 8 inch vertical radius face with
oblique 0.05-0.07 inch grooves. The oblique linear grooves 3724 are
oblique with respect to the horizontal and consequently are
referred to as oblique linear grooves. The oblique linear grooves
3724 at the top side 3712 are angled to the heel edge 3714.
However, it is within the scope of the invention that the oblique
grooves 3724 could be angled to the toe edge 3713.
[0149] FIG. 38 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head 3810
which includes the top side 3812 a bottom side 3817, the toe edge
3813, the heel edge 3814, the front edge 3815, front toe edge 3818,
front heel edge 3819 and the back edge 3816. The top side 3812 and
the bottom side 3817 are substantially `D` shaped defined by the
substantially straight linear front edge 3815 and a substantially
elliptical portion defined by the toe edge 3813, back edge 3816 and
the heel edge 3814. The oval grooves 3824 form oval projections
3825 and are formed within the face of the putter head 3810 to
strike the golf ball and span the dimple diameter of the golf ball
without entering the dimple the concavity. As shown in FIG. 38, the
oval grooves 3824 do not extend to the front edge 3815 or the
bottom edge 3817. Furthermore, the oval grooves 3824 to not extend
to the toe edge 3813 or the heel edge 3814. It is within the scope
of the present invention, that the oval grooves 3824 could extend
to the edges 3815, 3814 3813 and 3817. FIG. 38 illustrates the
putter head 3810 including a substantially 8 inch vertical radius
face with concentric oval 0.05-0.07 inch grooves. Other dimensions
for the putter head 3810 are within the scope of the invention.
[0150] FIG. 39 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head 3910
which includes the top side 3912 a bottom side 3917, the toe edge
3913, the heel edge 3914, the front edge 3915, front toe edge 3918,
front heel edge 3919 and the back edge 3916. The top side 3912 and
the bottom side 3917 are substantially `D` shaped defined by the
substantially straight linear front edge 3915 and a substantially
elliptical portion defined by the toe edge 3913, back edge 3916 and
the heel edge 3914. A depression 3919 is formed in the top side
3912. The semicircular grooves 3924 are formed within the face of
the putter head 3910 to strike the golf ball and span the dimple
diameter of the golf ball without entering the dimple concavity. As
shown in FIG. 39, the semicircular grooves 3924 forming
semicircular projections 3925 and do not extend to the top edge
3915 but does extend to the bottom edge 3917. Furthermore, the
semicircular grooves 3924 do not extend to the toe edge 3913 or the
heel edge 3914. It is within the scope of the present invention
that the semicircular grooves 3924 could extend to the edges 3913,
3914 3915. FIG. 39 illustrates the putter head 3910 including a
substantially 8 inch vertical radius face with semicircular
0.05-0.07 inch grooves. The ridges can be as narrow as permitted by
the rules of golf. Other dimensions for the putter head 3910 are
within the scope of the invention.
[0151] FIG. 40 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head 4010
which includes the top side 4012 a bottom side 4017, the toe edge
4013, the heel edge 4014, the front edge 4015, front toe edge 4018,
front heel edge 4019 and the back edge 4016. The top side 4012 and
the bottom side 4017 are substantially `D` shaped defined by the
substantially straight linear front edge 4015 and a substantially
elliptical portion defined by the toe edge 4013, back edge 4016 and
the heel edge 4014. The substantially circular grooves 4024 form
substantially circular projections 4025 and are formed within the
face of the putter head 4010 to strike the golf ball and span the
dimple diameter of the golf ball without entering the dimple
concavity. As shown in FIG. 40, the circular grooves 4024 does
extend to the top edge 4015 or the bottom edge 4017. Furthermore,
the circular grooves 4024 do not extend to the toe edge 4013 or the
heel edge 4014. It is within the scope of the present invention
that the circular grooves 4024 could extend to the edges 4013,
4014. FIG. 40 illustrates the putter head 4010 including a
substantially 8 inch vertical radius face with circular 0.050-0.07
inch grooves. Other dimensions for the putter head 4010 are within
the scope of the invention.
[0152] FIG. 41 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head 4110
which includes the top side 4112, a bottom side 4117, the toe edge
4113, the heel edge 4114, the front edge 4115, front toe edge 4118,
front heel edge 4119, back edge 4116 and the substantially circular
grooves 4124 similar to the putter head 4010 shown in FIG. 40. The
top side 4112 and the bottom side 4117 are substantially `D` shaped
defined by the substantially straight linear front edge 4115 and a
substantially elliptical portion defined by the toe edge 4113, back
edge 4116 and the heel edge 4114. FIG. 41 additionally shows a
depression 4119 formed in the top side 4112 including a depression
heel side 4119A opposing the heel side, a depression toe side 4119B
opposing the toe side a depression face side 4119C opposing the
face and a depression bottom side 4119D opposing the bottom side
4117. The depression 4119 may extend to the back edge 4116.
[0153] FIG. 42 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head 4210
which includes the top side 4212 a bottom side 4217, the toe edge
4213, the heel edge 4214, the front edge 4215, front toe edge 4218,
front heel edge 4219 and the back edge 4216. The top side 4212 and
the bottom side 4217 are substantially `D` shaped defined by the
substantially straight linear front edge 4215 and a substantially
elliptical portion defined by the toe edge 4213, back edge 4216 and
the heel edge 4214. The substantially vertical grooves 4224 are
formed within the face of the putter head 4210 to strike the golf
ball and span the dimple diameter of the golf ball without entering
the dimple concavity. As shown in FIG. 40, the substantially
vertical grooves 4224 does extend to the top edge 4215 and to the
bottom edge 4017. The vertical grooves 4224 could in another
embodiment not extend to the top edge 4215 or to the bottom edge
4217. Furthermore, the substantially vertical grooves 4224 do not
extend to the toe edge 4213 or the heel edge 4214. It is within the
scope of the present invention that the circular grooves 4224 could
extend to the edges 4213, 4214. FIG. 42 illustrates the putter head
4010 including a substantially 8 inch vertical radius face with
substantially vertical 0.05-0.07 inch grooves. The radius could be
in both the horizontal radius and the vertical radius or the
combination thereof. Other dimensions for the putter head 4010 are
within the scope of the invention.
[0154] FIG. 43 illustrates a perspective view of a putter head 4310
which includes the top side 4312 a bottom side 4017, the toe edge
4313, the heel edge 4314, the front edge 4315, the front toe edge
4318, the front heel edge 4319, the back edge 4316 and the
depression 4319. The top side 4312 and the bottom side 4317 are
substantially `D` shaped defined by the substantially straight
linear front edge 4315 and a substantially elliptical portion
defined by the toe edge 4313, back edge 4316 and the heel edge
4314. The substantially vertical grooves 4324A and the intersecting
substantially horizontal grooves 4324B are formed within the face
of the putter head 4310 to strike the golf ball and span the dimple
diameter of the golf ball and form pixel projections which project
from the face of the putter head 4310. It is within the scope of
the invention, for linear grooves to intersect at any angle linear
grooves to intersect with nonlinear grooves, and nonlinear grooves
to intersect with other nonlinear grooves. As shown in FIG. 43, the
intersecting grooves 4324A, 4324B does extend to the top edge 4315
or the bottom edge 4317. Furthermore, the intersecting grooves
4324A, 4324B do not extend to the toe edge 4013 or the heel edge
4014. It is within the scope of the present invention that the
intersecting grooves 4324A 4324B could extend to the edges 4013,
4014. FIG. 43 illustrates the putter head 4310 including a
substantially 8 inch vertical radius face with intersecting
0.05-0.07 inch grooves. The grooves may be shaped in the form a
triangle. Other dimensions for the putter head 4010 are within the
scope of the invention.
[0155] While the present invention is described herein with
reference to illustrated embodiments, it should be understood that
the invention is not limited hereto. Those having ordinary skill in
the art and access to the teachings herein will recognize
additional modifications and embodiments within the scope thereof.
Therefore, the present invention is limited only by the Claims
attached herein.
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