U.S. patent application number 11/569617 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for golf putter head and club.
Invention is credited to Thomas Hamlin.
Application Number | 20080300067 11/569617 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35451311 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080300067 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hamlin; Thomas |
December 4, 2008 |
Golf Putter Head and Club
Abstract
The invention provides a golf putter 100 having a putter head 1
and a shaft 3 in which the putter head has ball striking and side
surfaces, 4 and 7 respectively, that are perpendicular to each
other and to the ground when the head is in a ball-striking
position. The side face extends rearwardly from the heel end 6 of
the ball striking face, so that it faces a player facing the side
of the club. The shaft extends upwardly from the head and towards
the player passing through a plane that contains the plane of the
side face. The head when in the ball striking position and when
seen in plan view from above is preferred to be of substantially
right angled triangular form. The putter head may be formed of a
first plate-like member 13 bearing the ball striking face and a
second plate-like member 14 bearing the side face. A gusset 16 may
be provided between and secured to the members 13 and 14.
Inventors: |
Hamlin; Thomas; (Victoria,
AU) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KIRK HAHN
14431 HOLT AVE
SANTA ANA
CA
92705
US
|
Family ID: |
35451311 |
Appl. No.: |
11/569617 |
Filed: |
May 25, 2005 |
PCT Filed: |
May 25, 2005 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2005/001437 |
371 Date: |
August 18, 2008 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 ;
473/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0433 20200801;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/021
20200801; A63B 53/0441 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 ;
473/349 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
May 25, 2004 |
AU |
2004902774 |
Claims
1. A golf putter having a putter head, a shaft and a grip on the
shaft wherein: (a) the golf putter head has a planar ball striking
face extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof and a
planar side face extending rearwardly from the striking face; (b)
the ball striking face and the side face lie respectively in first
and second planes that are perpendicular to each other and that
when the putter head is in a ball-striking position of the putter
head are both substantially vertical; (c) the second plane extends
rearwardly from substantially the heel end of the ball striking
face, and (d) when the putter head is in said ball striking
position the shaft extends upwardly and laterally through the
second plane at a position above the side face.
2. A golf putter according to claim 1 wherein the putter head when
in said ball-striking position thereof is substantially of
right-angled triangular form as seen in plan view.
3. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the putter head when
in said ball-striking position thereof lies substantially wholly
within the space bounded by the first and second planes and a third
vertical plane that is vertical, that intersects the first plane at
an angle of A and that has a minimum distance from the line of
intersection of the first and second planes of XsinA, where:
X=1.15.times. the distance between the heel and toe ends of the
ball striking face; Y=1.15.times. the said length of the side face;
and A=tan.sup.-1(Y/X).
4. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the side face has a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head
according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf.
5. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the side face has a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
is at least 60% of the width between the heel end and the toe end
of the ball striking surface.
6. A golf putter according to claim 5 wherein the side face has a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
is at least 80% of the width between the heel end and the toe end
of the ball striking surface.
7. A golf putter according to claim 6 wherein the side face has a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
is approximately the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball
striking face.
8. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the side face has a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
equals the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball striking
face.
9. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the ball striking
face is a forward face of a plate-like first member and the side
face is an outer face of a plate-like second member secured to the
first member.
10. A golf putter according to claim 9 further wherein the putter
head includes a gusset having first and second edges secured
respectively to a rear face of the first member and to an inner
face of the second member.
11. A golf putter according to claim 10 wherein the gusset is
generally in the form of a right-angled triangle.
12. A golf putter according to claim 10 wherein the gusset extends
substantially to a rear end of the second member and substantially
to the toe end of the first member of the putter head.
13. A golf putter according to claim 10 further including a hosel
secured to an upper face of the gusset of the putter head a lower
end of the shaft being received in the hosel.
14. A golf putter according to claim 10 wherein a weight is secured
to the upper or lower face of the gusset of the putter head.
15. A golf putter according to claim 9 wherein in manufacture the
first and second members of the putter head are formed from plate
or sheet material and secured to each other.
16. A golf putter according to claim 10 wherein in manufacture the
first and second members and the gusset are formed from plate or
sheet material and secured to each other.
17. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the putter head is
integrally formed for example by forging or casting optionally with
subsequent machining or by machining from solid.
18. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the putter head has
an upward facing substantially planar surface that is at right
angles to the planes of the ball striking face and the side
face.
19. A golf putter according to claim 18 further including a hosel
secured to the upward facing surface the shaft being received in
the hosel.
20. A golf putter according to claim 2 having on an upward facing
surface of the putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate
a sweet spot of the putter head.
21. A golf putter according to claim 2 having on an upward facing
surface of the putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate
a direction perpendicular to the ball striking surface.
22. A golf putter head having: a planar ball striking face
extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof; and a planar
side face extending rearwardly from the striking face, wherein (a)
a first notional plane that includes the ball striking face and a
second notional plane that includes the side face intersect in a
right angle and in a ball-striking position of the putter head are
both substantially vertical, and (b) the said second plane extends
rearwardly from substantially the heel end of the ball striking
face, and (c) when in the said ball striking position a shape that
when seen in plan view is at least approximately that of a right
angled triangle of which the ball striking and side faces form two
sides.
23. A golf putter head according to claim 22 wherein the side face
has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face
that is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter
head according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf.
24. A golf putter head according to claim 22 wherein the side face
has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face
that is at least 60% of the width between the heel end and the toe
end of the ball striking surface.
25-42. (canceled)
43. A golf putter according to claim 10 wherein the gusset extends
substantially to a rear end of the second member or substantially
to the toe end of the first member of the putter head.
44. A golf putter according to claim 20 wherein said mark is
selected from the group consisting of a groove, an embossed line,
and a ball outline.
45. A golf putter according to claim 22 wherein said mark is
selected from the group consisting of a groove and an embossed
line.
46. A golf putter according to claim 9 wherein the first and second
members are secured to each other by a method selected from the
group consisting of welding, brazing, and by the use of threaded
fasteners.
47. A golf putter according to claim 9 wherein the first member has
a formation thereon to which formation a hosel for a shaft of the
putter is secured.
48. A golf putter head according to claim 24 wherein the side face
has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face
that is at least 80% of the width between the heel end and the toe
end of the ball striking surface.
49. A golf putter head according to claim 48 wherein the side face
has a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face
that is at least 100% of the width between the heel end and the toe
end of the ball striking surface.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This invention relates to an improved putter head, and to a
putter-type club incorporating such a head, for use in the game of
golf.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Golf has become one of the most popular games or sports and
is played by both amateurs and professionals. The game requires a
degree of physical fitness, but also a degree of skill,
coordination and steadiness of hand. The last three of these are
particularly required for that part of the game known as
putting.
[0003] Enormous effort has been devoted to the design and
development of putters that assist players to set up a putt (i.e.
to position themselves relative to the ball and to the desired
position of the ball) and that have desirable characteristics
during the putting process. Some of the characteristics that have
been sought in the design of putters and particularly putter heads
include:
[0004] Ease of aiming (for example through the provision of aiming
aids);
[0005] Resistance to any tendency to rotate or jar at the moment of
striking the ball (for example by providing particular mass
distributions);
[0006] Adjustability of mass, mass distribution, shaft orientation
and customizability;
[0007] Improved view of the ball;
[0008] Reduced sensitivity to misalignment when striking the
ball;
[0009] Ease of manufacture; and, generally,
[0010] Improved "feel" in use.
[0011] Disclosed herein are inventive concepts that address most or
all of these issues. It is believed that putter heads according to
the present invention and putters incorporating such heads, can
provide a desirable combination of playing characteristics,
customizability and ease of manufacture and provide players with a
useful alternative to existing putters and heads.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0012] The invention provides in one aspect a golf putter having a
putter head, a shaft and a grip on the shaft wherein:
[0013] (a) the golf putter head has a planar ball striking face
extending between a toe end and a heel end thereof and a planar
side face extending rearwardly from the striking face;
[0014] (b) the ball striking face and the side face lie
respectively in first and second planes that are perpendicular to
each other and that when the putter head is in a ball-striking
position of the putter head are both substantially vertical;
[0015] (c) the second plane extends rearwardly from substantially
the heel end of the ball striking face, and
[0016] (d) when the putter head is in said ball striking position
the shaft extends upwardly and laterally through the second plane
at a position above the side face.
[0017] Without advancing any theory as to why the inventive putter
is considered to work well, it appears that the side face at right
angles to the ball striking face assists in correctly aiming the
putt (i.e. setting the direction the ball when struck is intended
to take) and in correct execution of the backswing and the
subsequent forward swing.
[0018] It is preferred that the putter head when in said
ball-striking position thereof is substantially of right-angled
triangular form as seen in plan view. That is, an observer when
looking downward on the putter head with the putter head in its
ball striking position, just above a ground surface, sees the head
as substantially triangular in shape. This can provide a suitable
mass distribution to allow the "sweet spot" to be positioned
further toward the heel end of the ball striking face, and this is
believed to be advantageous.
[0019] Preferably, the putter head when in said ball-striking
position thereof lies substantially wholly within the space bounded
by the first and second planes and a third vertical plane that is
vertical, that intersects the first plane at an angle of A and that
has a minimum distance from the line of intersection of the first
and second planes of XsinA, where:
[0020] X=1.15.times. the distance between the heel and toe ends of
the ball striking face;
[0021] Y=1.15.times. the said length of the side face; and
[0022] A=tan.sup.-1(Y/X).
[0023] The quantity "tan.sup.-1(Y/X)" here means the angle whose
tangent is (Y/X), i.e. the arctangent of (Y/X).
[0024] Generally, it is preferred that the side face has a length
in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that is
substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head
according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf.
[0025] Preferably, the side face has a length in a direction
perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 60% of the
width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking
surface.
[0026] More preferably, the side face has a length in a direction
perpendicular to the ball striking face that is at least 80% of the
width between the heel end and the toe end of the ball striking
surface.
[0027] Most preferably, the side face has a length in a direction
perpendicular to the ball striking face that is approximately the
distance between heel and toe ends of the ball striking face
without exceeding the said distance. The side face may have a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
actually equals the distance between heel and toe ends of the ball
striking face.
[0028] The ball striking face may be at least six inches (152.4 mm)
in width from heel end to toe end, preferably at least seven inches
(177.8 mm) and more preferably at least seven and a quarter inches
(184.1 mm).
[0029] In one embodiment, the ball striking face is a forward face
of a plate-like first member and the side face is an outer face of
a plate-like second member secured to the first member.
[0030] The putter head may further include a gusset having first
and second edges secured respectively to a rear face of the first
member and to an inner face of the second member.
[0031] The gusset may be generally in the form of a right-angled
triangle. The gusset may extend substantially to a rear end of the
second member and/or substantially to the toe end of the first
member of the putter head.
[0032] Conveniently, the putter head may include a hosel secured to
an upper face of the gusset of the putter head a lower end of the
shaft being received in the hosel.
[0033] A weight may be secured to the upper or lower face of the
gusset of the putter head to alter the balance of the club.
[0034] In manufacture, the first and second members of the putter
head may be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to each
other. In manufacture, where there is a gusset, the first and
second members and the gusset may be formed from plate or sheet
material and secured to each other.
[0035] Alternatively, the putter head may be integrally formed for
example by forging or casting optionally with subsequent machining
or by machining from solid.
[0036] The putter head may have an upward facing substantially
planar surface that when the head is in the ball striking position
is at right angles to the planes of the ball striking face and the
side face, i.e. parallel to the ground. The putter may further
include a hosel secured to the upward facing surface the shaft
being received in the hosel.
[0037] There may be provided on an upward facing surface of the
putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate a sweet spot
of the putter head.
[0038] There may be provided on an upward facing surface of the
putter head at least one mark positioned to indicate a direction
perpendicular to the ball striking surface.
[0039] According to the invention in another aspect there is
provided a golf putter head having:
[0040] a planar ball striking face extending between a toe end and
a heel end thereof; and
[0041] a planar side face extending rearwardly from the striking
face,
[0042] wherein
[0043] (a) a first notional plane that includes the ball striking
face and a second notional plane that includes the side face
intersect in a right angle and in a ball-striking position of the
putter head are both substantially vertical, and
[0044] (b) the said second plane extends rearwardly from
substantially the heel end of the ball striking face.
[0045] Generally, it is desirable that the side face be as long as
possible. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the side face has a
length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face that
is substantially the maximum allowable length for a putter head
according to the applicable rule of the Rules of Golf.
[0046] However, the invention is believed also to provide an
advantage if it has a lesser length. Preferably, the side face has
a length in a direction perpendicular to the ball striking face
that is at least 60%, more preferably 80%, and still more
preferably 100%, of the width between the heel end and the toe end
of the ball striking surface.
[0047] It is preferred that the golf putter head have a shape that
when seen in plan view is at least approximately that of a right
angled triangle of which the ball striking and side faces form two
sides. More specifically, in a preferred embodiment, in said
ball-striking position of the putter head said putter head lies
substantially wholly within the space bounded by said first and
second notional planes and a third notional plane that is vertical,
that intersects the first notional plane at an angle of A, and
whose minimum distance from the line of intersection of the first
and second notional planes is X*sinA, where:
[0048] X=K* the distance between the heel and toe ends of the ball
striking face;
[0049] Y=K* the said length of the side face;
[0050] A=tan.sup.-1(Y/X); and
[0051] K=about 1.20 and preferably about 1.15.
[0052] It is particularly preferred that the ball striking face is
a forward face of a plate-like first member and the side face is an
outer face of a plate-like second member secured to the first
member. In this case, the golf putter head may further include a
gusset having first and second edges secured respectively to a rear
face of the first member and to an inner face of the second member.
Preferably, the gusset is generally in the form of a right-angled
triangle. The gusset may extend substantially to a rear end of the
second member and/or substantially to the toe end of the first
member. Choice of the dimensions of the gusset (including its
thickness) can affect the weight and weight distribution of the
head, and so can be used to affect its "feel" to a player.
[0053] The golf putter head with said gusset may conveniently
further include a hosel (i.e. a fitting for connection of a shaft)
secured to an upper face of said gusset. Importantly, a range of
choices of position of the hosel on the gusset is available, so
that a club incorporating the head is readily customizable for an
individual player in this respect.
[0054] Further, a weight may be secured to the upper or lower face
of said gusset. The possibility of selecting any of a range of
weights and any of a range of positions of the chosen weight on the
gusset provide still further scope for customizing the head, and a
club incorporating it, for a particular player.
[0055] In a further aspect, the invention provides a method for
providing a golf putter customized for a particular player
including the steps of providing a golf putter head as disclosed
herein and securing a hosel to an upper face of said gusset of a
golf putter head in a position found to be suited to the player and
securing a shaft with a grip to said hosel.
[0056] In a still further aspect, the invention provides a method
for providing a golf putter customized for a particular player
including the steps of providing a golf putter head as disclosed
herein and securing a weight to an upper or lower face of said
gusset in a position found to be suited to the player.
[0057] In manufacture, said first and/or said second member may
conveniently be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to
each other. This may be done in any suitable way, including for
example by welding or brazing or by the use of fasteners such as
bolts.
[0058] Where a said gusset is included, in manufacture said gusset
may also be formed from plate or sheet material and secured to said
first and second members.
[0059] Alternatively, the golf putter head in any of the above
embodiments may be integrally formed for example by forging or
casting optionally with subsequent machining or by machining from a
solid blank of suitable material.
[0060] Whether by virtue of having said gusset or not, the golf
putter head may have an upward facing planar surface that is at
right angles to the planes of said ball striking face and said side
face. A hosel may be secured to said upward facing surface in a
suitable chosen thereon.
[0061] In any of its embodiments the golf putter head may have on
an upward facing surface at least one marking (for example a
groove, embossed line, ball outline or the like) positioned to
indicate a "sweet spot" of said putter head. This surface may be an
upper face of a said gusset, where a gusset is included.
[0062] A golf putter head according to the invention may have on an
upward facing surface at least one marking (for example a groove,
embossed line, ball outline or the like) positioned and/or oriented
to indicate a direction perpendicular to said ball striking
surface.
[0063] In the aspects of the invention set out above, the ball
striking face is preferably unlofted so that in the said ball
striking position the first plane is vertical. However, the ball
striking face may be lofted so that the first plane when the putter
head is in the ball striking position departs from the vertical by
up to 10 degrees and more preferably by five degrees or less.
[0064] In order that the invention may be better understood it will
now be described non-limitingly by reference to preferred
embodiments as shown in the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0065] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter head according
to the invention;
[0066] FIG. 2 is a front elevation of the golf putter head as shown
in FIG. 1;
[0067] FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the golf putter head as shown
in FIG. 1;
[0068] FIG. 4 is a plan view from above of the golf putter head as
shown in FIG. 1;
[0069] FIG. 5 is a rear elevation of the golf putter head as shown
in FIG. 1.
[0070] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a further golf putter head
according to the invention;
[0071] FIG. 7 is a plan view of a still further golf putter head
according to the invention;
[0072] FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the golf putter head shown in
FIG. 7;
[0073] FIG. 9 is an additional plan view of the golf putter head
shown in FIG. 1;
[0074] FIG. 10 is a plan view (from above) of a further putter
according to the invention in ball striking position with a
player's footprints when holding the putter.
MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0075] FIGS. 1 to 5 and 9 show a golf putter head 1 that embodies
the inventions disclosed in this specification. A hosel 2 and golf
club shaft 3 are shown also, the latter in phantom lines in FIGS. 1
to 5. Putter head 1, hosel 2, shaft 3, and a grip (not shown) on
shaft 3 together constitute a golf putter 100.
[0076] Putter head 1 has a planar ball-striking surface 4 and is
shown with a set of grooves 55 on surface 4. However, the showing
of grooves on face 4 is not intended in any way to limit the scope
of the invention. Golf clubs generally, and putters in particular,
are often manufactured with other patterns of grooves or other
markings on their ball-striking surfaces, or with no such grooves
or other markings at all, and the presence, absence or nature of
such markings is not of the essence of the present invention.
[0077] Surface 4 extends laterally from a toe end 5 to a heel end
6. Extending rearwardly from heel end 6 of surface 4 is a planar
side surface 7. FIGS. 2, 3 and 5 show putter head 1 positioned
slightly above a surface 8 in the orientation it is intended to
have at the instant of striking a ball (not shown) during putting.
In this orientation, ball-striking surface 4 lies in a vertical
plane 9 (as best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5) and side surface 7 lies in
another vertical plane 10 (as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 5). As is
best seen in FIG. 4, planes 9 and 10 are at right angles to each
other. Moreover, because the intention in a properly executed putt
is that a ball 11 be propelled in a direction perpendicular to the
surface 4 as shown by arrow 12 in FIG. 4, side surface 7 is
parallel to the ideal direction of movement of ball 11.
[0078] Putter head 1 as shown in FIGS. 1-5 is intended for a
right-handed player (not shown) whose feet when putting point
towards side face 7. However, it is to be understood that an
oppositely handed putter head (not shown) may also be made
according to the invention.
[0079] In use of a putter having head 1, a player faces side face 7
and putts in conventional manner. Side face 7 has been found to
assist in aiming and executing the putt. Firstly, the player can
use side face 7 (seen edgewise from above) to some degree as an
aiming guide, aiming it slightly to the left (for a right handed
player) of the target (typically the centre of a hole in a putting
green). Secondly, and again seeing side face 7 edgewise from above,
he or she can attempt to make side face 7 move accurately within
plane 1 0 during the part of his or her swing immediately before,
during and after the actual striking of the ball. Success in doing
this should ensure ball 11 is propelled in the desired direction.
An important advantage of putter head 1 is that the aiming and
putting guide, i.e. side face 7, is as close as possible to the
player and therefore more nearly below his or her eyes in the
normal putting position. It is therefore believed to be easier to
position the feet correctly and more easy to control the swing
accurately. (See also FIG. 10 which shows a plan view (i.e. from
above) of a further putter 200 according to the invention, with the
position of a player being illustrated his or her footprints 202 as
facing side face 203. Note that the shaft 205 extends upwardly and
transversely, actually passing through the vertical plane 204 that
contains side face 203.)
[0080] Returning to head 1 and putter 100, ball-striking surface 4
is a front surface of a first plate-like member 13, and side
surface 7 is a surface of a second plate-like member 14. Members 13
and 14 are secured to each other along an edge 15. Secured to both
members 13 and 14 is a plate-like gusset 16 which locates within
the right angle between them.
[0081] Hosel 2 is secured to upper surface 17 of gusset 16, and a
transition shaft 18 at the lower end of shaft 3 is secured in known
manner in hosel 2. Hosel 2 extends vertically upward and transition
shaft 18 is so bent as to allow shaft 3 to have a suitable angle
for use by the player. It will be apparent that a range of
positions may be chosen for hosel 2 on surface 17, and for this
reason putter head 1 lends itself very well to being individually
tailored for its owner in this respect. This is a particular
advantage of the head 1. Differently configured versions of shaft
18 may of course also be used. For example, FIGS. 1-5 show a
positioning of the shaft 3 in which its axis 19 lies parallel and
very close to the plane 9. However, it is possible by positioning
hosel 2 further toward the rear of the head 1 for the axis 19 to be
moved backward so that shaft 3 lies wholly behind plane 9 and
ball-striking surface 4.
[0082] Although not shown, it will be apparent that either the
upper surface 17 of gusset 16 or its lower surface 20 could
conveniently be used for attachment thereto of weights (not shown)
in a range of positions, further increasing the potential of head 1
to be tailored to a particular player's requirements. For example
the weight of head 1 and the location of the centre of percussion
of a club incorporating head 1 may be altered.
[0083] Gusset 16 is shown as being in the form of a right angled
triangle whose edges 21 and 22 extend only partway along members 13
and 14 respectively. However, it is not so restricted in its shape
or dimensions. For example, edges 21 and 22 could extend to the toe
end 5 of member 13 and/or to the rearmost end of member 14. Edge 23
of gusset 16 could instead of being straight be extended further
outward (i.e. further away from the junction of members 13 and 14)
to provide more possible positions for hosel 2, to modify the
weight of head 1 and its distribution or to provide more possible
positions for an attached adjustment weight (not shown).
[0084] Nevertheless, a generally right-angled triangular shape of
head 1, as shown in the Figures, is preferred and is believed to
have significant advantages additional to those of improved aiming
and executing of the putt as disclosed above. Specifically, the
"sweet spot" or centre of percussion of a club incorporating head 1
is closer to the head's heel side (as opposed to toe side) than in
many conventional putter designs due to the concentration of weight
on the side closer to the player, so that the ball 11 is closer to
the player when being addressed to set up the putt and therefore
more nearly under the player's eyes and so more advantageously
located for aiming. Further, for a given head weight, the moment
arm of that weight experienced by the player is less than for a
club with a more conventional distribution of head weight resulting
in a somewhat lighter feel. The ball-striking surface 4 can
nevertheless be of normal width. It is believed that too narrow a
width can lead to a psychological effect wherein hesitancy can
develop as the player concentrates too hard on striking the ball
centrally. (This effect can be understood by imagining a putter
with a head shaped like a croquet mallet. Such a club is believed
to be quite difficult to putt accurately with in practice.)
[0085] FIG. 9 is similar to FIG. 4 in showing putter head 1 in plan
view and illustrates a preferred criterion for the generally
triangular shape of the putter head 1 in plan view. In phantom
lines, a right-angled triangle 75 is shown. Coinciding with ball
striking and side faces 4 and 7 respectively of head 1 are sides 71
and 72 of triangle 75, which intersect at 70 where surfaces 4 and 7
intersect. Side 73, the hypotenuse of triangle 75, represents a
notional vertical plane (seen edge-on) that intersects planes 9 and
10. Sides 71 and 72 respectively have lengths X and Y of 1.15 times
the lengths (as seen in plan view) of faces 4 and 7. The multiplier
1.15 is a preferred value, and may be varied somewhat (e.g., to
1.20) if required. It is preferred that a putter head according to
the invention, when its ball striking and side faces 4 and 7 lie in
planes 9 and 10, substantially does not protrude, in plan view,
beyond line 73, i.e. does not extend more than Xsin A, the minimum
distance of line 75 from point 70, where A is tan.sup.-1 (Y/X).
This is the case for heads 1 and heads 30 and 40 described
below.
[0086] Head 1 lends itself to being fabricated in any of a number
of ways, an advantage over many other putter head designs. For
example members 13,14 and gusset 16 are platelike and so could be
cut from plate stock and joined by welding or brazing.
Alternatively, the entire head could be made by casting or forging,
optionally with subsequent machining for example to ensure a truly
flat ball stroking surface.
[0087] Gusset 16 could be of any suitable thickness and its
vertical position relative to members 13 and 14 can be chosen for
convenience. For example upper surface 17 of gusset 16 may for
example be flush with upper edge 24 of member 13. Upper surface 17
of gusset 16 and/or upper edge face 24 of member 13 may if desired
be provided with one or more grooves (or other markings)
perpendicular to the surface 4 as a further aiming guide and as an
indication of the lateral position of the so-called "sweet
spot".
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown another golf putter
head 30 according to the invention, fitted with a hosel 31 and
shaft 32. Head 30 is shown as if positioned above a flat surface 33
(and, but for its height, in a putting position) with its shape
when seen in plan shown as a shadow 34 on surface 33. A ball
striking surface 35 is at right angles to a side surface 36.
However, unlike head 1, head 30 is made essentially as a single
block. While it is desirable that surfaces 35 and 36 be planar,
third face 37 (corresponding to side 38 of shadow 34) need not be
precisely planar. It may be for example concave or convex. Head 30
has an upward facing surface 39 of which at least a part is at
right angles to surfaces 35 and 36 and hosel 31 is able to be
placed anywhere on face 39 to provide customizability. Also shown
on face 39 is a groove 29 that indicates the lateral position on
face 35 of a "sweet spot" and that provides further aiming
assistance. Other markings, as known in the art may of course be
used. A similar type of marking could also be provided on gusset 16
of head 1.
[0089] FIGS. 7 and 8 show still another putter head 40 according to
the invention. This has platelike members 41 and 42 at right angles
to each other to provide a ball striking surface 43 and side
surface 44, but has no gusset such as gusset 16 of head 1. Instead,
a formation 45 is provided on rear face 46 of member 41 to support
hosel 47. Customizability is achievable in a club with head 40 by
for example fitting any of a suitable range of transition shafts 48
between hosel 47 and club shaft 49, or by altering the proportions
of formation 45.
[0090] Putter heads described herein which have a side face whose
length substantially equals the width from heel end to toe end of
the ball striking face, and putters having such a characteristic,
are considered to represent the best mode for carrying out the
invention known to the applicants. It is further preferred that the
head be of generally right-angled triangular form when seen in plan
view.
[0091] Many other variations may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the present invention.
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