U.S. patent application number 12/381476 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-17 for golf putter clubhead.
Invention is credited to Brian Thornes.
Application Number | 20090233726 12/381476 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40600866 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090233726 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Thornes; Brian |
September 17, 2009 |
Golf putter clubhead
Abstract
The present invention relates to a golf clubhead. Specifically,
it relates to a golf putter clubhead comprising a body having a
viewing face, and a sole; characterised in that at least one light
guide is provided in the body, adapted to direct light through the
body to a given location; and at least one viewing aperture is
provided and arranged to visualise reflected light from the given
location. The invention, in use, is intended to indicate a correct
"target line", thereby affording better aim to a user, and assist
in producing a more consistent performance. It is envisaged that
when a user addresses a golf ball prior to the stroke, use of the
clubhead will facilitate increased putting accuracy by indicating
to a user that the clubhead is at the correct position for optimal
striking of the ball. Moreover, in use, the clubhead can improve
aim by offering a user the opportunity to more reliably strike the
ball squarely at the optimum height above the playing surface, and
ultimately ensuring that the face of the clubhead is square to
stance of the user (and/or the golf ball), during the stroke.
Inventors: |
Thornes; Brian; (Dublin,
IE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas M. Freiburger
P.O. Box 1026
Tiburon
CA
94920
US
|
Family ID: |
40600866 |
Appl. No.: |
12/381476 |
Filed: |
March 11, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/220 ;
473/250; 473/409 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0441 20200801;
A63B 60/52 20151001; A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 60/50 20151001;
A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/0487 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/220 ;
473/250; 473/409 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06; A63B 69/36 20060101 A63B069/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2008 |
IE |
S2008/0178 |
Claims
1. A golf putter clubhead comprising a body having a viewing face,
and a sole; characterised in that at least one light guide is
provided in the body, adapted to direct light through the body to a
given location; and at least one viewing aperture is provided and
arranged to visualize reflected light from the given location.
2. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one light guide is an elongate aperture, arranged to direct
light through the body to the given location.
3. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 2, wherein the at
least one light guide aperture extends through the body of the
clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and the viewing
face of the body.
4. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one light guide further comprises an optical guide to direct
light to the given location.
5. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein each light
guide is selected from the group comprising one, both, and each
light guide, and each light guide is independently arranged to
direct light to the same single given location.
6. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 5, wherein each light
guide is arranged to direct light to the same single given location
when the clubhead is, in use, spaced a predetermined distance from
the ground.
7. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 6, wherein the
predetermined distance is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10
mm.
8. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein a pair of
light guides is provided in the body of the clubhead, and each
light guide of the pair is independently arranged to direct light
to the same single given location.
9. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 8, wherein each light
guide of the pair is located on opposing sides of the viewing
aperture, and each light guide is arranged to direct light to the
same single given location.
10. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one light guide is arranged to allow passage of light through
the body to the given location, and the at least one viewing
aperture is arranged to allow passage of light through the body
from the given location to a second location.
11. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one viewing aperture extends through the body of the
clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and viewing
face of the body.
12. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one viewing aperture further comprises an optical guide to
direct light from the given location.
13. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the body
has a first striking face, and the longitudinal axis of each open
end of the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the
plane of the first striking face of the body.
14. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, wherein the at
least one viewing aperture is arranged to be in optical
communication with each light guide.
15. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 14, wherein the at
least one light guide and the at least one viewing aperture are
adapted to be in optical communication, whereby in a first
position, light may pass from the at least one light guide to the
at least one viewing aperture, and in a second position, light is
impeded from passing from the at least one light guide to the at
least one viewing aperture.
16. A golf putter clubhead according to claim 1, further comprising
a light source arranged to direct light through the at least one
light guide to the given location.
17. A method of using a golf putter clubhead, comprising the steps
of: 1. taking in hand a golf putter having a shaft and a clubhead
connected to the shaft, the clubhead having a body with a viewing
face and a sole and at least one light guide in the body, adapted
to direct light through the body to a given location, and at least
one viewing aperture provided and arranged to visualize reflected
light from the given location; 2. grounding the clubhead when
addressing a golf ball; 3. elevating the clubhead a predetermined
distance from the ground; 4. visualizing reflected light through
the viewing aperture; and 5. striking the ball.
18. A method according to claim 17, further comprising the step of
adjusting the position of the clubhead based on the orientation of
the viewing aperture prior to the striking step.
19. A method according to claim 17, wherein the visualizing step
comprises visualizing reflected light passing from the given
location, through the viewing aperture, to a second location.
20. A method according to claim 17, wherein the predetermined
distance is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a golf putter. In particular, it
relates to a golf putter clubhead.
[0002] For the purposes of this specification, the term "clubhead"
is intended to be synonymous with the terms "golf putter clubhead",
"golf clubhead", and "putter clubhead".
[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide a
clubhead, which in use can indicate a correct "target line",
thereby affording better aim to a user, and assist in producing a
more consistent performance. It is envisaged that when a user
addresses a golf ball prior to the stroke, use of the clubhead will
facilitate increased putting accuracy by indicating to a user that
the clubhead is at the correct position for optimal striking of the
ball. Moreover, in use, the clubhead can improve aim by offering a
user the opportunity to more reliably strike the ball squarely at
the optimum height above the playing surface, and ultimately
ensuring that the face of the clubhead is square to stance of the
user (and/or the golf ball), during the stroke.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention there
is provided a golf putter clubhead comprising a body having a
viewing face, and a sole; characterised in that at least one light
guide is provided in the body, adapted to direct light through the
body to a given location; and at least one viewing aperture is
provided and arranged to visualise reflected light from the given
location.
[0005] Preferably, the at least one viewing aperture is provided in
the body.
[0006] By "sole" is meant the, in use, ground-engagable face of the
clubhead. What is meant by "viewing face" is the, in use, uppermost
face (opposing the sole) of the clubhead.
[0007] Preferably, the given location is located, in use, below the
sole of the body. Optionally, the given location is located spaced
apart from the sole of the body. Further optionally, the given
location is located adjacent, or at, the ground.
[0008] By "ground" is meant any surface capable of supporting a
golf ball.
[0009] Preferably, the at least one light guide is an elongate
aperture, described herein as a "light guide aperture". Optionally,
the at least one light guide aperture is an elongate aperture,
which is substantially parallelepiped in transverse
cross-section.
[0010] Optionally, the at least one light guide aperture is
arranged to direct light through the body. Further optionally, the
at least one light guide aperture is arranged to direct light to
the given location. Optionally the light is ambient light. By
"ambient light" is meant light encompassing the surrounding area or
environment, such as sunlight.
[0011] Optionally, the at least one light guide aperture extends
through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of
the body and at least one other face of the body. Further
preferably, the at least one light guide aperture extends through
the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body
and the viewing face of the body.
[0012] Optionally, a first open end of the at least one light guide
aperture has a first boundary, and a second open end of the at
least one light guide aperture has a second boundary. Optionally,
the first open end of the at least one light guide is located at
the sole of the body and the second open end is located at the
viewing face of the body. Preferably, the first and second
boundaries are substantially equal. Alternatively, the first
boundary is greater than the second boundary. Still alternatively,
the first boundary is less than the second boundary.
[0013] Preferably, the aperture extends through the body of the
clubhead, and opens at each of the viewing face of the body and the
sole of the body. Alternatively, the aperture may open at the sole
of the body and at any other face of the clubhead.
[0014] Optionally, the light guide further comprises an optical
guide. The optical guide may comprise a lens, optic fibre, or any
such material that can be used to actively direct light to the
given location.
[0015] Preferably, one, both, or each light guide is independently
arranged to direct light to a single given location. Further
preferably, one, both, or each light guide is independently
arranged to direct light to the same single given location. Still
further preferably, one, both, or, each light guide is arranged to
direct light to the same single given location when the clubhead
is, in use, spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.
[0016] Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, further preferably in the range of about
2 mm to about 8 mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined
distance is about 5 mm.
[0017] Optionally, at least two light guides are provided in the
body of the clubhead. Preferably, each light guide is arranged to
direct light to a single given location.
[0018] Preferably, a pair of light guides is provided in the body
of the clubhead. Further preferably, each light guide of the pair
is independently arranged to direct light to the same single given
location.
[0019] Preferably, the pair of light guides are arranged to direct
light to a single given location when the clubhead is, in use,
elevated a predetermined distance from the ground. Further
preferably, each light guide of the pair is arranged to direct
light to the same single given location only when the clubhead is,
in use, spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.
[0020] Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, further preferably in the range of about
2 mm to about 8 mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined
distance is about 5 mm.
[0021] Preferably, each light guide of the pair is located on
opposing sides of the viewing aperture, and arranged to direct
light to the same single given location.
[0022] Optionally, the at least one light guide is arranged to
allow passage of light through the body to the given location.
Further optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged
to allow passage of light through the body from the given location
to a second location.
[0023] Preferably, the at least one viewing aperture is an elongate
aperture, described herein as a "viewing aperture". Optionally, the
at least one viewing aperture is an elongate aperture, which is
substantially parallelepiped in transverse cross-section.
[0024] Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to
direct light through the clubhead. Further optionally, the at least
one light guide aperture is arranged to direct light to a second
location. Optionally, the light is reflected light. Preferably, the
light is reflected from the given location.
[0025] Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture extends
through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of
the body and any other face of the body. Further preferably, the at
least one viewing aperture extends through the body of the
clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and viewing
face of the body.
[0026] Optionally, a first open end of the at least one viewing
aperture has a first boundary, and a second open end of the at
least one viewing aperture has a second boundary. Optionally, the
first open end of the at least one viewing aperture is located at
the sole of the body and the second open end is located at the
viewing face of the body. Preferably, the first and second
boundaries are substantially equal. Alternatively, the first
boundary is greater than the second boundary. Still alternatively,
the first boundary is less than the second boundary.
[0027] Preferably, the second location is an eye of a user.
[0028] Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture further
comprises an optical guide. The optical guide may comprise a lens,
optic fibre, or any such material that can be used to actively
direct light from the given location.
[0029] Preferably, each open end of the viewing aperture is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the striking face of
the body. Further preferably, the longitudinal axis of each end of
the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the plane of
the striking face of the body.
[0030] For the purposes of this specification, the term "striking
face" is intended to refer to the face of the clubhead that comes
in contact with the golf ball during the stroke.
[0031] Preferably, the viewing aperture is shaped and dimensioned
to receive light from one, both, or each light guide.
[0032] Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to
be in optical communication with one, both, or each of the at least
one light guides. Further optionally, the at least one viewing
aperture is arranged to receive light reflected from the given
location, and direct light to a second location. Still further
optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to
receive light reflected from the ground, and direct light to an eye
of a user.
[0033] Preferably, the at least one light guide and the at least
one viewing aperture are in optical communication to allow light to
be directed by the light guide to the given location; and same said
light to be directed by the at least one viewing aperture from the
given location to the second location.
[0034] Preferably, the at least one light guide and the at least
one viewing aperture are in optical communication to allow light to
be directed by the light guide from, for example, the viewing face
of the body to the given location, for example, the ground below
the sole of the body; and same said light to be directed by the at
least one viewing aperture from the given location, for example,
the ground below the sole of the body to the second location, for
example, an eye of a user.
[0035] Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to
allow a user to view the location to which light is directed by the
at least one light guide. Preferably, the viewing aperture is
shaped and dimensioned to allow a user to view the location to
which light is directed by the at least one light guide. Further
preferably, the viewing aperture is shaped and dimensioned so that
a user can view the location to which light is directed by the at
least one light guide, without allowing the passage of ambient
light through the viewing aperture.
[0036] Preferably, the plane of the viewing aperture is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sole of the
body.
[0037] Preferably, the at least one light guide and the viewing
aperture are in optical communication to allow light to be directed
from the viewing face of the body to an, in use, location below the
sole of the body by the light guide, and same said light to be
directed from the in use, location below the sole of the body to
the eye of a user by the viewing aperture.
[0038] Further preferably, the at least one light guide and the at
least one viewing aperture are adapted to be in optical
communication, whereby in a first position, light may pass from the
at least one light guide to the at least one viewing aperture, and
in a second position, light is impeded from passing from the at
least one light guide to the at least one viewing aperture.
[0039] Optionally, the second position is achieved when, in use, at
least part of the body, for example the sole, is engaging the
ground, and the first position is achieved when, in use, at least
part of the body, for example the sole, is spaced a predetermined
distance from the ground.
[0040] Preferably, the second position is achieved when, in use,
the sole of the body is engaging the ground, and the first position
is achieved when, in use, the sole of the body is spaced a
predetermined distance from the ground.
[0041] Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, further preferably in the range of about
2 mm to about 8 mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined
distance is about 5 mm.
[0042] Optionally, the clubhead further comprises a light source,
such as a bulb. Alternatively, the light may be in the form of a
laser beam. Further optionally, the light source is arranged to
direct light to the given location. Still further optionally, the
light source is arranged to direct light through the at least one
light guide to the given location.
[0043] Preferably, in use, the clubhead has a loft of no more than
ten degrees. By "loft" is meant the angle of deviation from the
vertical made by the plane of the striking face of the
clubhead.
[0044] Preferably, the clubhead has at least one striking face.
Optionally, the clubhead comprises first and second striking faces.
Preferably, the planes of the first and second striking faces are
substantially parallel to one another. More preferably, the first
and second striking faces are identical and/or symmetrical to one
another.
[0045] Preferably, the clubhead is formed from metal. Preferably,
the metal is malleable. Most preferably, the clubhead is formed
from steel. Although, it will be seen that the clubhead can be
formed from any material that will impart the required mechanical
strength, such as aluminium, zinc, titanium, or other suitable
alloy. The material may be selected by one skilled in the art.
[0046] Optionally, the weight of the clubhead may be distributed
uniformly throughout the clubhead. Alternatively, the weight
distribution of the clubhead may be biased to the outer perimeter
of the clubhead.
[0047] Optionally, weighted inserts may be provided to bias the
weight distribution of the clubhead.
[0048] Preferably, the clubhead further comprises means for
attaching the clubhead to a shaft.
[0049] Preferably, the attaching means is shaped, dimensioned, and
located so as to provide uninterrupted views to at least part of
the viewing face of the clubhead. Further preferably, the attaching
means is shaped, dimensioned, and located so as to provide
uninterrupted views to at least part of the viewing aperture of the
clubhead.
[0050] Preferably, the attaching means is a hosel, the hosel being
shaped, dimensioned, and located so as to provide uninterrupted
views to at least part of the viewing face of the clubhead.
[0051] According to a second aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for using the present invention, the method
comprising the steps of: [0052] 1. grounding the clubhead when
addressing a golf ball; [0053] 2. visualising reflected light
through the viewing aperture; [0054] 3. elevating the clubhead from
the ground to the point at which the reflected light is at its
brightest; [0055] 4. adjusting the position of the clubhead based
on the orientation of the viewing aperture; and [0056] 5. striking
the ball accordingly.
[0057] According to a third aspect of the present invention there
is provided a method for using the present invention, the method
comprising the steps of: [0058] 1. grounding the clubhead when
addressing a golf ball; [0059] 2. elevating the clubhead a
predetermined distance from the ground; [0060] 3. visualising
reflected light through the viewing aperture; and [0061] 4.
striking the ball accordingly.
[0062] Optionally, the method comprises the further step of
adjusting the position of the clubhead based on the orientation of
the viewing aperture; before the striking step.
[0063] By "grounding" is meant engaging at least part of the
clubhead with the ground. Preferably, the sole of the body of the
clubhead is engaged with the ground. Further preferably, the given
location is adjacent, or at, the ground.
[0064] Optionally, the visualising step involves visualising
reflected light passing from the given location, through the
viewing aperture, to a second location.
[0065] Optionally, the elevating step is carried out until the
reflected light has a maximum intensity.
[0066] Preferably, the elevating step is carried out until the
clubhead reaches a predetermined distance from the ground.
[0067] Preferably, the reflected light has a maximum intensity at
the predetermined distance from the ground.
[0068] Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, further preferably in the range of about
2 mm to about 8 mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined
vdistance is about 5 mm.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0069] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter clubhead
according to a first aspect of the present invention;
[0070] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the golf putter clubhead of FIG.
1;
[0071] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a
cross-sectional view of the golf putter club of FIG. 1 in an in
use, second, ground-engaging position; and
[0072] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a
cross-sectional view of the golf putter club of FIG. 1 in an in
use, first, elevated position.
DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0073] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is
shown a golf putter clubhead according to a preferred embodiment of
a first aspect of the present invention. The clubhead 10 comprises
a striking face 16, a sole 12, and a viewing face 14.
[0074] The striking face 16 is substantially elliptical in shape,
and has a generally planar face for engaging a golf ball (not
shown), in use. Although, it will be appreciated that the shape and
dimension of the striking face may be selected by one skilled in
the art.
[0075] The sole 12 comprises a generally rectangular body, which
extends rearwardly from the in use, ground-engaging edge of the
striking face 16.
[0076] The viewing face 14 is generally rectangular in shape and
extends rearwardly from the opposing edge of the in use,
ground-engaging edge of the striking face 16.
[0077] A viewing aperture 18 is provided in the clubhead 10. The
viewing aperture 18 comprises an elongate slot, which extends
through the clubhead 10, and opens at each of the viewing face 14
and the sole 12. The plane of the viewing aperture 18 is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of the face of the
striking face 16.
[0078] A light guide 20 is provided on each side of the plane of
the viewing aperture 18. Each light guide 20 comprises an elongate
aperture, which extends through the clubhead 10, and opens at
opposing sides of the viewing face 14, and at the sole 12. The
plane of each light guide 20 is oriented such that the distance at
the viewing face 14, between the opening of the viewing aperture 18
and the opening of the light guide 20 is shorter in length than the
distance at the sole 12, between the opening of the viewing
aperture 18 and the opening of the light guide 20. As such, each of
the light guides 20 is angled to, in use, direct light to the same
single given location below the sole 12.
[0079] FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a
cross-sectional view of the golf putter club 10 according to a
first aspect of the present invention, in an in use, second,
ground-engaging position. In use, the sole 12 of the clubhead 10
engages the ground. Ambient light 22 enters one or each of the
light guides 20, which in turn directs the ambient light 22 toward
a given location below the sole 12. However, in this position, the
ground impedes the passage of the ambient light 22 from the light
guide 20. Resultantly, the viewing aperture 18, when viewed by a
user (depicted by an eye) appears darker.
[0080] FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a
cross-sectional view of the golf putter club 10 according to a
first aspect of the present invention, in an in use, first,
elevated position. In use, the sole 12 of the clubhead 10 is spaced
a predetermined distance from the ground.
[0081] Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of
about 1 mm to about 10 mm, further preferably in the range of about
2 mm to about 8 mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined
distance is about 5 mm.
[0082] Ambient light 22 enters one or each of the light guides 20,
which in turn directs the ambient light 22 toward a given location
below the sole 12. The ambient light 22 passes from the light guide
20, and is reflected from the given location, at the ground, to the
viewing aperture 18, which in turn directs the reflected light 22'
to a second location, an eye of a user. Resultantly, the viewing
aperture 18, when viewed by a user (depicted by an eye) appears
lighter.
[0083] Accordingly, in use, the user grounds the clubhead 10 when
addressing a golf ball, and visualises the viewing aperture 18,
which will appear darker as ambient light 22 received at the light
guides 20 cannot pass to the given location, the ground. Spacing
the clubhead 10 from the ground allows the ambient light 22 to pass
from the light guides 20 and be reflected from the given location,
the ground, to the viewing aperture 18. The user, still visualising
the viewing aperture 18, elevates the clubhead 10 to the point at
which the reflected light 22' has the greatest intensity, thereby
indicating that the clubhead 10 is at a height from the ground for
optimal striking of the golf ball. Moreover, the position of the
lighter viewing aperture 18 provides a means to indicate the "sweet
spot" of the striking face 16, and the orientation of the viewing
aperture 18 provides an indication of the proposed target line. As
such, the user can then adjust the target line based on the
orientation of the viewing aperture and strike the golf ball
accordingly.
[0084] It is envisaged that the clubhead can, optionally, comprise
a light source (not shown), to facilitate use of the clubhead
during periods of low, or diminished, ambient light 22. The light
source is envisaged to potentiate, or replace, the ambient light
22, during periods when the intensity of the reflected light 22' is
insufficient to be visualised through the viewing aperture 18.
[0085] In either case, of using ambient light, or of using a light
source, it is also envisaged that the intensity of the light
reflected from the first position may be assessed using a device,
such as a light meter, or similar device. For example, a device may
be employed to quantitatively measure the intensity of light at the
viewing aperture 18, and thus facilitate the user in visualising or
assign the intensity of light reflected from the first
position.
[0086] Therefore, the present invention will indicate a correct
"target line", and afford better aim to a user, ultimately
producing a more consistent performance. Furthermore, the putter
clubhead can improve aim by offering a user the opportunity to
counteract the twist of the clubhead experienced due to torque
during the stroke, and ensure that the face of the clubhead is
square to stance of the user (and/or the golf ball), during the
stroke.
[0087] For clarity, the golf putter clubhead illustrated in the
accompanying drawings does not comprise a hosel. However, it is
understood that in a preferred embodiment, the golf putter clubhead
illustrated herein may further comprise a hosel, or similar means
for attaching a shaft to the golf putter clubhead.
* * * * *