U.S. patent application number 12/362008 was filed with the patent office on 2010-07-29 for golf putter.
Invention is credited to Scott G. Haack, Robert C. Koch.
Application Number | 20100190566 12/362008 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42099476 |
Filed Date | 2010-07-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100190566 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Haack; Scott G. ; et
al. |
July 29, 2010 |
GOLF PUTTER
Abstract
A golf putter head having a body having a striking face, a top
portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The
putter head further has at least one weight member connectable to
the body at a predetermined location on the body such that the golf
putter head has a first center of gravity. The at least one weight
member is repositionable with respect to and connectable to the
body such that repositioning the weight member and connecting the
weight member to the body at the predetermined location on the body
causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that
is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center
of gravity.
Inventors: |
Haack; Scott G.; (Chardon,
OH) ; Koch; Robert C.; (Medina, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
RENNER OTTO BOISSELLE & SKLAR, LLP
1621 EUCLID AVENUE, NINETEENTH FLOOR
CLEVELAND
OH
44115
US
|
Family ID: |
42099476 |
Appl. No.: |
12/362008 |
Filed: |
January 29, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/252 ;
473/334; 473/341 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/02 20130101;
A63B 60/50 20151001; A63B 53/0441 20200801; A63B 60/02 20151001;
A63B 2053/0491 20130101; A63B 53/065 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/252 ;
473/341; 473/334 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/06 20060101
A63B053/06 |
Claims
1. A golf putter head comprising: a body having a striking face, a
top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion;
and at least one weight member comprising a post and a weight, the
post being connectable to the body at a predetermined location on
the body; wherein the weight is positionable about an axis of
rotation at the post to a first position connected to the body at
the predetermined location on the body, thereby causing the putter
head to have a first center of gravity location; and wherein the
weight is further positionable about the axis of rotation to a
second position connected to the body at the predetermined location
on the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second
center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and
vertically from the first center of gravity location.
2. The golf putter head of claim 1 comprising two weight members
and two predetermined locations on the body.
3. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein one of the predetermined
locations on the body is on the heel portion and is closer to the
heel of the body than to the center of the body and the other of
the predetermined locations on the body is on the toe portion and
is closer to the toe of the body than to the center of the
body.
4. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the weight of each of
the two weight members is positionable such that the two weights in
combination have a first position with respect to the body, thereby
causing the putter head to have the first center of gravity
location, and wherein each of the two weights is positionable such
that the weights in combination have a second position with respect
to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second
center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and
vertically from the first center of gravity location.
5. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the golf putter head has
a first sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a first
position with respect to the body and a second sweet spot when the
two weights in combination have a second position with respect to
the body, and wherein the second sweet spot is different in
dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
6. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the length of the post
is generally orthogonal to and extends rearward from the striking
face.
7. The golf putter head of claim 1 further comprising an arm
connecting the weight and the post.
8. The golf putter head of claim 7 wherein the weight, arm and post
are integrally formed.
9. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the first position and
second position each correspond to one of a plurality of predefined
weight positions.
10. The golf putter head of claim 9 wherein the predefined weight
positions correspond to detents at the predetermined location on
the body.
11. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the at least one weight
is repositionable with respect to the body while the post connected
to the body.
12. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the weight is movable
with respect to the post.
13. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the body is at least
partially composed of a first material and the weight member is at
least partially composed of a second material that has a higher
density than the first material.
14. The golf putter head of claim 1 further comprising at least one
alignment aid.
15. The golf putter head of claim 14 wherein the at least one of
alignment aid comprises a line generally perpendicular to the
striking face.
16. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the at least one weight
member is positionable with respect to the body such that the at
least one weight member contacts a ground surface when the putter
head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head
by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from
contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.
17. A golf putter head comprising: a body having a striking face, a
top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion;
and at least one weight member connectable to the body at a
predetermined location on the body such that the golf putter head
has a first center of gravity; wherein the at least one weight
member is repositionable with respect to and connectable to the
body such that repositioning the weight member and connecting the
weight member to the body at the predetermined location on the body
causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that
is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center
of gravity.
18. The golf putter head of claim 17 comprising two weight members
and two predetermined locations on the body.
19. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein one of the
predetermined locations on the body is on the heel portion and is
closer to the heel of the body than to the center of the body and
the other of the predetermined locations on the body is on the toe
portion and is closer to the toe of the body than to the center of
the body.
20. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein each of the two weight
members is positionable such that the two weight members in
combination have a first position with respect to the body, thereby
causing the putter head to have the first center of gravity
location, and wherein each of the two weight members is
positionable such that the two weight members in combination have a
second position with respect to the body, thereby causing the
putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is
different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of
gravity location.
21. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein the golf putter head
has a first sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a
first position with respect to the body and a second sweet spot
when the two weights in combination have a second position with
respect to the body, and wherein the second sweet spot is different
in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
22. The golf putter head of claim 17 wherein the at least one
weight member is positionable with respect to the body the golf
putter head such that the putter head comprises a center of gravity
that is further from the ground than a center of gravity of a golf
ball when the putter head and the golf ball are grounded.
23. The golf putter head of claim 17 wherein the at least one
weight member is positionable with respect to the body the golf
putter head such that the bottom portion of the body is not in
contact with the ground when the golf putter head is grounded.
24. The golf putter head of claim 17 wherein the at least one
weight member is repositionable with respect to the body such that
the at least one weight member contacts a ground surface when the
putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter
head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body
from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is
grounded.
25. A golf putter head comprising: a body having a striking face, a
top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion;
and at least two weight members connectable to the body at
predetermined locations on the body such that the golf putter head
has a first sweet spot and a first center of gravity; wherein the
at least two weight members are repositionable with respect to and
connectable to the body at the predetermined locations on the body
such that repositioning the weight members and connecting the
weight members to the body at the predetermined locations on the
body causes the golf putter head to have a second center of gravity
that is different vertically from the first center of gravity and
further causes the golf putter head to have a second sweet spot
that is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet
spot.
26. A golf putter head comprising: a body having a striking face, a
top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion;
and at least one member repositionable with respect to the body and
connectable to the body such that the at least one member contacts
a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing
a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the
bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when
the putter head is grounded.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a golf club, and more
specifically to a golf putter.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Putting is often considered the most difficult part of the
game of golf. When putting, the golf ball must be hit with a
precise amount of force and in a precise direction. If not, the
golf ball may fail to reach the cup (i.e. hole) or miss the cup on
one side or the other. Various attempts have been made to design
putters and in particular putter heads that facilitate imparting
the precise amount of force and direction to a golf ball to
successfully complete a putt.
[0003] Most putter head designs are variations of either a blade
type putter head or a mallet type putter head; both these types of
putter heads are affected by parameters which can cause mishit and
misdirected putts. The mallet-style putter has a relatively large,
solid head that usually is semi-circular in shape when viewed from
above, while the blade-style putter has a relatively narrow or
blade-like head. Each type of putter includes a generally flat
strike face for hitting the golf ball, usually set at a loft of
about 50 or less. Accuracy of the putt is dependent on where the
strike face impacts the ball, as well as on the orientation of the
strike face at impact. Among the parameters that can cause mishit
puts are the width of the putter head face (FW), the "sweet spot"
(SS) of the putter face (i.e., the area of the clubface where
optimal ball-striking results are achieved), and the location of
the putter head center of gravity (CG).
[0004] Pre-putt alignment normally is accomplished by determining a
line of sight to the cup and then positioning the putter head
behind the golf ball on that line of sight with the putter head
face perpendicular to the line of sight. If the face of the putter
head is not perpendicular to the line of sight when the putter head
impacts the ball, misdirection of the putt will likely occur. As
the length of the putt increases, smaller misalignments result in
more missed putts. In addition, error in the form of weak and
ineffectual putts is introduced when the golf ball does not impact
the sweet spot, and this error becomes greater as the distance
between the sweet spot and the point of impact increases.
Accordingly, many putters are designed to maximize sweet spot size.
Impacting the golf ball on the sweet spot of the putter face
involves determining the location of this spot and then
consistently hitting the ball there. The sweet spot on a typical
putter is usually located such that a vertical middle plane will
bisect the sweet spot, the putter head face, and pass through the
putter head center of gravity. For example, the sweet spot on a
blade type putter head face four and one half inches wide is
typically centered on the putter strike face.
[0005] In recent years, golf club technology has evolved rapidly,
with many different modifications having been made to the general
structure of golf club heads, including putter heads. There is,
however, a continued need in the art to improve functionality,
look, and feel of putters.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] Disclosed is a golf putter head having a body with a
striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion and a
heel portion. The golf putter head also includes at least one
weight member that is repositionable with respect to the body of
the golf putter head such that when the weight member is
repositioned the center of gravity of the golf putter head changes
both horizontally and vertically.
[0007] In one embodiment, a golf putter head includes a body having
a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion,
and a heel portion. The golf putter head also includes at least one
weight member comprising a post and a weight, the post being
connectable to the body at a predetermined location on the body.
The weight is positionable about an axis of rotation at the post to
a first position connected to the body at the predetermined
location on the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a
first center of gravity location. In addition, the weight is
further positionable about the axis of rotation to a second
position connected to the body at the predetermined location on the
body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of
gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically
from the first center of gravity location.
[0008] The golf putter head may include two weight members and two
predetermined locations on the body. In addition, one of the
predetermined locations on the body may be on the heel portion and
be closer to the heel of the body than to the center of the body
and the other of the predetermined locations on the body may be on
the toe portion and be closer to the toe of the body than to the
center of the body.
[0009] The weight of each of the two weight members may be
positionable such that the two weights in combination have a first
position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head
to have the first center of gravity location, and may further be
positionable such that the weights in combination have a second
position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head
to have a second center of gravity location that is different both
horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity
location.
[0010] The golf putter head may also have a first sweet spot when
the two weights in combination have a first position with respect
to the body and a second sweet spot when the two weights in
combination have a second position with respect to the body, such
that the second sweet spot is different in dimension horizontally
from the first sweet spot.
[0011] The length of the post may be generally orthogonal to the
striking face. Also, the weight member may include an arm
connecting the weight and the post. The weight, post and arm may be
integrally formed. The weight also may be movable with respect to
the post.
[0012] In addition, the first position and second position may each
correspond to one of a plurality of predefined weight positions,
which may correspond to detents at the predetermined location on
the body. Also, the at least one weight may be repositionable with
respect to the body while the post is connected to the body.
[0013] The body and the head may be made from different materials.
For example, the body may be made from a first material and the
weight member may be made from a second material that has a higher
density than the first material.
[0014] The golf putter head may also include at least one alignment
aid, and the at least one of alignment aid may include a line
generally perpendicular to the striking face.
[0015] Also, the at least one weight member may be positionable
with respect to the body such that the at least one weight member
contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby
changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part
of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground
surface when the putter head is grounded.
[0016] Also disclosed is a golf putter head including a body having
a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion,
and a heel portion; and at least one weight member connectable to
the body at a predetermined location on the body such that the golf
putter head has a first center of gravity. The at least one weight
member may be repositionable with respect to and connectable to the
body such that repositioning the weight member and connecting the
weight member to the body at the predetermined location on the body
causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that
is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center
of gravity.
[0017] The golf putter head may include two weight members and two
predetermined locations on the body. One of the predetermined
locations on the body may be on the heel portion and is closer to
the heel of the body than to the center of the body and the other
of the predetermined locations on the body may be on the toe
portion and is closer to the toe of the body than to the center of
the body.
[0018] In addition, each of the two weight members may be
positionable such that the two weight members in combination have a
first position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter
head to have the first center of gravity location, and each of the
two weight members may be further positionable such that the two
weight members in combination have a second position with respect
to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second
center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and
vertically from the first center of gravity location.
[0019] The golf putter head may also have a first sweet spot when
the two weights in combination have a first position with respect
to the body and a second sweet spot when the two weights in
combination have a second position with respect to the body, and
wherein the second sweet spot is different in dimension
horizontally from the first sweet spot.
[0020] In addition, the at least one weight member may be
positionable with respect to the body the golf putter head such
that the putter head comprises a center of gravity that is further
from the ground than a center of gravity of a golf ball when the
putter head and the golf ball are grounded.
[0021] Also, the at least one weight member may be positionable
with respect to the body the golf putter head such that the bottom
portion of the body is not in contact with the ground when the golf
putter head is grounded.
[0022] Additionally, the at least one weight member may be
repositionable with respect to the body such that the at least one
weight member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is
grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by
preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from
contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.
[0023] Also disclosed is a golf putter head including a body having
a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion,
and a heel portion; and at least two weight members connectable to
the body at predetermined locations on the body such that the golf
putter head has a first sweet spot and first center of gravity. The
at least two weight members may be repositionable with respect to
and connectable to the body at the predetermined locations on the
body such that repositioning the weight members and connecting the
weight members to the body at the predetermined locations on the
body causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity
that is different vertically from the first center of gravity and
further causes the golf putter head to have a second sweet spot
that is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet
spot.
[0024] Further disclosed is a golf putter head including a body
having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe
portion, and a heel portion; and at least one member repositionable
with respect to the body and connectable to the body such that the
at least one member contacts a ground surface when the putter head
is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by
preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from
contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.
[0025] These and further features of the present invention will be
apparent with reference to the following description and attached
drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments
of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative
of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be
employed, but it is understood that the invention is not limited
correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all
changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and
terms of the claims appended hereto.
[0026] Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect
to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way
in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or
instead of the features of the other embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a putter head of
the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 1B is an assembled perspective view of the putter head
of FIG. 1A;
[0029] FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a putter head of
the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 2B is an assembled perspective view of the putter head
of FIG. 2A;
[0031] FIG. 3A is a rear view of a body of a putter head of the
present invention illustrating the locations where the body and
weight members are connectable;
[0032] FIG. 3B is a rear view of a weight member of a putter head
of the present invention;
[0033] FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a weight member of FIG.
3B;
[0034] FIGS. 4A-13A are rear views of a putter head of the present
invention having members oriented in various positions;
[0035] FIGS. 4B-13B are views of a golf ball illustrating the
location of the center of gravity of a putter head of the present
invention with the members oriented in the various positions of
FIGS. 4A-13A; and
[0036] FIG. 14 is a golf putter head with a moveable member for
adjusting lie angle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] The invention relates to a golf putter head that includes at
least one weight member that is connectable to the body of the golf
putter head at a predetermined location on the body such that the
golf putter head has a first center of gravity. The weight member
is also repositionable with respect to the body of the golf putter
head such that when the weight member is repositioned and connected
to the body at the predetermined location on the body, the golf
putter head has a second center of gravity that is different from
the first center of gravity both horizontally and vertically. The
invention also relates to a golf putter head that includes at least
one weight member that is repositionable with respect to the body
of the golf putter head such that when the weight member is
repositioned the center of gravity of the golf putter head changes
vertically and the size of a sweet spot of the golf putter head
changes horizontally. The invention further relates to a golf
putter head having a lie angle that can be changed by moving a
repositionable member with respect to the body of the golf putter
head so that the member contacts the ground when the putter head is
grounded and prevents at least part of the bottom portion of the
body from contacting the ground when the putter head is
grounded.
[0038] When members are described herein as being "repositionable"
with respect to another element such as the body of a putter, it
should be understood that the members are movable to a different
position with respect to the element, either by disconnecting and
reconnecting the members in a different position or by moving the
members while the members are connected to the element.
[0039] Turning initially to FIGS. 1A-B, a golf putter head of the
present invention is generally designated 10. It will be understood
by those of skill in the art that the dimensions and weight of the
putter head 10 may vary. For example, while a mallet style putter
is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B, the putter head could also
be a blade style putter head. Preferably, however, the putter head
10 conforms to USGA rules and regulations with respect to both
dimension and weight.
[0040] The golf putter head 10 includes a body 12, two weight
members 24a-b and two locking mechanisms 34a-b. The body 10
includes a striking face 14, a top portion 16, a bottom portion 18,
a toe portion 20 and a heel portion 22. The striking face 14 has a
width, (i.e., a face width) FW. The body 12 may also include an
alignment aid 36, which may include, for example, a line
perpendicular to and extending rearward from the striking face 14.
Extending rearward from the heel portion 22 and the toe portion 20
are arms 32a and 32b, respectively. The arms 32a-b may each be
configured to interact with a member, such as weight members 24a-b.
For example, the arm 32a may be connectable to a weight member 24a
at a predetermined location 50a (see FIG. 3A). Likewise, the arm
32b may be connectable to a weight member 24b at a predetermined
location 50b (see FIG. 3A).
[0041] At least one weight member, such as weight members 24a-b,
may be connectable to the body 12 at a predetermined location, such
as the locations 50a-b. In addition, the predetermined location may
be closer to either the heel 22 or toe 20 of the body 12 than to
the center of the body 12. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-B
and 3A, the arms 24a-b may be connectable to the body 12 at
predetermined locations 50a-b, where the predetermined location 50a
is closer to the heel 22 of the body 12 than to the center of the
body 12, and where the predetermined location 50b is closer to the
toe 20 of the body 12 than to the center of the body 12.
[0042] Each of the weight members 24a-b may have a weight, such as
weight 26a-b, a post, such as post 30a-b, and an arm, such as arm
28a-b, connecting the weight to the post. When connected to the
body 12, the post 30a-b may be generally orthogonal to and extend
rearward from the striking face 14 of the body 12. In addition, the
weight 26a-b, arm 28a-b and post 30a-b may be integrally formed.
Thus, when the post 30a-b is rotated, the weight 26a-b may travel
in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle is the
arm 28a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of rotation
ARa-b, which may be at the post 30a-b (see FIGS. 3B-C).
Alternatively, the weight 26a-b may be movable with respect to the
post 30a-b. Thus, when the weight is rotated with respect to the
post 30a-b about an axis of rotation ARa-b, the weight 26a-b may
travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle
is the arm 28a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of
rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30a-b.
[0043] In either case, the weight 26a-b may be positionable to
multiple positions with respect to the body 12 when the weight
member 24a-b is connected to the body 12, such as at a
predetermined location on the body 12. In addition, placing the
weight 26a-b in a first position with respect to the body 12 may
cause the putter head 10 to have a first center of gravity
location, and placing the weight 26a-b in a second position with
respect to the body 12 may cause the putter head 10 to have a
second center of gravity location that is different than the first
center of gravity location. Moreover, the first center of gravity
location and the second center of gravity location may be different
both vertically (i.e., either closer to or farther from the top
portion 16 or bottom portion 18 of the putter head) and
horizontally (i.e., either closer to or farther from the heel
portion 22 or toe portion 20 of the putter head).
[0044] The two weights 26a-b also may be positionable such that the
two weight members 26a-b in combination have a first position with
respect to the body 12, thereby causing the putter head 10 to have
the first center of gravity location, and each of the two weight
members 26a-b may be further positionable such that the two weight
members 26a-b in combination have a second position with respect to
the body 12, thereby causing the putter head 10 to have a second
center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and
vertically from the first center of gravity location.
[0045] In addition, the golf putter head 10 may have a first sweet
spot when the two weights 26a-b in combination have a first
position with respect to the body 12, and may also have a second
sweet spot when the two weights 26a-b in combination have a second
position with respect to the body 12. The second sweet spot may be
different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
[0046] The body 12 may be at least partially composed of a first
material, such as a suitable metal. Suitable metals for the body 12
include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, titanium
alloys, carbon steel, bronze, and the like. The body 12 may be
formed as a single structure or from multiple structures using
known techniques. Such techniques may include investment casting,
milling, welding forged or formed pieces, and the like. In
addition, the body 12 may also be composed of any metal or metal
alloy having a density greater than that of aluminum and less than
that of steel.
[0047] At least part of the weight members 24a-b may be at least
partially composed of a second material that has a higher density
than either the first material of which the body 12 is at least
partially composed. Suitable materials for the weight members 24a-b
include brass, steel, tungsten, metal alloys, and the like.
[0048] Turning next to FIGS. 2A-B, another golf putter head of the
present invention is generally designated 110. It will be
understood by those of skill in the art that the dimensions and
weight of the putter head 110 may vary. Like the golf putter head
10, the golf putter head 110 preferably conforms to USGA rules and
regulations with respect to both dimension and weight.
[0049] The golf putter head 110 includes a body 112, two weight
members 24a-b and two locking mechanisms 34a-b. The body 110
includes a striking face 114, a top portion 116, a bottom portion
118, a toe portion 120 and a heel portion 122. The striking face 14
has a width, (i.e., a face width) FW. Extending rearward from the
heel portion 122 and the toe portion 120 are arms 132a and 132b,
respectively. The arms 132a-b may each be configured to interact
with a member, such as weight members 24a-b. For example, the arm
132a may be connectable to a weight member 24a at a predetermined
location 50a (see FIG. 3A). Likewise, the arm 132b may be
connectable to a weight member 24b at a predetermined location 50b
(see FIG. 3A).
[0050] At least one weight member, such as weight members 24a-b,
may be connectable to the body 112 at a predetermined location,
such as the locations 50a-b. In addition, the predetermined
location may be closer to either the heel 122 or toe 120 of the
body 112 than to the center of the body 112. For example, and as
shown in FIGS. 2A-B and 3A, the arms 24a-b may be connectable to
the body 112 at predetermined locations 50a-b, where the
predetermined location 50a is closer to the heel 122 of the body
112 than to the center of the body 112, and where the predetermined
location 50b is closer to the toe 120 of the body 112 than to the
center of the body 112.
[0051] Each of the weight members 24a-b may have a weight, such as
weight 26a-b, a post, such as post 30a-b, and an arm, such as arm
28a-b, connecting the weight to the post. When connected to the
body 112, the post 30a-b may be generally orthogonal to and extend
rearward from the striking face 114 of the body 112. In addition,
the weight 26a-b, arm 28a-b and post 30a-b may be integrally
formed. Thus, when the post 30a-b is rotated, the weight 26a-b may
travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle
is the arm 28a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of
rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30a-b (see FIGS. 3B-C).
Alternatively, the weight 26a-b may be movable with respect to the
post 30a-b. Thus, when the weight is rotated with respect to the
post 30a-b about an axis of rotation ARa-b, the weight 26a-b may
travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle
is the arm 28a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of
rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30a-b.
[0052] In either case, the weight 26a-b may be positionable to
multiple positions with respect to the body 112 when the weight
member 24a-b is connected to the body 112, such as at a
predetermined location on the body 112. In addition, placing the
weight 26a-b in a first position with respect to the body 112 may
cause the putter head 110 to have a first center of gravity
location, and placing the weight 26a-b in a second position with
respect to the body 112 may cause the putter head 110 to have a
second center of gravity location that is different than the first
center of gravity location. Moreover, the first center of gravity
location and the second center of gravity location may be different
both vertically (i.e., either closer to or farther from the top
portion 116 or bottom portion 118 of the putter head 10) and
horizontally (i.e., either closer to or farther from the heel
portion 122 or toe portion 120 of the putter head 10).
[0053] The two weights 26a-b also may be positionable such that the
two weight members 26a-b in combination have a first position with
respect to the body 112, thereby causing the putter head 110 to
have the first center of gravity location, and each of the two
weight members 26a-b may be further positionable such that the two
weight members 26a-b in combination have a second position with
respect to the body 112, thereby causing the putter head 110 to
have a second center of gravity location that is different both
horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity
location.
[0054] In addition, the golf putter head 110 may have a first sweet
spot when the two weights 26a-b in combination have a first
position with respect to the body 112, and the golf putter 110 may
have a second sweet spot when the two weights 26a-b in combination
have a second position with respect to the body 112. The second
sweet spot may be different in dimension horizontally from the
first sweet spot.
[0055] The body 112 may be at least partially composed of a first
material, such as a suitable metal. Suitable metals for the body
112 include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, titanium
alloys, carbon steel, bronze, and the like. The body 112 may be
formed as a single structure or from multiple structures using
known techniques. Such techniques may include investment casting,
milling, welding forged or formed pieces, and the like. In
addition, the body 112 may also be composed of any metal or metal
alloy having a density greater than that of aluminum and less than
that of steel.
[0056] At least part of the weight members 24a-b may be at least
partially composed of a second material that has a higher density
than either the first material of which the body 112 is at least
partially composed. Suitable materials for the weight members 24a-b
include brass, steel, tungsten, metal alloys, and the like.
[0057] In addition, the putter head 110 of FIGS. 2A-B also includes
an alignment aid having multiple components. The alignment aid
includes a flange 138 and an alignment insert 146. The flange 138
is configured with two holes 142a-b for attaching to two posts
140a-b on the body 112. The flange also includes a slit 144 for
receiving part of the alignment insert 146. The body 112, flange
138 and alignment insert 146 may each have a visual alignment aid
136, such as one or more lines, triangles, arrow heads, circles,
and the like. As shown, the body 112, flange 138 and alignment
insert 146 each have a line extending perpendicular and rearward
from the strike face 114 of the body 112. Moreover, the alignment
insert 146 may be reflective and include multiple pieces, one piece
having a visual alignment aid and the other piece providing
reflectivity of the alignment insert 146. For example, the
alignment insert 146 may be reflective to assist a user in
achieving proper head placement while addressing a ball.
[0058] Turning next to FIGS. 3A-C, one exemplary type of
interaction of the weight members 24 and the body 12, 112 is
illustrated in greater detail. It will be understood by those of
skill in the art that while the embodiment illustrated in FIGS.
3A-C shows weight members 24 that are disconnected from the body
12, 112 for repositioning, the weight members 24 and body 12, 112
may also be designed such that the weight members 24 are
repositionable with respect to the body 12, 112 while being
connected to the body 12, 112, such as at a post 30 of a weight
member 24.
[0059] As shown, the body 12, 112 has two predetermined locations
50a-b, 150a-b for engaging the weight members 24a-b. In addition,
the positions of each weight member 24 with respect to the body 12,
112 may correspond to one of a plurality of predefined weight
member positions. Various types of engagement can be used to cause
the weight members 24a-b to engage the body 12, 112 at predefined
positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the
predetermined locations 50a-b and 150a-b include detents 52a-b,
152a-b corresponding to a plurality of predefined weight positions.
The corresponding weight member 24 may include a plurality of
raised sections 54 that mate with the plurality of detents 52a-b,
152a-b to hold the weight member 24 in a predefined weight
position.
[0060] Turning next to FIGS. 4A-13A and 4B-13B. FIGS. 4A-13A
illustrate the sweet spot of the golf putter head 10, 110 when the
weight members 24a-b are engaged at various positions with respect
to the body 12, 112 and FIGS. 4B-13B illustrate the location of the
center of gravity of the putter head 10, 110, both when grounded
and at a typical strike point when the putter head 10, 110 is in
use.
[0061] FIG. 4A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned such
that weight 26a is closest to weight 26b. The corresponding sweet
spot SS1 has a width W1. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the center of
gravity CG1 of the putter head 10, 110 when grounded is well below
the center BC of a golf ball, as is the center of gravity CG1' of
the putter head 10, 110 at the strike point. Both CG1 and CG1' are
also well below the height of the top surface TS of the putter head
10, 110 when the putter head 10, 110 is grounded.
[0062] FIG. 5A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned such
that the weights 26a-b are higher off of the ground than the
weights 26a-b of FIG. 4A. The corresponding sweet spot SS2 has a
width W2 that is wider than width W1. In other words, W2 has a
greater dimension horizontally than W1. As illustrated in FIG. 5B,
the centers of gravity CG2 and CG2' of the putter head 10, 110 are
higher off of the ground than CG1 and CG1'.
[0063] Moving each of the weight members 24a-b from the position of
FIG. 4A to the position of FIG. 5A causes the center of gravity of
the putter head 10, 110 to change both horizontally and vertically.
Because both 24a and 24b are positioned the same distance
horizontally from the center of gravity of the body 12, 112,
however, the center of gravity of the putter 10, 110 changes only
vertically. More specifically, the change in the center of gravity
toward the heel 22, 122 resulting from movement of the weight
member 24a from the position in FIG. 4A is offset by the change in
the center of gravity toward the toe 20, 120 resulting from
movement of the weight member 24b from the position in FIG. 4A,
resulting in no net horizontal change to the center of gravity of
the putter 10, 110 between the positions of the weight members
24a-b of FIG. 4A and 5A.
[0064] FIG. 6A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned such
that the weights 26a-b are higher off of the ground than the
weights 26a-b of FIG. 5A. The corresponding sweet spot SS3 has a
width W3 that is wider than width W2. As illustrated in FIG. 6B,
the centers of gravity CG3 and CG3' of the putter head 10, 110 are
higher off of the ground than CG2 and CG2'.
[0065] FIG. 7A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned such
that the weights 26a-b are at the maximum distance from the ground.
The corresponding sweet spot SS4 has a width W4 that is wider than
width W3. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the centers of gravity CG4 and
CG4' of the putter head 10, 110 are higher off of the ground than
CG3 and CG3'. As shown, the center of gravity CG4 when the putter
is grounded is further from the ground than the center BC of a golf
ball and thus further from the ground than the center of gravity of
a golf ball.
[0066] FIG. 8A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned such
that the weights 26a-b are closer the ground than the weights 26a-b
of FIG. 7A, but farther from the center of the putter head 10, 110.
The corresponding sweet spot SS5 has a width W5 that is wider than
width W4. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the centers of gravity CG5 and
CG5' of the putter head 10, 110 are closer to the ground than CG4
and CG4'.
[0067] FIG. 9A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned such
that weights 26a-b are closer to the ground than the weights 26a-b
of FIG. 8A, but farther from the center of the putter head 10, 110.
The corresponding sweet spot SS6 has a width W6 that is wider than
width W5. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the centers of gravity CG6 and
CG6' of the putter head 10,110 are closer to the ground than CG5
and CG5'.
[0068] FIG. 10A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned
such that weight 26a is farthest from weight 26b. In addition, the
weights 26a-b are closer to the ground than the weights 26a-b of
FIG. 9A, but farther from the center of the putter head 10, 110.
The corresponding sweet spot SS7 has a width W7 that is wider than
width W6. As illustrated in FIG. 10B, the centers of gravity CG7
and CG7' of the putter head 10, 110 are closer to the ground than
CG6 and CG6'.
[0069] FIG. 1 1A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned
such that weights 26a-b are closer to the ground and closer to the
center of the putter head 10, 110 than the weights 26a-b of FIG.
10A. The corresponding sweet spot SS8 has a width W8 that is
narrower than width W7. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the center of
gravity CG8 and of the putter head 10, 110 is closer to the ground
than CG7, but the center of gravity CG8' and of the putter head 10,
110 is farther from the ground than CG7'. This effect is due to the
fact that the weights 26a-b reside below the bottom of the body 18,
118, thus forcing the putter head 10, 110 off of the ground when
the putter head is "grounded." The element identified as CG8 in
FIG. 11B is the center of gravity that the putter head 10, 110
would have if it were positioned such that the bottom portion 18,
118 of the body 12, 112 of the putter head 10, 110 was grounded,
which would require the weights 26a-b to be below the surface of
the ground.
[0070] FIG. 12A illustrates the weight members 24a-b positioned
such that weights 26a-b closer to the center of the putter head 10,
110 than the weights 26a-b of FIG. 11A. The corresponding sweet
spot SS9 has a width W9 that is narrower than width W8. FIG. 12B
illustrates the positions of CG9 and CG9'.
[0071] FIG. 13A illustrates how the weight members 24a-b could be
positioned to shift the sweet spot SS10 from the center of the
putter head 10, 110 to one side. As shown, the sweet spot SS10 is
shifted toward the heel 22, 122 of the body 12, 112 of the putter
head 10, 110. The corresponding sweet spot SS10 has a width W10.
FIG. 13B illustrates the vertical positions of CG10 and CG10'.
[0072] Turning next to FIG. 14, a golf putter head with a moveable
member for adjusting lie angle L is illustrated. The golf putter
head 210 may be similar or identical to either of the golf putter
heads 10 or 110. Alternatively, only the body 212 may be similar or
identical to the body 12 or 112. In addition, the golf putter head
210 may be very different in design than the golf putter heads 10
and 110. The golf putter head includes a body 212 and at least one
member 224 that is repositionable with respect to the body 212 and
connectable to the body 212 such that the member 224 contacts the
ground surface 226 when the putter head 210 is grounded.
Preferably, the member 224 prevents at least part of the bottom
portion 218 of the body 212 from contacting the ground surface 226
when the putter head 210 is grounded. The member 224 may be a
weight member, such as weight members 24 or 124. In addition, the
member may be designed so that movement of the member has a minimal
effect on the location of the sweet spot and center of gravity of
the putter head 210. Accordingly, the member may be composed at
least in part of a less dense material than the body 212 of the
golf putter head 210. For example, the member may be composed of
carbon fiber, plastics, composite plastic, Kevlar.TM., fiberglass,
or the like.
[0073] While the present invention has been described in
association with several exemplary embodiments, the described
embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative
and not restrictive. Such other features, aspects, variations,
modifications, and substitution of equivalents may be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is
intended to be limited solely by the scope of the following claims.
Also, it will be appreciated that features and parts illustrated in
one embodiment may be used, or may be applicable, in the same or in
a similar way in other embodiments.
* * * * *