U.S. patent application number 13/291658 was filed with the patent office on 2012-05-10 for golf club.
Invention is credited to Derek Christopher WOODS.
Application Number | 20120115628 13/291658 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43414618 |
Filed Date | 2012-05-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120115628 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WOODS; Derek Christopher |
May 10, 2012 |
GOLF CLUB
Abstract
A golf putter (1) having, relative to its cross-sectional area
in the horizontal plane (in use), a relatively small
ground-contacting area; (2) wherein the putter head is made of
different materials, wherein one material is relatively dense and
constitutes the core of the head, including the ball-contacting
face, and another material is relatively less dense and constitutes
the periphery of the head; (3) whose base is at an angle to the
ground when the putter is held upright, whereby lying the base on
the ground provides increased loft on the face of the putter;
and/or (4) having, on its top side, extending normal to its face,
an area of contrasting appearance defining an arrow in the line of
the putt.
Inventors: |
WOODS; Derek Christopher;
(Buckinghamshire, GB) |
Family ID: |
43414618 |
Appl. No.: |
13/291658 |
Filed: |
November 8, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/251 ;
473/328; 473/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/0416 20200801; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 2209/00
20130101; A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 53/0441 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/251 ;
473/328; 473/340 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 9, 2010 |
GB |
1018949.6 |
Claims
1. A golf putter head having, relative to its cross-sectional area
in a horizontal plane (in use), a relatively small
ground-contacting area.
2. A golf putter head that is made of different materials, wherein
one material is relatively dense and constitutes a core of the
head, including a ball-contacting face, and another material is
relatively less dense and constitutes a periphery of the head.
3. A golf putter head having, on its top side, extending normal to
its face, an area of contrasting appearance defining an arrow in
the line of a putt.
4. The golf putter head, according to claim 1, wherein the
ground-contacting area is at least 20% less than the
cross-sectional area.
5. The golf putter head, according to claim 1, whose base is at an
angle to the ground when the putter is held upright, whereby lying
the base on the ground provides increased loft on the face of the
putter head.
6. The golf putter head, according to claim 5, wherein the angle to
the ground is 5 to 20.degree..
7. The golf putter head, according to claim 1, that is made of
different materials, wherein one material is relatively dense and
constitutes a core of the head, including a ball-contacting face,
and another material is relatively less dense and constitutes a
periphery of the head.
8. The golf putter head, according to claim 1, having, on its top
side, extending normal to its face, an area of contrasting
appearance defining an arrow in the line of a putt.
9. The golf putter head according to claim 2, having, relative to
its cross-sectional area in a horizontal plane (in use), a
relatively small ground-contacting area.
10. The golf putter head, according to claim 9, wherein the
ground-contacting area is at least 20% less than the
cross-sectional area.
11. The golf putter head, according to claim 9, whose base is at an
angle to the ground when the putter is held upright, whereby lying
the base on the ground provides increased loft on the face of the
putter head.
12. The golf putter head, according to claim 11, wherein the angle
to the ground is 5 to 20.degree..
13. The golf putter head, according to claim 2, having, on its top
side, extending normal to its face, an area of contrasting
appearance defining an arrow in the line of a putt.
14. The golf putter according to claim 3, having, relative to its
cross-sectional area in a horizontal plane (in use), a relatively
small ground-contacting area.
15. The golf putter head, according to claim 14, wherein the
ground-contacting area is at least 20% less than the
cross-sectional area.
16. The golf putter head, according to claim 14, whose base is at
an angle to the ground when the putter is held upright, whereby
lying the base on the ground provides increased loft on the face of
the putter head.
17. The golf putter head, according to claim 16, wherein the angle
to the ground is 5 to 20.degree..
18. The golf putter head according to claim 3 that is made of
different materials, wherein one material is relatively dense and
constitutes a core of the head, including a ball-contacting face,
and another material is relatively less dense and constitutes a
periphery of the head.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO A RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to United Kingdom Patent
Application No. 1018949.6, filed Nov. 9, 2010, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] This invention relates to golf clubs.
[0004] 2. Background of the Invention
[0005] All golf clubs are limited in their design, to conform with
the rules laid down by the governing body of golf, the "Royal and
Ancient" (R&A). The requirements of a putter head are a
weighted object and a flat surface to strike the ball.
[0006] When putting, the golfer has four main aims: (i) that his
eye should be over the top of the ball; (ii) that the face of the
putter should be normal to the line in which the ball is to be hit;
(iii) that he should hit "through the ball"; and (iv) that he
should hit the ball with the so-called "sweet spot", of the
putter.
[0007] Putters having a line or other mark, to indicate the "sweet
spot", are known. However, such marks do not allow the golfer to
meet all the given aims. In order to ensure that a putt is
successful and is holed on a flat surface, there are essentially
only two requirements. One is that the ball must be travelling at
the correct velocity to drop into the hole, and the other is that
the putter face must strike the ball adjacent to the line of putt
that joins the centres of the hole and the ball. There is only one
point on a golf ball where the putter face can strike the ball to
propel the ball on its intended line (described herein as "the
critical point"). The area where the putter must strike is less
than 1.5 mm in width if the putt is to be successful over a
distance of only 1.2 metres. A player can line up the putter so it
indicates this critical point and in so doing have the face square
to the intended line.
[0008] Another problem faced by the golfer is when the ball is up
against the fringe grass just off the putting surface. In this
case, club players and PGA professionals tend not to use the
putter, because of the resistance presented by the grass.
[0009] One option is a lofted wedge. This provides less grass
resistance than a putter. It is used to strike the ball exactly at
its equator with the sharp leading edge of the wedge. The
difficulty in this is the wedge has a rounded leading edge and must
meet the ball exactly in the centre of the edge, or the ball will
travel at an angel to the selected line across the green; not to
mention the difficulty of striking the ball at its equator.
[0010] A second option is a fairway wood/metal. These clubs are
difficult to use due to the length of the shaft. They are designed
to strike the ball vast distances from the fairway. They also have
a rounded face and, if the contact is not central on the face, the
ball will not travel on the selected line across the green.
[0011] The most common head weight for a putter, found by player's
preference, is around 335 grams. Depending on the material used in
the manufacture, this limits where the mass of weight is located.
In most good quality putters, the material used is stainless steel.
This has a density of around 7.5 grams/cm.sup.3. Consequently, for
a head weight of 335 grams, the volume of the head must be 44.66
cm.sup.3.
[0012] Most putters have a face length of around 11-12 cm. The face
depth is around 2.5 cm. Given these parameters, the width must be
only 1.556 cm to get the volume required.
[0013] If the putter head is made as one straight length, with the
dimensions above, the weight will be distributed along its entire
length. However, the ball-contacting area, conducted through field
trials, is only around 3 cm of the putter face. In other words, the
area of contact when the ball is struck is only 26% of the putter
face/weight. The bulk of the mass (74%) is not directly behind the
ball impact area. To overcome this, the bulk of the weight is
typically placed at the ends of the putter face; this is known as
periphery weighting.
[0014] The face loft, on most good putters, is set at 4 degrees
from upright. This is good for putting on the green as it promotes
the hands leading the putting stroke. If the face is vertical and
the player's hands lead the stroke, the ball is likely to be driven
partially into the ground. This would reduce the forward momentum
of the ball and reduce the required travel to the hole. If the
hands lag the head in the stroke, due to the length of the sole
sitting inline with the ground, it will lift the face away from the
ball and be struck by the underside of the putter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0015] With respect to known putters, a putter of the invention
provides the golfer with greater confidence of success in putting.
In particular, it may achieve one, more or all of:
[0016] 1. The easiest way to square the putter face to a selected
line of ball travel
[0017] 2. The best way of increasing the consistency of stroke,
across the largest ball impact area
[0018] 3. How to enable the putter to be played from the fringe
grass
[0019] 4. How to reduce any grass resistance when playing from the
fringe grass
[0020] 5. How to enable a player to use the putter and increase the
face loft when the ball is just in the fringe grass
[0021] 6. How to part the fringe grass on the back stroke to
eliminate grass resistance
[0022] 7. How to reduce resistance caused by the putter face when
playing from the fringe grass on the forward stroke.
[0023] 8. How to locate 80% of the putter weight to be directly
behind the ball impact area.
[0024] 9. How to combine all of the above and still conform to the
rulings of the R&A.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF FIGURES
[0025] FIG. 1 is partial cross-sectional top view of a golf ball
and of the head of a putter embodying the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 2 shows the actual impact area of a golf ball striking
the face of a putter.
[0027] FIG. 3 shows that, internally, 80% of the mass is directly
behind the impact zone.
[0028] FIG. 4 shows that the leading and back edges of the face and
sole have been rounded to reduce further grass resistance.
[0029] FIG. 5 shows by laying the head back, it is possible to
increase the face loft to lift the ball from the fringe grass.
[0030] FIG. 6 shows by making the back end of the putter body
pointed, its design is to cut through the grass on the back swing
when used in the fringe grass.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0031] One aspect of the present invention is based in part on the
realisation that, in addition to the aims given above, two further
points also hold true. One is that the putter head does not have to
be travelling on the line of the putt, providing the face contacts
the critical point on the ball. The other is that, if the putter
head is travelling on the line of the putt and the putter face is
only 1.5 degrees open, or closed to that line, the ball will miss
the hole over a distance of 2 metres. That is because it is
impossible for the putter face to make contact at the critical
point on the ball. Accordingly, a player need only (A) determine
the critical point on the back of the golf ball in relation to the
line, and (B) ensure that the putter, irrespective of the putter
head line, strikes the critical point It should be borne in mind
that the critical point is less than the width of a dimple on the
golf ball at a range of 1 metre or more.
[0032] Further, it has been appreciated that, instead of trying to
ensure that the face of the putter is normal to the intended line,
a different approach can be used. In this approach, the player
simply look down at a pointer and aim at the back of the hole. If a
ball was placed in front of this pointer it would indicate the
critical point on the ball. Also if this pointer was on the putter
head the face would be exactly 90 degrees to that line.
[0033] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a golf
putter has, on the top side of the club head, extending normal to
its face, an area contrasting appearance defining an arrow lying
along the line of putt. Whereas known putters may include a thin
line, the novel putter has as its characteristics an area that is
sufficiently striking to cause the golfer to concentrate on that
area only.
[0034] A putter of the invention is designed to assist the player
to fulfil both A and B of the above requirements. This is due to an
indication pointer located on the putter head.
[0035] The process of putting requires a set procedure:
[0036] Select an imaginary line the ball must travel on when it is
struck (achieved by reading the green)
[0037] Place the putter face at 90 degrees to this imaginary
line.
[0038] Take the putter back away from the ball then return the face
at 90 degrees through the balls location where it was at
address.
[0039] The only point on a golf ball that must be contacted to
propel it on a given line is adjacent to the selected line through
the ball. With an indicator situated on top of the putter head at
90 degrees to the face, the face must be square to the selected
line when the indicator is aimed through the ball.
[0040] On a flat green, for ease of explanation, with no borrows,
using a putter of the invention, the procedure is different, as
follows:
[0041] Aim the indicator directly through the ball at the hole. The
face is automatically 90 degrees square to the hole; not an
imaginary line and the indicator is pointing exactly at the
critical point on the ball.
[0042] The contrast in colour of the indicator and the head of the
putter will give the player "Residual Vision" when the head is
taken back. This makes it easier to return the putter to the
position it was at address.
[0043] The indicator also offers other advantages. If it is assumed
that the player has assessed there is 300 mm borrow on the putt.
The putter can be aimed directly at the hole, then rotated slightly
to aim off 300 mm, to allow for borrow.
[0044] The face angle of the putter at impact cannot be emphasised
enough (laws of motion, the ball will travel 100% adjacent to the
point of contact with the ball), If the putter face is only 1
degree open or closed, the ball will miss the hole over a distance
of 2.5 metres. When the indicator on a putter of the invention is
aligned no that it is pointing directly at the hole, the face is
automatically normal to the line.
[0045] As can be seen in FIG. 1, it is easier to point the
indicator at the hole than trying to square the putter face to an
imaginary line. Field trials were conducted using this method. The
users' comments verify the ease of using this technique, i.e. by
using the indicator.
[0046] An advantage of this invention is that, once the putter is
in the correct position, a caddy could look along through the
indicator and confirm this to be the case. The player can then use
this indicator to move the putter away directly on that line with
confidence. Another advantage is that, if the putt is on a side
hill slope and requires borrow of, say 300 mm to the left, the
indicator is aimed 300 mm to the left of the hole.
[0047] A second aspect of the invention, instead of shying away
from the problem of choosing a putter or a wedge, tackles it head
on. In particular, this aspect of the invention appreciates that a
reason for this problem is that the fringe grass creates resistance
in the back and through swing of the putter. The reason for this
resistance is the putter's leading face and back edge catching the
grass. By eliminating the reason for squaring the face to the line,
it is possible to reduce the length of the face and cut down on
resistance through the grass. The degree of cut-away can be 5 to
30%, relative to the case in which the base of the face is parallel
to the ground.
[0048] Field trials indicate that only 20% of the face is used to
strike the ball. Therefore, by removing a portion of the lower part
of the face, resistance is reduced when putting from the fringe.
Since not all the putter face is used to strike the golf ball, the
novel putter minimises or avoids the area that is not of any use.
However, the player must have confidence when looking down at the
putter, ensuring there is sufficient area to hit the ball. The
answer is to keep the top view of the face the same and reduce the
area not required, thus reducing the effect of grass. If only 20%
of the face is removed at the bottom, this will reduce the
resistance of the grass by 65-70%.
[0049] FIG. 2 shows the actual impact area of a golf ball striking
the face of a putter. The putter has the smallest available length
face (outlined in black). This clearly demonstrates the redundant
area of the face, even on a putter with a small face length.
[0050] According to a third aspect of the invention, a golf putter
has a head that is made of different materials, wherein one
material is relatively dense and constitutes the core of the head,
including the ball-contacting face, and another material is
relatively less dense and constitutes the periphery of the head.
The materials are, for example, stainless steel and a synthetic
resin, respectively. By means of the present invention, it is
possible to provide 80% mass directly behind the ball impact zone
and increase the head volume to 100 cm.sup.3.
[0051] FIG. 3 shows that, internally, 80% of the mass is directly
behind the impact zone. This provides what may be called a "hammer"
effect, as it gives the most consistent strike to the ball over the
whole of the impact zone. To achieve this, weighting is made of
stainless steel and placed directly behind the impact zone; density
7.5 g/cm.sup.3. The remainder of the head is manufactured from a
specially formulated synthetic resin with a density of only 1.03
g/cm.sup.3. The stainless steel accounts for 80% of the weight and
the resin for only 20% of the weight. More generally, the
proportions of relatively dense material (e.g. 4 to 15 g/cm.sup.3)
and relatively less dense material (e.g. 0.5 to 2 g/cm.sup.3) may
be from 40:60 to 90:10.
[0052] In use of other putters, the impact feel diminishes as the
ball is struck further away from the centre of the face, due to
weight distribution.
[0053] By rounding as much as possible the leading edge of the
face, resistance can be out down. Now by rounding the back edge of
the sole, further resistance can effectively be eliminated.
[0054] FIG. 4 shows that the leading and back edges of the face and
sole have been rounded to reduce further grass resistance.
[0055] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a golf putter
has a base that is at an angle to the ground when the putter is
held upright, whereby lying the base on the ground provides
increased loft on the face of the putter.
[0056] Playing from the fringe grass would be greatly assisted if
the putter face had more loft than 4 degrees. This problem has been
overcome by sweeping the putter body upwards from front to
back.
[0057] If the player, when playing from the fringe grass, allowed
the putter head to lead the hands it would increase the face loft,
thus lifting the ball from the grass. The angle between ground and
base may be 5 to 20.degree.; the loft may be similar, e.g. 5 to
25.degree..
[0058] The invention is described herein by way of example only
with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is partial
cross-sectional top view of a golf ball and of the head of a putter
embodying the present invention. The drawings are not necessarily
to scale.
[0059] FIG. 1 shows a golf ball 1, a putter having a handle 2
(shown in cross-section), a blade 3 and also a member 4 extending
normal to the face of the blade. The top of the member 4 and part
of the top of the blade 3 define an arrow-shaped area 5 whole apex
6 is at the face of the blade 3. The area 5 is in visual contrast
to the remainder of the top at least of the club.
[0060] In use, a golfer can easily line up the apex 6 with the
centre of the golf ball 1, with his eye over the top of the ball.
The area 5 provides clearly visible directional aid, so that the
blade hits the ball normal to the desired line of travel. The
golfer can readily ensure that, by keeping the area 5 and apex 6 in
line with the centre of the golf ball 1, the putter hits through
the ball. Further, provided that the area 5 is aligned with the
correct parts of the blade, the golfer can also ensure that the
ball is hit on the "sweet spot" of the putter. It will thus be
apparent that all the four aims identified above are met, very
simply, in use of a putter of the invention.
[0061] Perhaps more importantly, in use of a putter of this
invention, the pointer on the putter can be placed directly behind
the ball, pointing through the centre towards the hole. The pointer
is now indicating both the line and critical point on the ball.
Further, since the line to the hole is still indicated while the
player is looking down at the ball, focus can now be given more to
the point of contact between putter and ball (the critical
point).
[0062] The indicating area which is the primary feature of the
present invention may be formed of any suitable material. It may be
cast as part of the putter head, and be coloured, e.g. yellow, for
good contrast with a typical grey metallic head.
[0063] The contrasting area may be formed on a member that is
somewhat proud of, level with, or recessed with respect to the top
of the putter head. It is the top view that is important,
minimising the problem that a golfer has by virtue that his eye
cannot be in a line with the ball and the hole.
[0064] With respect to known putters, a putter of the invention
provides the golfer with greater confidence of success in putting.
In particular, it may achieve one, more or all of:
[0065] 1. The easiest way to square the putter face to a selected
line of ball travel
[0066] 2. The best way of increasing the consistency of stroke,
across the largest ball impact area
[0067] 3. How to enable the putter to be played from the fringe
grass
[0068] 4. How to reduce any grass resistance when playing from the
fringe grass
[0069] 5. How to enable a player to use the putter and increase the
face loft when the ball is just in the fringe grass
[0070] 6. How to part the fringe grass on the back stroke to
eliminate grass resistance
[0071] 7. How to reduce resistance caused by the putter face when
playing from the fringe grass on the forward stroke.
[0072] 8. How to locate 80% of the putter weight to be directly
behind the ball impact area.
[0073] 9. How to combine all of the above and still conform to the
rulings of the R&A.
[0074] By laying the head back, it is possible to increase the face
loft to lift the ball from the fringe grass. This is shown in FIG.
5.
[0075] In order to minimise further grass resistance on the
backward movement of the putter head, it is shaped to part the
grass. Coupled with the upward sweep at the back end of the body,
grass resistance is reduced even more. As can be seen in FIG. 6, by
making the back end of the putter body pointed, its design is to
cut through the grass on the back swing when used in the fringe
grass.
* * * * *