U.S. patent application number 13/727132 was filed with the patent office on 2013-07-11 for golf putter systems.
This patent application is currently assigned to W Cubed, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Kurt George Wicketts. Invention is credited to Kurt George Wicketts.
Application Number | 20130178307 13/727132 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48744284 |
Filed Date | 2013-07-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130178307 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wicketts; Kurt George |
July 11, 2013 |
Golf Putter Systems
Abstract
A system of user-customizable golf putters. The system provides
golf putters having replaceable, removable handles, multi-part
modular head components, and adjustments for the handles in
relation to the club heads, including adjustable
handle-positioners.
Inventors: |
Wicketts; Kurt George;
(Albuquerque, NM) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Wicketts; Kurt George |
Albuquerque |
NM |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
W Cubed, LLC
Tempe
AZ
|
Family ID: |
48744284 |
Appl. No.: |
13/727132 |
Filed: |
December 26, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61584542 |
Jan 9, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/307 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/025 20200801; A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/028 20200801;
A63B 53/007 20130101; A63B 53/02 20130101; A63B 53/065 20130101;
A63B 60/00 20151001 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/307 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/02 20060101
A63B053/02; A63B 53/00 20060101 A63B053/00 |
Claims
1) A system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising:
a) at least one club head structured and arranged to strike the
golf ball, said at least one club head comprising at least one toe
portion and at least one heel portion; b) at least one club shaft,
couplable to said at least one club head, structured and arranged
to assist hand manipulation of said at least one club head while a
user stands in a generally upright position adjacent the golf ball;
c) at least one adjustable coupler structured and arranged to
adjustably couple said at least one club head with said at least
one club shaft; and d) at least one releasable lock structured and
arranged to releseably lock said at least one club shaft in a
user-selected position relative to said at least one club head; e)
wherein said at least one club shaft, when adjustably coupled with
said at least one club head, comprises i) at least one first
continuous freedom of movement, relative to said at least one club
head, along at least one defined path extending continuously
between said at least one toe portion and said at least one heel
portion of said at least one club head, and ii) at least one second
continuous freedom of movement, relative to said at least one club
head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one
portion of said at least one club head; iii) wherein said at least
one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to
contemporaneously lock said at least one club shaft to prevent both
said at least one first continuous freedom of movement and said at
least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to said at
least one club head.
2) The system, according to claim 1, wherein: a) said at least one
club shaft comprises i) at least one hand grippable shaft end, and
ii) at least one distal shaft end located generally opposite said
at least one hand grippable shaft end; and b) said at least one
club head comprises i) at least one face portion having at least
one strike face structured and arranged to strike the golf ball
during putting, and ii) at least one shaft-end receiver structured
and arranged to receive said at least one distal shaft end of said
at least one club shaft.
3) The system, according to claim 2, wherein said at least one club
head further comprises: a) at least one back portion structured and
arranged to be removably coupled with said at least one face
portion; and b) at least one back-portion coupler structured and
arranged to couple said at least one back portion with said at
least one face portion.
4) The system, according to claim 3, wherein said at least one
releasable lock comprises: a) at least one clamp assembly
structured and arranged to firmly clamp said at least one club
shaft between said at least one face portion and said at least one
back portion; b) wherein said at least one clamp assembly comprises
at least one adjustable compressor structured and arranged to
adjustably compress said at least one face portion and said at
least one back portion against said at least one club shaft; c)
wherein such adjustable compression by said at least one clamp
assembly contemporaneously locks said at least one club shaft to
prevent both said at least one first continuous freedom of movement
and said at least one second continuous freedom of movement
relative to said at least one club head.
5) The system, according to claim 4, wherein said at least one
adjustable compressor comprises said at least one back-portion
coupler.
6) The system, according to claim 4, wherein: a) said at least one
club head comprises at least one threaded receiver; and b) said at
least one back-portion coupler comprises at least one threaded
fastener structured and arranged to engage said at least one
threaded receiver of said at least one club head.
7) The system, according to claim 3, wherein said at least one face
portion comprises at least one first component set containing at
least two said at least one face portions, each said at least one
face portion of said at least one first component set comprising at
least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each
other member of said at least one first component set.
8) The system, according to claim 6, wherein such at least one
particular physical characteristic of said at least one face
portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other
member of said at least one first component set.
9) The system, according to claim 6, wherein such at least one
particular physical characteristic of said at least one face
portion comprises said at least one strike face having a strike
face-geometry distinct from each other member of said at least one
first component set.
10) The system, according to claim 6, wherein said at least one
back portion comprise at least one second component set containing
at least two said at least one back portions, each said at least
one back portion of said at least one second component set
comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct
from each other member of said at least one second component
set.
11) The system, according to claim 9, wherein such at least one
particular physical characteristic of said at least one back
portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other
member of said at least one second component set.
12) The system, according to claim 6, wherein said at least one
club shaft comprise at least one third component set containing at
least two said at least one club shafts, each said at least one
club shaft of said at least one third component set comprising at
least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each
other member of said at least one third component set.
13) The system, according to claim 11, wherein: a) said at least
one distal shaft end comprises at least one shaft offset structured
and arranged to offset said at least one club head from at least
one principal axis of said at least one club shaft; b) such at
least one particular physical characteristic of said at least one
club shaft comprises said at least one shaft offset; and c) each
said at least one club shaft comprises at least one said at least
one shaft offset distinct from each other member of said at least
one third component set.
14) The system, according to claim 1, wherein: a) such at least one
continuous defined path comprises at least one linear slot; and b)
said at least one distal shaft end comprises at least one
projecting engager structured and arranged to movably engage said
at least one linear slot.
15) The system, according to claim 1, further comprising guide
indicia structured and arranged to assist in visually guiding user
operation during putting.
16) The system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one
face portion comprise at least one sole portion at least partially
extending under said at least one back portion during use.
17) The system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one
sole portion is shaped to form identifying indicia.
18) A system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising:
a) at least one club head and at least one club shaft, said at
least one club shaft structured and arranged to be adjustably
joined with said at least one club head; b) wherein said at least
one club shaft comprises i) at least one hand-grippable portion,
and ii) at least one hosel end structured and arranged to be
engagable with said at least one club head; c) wherein said at
least one club head comprises i) at least one face portion having
at least one strike face structured and arranged to strike the golf
ball, ii) at least one shaft-end receiver structured and arranged
to receive said at least one hosel end of said at least one club
shaft, and iii) at least one releasable lock structured and
arranged to releseably lock said at least one club shaft relative
to said at least one club head; d) wherein said at least one club
shaft, when adjustably joined with said at least one club head,
comprises i) at least one continuous translational movement,
relative to said at least one club head, along at least one linear
axis extending between at least one toe portion and at least one
heel portion of said at least one club head, and ii) at least one
continuous rotational movement, relative to said at least one club
head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one
portion of said at least one club head; and e) wherein said at
least one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to
contemporaneously lock said at least one club shaft to prevent both
said continuous translational movement and said at least one
continuous rotational movement relative to said at least one club
head.
19) A system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising:
a) ball striker means for striking the golf ball, said ball striker
means comprising at least one toe portion and at least one heel
portion; b) hand manipulator means for assisting hand manipulation
of said ball striker means while a user stands adjacent the golf
ball in a generally upright position; c) adjustable joiner means
for adjustably joining said ball striker means with said hand
manipulator means; d) releasable locker means for releseably
locking said hand manipulator means in a user-selected position
relative to said ball striker means; e) wherein said hand
manipulator means, when adjustably joined with said ball striker
means, comprises i) at least one first continuous freedom of
movement, relative to said ball striker means, along at least one
defined path extending continuously between said at least one toe
portion and said at least one heel portion of said ball striker
means, and ii) at least one second continuous freedom of movement,
relative to said ball striker means, about at least one pivot axis
intersecting at least one portion of said ball striker means; and
iii) wherein said releasable locker means contemporaneously locks
said hand manipulator means to prevent both said at least one first
continuous freedom of movement and said at least one second
continuous freedom of movement relative to said ball striker
means.
20) Each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or
method disclosed or suggested by this patent application.
Description
[0001] This non-provisional application is a conversion of
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/584,542.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This invention relates to providing a system for improved
golf putters. More particularly, this invention relates to
providing a system of user-customizable golf putters.
[0003] Proficient golfers would like to customize their putter to
fit their particular putting stroke. For most participants of the
sport, acquiring such a "custom" golf putter is prohibitively
expensive.
OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION
[0004] A primary object and feature of the present invention is to
provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problem(s).
[0005] It is a further object and feature of the present invention
to provide such a system providing a golf putter having a
replaceable, removable handle, multi-part modular head components,
and adjustments for the handle in relation to the club head,
including an adjustable handle-positioner.
[0006] A further primary object and feature of the present
invention is to provide such a system that is efficient,
inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this
invention will become apparent with reference to the following
descriptions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system relating to user-customizable golf
putters comprising: at least one club head structured and arranged
to strike the golf ball, such at least one club head comprising at
least one toe portion and at least one heel portion; at least one
club shaft structured and arranged to assist hand manipulation of
such at least one club head while a user stands adjacent the golf
ball in a generally upright position; at least one adjustable
coupler structured and arranged to adjustably couple such at least
one club head with such at least one club shaft; and at least one
releasable lock structured and arranged to releseably lock such at
least one club shaft in a user-selected position relative to such
at least one club head; wherein such at least one club shaft, when
adjustably coupled with such at least one club head, comprises at
least one first continuous freedom of movement, relative to such at
least one club head, along at least one defined path extending
continuously between such at least one toe portion and such at
least one heel portion of such at least one club head, and at least
one second continuous freedom of movement, relative to such at
least one club head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at
least one portion of such at least one club head; and wherein such
at least one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to
contemporaneously lock such at least one club shaft to prevent both
such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at
least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such at
least one club head.
[0008] Moreover, it provides such a system wherein: such at least
one club shaft comprises at least one hand grippable shaft end and
at least one distal shaft end located generally opposite such at
least one hand grippable shaft end; and such at least one club head
comprises at least one face portion having at least one strike face
structured and arranged to strike the golf ball during a putt, and
at least one shaft-end receiver structured and arranged to receive
such at least one distal shaft end of such at least one club shaft.
Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
club head further comprises: at least one back portion structured
and arranged to be removably coupled with such at least one face
portion; and at least one back-portion coupler structured and
arranged to firmly couple such at least one back portion with such
at least one face portion. Also, it provides such a system wherein
such at least one releasable lock comprises: at least one clamp
assembly structured and arranged to firmly clamp such at least one
club shaft between such at least one face portion and such at least
one back portion; wherein such at least one clamp comprises at
least one adjustable compressor structured and arranged to
adjustably compress such at least one face portion and such at
least one back portion against such at least one club shaft;
wherein such adjustable compression by such at least one clamp
contemporaneously locks such at least one club shaft to prevent
both such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and
such at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to
such at least one club head.
[0009] In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least
one adjustable compressor comprises such at least one back-portion
coupler. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
back-portion coupler comprises at least one threaded fastener
structured and arranged to engage at least one threaded receiver of
such at least one club head. Further, it provides such a system
wherein such at least one face portion comprise at least one first
component set containing at least two such at least one face
portions, each such at least one face portion of such at least one
first component set comprising at least one particular physical
characteristic distinct from each other member of such at least one
first component set.
[0010] Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at
least one particular physical characteristic of such at least one
face portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other
member of such at least one first component set. Moreover, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one particular
physical characteristic of such at least one face portion comprises
such at least one strike face having a strike face-geometry
distinct from each other member of such at least one first
component set. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such
at least one back portion comprise at least one second component
set containing at least two such at least one back portions, each
such at least one back portion of such at least one second
component set comprising at least one particular physical
characteristic distinct from each other member of such at least one
second component set.
[0011] Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one
particular physical characteristic of such at least one back
portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other
member of such at least one second component set. In addition, it
provides such a system wherein such at least one club shaft
comprise at least one third component set containing at least two
such at least one club shafts, each such at least one club shaft of
such at least one third component set comprising at least one
particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member
of such at least one third component set. And, it provides such a
system wherein: such at least one distal shaft end comprises at
least one shaft offset structured and arranged to offset such at
least one club head from such at least one principal axis of such
at least one club shaft; such at least one particular physical
characteristic of such at least one club shaft comprises such at
least one shaft offset; and each such at least one club shaft
comprises at least one such at least one shaft offset distinct from
each other member of such at least one third component set.
[0012] Further, it provides such a system wherein: such at least
one continuous defined path comprises at least one linear slot; and
such at least one distal shaft end comprises at least one
projecting engager structured and arranged to movably engage such
at least one linear slot. Even further, it provides such a system
further comprising guide indicia structured and arranged to assist
in visually guiding user operation during such putt. Even further,
it provides such a system wherein such at least one face portion
comprise at least one sole portion at least partially extending
under such at least one back portion during use.
[0013] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system relating to user-customizable golf
putters comprising: at least one club head and at least one club
shaft, such at least one club shaft structured and arranged to be
adjustably joined with such at least one club head; wherein such at
least one club shaft comprises at least one hand-grippable portion,
and at least one hosel end structured and arranged to be engagable
with such at least one club head; wherein such at least one club
head comprises at least one face portion having at least one strike
face structured and arranged to strike the golf ball, at least one
shaft-end receiver structured and arranged to receive such at least
one hosel end of such at least one club shaft, and at least one
releasable lock structured and arranged to releseably lock such at
least one club shaft relative to such at least one club head;
wherein such at least one club shaft, when adjustably joined with
such at least one club head, comprises at least one continuous
translational movement, relative to such at least one club head,
along at least one linear axis extending between at least one toe
portion and at least one heel portion of such at least one club
head, and at least one continuous rotational movement, relative to
such at least one club head, about at least one pivot axis
intersecting at least one portion of such at least one club head;
and wherein such at least one releasable lock is further structured
and arranged to contemporaneously lock such at least one club shaft
to prevent both such continuous translational movement and such at
least one continuous rotational movement relative to such at least
one club head.
[0014] In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this
invention provides a system relating to user-customizable golf
putters comprising: ball striker means for striking the golf ball,
such ball striker means comprising at least one toe portion and at
least one heel portion; hand manipulator means for assisting hand
manipulation of such ball striker means while a user stands
adjacent the golf ball in a generally upright position; adjustable
joiner means for adjustably joining such ball striker means with
such hand manipulator means; releasable locker means for releseably
locking such hand manipulator means in a user-selected position
relative to such ball striker means; wherein such hand manipulator
means, when adjustably joined with such ball striker means,
comprises at least one first continuous freedom of movement,
relative to such ball striker means, along at least one defined
path extending continuously between such at least one toe portion
and such at least one heel portion of such ball striker means, and
at least one second continuous freedom of movement, relative to
such ball striker means, about at least one pivot axis intersecting
at least one portion of such ball striker means; and wherein such
releasable locker means contemporaneously locks such hand
manipulator means to prevent both such at least one first
continuous freedom of movement and such at least one second
continuous freedom of movement relative to such ball striker means.
In accordance with the preferred embodiments hereof, this invention
provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step
and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent
application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating a golfer
executing a putt utilizing a customizable golf putter, according to
a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, illustrating a preferred
multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
1.
[0017] FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram, illustrating preferred
freedoms of movement of a club shaft relative to a club head of the
customizable golf putter, according to the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view, of multi-part club head,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0019] FIG. 5 shows the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3 according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0020] FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the sectional view 5-5 of
FIG. 3.
[0021] FIG. 7 shows a rear elevational view, of a continuous guide
slot, located within a face portion of an alternate club head,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view, illustrating an alternate
multi-part club head, according to another preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows a top view, illustrating an alternate
multi-part club head, according to another preferred embodiment of
the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows a rear view, illustrating the alternate
multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
8.
[0025] FIG. 11 shows a rear view, in partial section, illustrating
a continuous guide slot of the alternate multi-part club head,
according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8.
[0026] FIG. 12 shows a side view, illustrating the alternate
multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
8.
[0027] FIG. 13 shows a front view, illustrating the alternate
multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG.
8.
[0028] FIG. 14 shows a diagram illustrating a series of modular
components usable to produce one or more user-customized
embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF
THE INVENTION
[0029] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating a golfer 101
(at least embodying herein the player or user) executing a golf
putt utilizing customizable golf putter 102, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention. The golf putter 102
depicted in FIG. 1 illustrates one preferred embodiment of golf
putter system 100, which preferably provides a range of
user-modifiable golf putters, each one having a user-selectable
club shaft 104 adjustably coupled to a modular/multi-part club head
106. Preferred embodiments of golf putter system 100 preferably
allow a user to fine-tune his or her game by optimizing the
physical configuration of the club to best fit the specific
preferences of the individual. Preferably, a user may assemble golf
putter 102 by selecting from a preferred group of modular
subcomponents of the system. The user may preferably test and
re-select subcomponents until a suitable combination is achieved.
After assembly, the user is preferably provided with a number of
additional adjustments, thus allowing the user to further modify
and refine the configuration of the apparatus to best match the
player's needs.
[0030] Club shaft 104 preferably comprises a rigid or semi-rigid
elongated shaft preferably configured to assist hand manipulation
of club head 106 while golfer 101 stands adjacent golf ball 118 in
a generally upright position, as shown (at least embodying herein
hand manipulator means for assisting hand manipulation of such ball
striker means while a user stands adjacent the golf ball in a
generally upright position). Club shaft 104 preferably comprises an
upper hand-grippable shaft end 113, lower distal shaft end 115
(located generally opposite hand-grippable shaft end 113), and a
principal shaft axis 121 extending between hand-grippable shaft end
113 and distal shaft end 115, as shown.
[0031] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, illustrating a preferred
multi-part club head 106 adjustably coupled to the distal shaft end
115 of club shaft 104, according to the preferred embodiment of
FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram, illustrating preferred
freedoms-of-movement 108 of club shaft 104 relative to club head
106 of customizable golf putter 102, according to the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0032] Referring first to FIG. 2, it is noted that the preferred
geometries of the various assembled embodiments of club head 106
vary; however, each embodiment preferably includes a set of common
features, preferably including a toe portion 110, heel portion 112,
face portion 114 (having a strike face 116 to strike golf ball 118
during the putt), and at least one back portion 120, as shown (at
least embodying herein ball striker means for striking the golf
ball, such ball striker means comprising at least one toe portion
and at least one heal portion).
[0033] Club head 106 is preferably joined with club shaft 104 in an
adjustable manner. Customizable golf putter 102 preferably is
configured to comprise a user-adjustable coupler 122 providing a
means for coupling face portion 114 and back portion 120 in
addition to enabling several important positional adjustments
between club head 106 and club shaft 104.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3, adjustable coupler 122 (at least
embodying herein adjustable joiner means for adjustably joining
such ball striker means with such hand manipulator means)
preferably allows multiple adjustments to the configuration of
customizable golf putter 102, preferably by enabling multiple
freedoms of movements of club shaft 104 relative to club head 106.
Preferably, a first continuous freedom of movement 124 enables
selectable positioning of club shaft 104, relative to club head
106, along at least one defined path 128 extending generally
between toe portion 110 and heel portion 112 of club head 106, as
shown. This preferred adjustment feature enables a user to alter
the position at which club shaft 104 engages club head 106.
Preferably, the range of heel-to-toe adjustment varies with
club-head design, but generally comprises an adjustment distance A
of less than about four inches (about 10 centimeters). Thus, among
other things, the heel-to-toe balance of club head 106, relative to
the shaft-support point, may be altered to suit the preferences of
a specific player.
[0035] A second continuous freedom of movement 126 preferably
provides user adjustment to the lie angle of club shaft 104
relative to club head 106. More specifically, second continuous
freedom of movement 126 preferably provides a user adjustment of
angle of club shaft 104, relative to club head 106, along pivot
axis 130, as shown. Preferably, pivot axis 130 comprises a position
intersecting at least one portion of club head 106 and is
preferably orientated generally transversely to the toe-heel axis
132 of club head 106. Preferably, the range of lie-angle adjustment
varies with club-head design, but generally comprises an adjustment
angle Q of less than about 90 degrees. It is noted that this
preferred adjustment, in some preferred club designs, permits the
handing of the putter to be changed from right to left.
[0036] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view, depicting a preferred
arrangement of modular subcomponents forming the preferred version
of multi-part club head 106 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Club
head 106 preferably comprises two primary modular components
identified herein as face portion 114 and back portion 120. As
illustrated in the exploded view, back portion 120 is preferably
detachable from face portion 114. In a preferred arrangement of the
system, back portion 120 is coupled to face portion 114 in a
removable manner, as shown. Preferably, back portion 120 is coupled
to face portion 114 by one or more back-portion couplers 138,
preferably comprising one or more threaded fasteners 140, as shown.
Preferably, each threaded fastener 140 passes through a respective
smooth-bore aperture 154, preferably located within back portion
120, before engaging a corresponding threaded receiver 142 located
within face portion 114, as shown. In the depicted embodiment of
FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, two symmetrically located back-portion couplers
138 are preferably used, as shown.
[0037] Back-portion couplers 138 are preferably configured to draw
back portion 120 toward face portion 114 by threading fasteners 140
into their respective threaded receivers 142. In the depicted
embodiment, the preferred threaded fasteners 140 comprise 1/4-inch
diameter recessed-socket-head bolts, as shown. Upon reading this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as design preference, user preferences, cost, structural
requirements, other coupling arrangements, such as, for example,
alternate bolt configurations (particularly those meeting the
player-removal restrictions of regulatory organizations such as the
USGA, the PGA, the LPGA, etc.), spring clips, interlocking
couplers, magnetic couplers, etc., may suffice.
[0038] The exploded view of FIG. 4 further depicts preferred
physical arrangements of a shaft-end receiver 146 that is
preferably designed to receive and guide lower distal shaft end 115
in a movable manner along defined path 128. In the preferred
embodiment of FIG. 4, defined path 128 is substantially linear,
with shaft-end receiver 146 comprising a continuous guide slot 148,
preferably a substantially linear recessed slot having a preferred
depth of about 1/16 inch, which is preferably located within the
rear of face portion 114, as shown, as shown. Upon reading this
specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now
appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such
issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing
preferences, cost, etc., other defined path arrangements such as,
for example, non-linear (curved) paths, segmented (discontinuous)
paths, etc., may suffice.
[0039] FIG. 5 shows the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3 according to
the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows an exploded view
of the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3. Reference is now made to FIG.
5 and FIG. 6 with continued reference to the exploded view of FIG.
4.
[0040] Distal shaft end 115 is preferably configured to comprise at
least one projecting engager 150 designed to movably engage guide
slot 148. Projecting engager 150 preferably establishes a set of
geometric constraints on the physical connection between shaft and
club head, while maintaining the preferred adjustments described
above. Projecting engager 150 preferably comprises a pin 152,
preferably a cylindrical pin having a length and outer diameter
sufficiently smaller than the height and depth of guide slot 148
(preferably a diameter of about 1/16 inch). This preferred
geometric arrangement permits shaft end 115 to contemporaneously
pivot and slide within the recessed guide slot. Preferably, pin 152
further defines pivot axis 130 in the assembled device.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 4 through FIG. 6, guide slot 148 is
preferably nested within a larger linear recess 156 formed within
the rear surface 158 of face portion 114, as shown. This larger
linear recess 156 preferably functions to provide operable
clearance for distal shaft end 115 when the apparatus is assembled.
Preferably, linear recess 156 comprises a depth B less than but
closely equal to the about 1/4-inch thickness C of distal shaft end
115 (preferably comprising a difference of about 1 millimeter).
[0042] When assembled as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, distal shaft
end 115 is preferably situated within linear recess 156 between
face portion 114 and back portion 120. Preferably, face portion
114, back portion 120, and the back-portion couplers 138
cooperatively interact to produce a releasable lock 160 to
releseably lock club shaft 104 in a user-selected position relative
to club head 106 (at least embodying herein releasable locker means
for releseably locking such hand manipulator means in a
user-selected position relative to such ball striker means). The
act of tightening the back-portion couplers 138 preferably urges
the back portion 120 in frictional contact with distal shaft end
115 and distal shaft end 115 in frictional contact with face
portion 114. This preferred adjustment operation produces a
positional locking of club shaft 104 that contemporaneously prevent
the first continuous freedom of movement 124 and the second
continuous freedom of movement 126 relative to club head 106 (at
least embodying herein wherein such adjustable compression by such
at least one clamp contemporaneously locks such at least one club
shaft to prevent both such at least one first continuous freedom of
movement and such at least one second continuous freedom of
movement relative to such at least one club head and at least
embodying herein wherein such releasable locker means
contemporaneously locks such hand manipulator means to prevent both
such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at
least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such
ball striker means).
[0043] Manipulation of the back-portion couplers 138 preferably
enables adjustments to the levels of compression-force developed by
face portion 114 and back portion 120 against distal shaft end 115
(at least embodying herein at least one adjustable compressor
structured and arranged to adjustably compress such at least one
face portion and such at least one back portion against such at
least one club shaft). Accordingly, the preferred arrangements of
face portion 114, back portion 120, and the back-portion couplers
138 cooperatively interact to produce a clamp assembly 162
structured and arranged to firmly clamp club shaft 104 between face
portion 114 and back portion 120.
[0044] Most preferred embodiments of face portion 114 are
preferably configured to comprise a dedicated strike face 164 (see
FIG. 13) designed to strike golf ball 118 during a putt.
Preferably, strike face 164 is generally flat and smooth and
preferably comprises the same material composition as the overall
face portion 114. Preferred materials of club head 106 are hard and
rigid, more preferably metallic, most preferably steel. Upon
reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art
will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances,
considering such issues as design preference, user preferences,
marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available
materials, technological advances, etc., other material selections
such as, for example, dense polymers, metallic alloys (such as,
titanium or aluminum), multi-material composites, etc., may
suffice.
[0045] Alternately preferably, strike face 164 may consist of a
generally flat surface having a selected loft angle (The loft of
the putter defined as the angle formed by the strike face 164 and a
level surface when the putter is held in a generally neutral
position at address). Alternately preferably, strike face 164 may
comprise surface textures and/or portions comprising alternate
materials, as generally shown in FIG. 13.
[0046] In addition, face portion 114 preferably comprises a lower
sole portion 166, which, in most preferred embodiments of the
system, is preferably configured to at least partially extend under
back portion 120 when assembled. Sole portion 166 is preferably
configured to move smoothly over the green surface during a putting
stroke.
[0047] FIG. 7 shows a rear elevational view, of an alternate club
head 180, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Although
the toe portion 110 and heel portion 112 of alternate club head 180
comprise alternate shapes, alternate club head 180 retains the
essential functional features of the prior-described embodiment.
These features preferably include the provision of guide slot 148,
threaded receivers 142, and sole portion 166 (it is noted that rear
face 158 of alternate face portion 114 is preferably smooth with
the linear recess 156 preferably located within back portion
120).
[0048] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view, illustrating an alternate
multi-part club head 190, according to another preferred embodiment
of the present invention. In this preferred alternate embodiment,
sole portion 166 is preferably enlarged to assist the player "sole"
the putter flat to the putting surface. In addition, the enlarged
sole portion 166 comprises a physical shape that produces
distinctive indicia (in this preferred example, a suggested letter
"W"), as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with
ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under
appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design
preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost,
structural requirements, available materials, technological
advances, etc., other apparatus arrangements such as, for example,
features assisting alignment of the apparatus during use, alternate
indicia, etc., may suffice. Club head 106 may further preferably
comprise guide indicia 165 structured and arranged to assist in
visually guiding user operation during such putt. Preferred guide
indicia 165 include recessed sighting grooves located in the upper
visible surface of the club head, built-in sighting features, inset
disks, etc., as shown.
[0049] FIG. 9 shows a top view, illustrating another alternate
multi-part club head 200, according to an addition preferred
embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred alternate
embodiment, sole portion 166 is also preferably enlarged and again
has been configured to be suggestive of the letter "W". FIG. 10
shows a rear view of the alternate multi-part club head 200 of FIG.
8. Visible in FIG. 10 are back portion 120, back-portion couplers
138, and sole portion 166.
[0050] FIG. 11 shows a rear view, in partial section, illustrating
a continuous guide slot 148 of the alternate multi-part club head
200 of FIG. 8. Also visible in FIG. 11 are back portion 120,
threaded receivers 142, back-portion coupler 138, and sole portion
166.
[0051] FIG. 12 shows a side view and FIG. 13 shows a front view of
the alternate multi-part club head 200 of FIG. 8. Visible in FIG.
12 are face portion 114, back portion 120, and sole portion 166.
Visible in FIG. 13 is face portion 114, preferably including a
strike-face feature 202 and indicia 204. Strike-face feature 202
preferably comprises a urethane or similar polymer material
inserted into the face, as shown. When an insert is incorporated
into strike face 116, it is preferably flush with the rest of the
face so that the face remains substantially smooth.
[0052] The measure for the "hardness" of strike face 116 is
preferably made using a durometer scale rating. Preferably, strike
face 116 comprises a hardness of no less than about 85 on a Shore A
scale durometer.
[0053] Alternate multi-part club head 200 further demonstrates the
diverse range of shapes and sizes possible within preferred designs
of club head 106. Most preferred design, however, generally conform
to a common set of design criteria. When club head 106 is in its
normal address position (as generally depicted in FIG. 1), the
distance from the heel to the toe is greater than or equal to the
distance from strike face 116 to the rear-most portion of club head
106, the distance D from toe portion 110 to heel portion 112 is
less than or equal to about seven inches (about 178 millimeters),
and the distance E from the base of sole portion 166 to the top of
the head is less than or equal to about 21/2 inches (about 63.5
millimeters).
[0054] FIG. 14 shows a diagram illustrating a series of modular
components usable to produce one or more user-customized
embodiments of the present invention. As described above, each
customizable golf putter 102 of golf putter system 100 preferably
comprise a user-selectable club shaft 104 adjustably coupled to a
modular/multi-part club head 106. Preferred embodiments of golf
putter system 100 preferably allow a user to fine-tune his or her
game by optimizing the physical configuration of the club to best
fit the specific preferences of the individual. Preferably, a user
may assemble golf putter 102 by selecting from groups of modular
subcomponent sets of the system. The user may preferably test and
re-select subcomponents until a suitable combination is
achieved.
[0055] Preferably, golf putter system 100 comprise at least one
first component set 300 containing at least two face portions 114,
each face portion 114 of first component set 300 preferably
comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct
from each other member of first component set 300. The distinct
physical characteristics of each face portion 114 within first
component set 300 may preferably be selected from a broad range of
potential features. Such features may preferably comprise distinct
shapes, distinct sizes, distinct face textures, distinct face
materials with distinct mechanical characteristics, distinct
markings, etc. One distinct physical characteristic preferably
selected for face portions 114 of first component set 300 is
weight. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, each
face portion 114 of the set preferably comprises a weight distinct
from each other member of the set.
[0056] In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present system,
each face portion 114 of first component set 300 preferably
comprises a strike face 116 having a strike face-geometry distinct
from each other member of first component set 300. This may
preferably include differing face sizes, differing surface
patterns, differing insert materials/geometries, etc.
[0057] Similarly, golf putter system 100 further comprise at least
one second component set 302 preferably containing at least two
back portions 120, with each back portion 120 of second component
set 302 preferably comprising at least one particular physical
characteristic distinct from each other member of second component
set 302. As with the face portions, the distinct physical
characteristics of each back portion 120 within second component
set 302 may preferably be selected from a broad range of potential
features. Such features may preferably comprise distinct shapes,
distinct sizes, distinct materials with distinct mechanical
characteristics, distinct markings, etc. One distinct physical
characteristic preferably selected for back portion 120 of second
component set 302 is again component weight. In one preferred
embodiment of the present system, each back portion 120 of the set
preferably comprises a weight distinct from each other member of
the set.
[0058] Golf putter system 100 further comprise at least one third
component set 304 preferably containing at least two distinct club
shafts 104, with each club shaft 104 of third component set 304
preferably comprising at least one particular physical
characteristic distinct from each other member of third component
set 304.
[0059] As with the prior sets, the distinct physical
characteristics of each club shaft 104 within third component set
304 may preferably be selected from a wide range of potential shaft
features. Such features may preferably include distinct shaft
lengths, distinct grips, distinct materials with distinct
mechanical characteristics, etc. One distinct physical
characteristic preferably selected for club shafts 104 of third
component set 304 is shaft offset 306 at the lower distal shaft end
115, as shown. More specifically, each club shaft 104 of third
component set 304 is preferably arranged to, when assembled, offset
club head 106 from principal shaft axis 121, as shown. It should be
noted that a club shaft 104 of third component set 304 my
preferably comprise an offset distance of zero (0), a shown.
Preferably, each club shaft 104 of the set comprises at least one
shaft offset 306 distinct from each other member of third component
set 304, as shown.
[0060] Although applicant has described applicant's preferred
embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the
broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as
diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by
the below claims as read in connection with the above
specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the
above descriptions and the below claims.
* * * * *