U.S. patent application number 13/581147 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for a golf putter with special sole configuration.
The applicant listed for this patent is Roy Arthur Ainscough, Yvonne Ainscough. Invention is credited to Roy Arthur Ainscough, Yvonne Ainscough.
Application Number | 20130210537 13/581147 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42125700 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130210537 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ainscough; Roy Arthur ; et
al. |
August 15, 2013 |
A GOLF PUTTER WITH SPECIAL SOLE CONFIGURATION
Abstract
A golf putter head (10) having an under surface (14) for
contacting the ground and a ball-striking face. The under surface
comprises a setting surface (26), operable to facilitate setting of
the putter in the most optimum position on the ground prior to
putting a golf ball, and a first lateral surface (28) and a second
lateral surface (30), the setting surface being disposed adjacent
and between the first and second lateral surfaces, wherein at least
one of the first and second lateral surfaces are disposed at an
angle relative to the setting surface.
Inventors: |
Ainscough; Roy Arthur;
(Macclesfield, GB) ; Ainscough; Yvonne;
(Macclesfield, GB) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ainscough; Roy Arthur
Ainscough; Yvonne |
Macclesfield
Macclesfield |
|
GB
GB |
|
|
Family ID: |
42125700 |
Appl. No.: |
13/581147 |
Filed: |
February 25, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
February 25, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/GB11/00261 |
371 Date: |
December 5, 2012 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
473/252 ;
473/254; 473/331; 473/340 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0487 20130101;
A63B 53/0433 20200801; A63B 53/0441 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/252 ;
473/340; 473/254; 473/331 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 26, 2010 |
GB |
GB 1003286.0 |
Claims
1. A golf putter head comprising an under surface, for contacting
the ground, and a ball-striking face, wherein the under surface
comprises a setting surface, operable to facilitate setting of the
putter in the most optimum position on the ground prior to putting
a golf ball, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral
surface, the setting surface being disposed adjacent and between
the first and second lateral surfaces, wherein at least one of the
first and second lateral surfaces are disposed at an angle relative
to the setting surface.
2. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the under
surface further comprises a front peripheral surface and a rear
peripheral surface, the setting surface being disposed adjacent to
and between the front and rear peripheral surfaces, wherein at
least one of the front and rear peripheral surfaces are disposed at
an angle relative to the setting surface.
3. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the center of
gravity of the putter head extends through the setting surface.
4. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 1, comprising a leading
edge along which the under surface meets with the ball striking
face, wherein the leading edge is rounded or chamfered.
5. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 1, comprising an upper
surface comprising a plurality of substantially conically shaped
holes, each hole tapering to a visual alignment point which
collectively provide an alignment axis extending substantially
perpendicular relative to the plane of the ball-striking face.
6. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 1, comprising an upper
surface having a plurality of parallel elongate alignment marks
extending in a parallel relationship with an alignment axis
extending substantially perpendicular relative to the plane of the
ball-striking face.
7. A golf putter as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball-striking
surface comprises a plurality grooves extending thereinto, wherein
adjacent grooves are spaced between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm apart,
measured from center-to-center of adjacent grooves on the plane of
the surface of the ball striking face.
8. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 7, wherein the adjacent
grooves are spaced approximately 2 mm apart.
9. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least part
of one or more of the grooves are substantially arcuate in
cross-section.
10. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grooves
extend into the ball-striking face to a depth of less than 3
mm.
11. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 10, wherein the grooves
extend into the ball-striking face to a depth of approximately 0.25
mm.
12. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 7, wherein two or more
of the plurality of grooves are disposed in a substantially
parallel relationship relative to each other.
13. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 12, wherein adjacent
parallel grooves are disposed less than 2 mm apart.
14. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 13, wherein adjacent
parallel grooves are disposed approximately 0.7 mm apart.
15. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 7, wherein the grooves
are less than 2.5 mm wide.
16. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 15, wherein the grooves
are approximately 1.3 mm wide.
17. A golf putter head as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ball
striking face has a loft of approximately 4.degree. or less,
relative to a vertical plane.
18. A golf putter comprising a shaft and a golf putter head as
claimed in claim 1.
19. A golf putter as claimed in claim 18, wherein the shaft extends
upwards from the putter head at an angle towards the plane of the
ball-striking surface.
20. A golf putter as claimed in claim 18, wherein the shaft extends
at an angle of between 10.degree. and 25.degree. relative to a
vertical axis of the putter head.
21. A golf putter as claimed in claim 20, wherein the shaft extends
at an angle of approximately 19.degree. relative to a vertical axis
of the putter head.
22. (canceled)
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to golf clubs, particularly to
golf putters and more particularly to improving the striking of a
golf ball with the ball striking face of golf putters.
[0002] Golf putters have traditionally had a relatively smooth
ball-striking face, whereas the ball-striking face of wood-type and
iron-type golf clubs have been provided with grooves. Upon striking
a golf ball, the grooves engage the ball and cause it to spin to
enhance a golf shot in a predetermined manner. However, the present
invention does not relate to wood-type nor iron-type golf clubs,
but to putters only.
[0003] In order to achieve accuracy in a golf putt, both in
direction and length, it is desirable for the golf ball to begin to
properly roll as soon as possible after being struck and also for
the golf ball to maintain the energy imparted to it from the golf
putter. A common problem with many known golf putters is that upon
striking a golf ball they cause the ball to skid along the surface
of the ground, thereby reducing the directional accuracy and energy
imparted to the ball from the putter.
[0004] Furthermore, if a golf ball is struck by a putter which upon
striking the ball is not properly square with the underlying ground
the directional accuracy and energy imparted to the ball by the
putter is significantly reduced.
[0005] The object of the present invention is to at least
substantially mitigate the above-mentioned problems with known golf
putters.
[0006] According to the present invention there is provided a golf
putter head comprising an under surface, for contacting the ground,
and a ball-striking face, wherein the under surface comprises a
setting surface, operable to facilitate setting of the putter in
the most optimum position on the ground prior to putting a golf
ball, and a first lateral surface and a second lateral surface, the
setting surface being disposed adjacent and between the first and
second lateral surfaces, wherein at least one of the first and
second lateral surfaces are disposed at an angle relative to the
setting surface.
[0007] The under surface advantageously further comprises a front
peripheral surface and a rear peripheral surface, the setting
surface being disposed adjacent to and between the front and rear
peripheral surfaces, wherein at least one of the front and rear
peripheral surfaces are disposed at an angle relative to the
setting surface.
[0008] The centre of gravity of the putter head advantageously
extends through the setting surface.
[0009] The golf putter head preferably comprises a leading edge
along which the under surface meets with the ball striking face,
wherein the leading edge is rounded or chamfered.
[0010] The golf putter head advantageously comprises an upper
surface having a plurality of substantially conically shaped holes,
each hole tapering to a visual alignment point which collectively
provide an alignment axis extending substantially perpendicular
relative to the plane of the ball-striking face.
[0011] The golf putter head advantageously comprises an upper
surface having a plurality of parallel elongate alignment marks
extending in a parallel relationship with an alignment axis
extending substantially perpendicular relative to the plane of the
ball-striking face.
[0012] The ball-striking face advantageously comprises a plurality
grooves extending thereinto, wherein adjacent grooves are spaced
between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm apart, measured from centre-to-centre of
adjacent grooves on the plane of the surface of the ball striking
face. More preferably, the adjacent grooves are spaced
approximately 2 mm apart.
[0013] At least part of each groove is substantially arcuate in
cross-section.
[0014] The grooves extend into the ball-striking face preferably to
a depth of less than 3 mm, and more preferably to a depth of
approximately 0.25 mm.
[0015] Two or more of the plurality of grooves are advantageously
disposed in a substantially parallel relationship relative to each
other. The adjacent parallel grooves are disposed preferably less
than 2 mm apart, and more preferably approximately 0.7 mm
apart.
[0016] The grooves are preferably less than 2.5 mm wide and more
preferably are approximately 1.3 mm wide.
[0017] The ball striking face advantageously has a loft of
approximately 4.degree. or less, relative to a substantially
vertical plane.
[0018] According to the present invention, there is also provided a
golf putter comprising a shaft and a golf putter head as mentioned
above.
[0019] The shaft advantageously extends upwards from the putter
head at an angle towards an extended plane of the ball-striking
surface.
[0020] Additionally or alternatively, the shaft extends at an angle
of between 15.degree. and 25.degree. relative to a vertical axis of
the putter head. More preferably, the shaft extends at an angle of
approximately 19.degree. relative to a vertical axis of the putter
head.
[0021] The present invention will now be described by way of
example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is a drawing of a golf putter head, according to the
present invention, showing the ball-striking face;
[0023] FIG. 2 is a drawing of an upper surface of the golf putter
head of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a drawing of a lower surface of the golf putter
head of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a cross section, through X-X, of a
detail of the putter head as shown on FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a cross section, through Y-Y, of the
putter head shown on FIG. 2; and
[0027] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a cross section, though Z-Z, of a
putter having a putter head as shown in FIG. 2.
[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a golf putter head 10, according
to the present invention, has a ball-striking surface 12, a lower
surface 14 and an upper surface 16. In normal use, the
ball-striking surface 12 is used to strike a golf ball during a
putting stroke, the lower surface 14 is used to rest the putter on
the ground adjacent the golf ball prior to the putting stroke and
the upper surface 16 faces upwardly and is in view of the user
throughout the putting stroke.
[0029] The ball-striking face 12 has a plurality of grooves 18. As
shown in the enlarged cross-section of FIG. 4, the grooves are
arcuate in shape. The arcuate shape of the grooves is significant
as it has been found to encourage a golf ball to begin to roll
sooner after having been struck and at least substantially
mitigates the tendency for the struck golf ball to skid prior to
beginning to roll. This is particularly advantageous as it enhances
the directional accuracy and energy transposed to the ball from the
putter face, when compared with known putters. The plurality of
grooves 18 are in a parallel relationship relative to each other
and extend laterally across a central ball-striking region 20 of
the ball striking face 12. The central ball striking region is
typically approximately 40 mm in width.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 4, the ball-striking face 12 has a loft of
approximately 4.degree. or less relative to a normal vertical plane
22 and may be of a particular loft to suit particular styles of
putting. However, it is preferable that the ball-striking face is
of a positive loft.
[0031] Each groove 18 extends into the ball-striking face 12 to a
maximum depth of approximately 3 mm. However, the grooves may be
shallower and in a preferred embodiment of the present invention
the grooves extend into the ball-striking face to a depth of
approximately 0.25 mm.
[0032] The maximum width of each groove 18 is less than
approximately 2.5 mm. However, in a preferred embodiment the width
of each groove is less than 2.0 mm and in a more preferred
embodiment the width of each groove is approximately 1.3 mm.
[0033] Each groove 18 is spaced apart from an adjacent groove by an
intermediate ball engaging portion 24. Each of the intermediate
ball engaging portions 24 are less than approximately 1 mm wide
(i.e. the distance between grooves). In a preferred embodiment of
the present invention the intermediate ball engaging portions 24
are approximately 0.7 mm wide.
[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the
period of the plurality of grooves 18 is 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, i.e.
the distance between adjacent grooves, measured from
centre-to-centre on the plane of the surface of the ball striking
surface. In a more preferred embodiment the period of the plurality
of grooves is approximately 2 mm.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the lower surface 14 has a setting
surface 26, a first and a second lateral surface, 28 and 30, a
front peripheral surface 32 and a rear peripheral surface 34.
[0036] The setting surface 26 is typically approximately 15 mm wide
and approximately 65 mm in length and is parallel with the plane of
the upper surface 16. The first and second lateral surfaces, 28 and
30, each extend from the setting surface 26 at angle such that
peripheral edges, 36 and 38, respectively, of the first and second
lateral surfaces are raised above an extended plane 40 of the
setting surface by approximately 3.5 mm
[0037] Similarly, the front peripheral surface 32 extends from the
setting surface 26 at an angle such that the peripheral edge 42, of
the front peripheral surface 32, is raised above the extended plane
40, of the setting surface, by approximately 1.5 mm. The peripheral
edge 42 extends along the width of the ball striking region 20 of
the ball striking surface 18.
[0038] The rear peripheral surface 34 also extends from the setting
surface 26 at an angle such that the peripheral edge 44, of the
rear peripheral surface 34, is raised above the extended plane 40
by approximately 2 mm.
[0039] The lower surface arrangement of the peripheral edges, 36,
38, 42 and 44 provides for the centre of gravity of the putter head
to pass through the setting surface 26. It will be appreciated that
other dimensions may be used within the meaning of the present
invention provided they result in the centre of gravity passing
through the central setting surface.
[0040] The lower surface 14 meets with the ball-striking face 12 at
a leading edge 46 which can be rounded or chamfered such that, in
use, when the putter head is in the down-swing stage of the putting
stroke the leading edge does not tend to make contact and
temporarily dig into the ground prior to striking the ball. This
advantageously contributes to a clean strike of the ball and
thereby facilitates the transfer of accuracy from the putter head
to the ball.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the upper surface 16 has means
for facilitating alignment of the putter head 10 with a golf ball.
The means for facilitating alignment includes a plurality of
conically shaped holes 48 disposed in linear relationship relative
to each other such as to provide an alignment axis 50 which extends
perpendicular relative to the plane of the ball-striking face 12.
Each of the holes 48 is conically shaped such that it tapers with
depth to a visible point 52. The combined effect of all the visible
points 52 provides for a more enhanced visual effect with regards
to providing the alignment axis 50.
[0042] In an alternative embodiment the holes 48 may be filled with
a material having a contrasting colour relative to the upper
surface 16, or a portion thereof adjacent the holes 48, to provide
alignment markers 48'. The alignment markers are such that they are
highly visible to the human eye relative to the remainder of the
upper surface 16. The alignment markers 48' may be made from a
plastics material.
[0043] Additionally, the means for facilitating alignment may also
include a pair of parallel elongate marks, 54 and 56, which are
disposed on the upper surface 16 either side of the alignment axis
50 such that the alignment axis 50 is equidistant between the marks
54 and 56. The marks, 54 and 56, are approximately the diameter of
a standard golf ball apart and extend perpendicular relative to the
plane of the ball-striking face 12. The marks, 54 and 56, may be
applied to the upper surface 16 or alternatively may be in the form
of grooves in the upper surface 16.
[0044] Referring again to FIG. 2, the upper surface 16 also has
means for attaching a shaft to the putter head 10. The means for
attaching a shaft may be in the form of a suitably sized shaft hole
58 into which a corresponding shaft may be inserted and fixed. It
will be appreciated that other means of attaching a shaft may be
used and other means are readily available in the prior art.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 6, a golf putter 60 comprises a putter
head 10, as described above, and a shaft 62 extending from the
shaft hole 58. The shaft is a standard golf putter shaft of a known
type being connectable to a golf putter on one end and having a
gripping surface at the opposite end. The shaft extends from the
putter head at an angle relative to a vertical plane 64, such that
when the putter head 10 is positioned square on the underlying
surface the shaft extends towards the user. The putter shown in
FIGS. 2 and 6 are examples of the putter and putter head for a
right-handed golf player, whereas for a left-handed golf player the
shaft hole 58 would be positioned towards the opposite side of the
putter head and the shaft 62 would also extend towards the opposite
side of the putter head.
[0046] In use, prior to striking a golf ball the putter head 10,
according to the present invention, is placed behind the ball and
allowed to rest with the setting surface 26 in contact with the
underlying ground. In this position, the peripheral edges (36, 38,
42 and 44) are raised above the underlying ground and the putter
head is laterally square and set in a desirable position for
striking the ball cleanly and thereby accurately transposing the
energy from the putter head to the ball. This greatly enhances the
golfer's ability to make the putt to a length that is intended. If
the putter head is resting on any of the other surfaces (i.e.
either of the lateral surfaces 28 and 30, or either of the front or
rear peripheral surfaces, 32 or 34), the golfer will be aware as
the putter will not feel balanced because, as previously mentioned,
the centre of gravity extends through the setting surface 26. In
this case, the golfer can adjust the putter head until the centre
of gravity extends through the setting surface 26. Prior to
striking the ball, the golfer then ensures by visual alignment that
the ball is positioned between the dimension of the marks, 54 and
56, and if so, aligns the ball striking face 12 to correspond with
the direction he intends to strike the ball using the alignment
axis 50 formed by the plurality of visual points 52. Once the
putter is set with respect to the setting surface 26 and the
alignment means the golfer can strike the ball.
* * * * *