Spherical Impact Putter-Face System

Abstract

Generally, a putter head for a golf club having at least one spherical face. Specifically, a putter head having a pair of spherical impact faces disposed in outwardly curved relation a distance apart by a top plate and a sole plate disposed in opposed relation to define the outer boundary of each of the spherical impact faces with the top plate further including a sight to aim the putter head.

Description

[0001] This United States Non-Provisional Patent Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/658,324, filed Jun. 11, 2012, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Generally, a putter head for a golf club having at least one spherical face. Specifically, a putter head having a pair of spherical impact faces disposed in outwardly curved relation a distance apart by a top plate and a sole plate disposed in opposed relation to define the outer boundary of each of the spherical impact faces with the top plate further including a sight to aim the putter head.

II. BACKGROUND

[0003] Conventional putters used as golf clubs for golf provide a putter head with a flat striking face. Alignment of a flat striking face must be exactly perpendicular to the intended line of travel of the struck golf ball. If the face is slightly open (the toe of the club is turned rearward) or closed (the toe of the club is turned forward), the golf ball will roll in that direction.

[0004] Many putters' have at one time or another experienced the "yips". This is a `flinch` of the golfer when the golf ball is struck with the putter. Conventional wisdom is that the flinch stems from attempting to control the `squareness` of the flat face of the putter head at impact, instead of relaxing and swinging the momentum toward the target.

[0005] The inventive putter head has a structure and function providing advantages which address the above disadvantages of conventional putters and putter heads.

III. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a putter head having at least one spherical face (or provides a pair of opposed outwardly facing spherical faces to provide an ambidextrous putter head) each of which can be aligned for impact with a golf ball.

[0007] Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide spiral pattern on each spherical face of the putter head with the spiral commencing from the impact location of each spherical impact face.

[0008] Another substantial object of the invention can be top provide a top plate and a sole plate disposed in opposed outwardly curved relation to define the corresponding outer boundaries of each of the opposed spherical faces.

[0009] Another substantial object of the invention can be provide a sight on the top plate of the putter head having sight marks which align with the impact location on each spherical face and alignable with the intended line of travel of the struck golf ball. As to certain embodiments the sight can be recessed in relation to the surface of the top plate. The depth of the recess can dispose at least a portion of the sight marks at the height of the impact location on the each spherical surface.

[0010] Another substantial object of the invention can be to provide a shaft which couples to the inventive putter head at an angle of between about 10 degrees and about 22 degrees from vertical.

[0011] Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

IV. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 is an illustration of the inventive putter and method of using the inventive putter to putt a golf ball.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a first side view of the inventive putter and putter head.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a second side view of the inventive putter and putter head.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a first end view of the inventive putter and putter head.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a second end view of the inventive putter and putter head.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a top view of the inventive putter and putter head.

[0018] FIG. 7 is bottom view of the inventive putter and putter head.

V. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] Now referring generally to FIGS. 1 through 7, which show a particular embodiment of the inventive putter (1) having a putter shaft (2) coupled to a putter head (3). Particular embodiments of the putter head (3) can have at least one spherical impact face (4)(or first spherical face (4)) having the curvature outward facing (as shown in the example of FIG. 1). The first spherical impact face (1) can be used to impact or strike a golf ball (6), as illustrated in FIG. 1. Other particular embodiments of the putter head (3) can have a pair of spherical impact faces (4)(5) (a first spherical impact face (4) and a second spherical impact face (5) disposed in opposed outwardly facing relation (as shown in the example of FIGS. 4 through 7). The first spherical impact face (4) and the second spherical impact face (5) can having substantially identical structure disposed in matched correspondence a distance (7) apart to provide a putter head (3) which can be used in ambidextrous manner in which either the first spherical impact face (4) or the second spherical impact face (5) can be used to strike the golf ball (6).

[0020] The radius (13) of the at least one spherical impact face (4) (or the first and second spherical impact faces (4)(5)) can be in a range of between about 6 inches and about 30 inches. Particular embodiments of the at least one spherical impact face (4) can have a radius selected from the group of ranges including or consisting of: about 6 inches and about 10 inches, about 6 inches and about 15 inches, about 10 inches and about 20 inches, about 15 inches and about 25 inches, about 20 inches and about 30 inches. A particular embodiment of the at least one spherical impact face (4) has a radius of about 16 inches.

[0021] Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the putter head (3) can further include a top plate (8) and a sole plate (9) which maintain the first spherical impact face (4) and the second spherical impact face (5) the distance (7) apart and which in combination define an outer boundary (10) of the first spherical impact face (4) and the second spherical impact face (5). As to particular embodiments, the top plate (8) and the sole plate (9) can have an amount of curvature outwardly facing running from the toe (11) to the heel (12) of the putter head (3) and defining a radius (14) in the range of about 8 inches and about 16 inches. Particular embodiments of the top plate (8) or the sole plate (9) can have a radius selected from the group of ranges including or consisting of: about 8 inches and about 10 inches, about 9 inches and about 11 inches, about 10 inches and about 12 inches, about 11 inches and about 13 inches, about 12 inches and about 14 inches, about 13 inches and about 15 inches, and about 14 inches and about 16 inches. A particular embodiment of the top plate (8) and the sole plate (9) can each have a radius of about 10 inches. As to certain embodiments of the invention, the top plate and the sole plate can be outwardly extended spherical plates (8)(9), even though the particular embodiment of the invention shown in the Figures provides curvature between the heel (12) and the toe (11) of the of the putter head (3) but remains substantially flat across the width of the top plate (8) and bottom plate (9).

[0022] Again referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a spiral pattern (15) can be disposed on the at least one spherical face (4)(or the first spherical impact face (4) and the second spherical impact face (5)). The spiral pattern (15) can commence at an impact location (16) on each spherical impact face (4)(5) of the putter head (3) and spiral outwardly toward or to the outer boundary (10) of each spherical impact face (4)(5). The spiral pattern (15) can be generated by cutting a spiral groove (17) into the spherical face (4). As to certain embodiments, the spiral groove (17) can be cut concurrent with fabrication or milling to generate the spherical curvature of the at least one spherical impact face (4). As to certain embodiments, the impact location (16) can be disposed at about the center of each spherical impact face (4)(5) (as to particular embodiments the centroid or geometric center of the spherical impact face (4)(5)). The spiral pattern (15) can afford a spiral groove (17) having sufficient depth to generate an amount of frictional engagement with the golf ball (6). The spiral pattern (15) can be in form that generates a sufficient amount of frictional engagement with the golf ball (6) to produce or enhance the "gear effect" (action of the putter head (3), during impact with the golf ball (6), that causes a shot hit off the toe (11) to curve in a draw or hooking motion, and a shot hit off the heel (12) to curve in a fade or slicing motion).

[0023] As one example, embodiments of the putter head (3) can be produced from a rectangular block of aluminum having sufficient dimensional relations to encompass the embodiment of putter head (3) being fabricated and can be milled on two sides to provide the two opposed spherical impact faces (4)(5), as above described. The cutting tool of the mill can commence at the impact location (16) on each side of the block of aluminum removing a sufficient material to produce the corresponding first and second spherical impact faces (4)(5) of the putter head (3) having a radius (13) as above described. The cutting tool removing sufficient material to produce the spherical impact face (4)(5) can generate the spiral groove (17) having depth depending on the application. The term "impact location" for the purposes of this invention is the location on the each of the spherical impact faces (4)(5) which includes the most outwardly extending point of a spherical impact face (4)(5). Understandably, the golfer may strike the golf ball (6) at a location on a spherical impact face (4)(5) which is not or is away from the impact location (16).

[0024] Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, embodiments of the inventive putter head (3) can further include a heel weight (18) and a toe weight (19) correspondingly coupled by fasteners (20)(which can be spirally threaded fasteners or otherwise which allow removal of the heel weight (18) and the toe weight (19)) proximate the heel (11) and toe (12) of the putter head (3). The mass of the heel weight (18) and the mass of the toe weight (19) can be adjusted to achieve a desired balance of the putter head (3) depending upon the application. As to the particular embodiments shown in the Figures, the heel weight (18) and the toe weight (19) can be substantially cylindrical in structure and coupled to the heel (12) and the toe (11) of the putter head (3) within a corresponding cylindrical heel concavity (21) and cylindrical toe concavity (22) of the putter. The radius of the cylindrical toe weight (19) and cylindrical heel weight (18) can be selected to outwardly extend the curvature of the top plate (8) and sole plate (9) to provide a heel terminal element (21) and a toe terminal element (22). The total weight of the putter head (3) can be between about 300 grams and about 450 grams with particular embodiments having a total weight in the range of between 380 and about 420 grams.

[0025] Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 6, the putter shaft (2) can be coupled to the top plate (8) of the putter head (3). As to particular embodiments, the putter shaft (2) can be substantially rigid having the amount of flexure during use of conventional putter shafts and having conventional dimensional relations; however, as to particular embodiments of the invention, the putter shaft (2) can have a substantial amount of resilient flexure during use. A flexible putter shaft (2) can be configured from a variety of materials which provide resilient flexure such as E-glass reinforcements with a thermoset vinyl ester resin matrix ("E-glass rod"). A variety of configurations of E-glass rod suitable for use in the invention can be obtained from various commercial sources such as Glasforms, Inc. of San Diego Calif. As to particular embodiments, a plurality of interchangeable putter shafts (2) can be provided and interchanged depending upon the application between a conventional putter shaft and a resiliently flexible putter shaft.

[0026] As to certain embodiments, the putter shaft (3) can be joined to the putter head (3) generally at the geometric center of the top plate (8) (as shown in the example of FIG. 6). Other embodiments of the invention can join the putter shaft (2) substantially at the center of the putter head (3) (as shown in the example of FIG. 1). As to particular embodiments as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, a recess element (23) can be produced in the top plate (8) of the putter head (3). While the recess element (23) shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 has a generally hemispherical configuration; other embodiments can include a recess element (23) of other geometries such as cylindrical, oval, rectangular or the like. The recess element (23) can have a depth (24) which corresponds with the impact location (16) on the first and second spherical faces (4)(5) of the putter head (3). The putter shaft (2) can join the putter head (3) within the recess element (23) at the depth (24) which corresponds with the impact location (16) on the first and second spherical impact faces (4)(5)(as shown in the example of FIG. 1). The length of the putter shaft (2) can be provided in various lengths to accommodate various golf putting styles (traditional, belly, long putter, or the like) and the varied anatomy of different golfers.

[0027] Now referring primarily to FIG. 3, as to certain embodiments, the putter shaft (2) can be couple at an angle (25) from vertical (26). The angle (25) can be adjusted within the range of about 10 degrees and about 22 degrees with particular embodiments have an angle (25) selected from the group of angles including or consisting of: about 10 degrees to about 12 degrees, about 11 degrees to about 14 degrees, about 12 degrees to about 14 degrees, about 13 degrees to about 15 degrees, about 14 degrees to about 16 degrees, about 15 degrees to about 17 degrees, about 16 degrees to about 18 degrees, about 17 degrees to about 19 degrees, about 18 degrees to about 20 degrees, about 19 degrees to about 21 degrees, and about twenty degrees to about 22 degrees. Particular embodiments can have and angle (25) of about 18 degrees.

[0028] Now referring primarily to FIGS. 1 and 6, particular embodiments of the putter head (3) can further include a sight (27) coupled to the top plate (8) of the putter head (3)(imprinted, cut or otherwise fixed) viewable by the golfer during normal use of the putter (1). The sight (27) has a location on the top plate (8) of the putter head (3) such that alignment of the center of the sight (27) with the center of the golf ball (6) and subsequent travel of the sight (27) along the intended line of travel (29) results in engagement of the impact location (16) of the corresponding spherical impact face (4) with the golf ball (6) generating travel of the golf ball (6) along the intended line of travel (29). Use of the sight (27) shifts the focus of the golfer away from "squaring up" the putter head (3) with the golf ball (6) and increases focus on movement of the putter head (3) in relation to the golf ball (6). To aid in shifting focus to the sight (27), the putter head color (35) can be a contrasting color to the sight color (36). For example, the putter head color (35) can be a dark color such as green while the sight color (36) can be light color such as yellow, silver, or the color of the untreated aluminum metal. Typically, the sight (27) will have a circular configuration

[0029] Now referring to the particular example of FIGS. 1 and 6, the sight (27) can be integral with the recess element (23). As shown in the Figures, the recess element (23) can be hemispherical in configuration defining a circular boundary (37) joining the top plate (8) of the putter head (3) to provide the sight (27), above described. As to the particular embodiment shown in the Figures, and as to other embodiments, the sight (27) can provide at least one sight mark (28) coupled, imprinted, cut into or otherwise fixed within the sight (27) viewable by the golfer during use of the putter (1) which when aligned with the intended line of travel (29) of a golf ball (6) on a support surface (30) with the sole plate (9) of the putter head (3) located slightly above the support surface (30) correctly positions the impact location (16) of the spherical impact face (4) with the golf ball (6). An embodiment of the at least one sight mark (28) can take the form of the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 6 which includes a first elongate sight mark (31) viewable on the surface of the recess element (23). The first elongate sight mark (31) can aligned along the sight line (33) between the intersection of the longitudinal axis (32) of the putter handle (2) and the impact location (6) which can then be lengthwise aligned with the intended line of travel (29) of the golf ball (6). A second elongate sight mark (34) can provide a viewable mark on the surface of the sight (27) oriented perpendicular to the first elongate sight mark (31) which can be lengthwise aligned perpendicular to the intended line of travel (29) of the golf ball (6).

[0030] Now referring primarily to FIG. 1, a method of using the inventive putter (1) or putter head (3) is shown. A golfer (not shown) can grip the putter shaft (2) and aim the impact location (16) of the at least one spherical impact face (4) in centered relation to a golf ball (6) and the intended line of travel (29) of the golf ball (6). The putter (1) swung along the intended line of travel (29) to engage the impact location (16) of spherical impact face (4) head on with the golf ball (6) results in travel of the golf ball (6) along the intended line of travel (29). As to those embodiments of the putter head (3) having a sight (27), the golfer focuses on alignment of the sight (27) along the intended line of travel (29) away from controlling the entire putter head (3). This method reduces or eliminates the "over control" by the hands in an attempt to "square up" the putter head (3) with the golf ball (6).

[0031] The relationship between spherical impact face (4) of the putter head (3) and the golf ball (6) is similar to the elastic collision between two balls. The spherical impact face (4) is structured to function like a motivational ball which impacts a target ball. Because the spherical impact face (4) of the inventive putter head (3) has a much larger radius than the golf ball (6), the effect of off centered impact of the spherical impact face (4) with the golf ball (6) can reduce deviation of the golf ball (6) from the intended line of travel (29).

[0032] As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of a golf putter head and golf putter and methods for making and using such golf putter head and golf putter including the best mode.

[0033] As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures or tables accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

[0034] It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a "putter" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "putting"--whether explicitly discussed or not--and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "putting", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a "putter" and even a "means for putting." Such alternative terns for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

[0035] In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

[0036] All numeric values herein are assumed to be modified by the term "about", whether or not explicitly indicated. For the purposes of the present invention, ranges may be expressed as from "about" one particular value to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value to the other particular value. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all the numeric values subsumed within that range. A numerical range of one to five includes for example the numeric values 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, and so forth. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. The term "about" generally refers to a range of numeric values that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited numeric value or having the same function or result.

[0037] Similarly, the antecedent "substantially" means largely, but not wholly, the same form, manner or degree and the particular element will have a range of configurations as a person of ordinary skill in the art would consider as having the same function or result. When a particular element is expressed as an approximation by use of the antecedent "substantially," it will be understood that the particular element forms another embodiment.

[0038] Moreover, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of that entity unless otherwise limited. As such, the terms "a" or "an", "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0039] Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the golf putter heads and golf putters herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

[0040] The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated by reference herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

[0041] The claims set forth in this specification, if any, are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent application or continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof, or to obtain any benefit of, reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

[0042] Additionally, the claims set forth in this specification, if any, are further intended to describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

1. A putter, comprising: a putter head; and a first spherical face extending outwardly from said putter head, said first spherical face providing an impact surface for striking a golf ball.

2. The putter of claim 1, further comprising a second spherical face extending outwardly from said putter head in opposed relation a distance apart from said first spherical face, said second spherical face providing an impact surface for striking said golf ball.

3. The putter of claim 2, wherein said first and said second spherical face have a structure substantially the same to allow ambidextrous use of said putter head to strike said golf ball.

4-5. (canceled)

6. The putter of claim 3, wherein said putter head further comprises a top plate and a sole plate substantially flat across a width which establishes said first and second spherical faces said distance apart, said top plate and said sole plate join at a heal and at a toe of said putter head, said top plate and said sole plate defining an outer boundary of said first and second spherical faces of said putter head.

7. The putter of claim 6, wherein said top plate and said sole plate have opposed outwardly facing curvature from said toe to said heel of said putter head.

8-11. (canceled)

12. The putter of claim 6, further comprising a spiral pattern disposed on at least one of said first and second spherical faces.

13. The putter of claim 12, wherein said spiral pattern commences at an impact location on said first and second spherical faces and spirals outwardly toward said outer boundary of said first and second spherical faces.

14. The putter of claim 13, wherein said spiral pattern comprises a spiral groove cut into said first and second spherical faces.

15. (canceled)

16. The putter of claim 15, wherein said impact location can be disposed at about a center of each of said first and second spherical faces.

17. The putter of claim 6, further comprising a heel weight and a toe weight correspondingly removably coupled proximate said heel and proximate said toe of said putter head.

18. The putter of claim 17, further comprising a mass of the heel weight and a mass of said toe weight adjustable to alter balance of said putter head.

19. The putter of claim 18, wherein said heel weight and said toe weight have a substantially cylindrical external surface.

20. The putter of claim 19, further comprising a cylindrical heel concavity and a cylindrical toe concavity each configured to correspondingly receive within said heel weight and said toe weight.

21. (canceled)

22. The putter of claim 6, further comprising a sight coupled to said top plate of said putter head.

23. (canceled)

24. The putter of claim 22, wherein said sight has a circular boundary.

25. The putter of claim 24, further comprising a recess element in said top plate of said putter head.

26. The putter of claim 25, wherein said recess element has a generally hemispherical configuration.

27. The putter of claim 26, wherein said sight and said recess element comprise a unitary structure in which said recess element has a hemispherical configuration defining said circular boundary at which said recess element joins said top plate to provide said sight.

28. The putter of claim 27, wherein said recess element has a depth which corresponds with said impact location on said first and second spherical faces.

29. The putter of claim 28, further comprising a sight mark having a fixed location within said sight which aligned with a line of travel of said golf ball with said sole plate disposed proximate a support surface positions said impact location of said spherical impact face for striking said golf ball.

30. The putter of claim 28, wherein said sight mark comprises a first elongate sight mark on said recess element, said first elongate sight mark aligned along a sight line defined by the intersection of a longitudinal axis of said putter handle and said impact location on said spherical face, said sight line alignable lengthwise with said intended line of travel of said golf ball.

31. The putter of claim 30, wherein said sight mark further comprises a second elongate sight mark on said recess element lengthwise aligned orthogonal to first elongate sight mark and orthogonally alignable with said intended line of travel of said golf ball.

32-33. (canceled)