U.S. patent application number 17/140263 was filed with the patent office on 2022-07-07 for adjustable putter grip.
The applicant listed for this patent is Matthew Russell, Zachary Russell. Invention is credited to Matthew Russell, Zachary Russell.
Application Number | 20220212074 17/140263 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005476857 |
Filed Date | 2022-07-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220212074 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Russell; Matthew ; et
al. |
July 7, 2022 |
Adjustable Putter Grip
Abstract
The most important part of any golfer's game is the ability to
make putts accurately and consistently. Typically, original
equipment manufactured grips need to be removed in a
labor-intensive process, which is an expensive, time consuming,
process which permanently alters the grip and the dynamics of the
putter. An adjustable putter grip comprises a body is configured to
fit over a conventional putter grip of a golf putter providing a
larger outer diameter, the body comprises a first section and a
second section. A locking mechanism holds the first section and the
second section together, while a release mechanism is manually
engageable for releasing the locking mechanism. A plurality of
inserts spaced along the first section and/or the second section
may be provided for frictionally engaging the conventional putter
grip and holding the adjustable putter grip on the conventional
putter grip.
Inventors: |
Russell; Matthew;
(Burlington, CA) ; Russell; Zachary; (Oakville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Russell; Matthew
Russell; Zachary |
Burlington
Oakville |
|
CA
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005476857 |
Appl. No.: |
17/140263 |
Filed: |
January 4, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2209/08 20130101;
A63B 53/007 20130101; A63B 60/46 20151001; A63B 2220/30 20130101;
A63B 2225/50 20130101; A63B 60/24 20151001; A63B 53/14
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A63B 60/24 20060101
A63B060/24; A63B 53/14 20060101 A63B053/14; A63B 53/00 20060101
A63B053/00; A63B 60/46 20060101 A63B060/46 |
Claims
1. An adjustable putter grip comprising: a body configured to fit
over a conventional putter grip of a golf putter, the body
comprising a first section and a second section, each of the first
section and the second section having opposite sides and a bottom
surface, therebetween; a locking mechanism for holding the first
section and the second section together; a release mechanism for
releasing the locking mechanism; a plurality of inserts spaced
along the first section and/or the second section for frictionally
engaging the conventional putter grip; a plurality of pockets in
the first section and/or the second section, each of the plurality
of pockets adjacent to at least one of the plurality of inserts;
and a plurality of weights, each weight configured for positioning
in one or more selected pockets of the plurality of pockets for
adjusting a weight distribution of the golf putter; wherein the
plurality of pockets comprises a first set of pockets along at
least one of the opposite sides of the first section and/or the
second section, and a second set of pockets along the bottom
surface of the first section and/or the second section; and wherein
the plurality of weights comprises a first set of weights
configured to fit in the first set of pockets, and a second set of
weights with a different shape than the first set of weights
configured to fit in the second set of pockets.
2. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, further
comprising magnets mounted in the plurality of pockets; wherein at
least some of the plurality of weights comprise a magnetic material
configured to be held in place by the magnets.
3. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, wherein the
plurality of pockets each include a magnetic material; and wherein
each weight comprises a magnet configured to be held in place by
magnetic attraction to the magnetic material.
4. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, further
comprising a first connector on each of the plurality of weights;
and at least one second connector on the first section and/or the
second section configured to mate with the first connectors.
5. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, wherein the
first set of weights include some with different magnitudes of
weight and wherein the second set of weights include some with
different magnitudes of weight.
6. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, wherein the
first set of weights includes some with different sizes, and
wherein the second set of weights includes some with different
sizes.
7. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 6, wherein the
first set of weights includes rectangular shaped weights configured
for positioning along the sides of the first section and/or the
second section; and wherein the second set of weights includes
semicylindrical shaped weights configured for positioning along the
bottom surface of the first section and/or the second section.
8. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 6, wherein the
pockets comprises a first set of pockets along the sides of the
first and/or second sections, wherein some of the first plurality
of pockets have different sizes; and a second set of pockets along
the bottom surface of the first and/or second section, wherein some
of the second set of pockets have different sizes.
9. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, wherein each
insert comprises a U-shaped structure comprised of a resilient
material, extending from one edge of the first section, down to a
bottom of the first section, and back up to an opposite edge of the
first section forming a first clamp into which the conventional
grip is inserted and held in position; and wherein each side of
each insert expands from a first thinner width to provide an
opening to facilitate insertion of the conventional grip
therebetween, to a second wider width configured to engage the
conventional grip.
10. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 9, wherein a
middle of each insert tapers down to a third width, thinner than
the second width, extending along the bottom of the first section,
thereby facilitating bending of each insert during mounting into
the first section.
11. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, further
comprising a hinge pivotally connecting the first section to the
second section.
12. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 11, wherein the
hinge is positioned at a top end of the first and second
sections.
13. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 11, wherein the
hinge comprises an elongated groove, and a hinge pin slidable in
the elongated groove enabling the second section to rotate and
reciprocate relative to the first section into a locked
position.
14. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, wherein the
locking mechanism comprises: teeth extending from the second
section, a carriage for supporting the teeth configured to
reciprocate in the second section, spring loaded by a spring force
into a closed position; and detents extending from the first
section configured to engage the teeth when in the closed
position.
15. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 14, wherein the
release mechanism comprises a push button extending from the
carriage configured to be pushed by a user to overcome the spring
force, thereby disengaging the teeth from the detents, unlocking
the first section from the second section.
16. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 14, wherein the
teeth comprise a first set of teeth extending from a bottom end of
the second section, and a second set of teeth extending proximate a
middle of the second section.
17. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 1, further
comprising sensors disposed inside the first section and/or the
second section configured for detecting and transmitting signals
relating to movement of the golf putter.
18. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 17, wherein the
sensors are configured for detecting and transmitting signals
relating to rotation of the golf putter.
19. An kit for configuring a putter grip comprising: an adjustable
putter grip comprising: a body configured to fit over a
conventional putter grip of a golf putter, the body comprising a
first section and a second section, each of the first section and
the second section having opposite sides and a bottom surface,
therebetween; a locking mechanism for holding the first section and
the second section together; a release mechanism for releasing the
locking mechanism; a plurality of inserts spaced along the first
section and/or the second section for frictionally engaging the
conventional putter grip; and a plurality of pockets in the first
section or the second section, each of the plurality of pockets
adjacent to at least one of the plurality of inserts, the plurality
of pockets comprises a first set of pockets along the opposite
sides of the first section and/or the second section, and a second
set of pockets along the bottom surface of the first section and/or
the second section; a first set of weights, including some with
different sizes and some with different magnitudes of weight,
configured to fit in the first set of pockets for adjusting a
weight distribution of the golf putter; and a second set of
weights, including some with different sizes and some with
different magnitudes of weight, configured to fit in the second set
of pockets for adjusting the weight distribution of the golf
putter.
20. The adjustable putter grip according to claim 19, wherein the
first set of weights includes rectangular shaped weights configured
for positioning along the sides of the first section and/or the
second section; and wherein the second set of weights includes
semicylindrical shaped weights configured for positioning along the
bottom surface of the first section and/or the second section.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The disclosure relates to a golf putter grip, and in
particular to an adjustable golf putter grip designed to constrain
a putter from twisting during the putting stroke or to otherwise
facilitate or improve the golfer's ability to both grip the putter
as well as index the putter's orientation through the putting
stroke.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Arguably, the most important part of any golfer's game is
the ability to make putts accurately and consistently. In most
circumstances, the total number of putting strokes typically
accounts for one-half or more of a golfer's total strokes during
any round of play. As such, golfers and golf equipment
manufacturers have dedicated significant resources towards the
perfection of activities designed to facilitate the putting stroke.
Producing putters along with other golf aids which improve the
golfer's ability to consistently strike the golf ball on the
intended line, with the intended force is a substantive task. Most
putter club designs have tended to focus on the composition or
configuration of the putter head. For that reason, the golf
industry has focused much of their inquiries and development of:
(i) oversized putter heads, (ii) distinctive, or idiosyncratic
shaped putter heads, and (iii) putter heads of varying weight,
composition, and size, all designed to improve the "feel" or
orientation of the putter through the putting stroke.
[0003] Beyond such, there have been various attempts to facilitate
the putting stroke by means of varying the design, composition, and
length of the putter shaft and the putter grip. Grip design, and
composition are generally focused on restricting potential
rotational misgivings during the putting stroke as well as to
advance the golfer's ability to both grip the putter as well
maintain the putter's orientation through the putting stroke.
[0004] Of note, many golfers, particularly those new to the sport,
or those with some level of physical impediment or limiting
impairment, tend to have various issues which limit their ability
to hit the ball squarely on the face of the putter. In the
off-chance that these golfers manage to produce a stroke which
correspondingly aligns the face of the putter with the ball, there
is still the predisposition to lose the intended putter orientation
and line through the putting stroke largely because of rotating the
club face either in or out during the putting stroke all of which
causes the ball to swerve away from its intended line after impact
with the ball.
[0005] Another problem with the introduction of oversized putter
grips resides in the application or installation to any existing
putter club. Typically, original equipment manufactured grips need
to be removed in a labor-intensive process often involving the
engagement of third-party equipment potentially rendering the club
out of commission for several weeks. Not only is this an expensive,
time consuming process, it permanently alters the grip and the
dynamics of the putter to which it is attached. This is somewhat
unappealing to many golfers as the permanency of this installation
may limit or detract from continued putter usage.
SUMMARY
[0006] Accordingly, a first apparatus includes an adjustable putter
grip comprising:
[0007] a body configured to fit over a conventional putter grip of
a golf putter, the body comprising a first section and a second
section;
[0008] a locking mechanism for holding the first section and the
second section together; and
[0009] a release mechanism for releasing the locking mechanism.
[0010] In the above embodiment, the first apparatus may also
include a plurality of inserts spaced along the first section
and/or the second section for frictionally engaging the
conventional putter grip.
[0011] In any of the above embodiments, the first apparatus may
also include a plurality of pockets in the first section or the
second section, each of the plurality of pockets adjacent to at
least one of the plurality of inserts.
[0012] In any of the above embodiments, the first apparatus may
also include a plurality of weights, each weight configured for
positioning in one or more selected pockets of the plurality of
pockets for adjusting a weight distribution of the putter.
[0013] In any of the above embodiments, the first apparatus may
also include that each tapered insert comprises a U-shaped
structure comprised of a resilient material, extending from one
edge of the first section, down to the bottom of the first section,
and back up to an opposite edge of the first section forming a
first clamp into which the conventional grip is inserted and held
in position; and that each side of each tapered insert expands from
a first thinner width to provide an opening to facilitate insertion
of the conventional grip therebetween, to a second wider width
configured to engage the conventional grip.
[0014] In any of the above embodiments, the first apparatus may
also include that the locking mechanism comprises: teeth extending
from the second section, a carriage for supporting the teeth
configured to reciprocate in the second section, spring loaded by a
spring force into a closed position; and detents extending from the
first section configured to engage the teeth when in the closed
position.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Some example embodiments will be described in greater detail
with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a side view of a putter including the adjustable
putter grip in a closed position in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a side view of the putter of FIG. 1 including the
adjustable putter grip, in an open position;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the adjustable putter grip of
FIGS. 1 and 2, in the open position;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of the adjustable putter grip of FIGS.
1 and 2, in the closed position;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the adjustable putter grip of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a front view of the adjustable putter grip of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0022] FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the adjustable putter grip of
FIGS. 1 and 2 in the open position;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable putter
grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 with no conventional putter grip taken along
the laterally extending line of FIG. 6;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable putter
grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 with an example conventional putter grip
taken along the laterally extending line of FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable putter
grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 with another example conventional putter grip
taken along the laterally extending line of FIG. 6;
[0026] FIG. 11 is an assembly view of the adjustable putter grip of
FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the adjustable putter
grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken along the longitudinally extending line
of FIG. 6;
[0028] FIG. 13 is magnified view of a first portion of the
adjustable putter grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken from FIG. 12 in the
closed and locked position;
[0029] FIG. 14 is magnified view of the first portion of the
adjustable putter grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken from FIG. 12 in the
closed and unlocked position;
[0030] FIG. 15 is magnified view of a second portion of the
adjustable putter grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken from FIG. 12 in the
closed and locked position;
[0031] FIG. 16 is magnified view of the second portion of the
adjustable putter grip of FIGS. 1 and 2 taken from FIG. 12 in the
closed and unlocked position;
[0032] FIG. 17 is an assembly view of another example adjustable
putter grip of the present disclosure;
[0033] FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the adjustable putter grip
of FIG. 17 in the open position;
[0034] FIG. 19A is a top view of the second section of the
adjustable putter grip of FIG. 17;
[0035] FIG. 19B is a top view of the first section of the
adjustable putter grip of FIG. 17;
[0036] FIG. 20 is an isometric view of a weight from the adjustable
putter grip of FIG. 17;
[0037] FIG. 21 is a side view of another example adjustable putter
grip of the present disclosure in an open position;
[0038] FIG. 22 is a side view of the adjustable putter grip of FIG.
21 in a closed position;
[0039] FIG. 23 is a side view of the adjustable putter grip of FIG.
21 in a closed and locked position;
[0040] FIG. 24 is a side view of the bottom of adjustable putter
grip of FIG. 21 in an open position;
[0041] FIG. 25 is a side view of the bottom of the adjustable
putter grip of FIG. 21 in a closed position; and
[0042] FIG. 26 is a side view of the bottom of the adjustable
putter grip of FIG. 21 in a closed and locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0043] While the present teachings are described in conjunction
with various embodiments and examples, it is not intended that the
present teachings be limited to such embodiments. On the contrary,
the present teachings encompass various alternatives and
equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the
art.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a golf putter 10, which may be
conventional in construction, may include a putter head 12, a shaft
14, and a conventional grip 15. The putter head 12, mounted at a
lower end of the shaft 14, may be any commercially available putter
head comprising aluminum, brass, or any other material commonly
used in putter heads. As is conventional, the putter head 12
includes a front toe 18, a rear heel 20, a flat striking face 22
designed to engage a golf ball. While a golf putter 10 is the
preferred athletic instrument, other golf clubs and athletic
racquets, rods and bats, etc., e.g. tennis racquets, fishing rods,
baseball bats, are within the scope of the invention.
[0045] The shaft 14 may also be a conventional putter shaft, and
may comprise a steel tube, graphite or any other material commonly
used in putter shafts. The shaft 14 includes an upper end, which
may be covered by the conventional grip 15. One or both of the
shaft 14 and the conventional grip 15 may be substantially
cylindrical and, therefore, each include a longitudinal axis.
[0046] Pursuant to an embodiment, an adjustable putter grip 16 may
be mounted over and completely enclosing the conventional putter
grip 15 providing a gripping diameter larger than the conventional
putter grip 15 and giving the appearance of uniformity between the
adjustable putter grip 16 and the putter 10. In a closed position
(FIGS. 1 and 4), the adjustable putter grip 16 may be configured to
form a body 30, e.g. substantially cylindrical, at least partially
semicylindrical or partially cylindrical/partially rectangular,
extending from a bottom end 26 surrounding a portion of the shaft
14 and enclosing a lower end of the conventional putter grip 15 to
a top end 27 enclosing the upper end 25 of the conventional putter
grip 15, substantially completely covering and enclosing the
conventional putter grip 15. The body 30 may be overly wide
compared to the conventional putter grip 15, and may have little or
no taper, which thereby forms a step 35 between the bottom end 26
of the adjustable putter grip 16 and the shaft 14. The step 35 may
be suitable for receiving a golfer's index and middle fingers on
opposite sides of the shaft 14 to help ensure that the putter 10
will not twist or turn during a putting stroke and thus enhance the
ability of the golfer to strike the ball squarely, directing the
ball along the intended line of travel.
[0047] The adjustable putter grip 16 may be cylindrical with a
substantially constant diameter extending from the bottom end 26 to
the top end 27. In some embodiments, the adjustable putter grip 16
may include a first, e.g. top, segment with a first, e.g. larger,
diameter, and a second, e.g. bottom, section with a second, e.g.
smaller, diameter, with a tapering segment therebetween. In some
embodiments, the adjustable putter grip 16 may include one or more
elongated flat surfaces 41-43, e.g. extending along one or both of
a leading side (parallel to the putter striking face 22) or a
trailing side (opposite the leading side) of the adjustable grip 16
and/or extending along a front or rear side thereof. The one or
more other sides, e.g. the rear surface, may comprise partially
cylindrical surfaces 44. The elongated flat surfaces, e.g. flat
surfaces 41-43, and the partially cylindrical surfaces, e.g.
cylindrical surface 44, may extend from the bottom end 26 of the
adjustable putter grip 16 to the top end 27 or at least some
portion thereof. Each elongated flat surface 41-43 and the
cylindrical surface 44 is intended to be configured within the
golfer's grip to further stabilize the putter 10 during the putting
stroke.
[0048] For the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 1-6, it is
contemplated that the user will engage the flat surface 41 with the
palm of his or her forward hand and will engage opposing flat
surface 42 with his or her two fingers of the trailing hand on
opposite sides of the shaft 14. The flat surface 41 therefore is
aligned generally parallel with the flat striking face 22. The
user's trailing hand then will engage the adjustable putter grip 16
generally around the partially cylindrical surface 44. The
adjustable putter grip 16 is thus designed to be used by both left
and right-handed golfers based on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-6
or similarly by rotating such 180.degree. around the shaft 14;
however, users can essentially apply the adjustable putter grip 16
on any side subject to user preference while still enhancing the
over contact with the ball through the putting stroke.
[0049] The adjustable putter grip 16 may comprise a first (base)
section 31 and a second (cover) section 32, which may be pivotally
connected to each other, and which interlock with each other
forming the cylindrical body 30 covering and/or enclosing the
conventional putter grip 15. Each of the first section 31 and the
second section 32 may be molded from a single material, such as
natural rubber, silicon rubber, plastic, or any other material
commonly used in putter grips. Alternatively, each of the first
section 31 and the second section 32 may be molded from a plurality
of materials, such as an inner shell of plastic, and an outer
surface of natural rubber, silicon rubber, plastic, or any other
material commonly used in putter grips. The adjustable putter grip
16 may be constructed such that the maximum diameter thereof is
formed by the first section 31 and the second section 32, whereby
the oversized adjustable putter grip 16 decreases flexing of the
user's wrists during use.
[0050] The first section 31 and the second section 32 may be
pivotally connected to each other by a hinge 38, which may be
positioned at the top end 27 of the cylindrical body 30 or along
adjacent edges of the first section 31 and the second section 32.
The elongated flat surfaces 41-43 may extend along one or both of
the first section 31 and the second section 32 from the bottom end
26 of the adjustable grip 16 to the top end 27 or some portion
thereof. In some embodiments, the first section 31 comprises a
semicylindrical shape forming the cylindrical outer surface 44,
while the second section 32 comprises a rectangular shape forming
the flat outer surfaces 41-43.
[0051] With reference to FIGS. 7 to 10, to facilitate insertion of
the conventional grip 15, and provide pockets for additional
features, the inner walls of the first section 31 and/or the second
section 32 do not form a tight fit with the outer surface of the
conventional grip 15. Accordingly, one or more, e.g. two to four,
tapered inserts 46, each comprising a resilient material, such as
flexible rubber or other similar polymeric material, spaced apart
along one or both of the first section 31 and the second section
32, may be used to minimize any potential gap between the
adjustable putter grip 16 and the conventional grip 15. The gap is
typically insignificant; however, to further lock the grip 16 in
place over the shaft 14, one or more additional wedges 48
comprising a resilient material, such as rubber or other such
polymeric material, may also be inserted into the first section 31
and/or the second section 32. The tapered inserts 46 may be spaced
apart along the first section 31 (or the second section 32)
providing spaced pockets therebetween for mounting additional
structures, such as one or more of: weights, movement sensors,
communication devices, and controller chips, as hereinafter
described in greater detail.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the tapered inserts
46 comprises a U-shaped structure, which may extend from one edge
of the first section 31 (and/or second section 32), down to the
bottom of the first section 31 (and/or second section 32), and back
up to the opposite edge of the first section 31 (and/or second
section 32) forming a first clamp 49a into which the conventional
grip 15 is inserted and held in position. The sides of each tapered
insert 46 may be tapered, e.g. start out at a first thinner width
to provide a wide opening to facilitate insertion of the
conventional grip 15 therebetween, and gradually expand in width to
a second wider width to provide a first clamp 49a with a tapering
width, enabling conventional grips 15 with varying diameters to all
fit and be frictionally held therein. The bottom of the tapered
insert 46 may taper down to an even thinner third width extending
along the bottom of the first clamp 49a, facilitating bending of
the tapered inserts 46 during insertion of the tapered inserts 46
into the first section, during assembly. Each of the wedges 48 may
be positioned along each side of the second section 32. In some
embodiments, instead of a second tapered insert 46, a pair of
wedges 48 may be positioned opposite each other forming a second
clamp 49b, and configured to be positioned adjacent one of the
tapered inserts 46 extending the first clamp 49a into the second
clamp 49b of the first section 31 for receiving the front face of
the conventional grip 15. Each wedge 48 may also taper from a first
width, e.g. the same as the first width of the tapered insert 46,
to a second wider with, e.g. approximately the same as the second
width of the tapered insert 46. Additional tapered inserts 46
and/or wedges 48, which may replace the original tapered inserts 46
and/or wedges 48, may be provided with different widths to
accommodate conventional putter grips 14 with various sizes.
[0053] The first section 31 may be taller than the second section
32, whereby the first clamp 49a in the first section 31 is deeper
than the second clamp 49b in the second section 32. Accordingly,
during initial installation, the back part of the conventional grip
15 may be initially inserted into the first clamp 49a in the first
section 31, compressing the tapered inserts 46, whereby the
conventional grip 15 is frictionally held in place. Then the second
section 32 is rotated into place parallel to the first section 31,
compressing the wedges 48 with the front part of the conventional
grip 15 in the second clamp 49b, further stabilizing and
frictionally holding the conventional grip 15 in place.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 11 to 16, the first section 31 and
the second section 32 may be held together in the closed position
by first and second locking features, such as one or more teeth 52
extending from one of the first section 31 or the second section 32
into locking engagement with one or more detents 53 on the other of
the first section 31 or the second section 32. The teeth 52 may be
disengaged from the detents 53 by axially or laterally moving the
teeth 52 out of engagement with the detents 53, e.g. by providing
flexible, spring loaded and/or reciprocating teeth 52 and/or
detents 53.
[0055] In some embodiments, the locking features for the first
section 31 or the second section 32 may include one or more spring
biased teeth 52 or detents 53 biased into engagement with each
other in a locked position. In order to unlock the second section
32 from the first section 31, a "push" button 50 may be provided,
e.g. at the bottom end 26 of the second section 32, to overcome the
spring bias and reciprocate the teeth 52 relative to the second
section 34, for releasing the teeth 52 from the detents 53, thereby
enabling the user to rotate the first section 34 or the second
section 36 relative to the other and remove the adjustable putter
grip 16 from the putter 10.
[0056] In the illustrated embodiment, the teeth 52 may extend from
a carriage 55 connected to the button 50 and may be configured to
reciprocate in the second section 32 (or the first section 31) in
the longitudinal direction. The carriage 55, the button 50 and the
teeth 52 may be spring biased via springs 54, which may extend
between the carriage 55 and a fixed structure 56 on the second
section 32. The springs 54 may be coiled springs, as illustrated,
or any other suitable type of spring, e.g. leaf spring, integral
with the second section 32 or mounted thereon. The fixed structure
56 may be an integral part of the second section 32 or fixed to the
second section 32 via fasteners 57. The detents 53 may be integral
with the first section 31 or extend from a mounting bracket 58
fixed in the first section 31 via fasteners 59.
[0057] A second set of teeth 52' may be provided configured to
extend from the carriage 55 for engagement with a second set of
detents 53' configured to extend from the first section 31 or from
a second mounting bracket 58' fixed to the first section 31 via
fasteners 59'. A guide 61 may be provided for guiding the rear end
of the carriage 55 during translation of the carriage 55. The guide
61 may be integral with the second section 32 or fixed to the
second section 32 via fasteners 62. The carriage 55 may include two
side beams 63 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the
second section 32, and a cross beam 64 extending between the two
side beams. The two side beams 63 may reciprocate between an outer
wall of the second section 32 and an inner wall of the second
section 32 with the teeth 52 extending outwardly from between the
inner and outer walls. The guide 61 may comprise two support arms
65 for supporting the cross beam 64, and two mounting arms 66 for
connecting with the second section 32. The first set of teeth 52
may be provided at the bottom end 26, while the second set of teeth
52' may be provided proximate the middle of the section 32
providing a stronger and more evenly distributed latching.
[0058] With reference to FIGS. 13-16, during installation, the
second section 32 may be rotated almost parallel to the first
section 31, whereby the teeth 52 may contact the detents 53. To
enable full rotation of the second section 32 and ensure proper
engagement of the teeth 52 and the detents 53, the button 50 may be
pushed to slide the teeth 52 away from the detents 53, enabling the
second section 32 to be rotated into position, whereby releasing
the button 50 results in the teeth 52 to slide back into engagement
with the detents 53. Alternatively, the teeth 52 may be provided
with an angled leading edge forming a camming surface, whereby the
action of the teeth 52 contacting the detents 53 applies a lateral
force to the teeth 52, overcoming the spring force and sliding the
teeth 52 until the teeth 52 are clear of the detents 53, at which
time the teeth 52 slide back into engagement with the detents 53
under the force of the spring force.
[0059] When a user applies a force, e.g. pushes in the longitudinal
direction, on the button 50, with enough force to overcome the
spring force of the spring 54, the carriage 55 reciprocates in the
adjustable putter grip 16, thereby disengaging the teeth 52 (and
52') from the detents 53 (and 53'), enabling the first section 31
and/or the second section 32 to rotate relative to the other, and
enabling the adjustable putter grip 16 to be removed from the
conventional putter grip 15 of the golf putter 10.
[0060] With reference to FIGS. 17-20, pockets 71 may be provided
spaced apart along the length of the adjustable putter grip 16,
e.g. between and/or on either side of the tapered inserts 46, in
the first section 31 and/or the second section 32 for supporting
weights 72. The pockets 71 may also be positioned in the bottom of
the first section 31 and/or the second section 32. The plurality of
pockets 71 spaced along the adjustable putter grip 16 enable a
variety of different sizes and shapes of the weights 72 to be
positioned at different positions along the longitudinal axis of
the adjustable putter grip 16, thereby adjusting the weight
distribution of the adjustable putter grip 16. For example, extra
(heavier) weights 72 may be positioned at the top end 27, i.e.
increasing the weight at the top end 27 relative to the bottom end
26. Alternatively, extra (heavier) weights 72 may be positioned at
the bottom end 26, i.e. increasing the weight at the bottom end 26
relative to the top end 27. Extra (heavier) weights 72 may be added
all along the adjustable putter grip 16, simply to provide a
heavier feel. The weights 72 and 73 may be added, removed, or
relocated within the adjustable putter grip 16 at any time, e.g.
before, during and after each round, to adjust for conditions
and/or personal preference.
[0061] The weights 72 (See FIG. 20) may comprise elongated, flat
rectangular bars, which slide into the pockets 71, and are held
therein by friction, by the abutment of the second section 32 when
rotated into position, or by any other suitable means, such as
mating connectors. The weights 72 may include notches 75, e.g. at
each end thereof, to facilitate insertion of the weights 72 into
the pockets 71, which may include corresponding extensions
configured to extend into the notches 75. Additional weights 73 may
also be mounted inside, e.g. against the bottom wall of, the first
section 31 or the second section 32, e.g. in the pockets 71 in the
bottom of the first section 31 and/or the second section 32. The
weights 73 may be semicylindrical in shape to fit parallel to the
semicylindrical wall of the first section 31. The weights 72 and 73
may include a first connector, e.g. snap fit, for mating with a
second connector in the first section 31 and/or the second section
32.
[0062] One of the weights 72 and/or 73 or the pockets 71 (or wall
of the first section 31 or the second section 32) may include a
magnet, and the other of the weights 72 and/or 73 or the pockets 71
(or wall) may include a magnetic material, which is attracted to
the magnet, thereby facilitating the mounting and the securing of
the weights 72 and/or 73 in the adjustable putter grip 16, e.g. in
the first section 31 or the second section 32. The weights 72
and/or 73 may range in size, e.g. from 4 cm to 10 cm in length, 1
cm to 2 cm in width, and 1 mm to 1 cm in thickness, and in
magnitude of weight, e.g. 2 g to 100 g. Each adjustable grip 16 may
come with a set of weights 72 and/or 73 in various sizes, shapes,
and weights to suit a wide variety of golfers.
[0063] One or more motion sensors 80 may be disposed inside the
first section 31 and/or the second section 32, e.g. in the pockets
71 instead of or in addition to the weights 72 or 73, and/or other
suitable locations. The motion sensors 80 may communicate with an
internal controller also located inside the first section 31 or the
second section 32 or an external controller located in the user's
smart phone device 81 or computer device 82 via any suitable form
or communication, e.g. blue tooth or WIFI. For example, the user
may download a corresponding computer software application onto
their smart phone non-transitory memory, which is configured to
communicate with the one or more motion sensors 80. The motion
sensors 80 may measure, detect and/or record speed/velocity of the
putter during the putting stroke and/or rotational position of the
adjustable putter grip 16 and therefore the putter head 12 and the
putter face 22 during the putting stroke.
[0064] With reference to FIGS. 21-26, the hinge 38 may comprise a
hinge pin 39 mounted and slidable in an elongated groove 40
enabling the first section 31 and the second section 32 to
reciprocated relative to each other. Accordingly, the first section
31 and the second section 32 may be locked into place by rotating
the second section 32 to a position parallel to the first section
31 (FIGS. 22 and 25), and then sliding the second section 32
relative to the first section 31 (FIGS. 23 and 26) until the first
locking features engage the second locking features, e.g. the one
or more teeth 52 on the second section 32 engage the one or more
detents 53 on the first section 31, in a locked position. A latch
91 may be provided, on the first section 31 or the second section
32, which slides into place against a keeper 92 on the other of the
first section 32 or the second section 32, as the second section 32
reciprocates relative to the first section 31, preventing the
second section 32 from sliding backwards, thereby disengaging the
one or more teeth 52 from the one or more detents 53.
[0065] A release mechanism may be provided for releasing the latch
91 from the keeper 92, enabling the second section 32 to move, e.g.
slide backwards, relative to the first section 31, into an unlocked
position, thereby releasing the first locking feature from the
second locking feature, e.g. disengaging the one or more teeth 52
on the second section 32 from the one or more detents 53 on the
first section 31. The release mechanism may comprise a push button
50' spring biased into the locked position, which is actuated to
disengage the latch 91 from the keeper 92. In some embodiments, the
push button 50' is positioned at and in the bottom end 26 of the
cylindrical body 30, each in a bottom end of the second section 34,
so that the push button 50' is hidden from view and not accidently
engaged during normal use. In this embodiment, the release
mechanism may also include a linkage 95 extending from the push
button 50' including a camming surface for engaging the latch 91,
whereby pushing the push button 50 in one direction, e.g. parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 14, moves the latch 91 in a
perpendicular direction, e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the shaft 14 and the adjustable putter grip 16.
Accordingly, the push button 51 may have to be depressed initially
to retract the latch 91 out of engagement or potential engagement
with the keeper 92, and thereby enable the second section 32 to
come to rest parallel to the first section 31.
[0066] The process of depressing the push button 51 for a second
time releases the teeth from the adjustable putter grip 16 thereby
enabling the user to remove the adjustable putter grip 16 from the
conventional putter grip 15 of the golf putter 10. The process of
pressing the button 50' to lock the first section 31 and the second
section 32 of the adjustable putter grip 16, as well as to release
the first section 31 and the second section 32 of the adjustable
putter grip 16 from shaft 14 that makes the adjustable putter grip
16 both easy to apply, easy to remove and which facilitates the
golfer's ability to use the putter club as intended by the original
equipment manufacturer or as afforded embodiment of this invention.
This process as per the prior resolves what is often an expensive,
time consuming, process of permanently altering a putter grip and
the dynamics of the putter to which is attached by the original
equipment manufacturer.
[0067] The foregoing description of one or more example embodiments
has been presented for the purposes of illustration and
description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the
invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and
variations are possible in light of the above teaching. It is
intended that the scope of the disclosure be limited not by this
detailed description.
* * * * *