Abstract: A self contained putting aid, including an elongated rail having a generally U-shaped cross section. An elongated, flexible aiming strip is connected to the rail through a parallelogram linkage so that the strip can be moved from an operative position, where it is in spaced, parallel relation to the rail, to an inoperative position, where it is located within the rail. An end of the strip is formed with a hole to support a golf ball, and a movable backstroke guide is mounted on the strip and serves as a guide for the length of the backstroke. A plurality of adjustable holding members project downwardly from the rail and are adapted to engage a carpet or other putting surface to prevent movement of the rail during the putting stroke.

Abstract: A golf club head and hosel construction. The head has a front face facing in the intended direction of flight of a golf ball and a sole extends rearwardly from the lower edge of the front face. The lower extremity of the front face is downwardly convex, having a central generally curved apex, and an alignment marker is disposed on the front face directly above the apex. The heel and toe portions of the rear face are provided with enlargements which border a generally vertical arched depression. The lower end of the depression terminates at the sole adjacent the lower extremity of the front face to provide a generally sharp edge capable of penetrating the turf, while the heel and toe enlargements control the penetration of the edge into the turf. The hosel which is connected to the head includes a generally sharp hosel edge facing in the direction of flight, and a generally flat surface borders the hosel edge and merges into the head.

Abstract: A golf club capable of retreiving a golf ball by frictionally gripping the ball, or by scooping the ball from a surface. The head of the golf club includes a front section having a front face adapted to strike a golf ball, and a pair of side sections extend rearwardly from the front section. The side sections have spaced parallel side edges which define a recess. The distance between the side edges is substantially equal to the diameter of a golf ball, so that by pushing the head downwardly against the ball, the ball will enter the recess and be gripped by the side edges, to retrieved from the cup or green. Each side section of the club head is provided with a generally concave surface which extends upwardly from the respective side edge and the concave surfaces define a cradle. By moving the club head in a backward direction, the ball can be scooped into the cradle from the putting green or other surface and retrieved.

Abstract: The juncture between the sole and at least one side of the golf putter head forms a sharp corner which extends generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the head and serves as an edge for biting into the green surface and resisting endwise turning of the club head relative to the desired putting line as the golfer starts tilting the club head from an aiming position toward an address position. The sole has at least two convex contact points for maintaining rolling contact with the green and resisting turning of the club head as the biting edge is elevated from the green. The opposite ends of the head are provided with striking faces and the sole has upwardly curved outer end portions for riding over the ground when the ends are used to strike a golf ball. The slope of the green can be determined with a ball trough in the club head and indicia on the club head can be used to check alignment of the putter face when the head is in both the aiming and address positions.