Golf putter construction

Abstract

A golf putter (10) includes a hollow tapering shaft (16), the small end connected to a handgrip (14) and the large end connected with the clubhead (12). In a second embodiment of the shaft, the shaft (16) is filled with a graphite core (40) and in a third embodiment the shaft tube includes a further tube (44).

Description

BACKGROUND

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a putter as used in the game of golf, and, more particularly, to a shaft configuration and construction enhancing putter head feel and thereby improving overall putting prospects.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] A golf putter is for the most part used in producing a rolling movement of the golf ball on or around a golf green which is closely clipped and typically provided with a smooth surface although just as typically with a sloping or undulating surface. Success in putting requires primarily careful observation of the green surface to determine the probable speed of ball rolling along a determined line to get the ball in the hole, or at least so the ball will end up so close to the hole that not more than a second putt is assured. To accomplish good putting, nothing is more important than having good “feel” of putter head all during the swinging of the putter to make a shot, striking the ball and moving along the selected line of ball travel. Although exact definition of “feel” may be impossible, it is essentially a rapport or sensation felt in the hands and forearms that exists between the player and the putter while making a shot that causes him to feel that he has struck the ball with the exact amount of force calculated to achieve the most desirable results. With this “feel”, the player has increased the odds in favor of holing out a putt.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the practice of the present invention there is provided a golf putter promoting enhancement of use rapport. The putter shaft has a continuous taper beginning with a relatively small cross-section upper or grip end that increases to a larger cross-section lower end at the point of securement to the clubhead. The putter shaft interconnects to the putter head via a connector received within the larger open end that engages the clubhead and the opposite end of the shaft is interconnected to the grip handle via an insert that fits within both the shaft and the grip handle. A first shaft embodiment includes a hollow tapered metal tube with a solid graphite core throughout the shaft interior except for the end portions. A second shaft embodiment includes a further hollow metal tubular core included within an outer tapered shaft providing a measured amount of additional stiffness.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other objects of the present invention will become more readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the attached drawings in which:

[0007] FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a golf putter made in accordance with the present invention;

[0008] FIG. 2 is a partially sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1 through the putter grip, shaft and a portion of the putter head;

[0009] FIG. 3 is a partially sectional view similar to FIG. 2 but at right angles thereto taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

[0010] FIG. 4 is a plan sectional view of a second embodiment of shaft for use with the invention; and

[0011] FIG. 5 is a plan sectional view of a third embodiment of shaft for use with the putter of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] With reference now to the drawings and particularly FIG. 1, the putter 10 of this invention is seen to include in its major aspects a putter head 12, a grip 14 and a shaft 16 of particular design and construction described herein that interconnects the grip and putter head to form a unitary putter 10.

[0013] With reference now to FIG. 2, the shaft 16 is seen to be generally circular in cross-section and tapers uniformly from a minimum diameter D1 immediately adjacent the grip 14 to a maximum diameter D2 at its lowermost end affixed to the putter head 12 via hosel apparatus 18. Best results have been obtained to date in a practical construction of the invention with D1 being approximately ⅜ inches and D2 being ⅝ to ¾ inches from the standpoint of improving “feel” of the club during use. Although the putter shaft of this invention may be found advantageous “long” putters (upper end of putter positioned at the chest or chin of player), it is primarily described here where the overall putter length is in the 25-40 inch range.

[0014] As shown best in FIG. 2, the grip 14 which has been found most advantageous for use in the present invention includes a hollow steel cylinder 20 fittingly located within a rubber or other suitable to the touch material enclosure 22. The grip enclosure 22 covers the upper end of the cylinder 20 while leaving the lower end of the cylinder open. A unitary reduction coupling 24 includes a cylindrical portion 26 of outer diameter substantially the same as the open end of the grip enclosure 22 with a first cylindrical stub shaft 28 extending from one circular face of the portion 26 and of such outer dimensions as to enable a wedging fit within the open end of cylinder 20. On the opposite circular face of the cylindrical portion 26 there is provided a second stub shaft 30 on the same centerline as the first stub shaft 28 and having an outer diameter enabling a tight fitting assembly within the small end (D1) opening of shaft 16.

[0015] The lower or large (D2) end of the shaft 16 is assembled onto the putter head 12 by means of the hosel apparatus 18 which includes a generally cylindrical connector 32 with an outwardly extending centered cylindrical retainer 34 of such diameter as to enable tight sliding receipt within the open end of the shaft 16. The opposite end of the connector 32 has a cylindrical cavity 36 coincident with the connector longitudinal axis for assembly onto a suitably formed extension arm 38 of the putter head. Typically, it is desirable that the putter shaft 16 extend at an angle A other than 90-degrees away from the putter head axis B, and, therefore, the lower face of the connector is shaped to the appropriate angle so that when fully assembled the desired angular relationship is achieved while providing a unitary relation of the shaft to the clubhead.

[0016] According to a second embodiment of the shaft, the hollow shaft 16 is filled with graphite 40 to form a graphite core of added strength (FIG. 4).

[0017] For the ensuing description of a third shaft embodiment, reference is made to FIG. 5. An outer tapered metal tube 42, which can be identical to that of shaft 16 for the first embodiment, is provided and includes within its bore a further metal tube 44 for added strength and rigidity.

[0018] Although the invention has been described in relation to preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that those skilled in the golf club art may contemplate modifications that come within the spirit of the invention as described and within the ambit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A golf putter shaft for unitarily interconnecting a handgrip to a clubhead, comprising:

a hollow tube of circular cross-section continuously varying from a minimum diameter at a first end to a maximum diameter at a second end;

a reduction coupling for engaging the tube first end with a handgrip; and

a connector for integrally relating the tube second end to a clubhead.

2. A golf putter shaft as in claim 1, in which the tube minimum diameter is about ⅜ inches and the tube maximum diameter is in the range of about ⅝ to ¾ inches.

3. A golf putter shaft as in claim 1, in which the hollow tube is substantially filled with graphite to form a solid graphite core.

4. A golf putter shaft as in claim 1, in which the hollow tube is constructed of steel.

5. A golf putter shaft as in claim 1, in which the hollow tube includes a further hollow tube therewithin for strength enhancement.