Toe And Heel Weighting Patents (Class 473/341)
  • Patent number: 6902496
    Abstract: A putter golf club head includes a body fitted with relatively high-density heel and toe inserts. A golf putter club head includes a body formed of a first material (e.g., titanium) having a density of approximately 3.0 g/cm3 to 7.0 g/cm3. Two cavities are formed in the body, one adjacent to the heel region of the body, and another adjacent to the toe region. Inserts are provided in each of the two cavities and are formed of a second material (e.g., tungsten) having a density ranging from approximately 15.0 g/cm3 to 20.0 g/cm3. The cavities may be configured such that they extend to (or are bounded by) the bottom surface and/or the front face of the body. In one embodiment, the body of the putter club head has an elastic modulus greater than approximately 90 GPa while the density of the insert material is greater than the density of the body material by a factor of at least 3.0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Bradley D. Schweigert, Eric V. Cole
  • Patent number: 6899636
    Abstract: A golf putter is formed with a clubhead including a striking face, added weight along the bottom at the rear of the clubhead to form a soleplate and weight added to the toe and heel portions. Secured to the back side of the clubhead is a rearwardly extending support member. An elongated cylindrical weight member secured to the end of the support member is centered thereon and extends parallel to the striking face. Additional embodiments are shown wherein the elongated weight member is positioned high at the rear of the clubface, or supported on the soleplate. In one alternative embodiment the weight is concealed in a cavity within the clubhead with its support member secured to a separate striking face member. In another embodiment, the weight member is faired into an open cavity and spaced from the walls of the cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventor: Charles A. Finn
  • Patent number: 6899632
    Abstract: A golf putter and a method for using the same is disclosed. The golf putter includes a putter head with an insert and a radial bottom, a shaft attached to the putter head, and a grip having a gap and a weight attached to the shaft, wherein the gap includes a cutout for attaching a clip. When the clip is connected to a golfer's body, the golf putter is effectively anchored to the golfer. The method includes providing a golf club having a putter head with a putting face, approaching a golf ball such that the big toe of the foot furthest from the target is placed adjacent to the golf ball and the golfer's dominant eye is directly over the golf ball, positioning the golfer erect at forty-five degrees to the target, gripping the putter with the golfer's dominant arm, and putting the golf ball by moving the dominant arm and putter along the target line such that the face of the putter head engages the golf ball with appropriate force to drive the golf ball to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: DL-45 Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Lane
  • Patent number: 6860817
    Abstract: A method of improving the putting stroke of a golfer using a putter as a training device, said putter having a club head and in one embodiment an attachment for the same. The club head has faces or edges defining a body of a predetermined thickness to which a shaft is attached. Within the body of the head there is provided a recess in a form which opens into the rear face of the head or as a closed aperture completely defined within the body which is of marginally greater dimensions than, and adapted to receive an object such as a conventionally sized golf ball. The recess or aperture can be disposed of substantially centrally of the head so that the “sweet spot” can be substantially centrally disposed of said recess or aperture. Ideal toe-heel weight distribution can be achieved in this manner. The club, which is typically a putter, can be used as a practicing aid by swinging the same proximate a surface when the articles or objects are disposed within said recess or aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Zen Corporation Limited
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Middleton
  • Patent number: 6860820
    Abstract: Golf putters having enhanced balance and sensory feedback and improved manufacturing methods therefor. The putters include: a shaft; a hosel and a body in an integrated unit of relatively low mass density; an armature extending through the assembly and into the shaft; and, a shell of relatively high mass density having polar toe and heel portions and a web between the toe and heel portions, the armature extending up from the web connecting the shell, the integrated body and hosel and the shaft. The manufacturing methods include unique shells and integrated assemblies and enhanced assembly methods therefor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Chapel Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Paul Specht
  • Publication number: 20040171433
    Abstract: An improved golf clubhead having a hollowed strike-barrel (10) centrally located and positioned parallel on the golfer's intended target line for more precise alignment and efficient on-target stroke.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: David Perry Ashton
  • Publication number: 20040166953
    Abstract: A golf putter head has a generally triangular shape where a ball-striking leading wall has a first breadth greater than a second breadth of a trailing wall. The leading wall and trailing wall are interconnected at their respective opposite ends by sidewalls that converge toward one another and define a cavity having a trapezoidal shape. The center of gravity of the golf putter head is closer to the trailing wall than the leading wall so that a moment of inertia is generated that reduces the effects of missing a sweet spot on the leading wall during a putt. In a second embodiment, the trailing wall is weighted to move the center of gravity still closer to the trailing wall. In a third embodiment, a web interconnects the leading and trailing walls along a longitudinal axis of the golf putter head, dividing the cavity into two equal-sized cavities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Robert M. Grace
  • Publication number: 20040132542
    Abstract: A putter head is provided having enhanced inertia and alignment characteristics. The putter head includes a front body and a weight body. The weight body includes a central weight extending rearwardly from the front body a prescribed distance to a rear weight. The putter head is configured such that the rear weight has a width less than the width of the front body and greater than a width of the central weight. Thus, both the longitudinal and lateral moments of inertia are improved to offer greater forgiveness and increased accuracy during putts. The central weight may include at least one and more preferably two elongated, high-density elements that are visible on a top surface of the sole between the front body and the rear weight. The visibility of the elongated elements, with optional parallel markings on the top surface, also act as alignment aids to the golfer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 8, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas Olsavsky, Sean Toulon, Mark A. Morgulis, Steven D. Gray
  • Patent number: 6723002
    Abstract: A golf putter has a flat ball-striking surface at a right angle from a top and bottom surface of the main blade. The top surface has an irregular back edge and a straight front edge interfacing with the ball-striking surface. The bottom surface extends beyond the back edge of the top surface in a semi-circular pattern and also has a straight front edge interfacing with the ball-striking surface. A shaft penetrates the top surface at a left portion looking from the ball-striking surface. The shaft is bent at a distance of one to four inches above the top surface of the blade and the bend is ten to twenty degrees toward the blade top surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: David R. Barlow
  • Publication number: 20040058744
    Abstract: A putter golf club head includes a body fitted with relatively high-density heel and toe inserts. A golf putter club head includes a body formed of a first material (e.g., titanium) having a density of approximately 3.0 g/cm3 to 7.0 g/cm3. Two cavities are formed in the body, one adjacent to the heel region of the body, and another adjacent to the toe region. Inserts are provided in each of the two cavities and are formed of a second material (e.g., tungsten) having a density ranging from approximately 15.0 g/cm3 to 20.0 g/cm3. The cavities may be configured such that they extend to (or are bounded by) the bottom surface and/or the front face of the body. In one embodiment, the body of the putter club head has an elastic modulus greater than approximately 90 GPa while the density of the insert material is greater than the density of the body material by a factor of at least 3.0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Bradley B. Schweigert, Eric V. Cole
  • Patent number: 6702689
    Abstract: An improved golf club-head having a hollowed strike-barrel (10) centrally located and positioned parallel on the golfer's intended target line for more precise alignment and efficient on-target stroke. The mass of strike-barrel walls (16) in a graduating manner providing additional force behind the usual-mis-hit-area, therefore compensating for the misdirection and the loss of velocity on off-center strikes. The strike-barrel pocket (12), and any additional pockets in the rear of arms (40), hosel (44), and the heel and toe (42), providing a significant air drag when the club-head is swung back from the ball, thereby slowing the golfer's backswing. The strike-barrel (10) having bead-mark sights (49) and (28) on its parallel axis along the target line for improved alignment and stroke. An elongated hosel-base (32) provides assistance to the golfer in keeping the clubhead on track longer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Inventor: David Perry Ashton
  • Patent number: 6699140
    Abstract: A golf putter head has a central indented concave face portion in which a face plate is either directly formed or installed after it is formed. The face plate has a honeycomb structure with three layers formed from a soft polymer material. The outer or top layer has a honeycomb corrugated construction with equally spaced cells and fits into the cavity of the central portion. The second layer which is similar in configuration to the top layer is immediately beneath the outer layer in abutment there against. The third layer which abuts against the surface of the concave face plate is in the form of a plurality of pins which extend through the cells of the other two layers. Toe and heel portions are removably attached to the opposite sides of the head face portion by means of aligning pins and threaded bolts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventor: Donald J. C. Sun
  • Patent number: 6699142
    Abstract: A golf putter head comprises a main head body, a striking surface and a rear part. A cavity is formed at a central part of the rear part, and two protrusions are formed at both ends of the rear face. A base of the cavity is designed into a thin shaped structure. A center of gravity of the putter head is shifted behind the striking surface and the weight of the putter head is shifted to both its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fine Earth Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan Wu
  • Publication number: 20040038748
    Abstract: This invention of a golf club putter head, attempts to minimize torque and wobble of the club head by placing two especially designed weights at the rear of the club head so that they are aligned with the sides of the ball. These two weights work together and impart a force to the ball on its sides as well as at its center. The result is that, there is less torque on the club head because of the disposition of the weights in the proximity of the ball and shorter torque arm leverage which minimizes the intensity of the torque. The net result is that, we have a putter head which is stable, providing positive control of the putt and which feels natural and in line, in the back swing and down swing and at impact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventor: John Emmanuel Bennett
  • Patent number: 6692378
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a golf club having a golf club head with a channel on the head. The golf club head may be a putter-type club head that is used to putt the golf ball on a green. The use of the channel on the club head provides a mass distribution that can result in a high moment of inertia so that the club head resists twisting in the player's hand when the club head strikes a golf ball. The channel also assists a player in aligning the club head to strike a golf ball. The channel may be located on the upper face of the club head so that the player can see the channel when addressing a golf ball with the golf club. The channel extends from a front, strike face of the club head to a rear face of the club head and is preferably aligned with an axis that corresponds to the desired direction of travel of a golf ball that is struck with the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Roger Cleveland Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andre Shmoldas, Brian Pond, Jim McGeeney, Tom Morris
  • Patent number: 6692376
    Abstract: A golf club having enhanced balance and sensory feedback that includes: a shaft, a hosel and a body in an integrated assembly of relatively low mass density; and, a shell having distal toe and heel portions of relatively high mass density, a web in the body between the toe and heel portions and an armature extending up from the web connecting the integrated body, hosel and shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Chapel Golf, Inc.
    Inventors: Milana Kosovac, Paul Specht
  • Patent number: 6692371
    Abstract: The present invention relates to golf clubs, more particularly to a stabilized golf club that accounts for human factors in its design and configuration. In accordance with one embodiment a berish bracket is attached to two points on a club head for increased controllability The shaft attaches to the berish and provides the force necessary to propel the ball forward but, due to the configuration of the berish bracket, the forces is applied at two points along the club head. In accordance with another embodiment, the club shaft is configured to point forward of the moment of mass of the club head, thereby further increasing controllability In accordance with other embodiments, a configurable knuckle is configured between the club shaft and the berish bracket for is optimizing controllability for an individual golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Inventors: James Edward Berish, George M. Berish, Rudoph John Buchel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040029647
    Abstract: Current golf club putters are not adequately designed for controlled putting according to the skill of the player. They are of primitive design and create aggravating and agonizing challenges to the serious player. The player must putt like a zombie, hoping that he will not make a false motion that will divert the putt. These putters are unstable and wobble with their torque, creating unnecessary and unreasonable problems to make a good putt. This invention tries to solve these problems by providing a new concept in a putter head construction. The invention presents a putter head which embodies weights added to its front face surface and which extend forward. Briefly, this concept creates a stable back swing and a stable down swing with a leading momentum in line and pulling the ball through at impact with a smooth roll. This gives the player better control of his putting and creates a gratifying feel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: John Emmanuel Bennett
  • Publication number: 20030236130
    Abstract: A method of putting a golf ball includes a golfer standing erect with the head up and the body facing the hole. The golf ball is positioned to the side of the golfer on his dominant side. A uniquely designed putter is grasped in the dominant hand with the grip of the putter extending upwardly along and against the dominant arm to a position above the elbow. The upper portion of the grip and the dominant arm are grasped firmly with the non-dominant hand to provide stability and the dominant arm and club are swung smoothly in a pendulum-like motion from the shoulder of the dominant arm. The result is a smooth consistent putting swing wherein the effects of flexing elbows and twisting wrists are eliminated and, ultimately, a better putting game and lower golf score. The invention also includes an unique putter for carrying out the inventive putting technique.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert W. Gammon
  • Publication number: 20030232661
    Abstract: A golf putter head has a weighted heel portion and a lighter front portion, where a striking face is located. A cutout is formed in the striking face and a high-impact polymer wedge-shaped insert is fitted into this cutout. The insert serves as the hitting face of the putter head. The bottom surface of the putter head has an irregularly-shaped cutout configured to receive a metal sole plate therein. Heavier portion of the sole plate is located in the heel portion of the putter head, causing a lower center of gravity of the putter head. The bottom surface of the bottom cutout adjacent to the front portion has several openings, which receive epoxy of similar lightweight material, thereby making the front portion lighter in comparison to the heel portion. The front striking surface ahs a lower inclined portion to improve loft of the putter head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 18, 2003
    Inventor: Jesse A. Greer
  • Publication number: 20030220150
    Abstract: A putter head comprising a sole portion 3 extending from a lower portion of a face portion 2 in the opposite direction of a target, a back portion 4 extending upwardly from the edge portion of said sole portion 3, and a weight portion 5 attached to the upper edge portion of the back portion 4, wherein the weight portion 5 is positioned in a height at least the same height of the face portion 2, apart from the face portion in opposite direction of the target so as to set the depth of gravitational center deeper, and thereby widening the sweet spot area in the center on the surface of the face portion 2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2003
    Publication date: November 27, 2003
    Inventor: Shinichi Takase
  • Patent number: 6652390
    Abstract: The present invention provides an extreme heel and toe weighted golf putter head wherein the weight is spread along the length of the head and outside of the effective hitting area. The putter includes a head having a front surface shaped and dimensioned for contacting a golf ball and a back surface shaped and dimensioned for placing the weight of the club at a relatively large distance from the striking face. The back surface has a toe wing, a shaft connection, and a heel wing, with the wings angling back beyond and away from the centered shaft connection on either side. More specifically, the putter includes a toe section having a toe wing extending back and away from the striking face toward the toe section of the putter. The heel section having a heel wing extending back and away from the striking face toward the heel section of the putter. A recess formed in the body, the toe wing, and the heel wing and a light weight insert material filling the recess formed in the body, toe wing and heel wing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Brent W. Bradford
  • Publication number: 20030207725
    Abstract: An attractive user-friendly golf putter is provided with a special center weighted housing and side weights to enhance the accuracy, ease and reliability of putting. The side weights are preferably positioned between the center weighted housing and the toe and heel of the golf putter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Applicant: Robsan Corporation
    Inventor: Robert P. Sanchez
  • Patent number: 6638181
    Abstract: A golf club putter head has a unique, geometric configuration that is advantageous for achieving consistently accurate putting shots. The golf putter head of the invention is characterized by a convex complexly contoured ball impact surface and by a high bridge that extends lengthwise at the face of the putter to join the heel and toe. The end extremities of both the putter heel and toe are curved with a complex and unique geometric curvature. Vertical, tapped, chamfered bores are defined in both the putter toe and the putter heel to receive externally threaded inserts. The inserts may be hollow so as to accommodate a variable number of disc-shaped weights, the number of which is individually selected by each golfer. Alternatively, the inserts may be solid structures of a weight suitable to the individual golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Jerry L. Norman, III
  • Patent number: 6634956
    Abstract: A free standing putter is formed by appropriately weighting the putter head relative to the shaft and grip and forming a foot surface on the putter had which permits the putter to stand alone on the green without external support. The free standing putter permits the golfer to view the geometric relationship of ball, cup, putter and topography of the green from various distances and perspectives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Jeffry A. Pegg
  • Patent number: 6634955
    Abstract: A method of improving the putting stroke of a golfer using a putter as a training device, said putter having a club head and in one embodiment an attachment for the same. The club head has faces or edges defining a body of a predetermined thickness to which a shaft is attached. Within the body of the head there is provided a recess in a form which opens into the rear face of the head or as a closed aperture completely defined within the body which is of marginally greater dimensions than, and adapted to receive an object such as a conventionally sized golf ball. The recess or aperture can be disposed of substantially centrally of the head so that the “sweet spot” can be substantially centrally disposed of said recess or aperture. Ideal toe-heel weight distribution can be achieved in this manner. The club, which is typically a putter, can be used as a practicing aid by swinging the same proximate a surface when the articles or objects are disposed within said recess or aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas M. Middleton
  • Publication number: 20030195053
    Abstract: A golf putter head adapted for attachment to a club shaft is provided with a face member having a strike face and a cylindrical back cavity, and a body member configured to fit and rotate within the back cavity. Selective rotation of the body member within the back cavity sets a loft of the putter head. The weighting of the putter is adjusted by securing a weight member to the body member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Inventor: Donald T. Cameron
  • Publication number: 20030162599
    Abstract: A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: August 28, 2003
    Inventor: Lon Klein
  • Publication number: 20030144076
    Abstract: A golf putter head comprises a main head body, a striking surface and a rear part. A cavity is formed at a central part of the rear part, and two protrusions are formed at both ends of the rear face. A base of the cavity is designed into a thin shaped structure. A center of gravity of the putter head is shifted behind the striking surface and the weight of the putter head is shifted to both its ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventor: Wan Wu
  • Publication number: 20030125129
    Abstract: A golf club head for use in a golf club. The club head has a moulded main body with weighted inserts to improve striking characteristics. The club head includes a shaft anchoring element to attach the club head to a golf club shaft. In one embodiment the club head includes a hardened insert to form a striking face on the golf club. In a further embodiment, the golf club head is formed during a two-step process, first the moulding of a main body, then, the moulding of a insert to form a front face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 1999
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventor: JOHN SAKSUN
  • Publication number: 20030119601
    Abstract: A customized golf putter head includes a face member and hosel combination that is selected from a plurality of differently configured face member and hosel combinations and a back body that is selected from a plurality of differently configured back bodies. The selected back body has a mating section that is disposed in a cavity formed in a rear surface of the selected face member and hosel combination. The putter head may also include a membrane that is positioned between the selected face member and hosel combination and the selected back body for absorbing vibration when a front surface of the selected face member and hosel combination strikes a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Applicant: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Nelson, Douglas W. Anderson, Gary L. Tuerschmann
  • Publication number: 20030114243
    Abstract: A putter head for golf putter formed of a copper sole, a putter head body molded from zinc/aluminum alloy on the sole, and a face panel fixedly fastened to the front side of the putter head body, the sole having a thin middle part, two thick side parts disposed at two sides of said thinner middle part, top recesses in the thin middle part and the thick side parts, and upright locating rods in the top recesses, the top recesses and the upright locating rods each having a sloping peripheral wall for positive bonding of the sole body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Mei-Chu Yeh
  • Patent number: 6579194
    Abstract: The present invention is a putter head having a rear face, a ball striking face, a heel area, a toe area, an upper area and a lower area. An attaching device is secured to the upper area to enable a conventional shaft to be secured thereto. Extending through the rear face and between the heel area and toe area is a cavity. The upper area of the cavity is smaller in size than the lower area of the cavity. The putter includes a sole having six planes. The six planes are equally proportioned planes of the sole and will release one quarter of one inch from a centerline of the lower area. This will provide for an overspin being imparted on the ball soon after impact. This will innately result in a truer roll and less margin for error in the ball rolling on line to the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Inventor: David W. Curry
  • Publication number: 20030083149
    Abstract: A golf club (10) comprises a head (12) consisting of a body (13) into which a generally L-shaped insert (14) is incorporated, said insert having the upper arm of the L projecting from the body to constitute a fastening element for the cane (11). The body is advantageously made of silver and the insert is made of titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Applicant: San Lorenzo S. r. l.
    Inventors: Tobia Scarpa, Ciro Cacchione
  • Patent number: 6554720
    Abstract: A golf putter head with base member and wing member is disclosed. The base member has a front face for contacting a golf ball in the performance of putting a golf ball. The front face extends in a direction along the axis of elongation of the base member. The wing member is relatively wide where at its connection interface with the base member, to assure that force is applied from the wing member evenly to the base member as a golfer swings the putter. The disclosure also covers a golf putter with the disclosed putter head and shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Inventors: Robert V. Chambers, Sr., Robert V. Chambers, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6554722
    Abstract: A golf club head having a defined internal cavity, and a golf club head containing a bi-material weight having a nonhomogeneous structure is disclosed herein. A method to add the bi-material weight to the golf club entails heating, vibration and cooling to produce the nonhomogeneous structure is also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Joel B. Erickson, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Luke R. Williams, M. Grace Hohn Pimentel, Thomas J. DiMarco, John G. Guard, James F. Dooley
  • Patent number: 6533680
    Abstract: A golf putter head comprises a main head body, a striking surface and a rear part. A cavity is formed at a central part of the rear part, and two protrusions are formed at both ends of the rear face. A base of the cavity is designed into a thin shaped structure. A center of gravity of the putter head is shifted behind the striking surface and the weight of the putter head is shifted to both its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Fine Earth Enterprise Ltd.
    Inventor: Wan Wu
  • Patent number: 6527649
    Abstract: An adjustable golf club comprises an elongate shaft having a handle at one end, a club head having a face arranged to strike a golf ball, a pair removable shaft attaching members each arranged to be coupled to the club head at respective sides of the striking face whereon the shaft extends therefrom. A pair of changeable weights, each one of the weights is arranged to be coupled to a respective one of the shaft attaching members. An insert portion on the club head at respective sides of the striking face for receiving the shaft attaching member. A stem extending from each of the shaft attaching members arranged to extend through the club head whereon the weights are coupled and an adjustable fastening arrangement in the insert arranged such that the angle of the shaft in relation the club head can be changed. The shaft attaching members are arranged to be interchangeable to allow the club to be usable for left or right handed golfers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Neher, John MacDonald
  • Patent number: 6511387
    Abstract: A golf club, the body of the club head is constructed from a first material and has a center of gravity and is adapted to receive a weight member, at least one weight member constructed from a second material having a density greater than that of the first material, the weight member having a center of gravity and is securely received in the club head body in a manner so that the center of gravity of the weight member is positioned below the center of gravity of the club head body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: LaRue O. Grieb
  • Publication number: 20030013546
    Abstract: The present invention provides an extreme heel and toe weighted golf putter head wherein the weight is spread along the length of the head and outside of the effective hitting area. The putter includes a head having a front surface shaped and dimensioned for contacting a golf ball and a back surface shaped and dimensioned for placing the weight of the club at a relatively large distance from the striking face. The back surface has a toe wing, a shaft connection, and a heel wing, with the wings angling back beyond and away from the centered shaft connection on either side. More specifically, the putter includes a toe section having a toe wing extending back and away from the striking face toward the toe section of the putter. The heel section having a heel wing extending back and away from the striking face toward the heel section of the putter. A recess formed in the body, the toe wing, and the heel wing and a light weight insert material filling the recess formed in the body, toe wing and heel wing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Brent W. Bradford
  • Patent number: 6503151
    Abstract: A golf club having superior balance and sensory feedback which includes a shaft connected to a clubhead comprising two basic elements, an integrated hosel and body portion of relatively low mass and specific gravity which defines a striking surface and a distal toe portion and a heel portion of relatively high mass and specific gravity uniquely integrated with the combined hosel and body portion. In preferred embodiments the clubhead has a cylindrical striking surface, polar mass concentrations for optimum dynamic performance and a combination of unique sighting and alignment features which co-operate to provide optimum sensory perception and feedback.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Chapel Golf, Inc.
    Inventor: Milana Kosovac
  • Patent number: 6497628
    Abstract: A putter having a hollow tubular member extending rearward from the putter blade with the shaft connected to said hollow tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: George A. Gunderson
  • Publication number: 20020193176
    Abstract: 10A golf putter having a moment of inertia in the 12,000-28,000 gm/cm2 range. The main body of a putter blade is disposed in trailing relation to a ball-striking surface and includes a frame part formed of a preselected light-in-weight material. The frame part has enlarged openings at its toe and heel ends for receiving toe and heel weight members. The toe and heel weight members are formed of a preselected material heavier than the material that forms the frame part. One embodiment has a length of about seven and one-half inches, a weight of about five hundred fifty grams, and a moment of inertia of about 28,000 gm/cm2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Robert M. Grace
  • Patent number: 6488595
    Abstract: 10A golf putter having a moment of inertia in the 12,000-28,000 gm/cm2range. The main body of a putter blade is disposed in trailing relation to a ballstriking surface and includes a frame part formed of a preselected light-in-weight material. The frame part has enlarged openings at its toe and heel ends for receiving toe and heel weight members. The toe and heel weight members are formed of a preselected material heavier than the material that forms the frame part. One embodiment has a length of about seven and one-half inches, a weight of about five hundred fifty grams, and a moment of inertia of about 28,000 gm/cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2002
    Inventor: Robert M. Grace
  • Patent number: 6485375
    Abstract: A golf club putter featuring interchangeable one-piece large insert face blocks to allow the user to adjust the rebound characteristics by replacing the insert face blocks with a softer or harder compound. The face blocks may be provided with various lofts and with or without a groove pattern. An elliptical cavity on the rear of the face blocks provides a larger more consistent sweet spot. Interchangeable weight inserts provide for adjustment of the heel and toe weighting by varying the weight of the inserts placed in both the heel and toe weight chambers. The putter further includes protruding sight rails that run longitudinally from the rear to the front of the putter head, parallel to the centerline, which provide a high center of gravity weighting and assist the user in alignment and stroke direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Robert C. McKinley
  • Patent number: 6464599
    Abstract: Golf club putter that has a raised center of gravity, to allow hitting a golf ball at an improved spot. The raised center of gravity is done by either changing the shape of the putter head, or the material layout of the putter head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Richmond A. Wolf
  • Patent number: 6450894
    Abstract: A golf putter head has a central portion made of a relatively light weight material such as a light alloy of extruded aluminum or extruded plastic alloy. To further reduce the weight of the central portion, this portion may be extruded and the face plate formed from a light polymer or rubber material. The toe and heel portions of the head are separately formed of a relatively heavy material such as sintered tungsten or tungsten copper. The toe and heel portions are similar to each other and are attached to the central portion by means of pins which fit into opposing holes formed in the ends of the central portion and the toe and heel end portions as well as well as screws which fit through apertures in the end portions and engage threads formed in the central portion. Employing a central portion which is much lighter in weight than the end portions provides an anti-twisting motion of inertia to the club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: CIPA Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventors: Donald J. C. Sun, Ching-Chung Chiu
  • Patent number: 6435975
    Abstract: There is disclosed a putter and an attachment for a putter. The putter head has at least one striking face, a rear face and side faces or edges defining a body of a predetermined thickness to which a shaft is attached. Within the body of the putter head there is provided either a recess which opens into the rear face of the head or a closed aperture completely defined within the body which is of marginally greater dimensions than, and adapted to receive a conventionally sized golf ball. The recess or aperture is disposed substantially centrally of the head behind striking face of the putter so that the sweet spot on the striking face is substantially centrally disposed of said recess or aperture. Ideal toe-heel weight distribution can be achieved in this manner, and the putter can be used as a practicing aid by swinging the putter proximate a floor when a golf ball is disposed within said recess or aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Nicholas Mark Middleton
  • Patent number: 6435976
    Abstract: A golf putter providing an adjustable angle between the shaft the putter head, which angle can be adjusted to accommodate individual golfers. The putter head has a slot which extends vertically from a lower surface thereof and a cylindrical recess which extends from a rear surface of the putter head forming a vertical wall therebetween, with a pair of arcuate-shaped slots. The putter further includes a hosel assembly having a cylindrical joint member affixed to the lower portion of the shaft. The joint member closely fits within the cylindrical recess forming a pivot which is lockable in the desired angular position by a pair of hex head screws which extend through the joint member and opposite portions of the arcuate-shaped slots into threaded holes of the lock member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: Gary E. Galliers
  • Patent number: 6435979
    Abstract: A golf putter head is characterized by one or more axis of symmetry, formed by an extrusion process. The extrusion has provisions for multiple styles, masses, lofts, lies, and colors, of golf club heads to be made from the same extrusion process and from the same extruded bar. Golf putter embodiments have provisions for differing head balances, including center, toe, and face balance in two faced, cavity back, or rounded back styles without changes to the extrusion process. The width of the putter may be altered for different total mass of the putter as desired. A novel method of securing mass and inertial altering material inserts is demonstrated with the use of wall tapered cavities which securely lock the insert material without the use of pins, screws, threads, or glues. Novel use of materials which expand upon cooling are introduce for these insert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: William Pratt Mounfield, Jr.