Putter and face alignment system

Abstract

A putter is disclosed in which the heel of the head is heavier than the toe to automatically hold the putting face at a right angle to the target line at address, thereby eliminating the effort normally needed by the golfer to hold the toe in the forward position when striking a golf ball. Thus, all of the golfer's effort and attention can be devoted to pulling the putter head straight back (back swing) and straight forward to strike the ball precisely and directionally on line. This improved and surprising result is accomplished by mounting a straight shaft off center in the head toward the toe, or by controlling the balance of the head with respect to the position of the shaft through use of design features or material variations. The successful accomplishment of this important feature is readily shown if the toe of the putter head points up when the shaft is placed on a flat smooth table with the head suspended over the edge of the table. Attainment of the putter's desired loft and lie angles and location of the shaft are simultaneously accomplished by forming a single shaft-mounting hole in the top surface of the head at a predetermined location and compound angle with respect to the top surface and the putting face.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority benefit to U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Serial No. 60/280,666, filed Mar. 30, 2001 and Serial No. 60/280,723, filed Mar. 31, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of Invention

[0003] The present invention relates generally to golf putters, and more particularly to the location of the putter shaft in the top surface of the putter head, the distribution of the weight of the head relative thereto, and the resulting affect on the position of the putter face in relation to the target line between the golf ball and the targeted golf hole while the putter is being held in the putting position by a golfer.

[0004] The invention also provides for forming the face and top surface of a putter head at a right angle instead of forming the face with a positive loft angle, and forming the shaft mounting hole at a compound angle to accommodate the lie angle in a normal manner and a loft angle of one (1) or more degrees.

[0005] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0006] When putting, it is desirable to strike the golf ball squarely, to control the resulting speed and direction of travel of the ball. When putting, the golfer imagines a target line between the golf ball the targeted hole, brings the putter head line along the target line, and attempts to address or strike the ball with the face of the putter square (i.e., perpendicular) with the target line for a straight putt.

[0007] Unfortunately, many putters exhibit a tendency to twist or turn in the golfer's hands as the putter is brought toward the golf ball. In such instances, the golfer will attempt to compensate, attempting to keep the face of the putter square with the target line, and insure that the face of the putter addresses the ball squarely, the success of which will, of course, affect the success of the resulting putt.

[0008] Prior patents have proposed various putter arrangements to eliminate such torsional tendencies. For example, Bernhardt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,228,332 discloses a shaft having a lower end that is bent or curved to form a shaft hosel just above the putter head, and a mathematical methodology for locating the point of attachment of the shaft into the top of the head, in a position between the heel of the putter head and its center of gravity. In such arrangements, the position of the shaft, the bend or curve in the lower end of the shaft, and the rotational position of the shaft relatively to the longitudinal axis of the putter head must all be precisely controlled to achieve the desired putter balance, as evidenced by the several balance tests and techniques discussed in Bernhardt. Thus, while Bernhardt and other patents mentioned therein have recognized the problems associated with twisting of a putter during use, and have suggested possible solutions to reduce or eliminate this torsional reaction, such proposed solutions tend to be relatively complicated, and relatively expensive to implement, and still require manual alignment of the putting face with respect to the target line.

[0009] Present day putters have the shaft attached at many different locations along the top surface of the putter head. The shaft is typically epoxied or otherwise permanently secured in the top surface by drilling a hole at an angle to accommodate the desired lie angle between the shaft and the putter. Many putters also have a hosel added near the end of the shaft at the top of the putter head.

[0010] The position of the shaft and the shape of the hosel will determine the angle at which the putter head will position itself if the shaft is rollably supported parallel to the ground, such as placed on a smooth table with the head and hosel suspended beyond the edge of the table, or balanced on two fingers. The use of such a simple test readily demonstrates that a face balanced putter will always position with its face up. Consequently, a face up putter, when located in the address position, must be manipulated using torsional pressure to lift the weight of the toe into the forward position. This torsional pressure must be maintained during the entire putting procedure. The worst case scenario is where the shaft is heel mounted to the head, causing the putter head to hang straight down when checked with the above described table or two finger test. This putter requires the greatest amount of torsional effort, and thus presents the greatest likelihood of failure, to position and hold the toe of the putter head in the forward position at address.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0011] An objective of the invention is to provide a new and improved putter that eliminates the need to exert and maintain torsional force in positioning the face of a putter head at a right angle relative to the target line during a putting stroke.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive, easily manufactured putter which provides such improved performance.

[0013] A further objective of the invention is to provide a putter which will assist the golfer in achieving straight backward and forward motion during a putting stroke.

[0014] Yet another objective of the invention is to provide a putter which will assist the golfer in propelling the ball with improved accuracy, through the provision of better directional tracking forces, straight forward on line stroking, and striking of the golf ball.

[0015] A still further objective is to provide a putter adapted for automatic presentation of the toe in the up position and the toe portion of the putting face in the forward position at address.

[0016] A detailed object is to achieve the foregoing by providing a putter with a head having a heel end that is heavier than the toe end such that gravity cause the heavier heel to hang downwardly at address, thereby causing the toe end to position in the upward and forward position.

[0017] Another detailed objective is to achieve the foregoing with the use of a straight shaft that is less expensive than curved and bent shafts of many prior putters, and that is positioned to achieve the desired weight distribution in the putter head.

[0018] Still another detailed objective is to provide for drilling a single shaft hole in the putter head to simultaneously establish: 1) a positive loft angle, 2) the desired lie angle, and 3) the desired weight distribution in the putter head.

[0019] Additional objectives and advantages of the invention will be clear from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention provides a cost effective, yet rugged putter which overcomes the above-identified problems and difficulties inherent in prior putters, and teaches a method of making such an improved putter using very simplified technology.

[0021] A putter constructed in accordance with the invention is provided with a weight distribution relative to the point at which a shaft is attached to the head such that the toe is automatically positioned forward at address with a golf ball, with no torsional force or correction being needed by the golfer to position or hold the head in that position. This is accomplished by providing a putter head that is heavier at the heel end portion than at the toe end portion. The result of gravity acting on the heavier heel end causes the heel to press downward at address and the toe end to automatically align in the upward/forward position, thus eliminating any need for the golfer to exert corrective torque on the shaft. Consequently, maintaining the position of the putter face square to the target line is substantially simplified as compared with the use of the above-mentioned prior putters.

[0022] The invention also provides for forming the putting face (i.e., ball-striking face) and top surface of the putter head at a right angle instead of forming the face with the positive loft angle of some conventional putters, and positioning the shaft at a compound angle in the putter head to establish both the normal lie angle between the putter head and the shaft, and a small loft angle at the putter face. Thus, the loft angle is established by tilting the head slightly backwards relative to the position of the shaft at address to create a putting face that is tilted backward at the top and thereby provides a positive loft angle between the putting face and the ball. The fact that the top surface of the head is slightly tilted is not noticed by the golfer because the angle is small.

[0023] Advantageously, these aspects of the invention enable the use of, and are simultaneously accomplished with a straight shaft received into the shaft mounting hole that is formed at a compound angle and offset toward the toe.

[0024] Thus, a preferred embodiment golf putter according to the invention includes a head of generally uniform or symmetric cross-section, formed with a top surface and putting face disposed at a right angle, and with a shaft mounting hole drilled through the top surface at a compound angle calculated to provide the face with a lie angle with the shaft and a positive loft angle at the putter face. The shaft mounting hole is located off center toward the toe end of the putter head, thereby making the heel end heavier than the toe end. A straight shaft such as having a conventional grip is then positioned into the shaft mounting hole and epoxied or otherwise secured in place.

[0025] The extent of shaft offset may be substantially varied, with the shaft located at any distance toward the toe as desired, thereby making the heel heavier and heavier as the offset is increased toward the toe. For example, in one embodiment, the shaft is offset approximately ⅛ inch (0.125″) from the center, making the heel end of the head heavier then the toe end by approximately ½ ounce, and the shaft-mounting hole is formed to provide a positive loft angle of approximately one to two degrees and a lie angle such as approximately 18 degrees. Alternately, for example, it is conceivable that a putter designer may want to locate the shaft as close as possible to the toe to accommodate a special design objective as, for example, provision of a new look that is perceived to provide an improvement. Thus, relatively small to extreme offset of the shaft toward the toe is possible to achieve the desired putter head weight distribution.

[0026] Alternately, the heel end of the putter head may be made heavier than the toe end by altering the weight distribution in the putter head to a non-uniform or non-symmetric configuration. For example, the objectives of the invention are alternately accomplished by changing the relative weight of the ends of the head through use of cut-out areas, addition of heavy metal inserts, or substitution of metals. With such weight altering methods, the shaft mounting hole may be located either offset toward the toe end, or positioned in the exact center of the putter head while achieving the desired weight distribution relative to the position of the shaft.

[0027] Accordingly, a putter of the present invention provides improved performance characteristics adapted to assist the golfer in squarely putting a golf ball, as well as providing a putter that is cost effective to produce. In particular, it is an advantage of the invention that a simple and inexpensive straight shaft can be used as opposed to an expensive and position sensitive bent or curved shaft as taught in the prior art. It is much simpler to form an offset hole and locate a straight shaft closer to the toe of the putter head as compared to accommodating a bent or curved shaft requiring precise positioning on the putter head. Thus, the invention provides for savings in production costs due to elimination of the expense of precisely bending the shaft and precisely locating the shaft mounting hole in the putter head; and it is less costly, and results in less material waste, to provide a loft angle in a squared-off putter head as taught herein as compared to machining the putting face at an alternate angle in relation to the top surface to provide a positive loft angle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] FIG. 1 is a perspective view a new and improved putter incorporating the unique aspects of the present invention, including a shaft located offset in the head pursuant to the invention, the shaft being shown in fragmentary perspective, and showing the center line and the alignment mark of the putter head.

[0029] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a putter according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 in which the shaft is shown resting on a flat table with the head suspended beyond the table and the heel of the head positioned downwardly due to gravity acting on the head.

[0030] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the putter head shown in Figure and taken parallel to the front putting face through the center between the toe and the heel.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the putter head taken orthogonal to the front putting face through the center from front to back.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a front view of the putter of FIG. 1 disposed in the address position with the toe forward and the lie angle identified.

[0033] FIG. 6 is an end view of the putter position shown in FIG. 5.

[0034] FIG. 7 is an enlarged end view to show the details of the squared putter head tilted back as a result of the shaft mounting hole being drilled at an included angle relative to the top surface and the putting face, and with the positive loft angle identified.

[0035] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of a putter head according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, but illustrating several optional shaft mounting hole locations which may be used to offset the weight of the head to cause the heel end to be heavier than the toe end.

[0036] FIGS. 9-11 are top plan views of three alternate embodiment putter heads according to the invention, and illustrating structures designed to make the heel heavier than the toe.

[0037] While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, certain illustrated embodiments have been shown in the drawings and will be described below in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0038] Reference numerals shown in the drawings correspond to the following:

[0039] 10—putter

[0040] 12—head

[0041] 14—shaft

[0042] 16—top surface of head

[0043] 18—shaft-mounting hole in head

[0044] 20—ball-striking faced of head

[0045] 22—grip on upper end of shaft

[0046] 24—lower end of shaft

[0047] 26—lie angle of putter head

[0048] 28—toe end of head

[0049] 30—heal end of head

[0050] 32—geometric lateral center of head

[0051] 34—alignment mark

[0052] 36—longitudinal center of shaft

[0053] 38—loft angle of putter face

[0054] 40—removed-material void

[0055] 42—removed-material void

[0056] 44—insert

[0057] 46—taper head section

[0058] 48—taper head section

[0059] 50—table

[0060] ##a-d—where like ##'s associate to corresponding items in alternate putter heads

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0061] For purposes of illustration, a preferred embodiment putter is shown in the drawings as putter 10 (FIGS. 1-2 and 5-7) comprising a head 12 and a shaft 14. The putter head is of generally symmetric construction, and is formed with a top surface 16 and a putting face 20. A shaft mounting hole 18 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) extends from the top surface into the interior of the head. The shaft is straight and generally cylindrical, and is provided on its upper end with a customary grip section 22 and on its lower end with a mounting end portion 24 which is pressed and epoxied or otherwise securely affixed in the shaft mounting hole. The shaft mounting hole is formed at an angle to establish the lie angle 26 between the putter head and the shaft. As shown in FIG. 5, with the putter in the address position, the end of the head away from the golfer is the toe end 28, and the end nearest the golfer is the heel end 30. The geometric lateral center of the putter head, located mid-way between the heel and the toe, is identified by center line 32. Since the putter head is of generally uniform construction, the center line 32 also coincides with the lateral center of gravity of the putter head. Alignment mark 34 is aligned with and identifies the center of percussion of the putter head.

[0062] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the shaft mounting hole 18 is offset from the geometric lateral center 32 of the putter head 12 toward the toe end 28 such that the shaft extends from the top surface 16 at this offset position. The offset results in the heel end portion, as defined in relation to the shaft mounting location, to be heavier than the toe end portion. This weight relationship, and the effect of gravity acting on the heavier heel, pulls the heel downwardly in relation to the longitudinal center 36 of the shaft and causes the toe to align or point upwardly when the putter is brought into the address position. Consequently, the offset positioning of the shaft and the associated weight differential automatically positions the toe portion of the face 20 facing forwardly with respect to the location of the ball, and eliminates the need for a golfer to use any torsional force to hold the toe in the forward position at address.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 2, the effect of gravity on the desired head-weight differential is easily shown by positioning the putter shaft 14 on a smooth, horizontal table 50 with the head 12 suspended past the edge of the table such that the putter shaft will roll on the table until the heavier portion of the head is drawn downwardly by gravity. In the present instance, the heavier heel 30 will cause the putter shaft to roll on the table, and position the head with the heel pointing downwardly and the toe 28 pointing upwardly.

[0064] In the embodiment illustrated, the shaft offset is shown at about ⅛ inch from center line 32 toward toe 28 and is indicated aligned with alignment mark 34. Thus, alignment mark 34 not only determines the center for drilling or boring the shaft mounting hole 18, but aligns the end 24 of the putter shaft 14 directly over the center of percussion of the putter head.

[0065] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the top surface 16 and putting face 20 of the head 12 are formed at a right angle, and the shaft mounting hole 18 is further formed to position the face at a positive loft angle 38 when the putter is in the address position. Accordingly, the shaft mounting hole is formed at a compound angle calculated to establish both the lie angle 26 and the positive loft angle upon assembly of the shaft into the head. The end views in FIGS. 4 and 7 depict the result of producing the head with the face and top surface squared and with the shaft mounting hole drilled at an angle offset of approximately 2 degrees from the face to produce a 2 degree loft angle 38 when the putter is in the address position.

[0066] Referring specifically to FIGS. 5 and 6, the assembled putter 10 is shown in the address position with the toe of the putter head in the forward position—a position which is automatically assumed by the head when the shaft is held in the upright position at the included lie angle shown at 72 degrees.

[0067] As will be evident to those skilled in the art, the precise offset distance for the shaft mounting hole 18 toward toe 28 is not critical, but may be established in accordance herewith anywhere along the top surface 16 toward the toe end to satisfy any additional design function or aesthetic desires. This aspect is clearly shown in FIG. 8 wherein a series of holes 18a shown in dashed lines are positioned along the top of generally laterally symmetric head 12a between the center line 32a and the toe 28a to illustrate a sampling of optional locations for the shaft mounting hole.

[0068] In keeping with the invention, alternate embodiment putter heads are shown in FIGS. 6-11 that are adapted to accomplish the desired weight ratio between the heel end of the putter head and the toe end. As discussed below, these alternate embodiments are gravitationally non-symmetric with respect to the mid-point or geometric lateral center between the toe and the heal, but are provided with a heel that is heavier than the toe with respect to the mounting location of the shaft.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a top view of a putter head 12b from which sections of material have been removed from the back face, the removed section 40 being larger than removed section 42 such that the toe end 28b weighs less than the heel end 30b upon assembly of with a shaft that is either centered on center line 32b in the putter head as shown with hole 18b or offset toward the toe in a different hole (not shown).

[0070] FIG. 10 illustrates a putter head 12c initially formed with a void area adjacent to the heel 30c, the void area being then filled with an insert 44 epoxied in place and formed of a metal which is dissimilar to and heavier than the metal used for the head. For example, if the head 12c is formed from an iron alloy (specific gravity of about 7.3) and the insert 44 is formed from tungsten (specific gravity of about 19.3) the heavier weight inside the heel 30c will establish the desired heel-to-toe weight ratio with the shaft mounted in either a centered hole 18c or an offset hole such as 18c′ shown in dashed lines. Alternately, for example, a lighter insert may be provided in the toe end of the head.

[0071] A third alternative embodiment putter head 12d is shown in FIG. 11 wherein the head is formed as a “sandwich” of two tapered sections 46 and 48 formed of different metals of different weights. As will be seen from this figure, the two sections are assembled permanently such that they collectively form a generally rectangular putter head with the thickest section of the heavier metal 46 being positioned at the heel end 30d to provide the desired head weight ratio with respect to both centered hole 18d and offset hole 18d′.

[0072] From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention brings to the art a new and improved, cost effective, yet relatively simple putter that is uniquely adapted for improved performance characteristics as compared with prior putters. In particular, the invention provides for a putter adapted to utilize a cost effective straight shaft and an approximately positioned shaft mounting hole. The mounting hole is positioned according to the putter head configuration such that the heel end of the head is heavier than the toe end for enhanced ease of proper putter head alignment upon striking a golf ball. Moreover, the preferred putter head is formed with a shaft mounting hole at a compound angle in relation to the right angle top surface and putting face to simultaneously establish the normal lie angle and a positive loft angle at the putting face. This eliminates the relatively expensive machining normally required in prior putters to slant the face for a positive loft angle.

[0073] Thus, the foregoing description and drawings of a preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention have been presented for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of the invention be limited by the foregoing detailed description or attached drawings.

Claims

1. A putter comprising:

a) a head having a toe and a heel and a lateral center of gravity defining the boundary therebetween; and

b) a straight shaft extending upwardly from a position in the head offset from said lateral center of gravity toward the toe whereby the heel is heavier than the toe.

2. The putter as defined in claim 1 in which the head is laterally symmetric such that said lateral center of gravity coincides with the geometric lateral center between the toe and the heel whereby said shaft extends from said position offset on the toe side of said geometric lateral center.

3. The putter as defined in claim 1 in which the head is gravitationally non-symmetric with respect to a geometric lateral center between the toe and heel, and said shaft extends from said position at one of (i) said geometric center and (ii) offset on the toe side of said geometric center, to establish the heel heavier than the toe with respect to said position.

4. The putter as defined in claim 3 in which said head is formed substantially of a first material having a first specific gravity and includes inserts formed of a second material having a second specific gravity to establish said gravitational non-symmetry with respect to the geometric lateral center.

5. The putter as defined in claim 3 in which said head is formed with cutouts to establish said gravitational non-symmetry with respect to the geometric lateral center.

6. A putter comprising:

a) a head having a toe and a heel, and having a top surface and a putting face at a right angle thereto; and

b) a straight shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the head at a compound angle (i) in relation to the top surface to establish a lie angle therebetween, and (ii) in relation to the putting face such that the putting face is at a positive loft angle with respect to the longitudinal center of the shaft.

7. The putter as defined in claim 6 in which the head is laterally symmetric, and the shaft extends from the top surface offset from said lateral center toward the toe whereby the heel is heavier than the toe.

8. The putter as defined in claim 6 in which there is a lateral center of gravity defining the boundaries between the toe and the heel, and the shaft extends from the top surface offset from said lateral center of gravity toward the toe whereby the heel is heavier than the toe.

9. The putter as defined in claim 6 in which the head is gravitationally non-symmetric with respect to a geometric lateral center between the toe and heel, and said shaft extends from said position at one of (i) said geometric center and (ii) offset on the toe side of said geometric center, to establish the heel heavier than the toe with respect to said position.

10. The putter as defined in claim 9 in which said head is formed substantially of a first material having a first specific gravity and includes inserts formed of a second material having a second specific gravity to establish said gravitational non-symmetry with respect to the geometric lateral center.

11. The putter as defined in claim 9 in which said head is formed with cutouts to establish said gravitational non-symmetry with respect to the geometric lateral center.

12. A putter comprising:

a) a head having a toe and a heel, and having a top surface and a putting face at a right angle thereto; and

b) a straight shaft extending upwardly from the top surface of the head (a) from a position adapted to establish the heel heavier than the toe in relation to said position, and (b) at a compound angle (i) in relation to the top surface to establish a lie angle therebetween, and (ii) in relation to the putting face such that the putting face is at a positive loft angle with respect to the longitudinal center of the shaft.