Elevated golf club foot

Abstract

A golf club apparatus (14) for optimizing the golfing performances by helping golfers to strike the center of a golf ball which promotes top spin and avoids back spin to impart pure rolling motion without skipping or sliding. The apparatus (14) includes a shaft (16); a club head (12); a hosel (11) which connect shaft (16) to club head (12); an elevated foot (10) connected to club head (12).

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The benefit of the filing of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/594,728 filed May 2, 2005 is claimed.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO A SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to an elevated golf club foot for reducing a golfer's strokes while playing a round of golf.

Golf is a particularly difficult game to master. Many golfers, amateur and professionals alike, spend countless hours attempting to master the “perfect” golf swing. The golf swing has many different components that require the exertion of multiple muscles in the body. A consistent golf swing can be accomplished when the muscles are conditioned to repetitively make the same motion. One component of the swing in which muscle conditioning is extremely important is during the club head approach to the golf ball. If the club head is too low, the bottom of the club head will strike the ground before impact affecting the resulting shot. Alternatively, if the club head strikes the ball too high on impact, the golfer will “top” the ball resulting in a significant loss of distance. The optimum distance is achieved when a selected striking area of the club head impacts the center of the golf ball. When putting, it is desirable to strike the ball at its center of gravity to impart pure rolling motion without skipping or sliding.

Through trial and error, a golfer can determine the precise amount of distance the club head should be above the ground to have the selected striking area impact the center of the ball. Once this distance is determined, the golfer must repetitively incorporate this distance into a swing to condition his muscles. This trial and error method can be extremely time consuming and expensive.

Accordingly, there is a need for an elevated golf club foot for determining the correct distance a club head should be held above the ground for optimum contact between a golf ball and club head. Known prior arts golf clubs devices include U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,033,283; 6,863,624; 6,520,865; 6,511,387; 6,099,413; 6,062,987; 5,226,654; 4,165,076; and 3,595,582. While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives and requirements, the aforementioned patents do not disclose the new elevated golf club foot apparatus. The inventive device is comprised of a shaft, a club head, a hosel to connect shaft and club head, and an elevated foot connected to club head. In these respects, the elevated golf club foot assembly, according to the present invention, substantially departs from the conventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing so provides an apparatus primarily developed for the purpose of aiding a golfer in correctly determining the optimum distance a club head should be above the ground before impact with a golf ball.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This need is met by the present invention, which provides an elevated golf club foot to aid a golfer in correctly determining the optimum distance a club head should be above the ground before impact with a golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a putter head and elevated foot constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a putter including the elevated foot of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a putter having an angled shaft;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the elevated foot of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of an alternate elevated foot;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the elevated foot of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a front view of another alternate elevated foot;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the elevated foot of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a front view of another alternate elevated foot;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the elevated foot of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a putter including a brush-like elevated foot;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a putter including an elevated foot having a decorative shape;

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the putter in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternate elevated foot before attachment to a putter head;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a removable elevated foot;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the head of the putter in FIG. 1 just before impact with a golf ball;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a driver head and elevated foot constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 18 is a bottom view of the driver head and elevated foot of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a side view of the head of the driver in FIG. 17 just before impact with a golf ball;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary elevated foot 10 constructed in accordance with the present invention attached to the head 12 of a putter 14 having a shaft 16 and a grip 18. As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the hosel of the shaft 16 is positioned substantially halfway between the heel 13 and toe 15 of the head 12 of the putter 14 for optimum putting performance. In one configuration, the shaft 16 can be substantially perpendicular to the head 12 of the putter 14, as illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIG. 3 illustrates a slightly different putter 14′ having a shaft 16′ and a head 18′. The hosel 11′ is disposed substantially halfway between the heel 13′ and the toe 15′ of the head 12. In contrast to the putter 14, the shaft 16′ is disposed at a non-perpendicular angle “A” to the head 12. In the illustrated example the angle A is about 15°.

Preferably, the putter 14 or 14′ has a total length “TL” from the ground of about 91 cm (36 in).

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the elevated foot 10 has a top surface 20, a bottom surface 22, and two opposed side surfaces 24 and 26. Two planar sides 28 and 30 extend between the top surface 20 and bottom surface 22 connecting the two opposed side surfaces 24 and 26. The elevated foot 10 can be constructed of any material which can support the head of a putter 12. Examples of suitable materials include wood, plastic, rubber, iron, steel, and aluminum. As illustrated in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, and 4, the two opposed side surfaces 24 and 26 have a convex curve such that the overall shape of the elevated foot 10 is similar to the keel of a boat. The shape of the elevated foot 10 can be varied to suit a particular application. For example, FIGS. 5 and 6 show an elevated foot 32 having a generally square cross-section with rounded corners 34. FIGS. 7 and 8 show an elevated foot 36 having a quasi-triangular or bullet-shaped profile. FIGS. 9 and 10 show an elevated foot 38 having a parallel-sided upper portion 40 and a radiused lower portion 42.

The elevated foot 10 need not be a rigid member, so long as it can provide a reference of a desired height to a player. For example, FIG. 11 illustrates an elevated foot 116 having a rigid base 44 carrying a plurality of downwardly-extending resilient bristles 46 of a selected length.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate an elevated foot 216 tailored to children who have taken up the game of golf. The elevated foot 216 is in the shape of a pretzel, but otherwise serves the same function as the elevated foot 10 described above. Other decorative or amusing shapes may be used for the elevated foot 216.

Most golf clubs are designed with colors and materials which are strictly functional or which are intended to appeal to adult golfers. However, to further encourage children to take up the game of golf, the putter 14, including the grip 18, the shaft 16, and the elevated foot 10, can be made in or decorated with a multitude of colors to appeal to children. Bright colors such as red, orange, light blue, and pink, to name just a few, may be used instead of the more traditional dark, neutral colors. Furthermore, the parts of the putter 14 can include patterned decorations with artistic designs or themes. For example patterns of flowers, the sun, or stars, to name just a few, can be applied to the putter.

The dimensions selected for the elevated foot 10 are designed to support the head of the putter 14 at a selected height above the putting surface. The dimensions of elevated foot 10 will vary with the specific putter 14 chosen, but generally it has a length “L” from about 2.5 cm (1.0 in) to about 8.9 cm (3.5 in), a height “H” of about 0.51 cm (0.2 in) to about 3.1 cm (1.2 in), and a width “W’ of about 0.25 cm (0.1 in) to about 1.3 cm (0.5 in). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the elevated foot 10 has a length “L” of about 8.9 cm (3.5 in), a height “H” of about 0.95 cm (0.38 in), and a width “W’ of about 0.32 cm (0.13 in).

In the example shown in FIG. 1, the elevated foot 10 is an integral portion of the bottom of the club head 12. However, the elevated foot 10 can also be a separate unit which is affixed to a club head 12. As illustrated in FIG. 14, a separate elevated foot 316 may be secured to the club head 12 by means such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners such as VELCRO, adhesive tap, or soldering. Known suitable adhesives include construction adhesives sold under the trademark LIQUID NAILS, and cyanoacrylate adhesives such as KRAZY GLUE.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a removable elevated foot 416 includes a clip 48 which clamps onto the club head 12. The exemplary clip 48 has a base 49 with two upwardly extending flexible arms 50 for clamping the club head 12. This allows the elevated foot 416 to be easily slide on or off an existing club head 12. This allows a golfer to use the removable elevated foot 416 with a favorite putter without permanent modification. The clip 48 could be replaced with other means for removably securing the removable elevated foot 416. For example, the clip 48 could be mounted to the club head 12 instead of the removable elevated foot. Alternatively a groove and a matching rail (not shown) could be formed in the club head 12 and the removable elevated foot 416.

The use of the elevated foot 52 is shown in FIG. 16. As the putter head 12 is placed on the putting surface 54 in a position addressing a golf ball 56, the putter 14 is elevated about 0.79 cm (0.31 in). The type and shape of the elevated foot 52 are chosen in consideration of the dimensions of the putter head 12 to elevate a selected striking area 58 of the putter head 12 adjacent the center of mass “C” of a standard golf ball 56. The exact amount of elevation will depend on the size of the golf ball used (i.e. American or British). With the elevated foot 52 attached to the putter head 12, a golfer is forced to hit the golf ball 56 substantially at the center of mass “C”. The subsequent result is a golf ball 56 that has a straight, uniform rotation. This avoids any tendency of the golf ball 56 to roll of off the intended line. Through repeated use of the elevated foot 52, the golfer's muscles may become conditioned to consistently and routinely produce a correct stroke.

Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18. The illustrated example shows an elevated foot 60 on the sole plate 62 of a driver head 64. The elevated foot 60 may be used with other woods, with irons, or with hybrid design clubs as well. The elevated foot 60 has a top surface 66 connected to the sole plate 62, a bottom surface 68, and two opposed side surfaces 70 and 72. Two spaced-apart sides 74 and 76 extend between the top surface 66 and bottom surface 68 connecting the two opposed side surfaces 70 and 72.

The elevated foot 60 is positioned in a longitudinal direction in the center of the driver head 64. The elevated foot 60 elevates the driver head 64 above the playing surface 78 when the driver is in the striking position as seen in FIG. 19. This elevated position allows a selected striking area 80 of the driver head 64 to impact the center “C” of a golf ball 56 resulting in solid contact and improved yardage. Through repeated use of the elevated foot 60, the golfer's muscles may become conditioned to consistently and routinely produce a correct stroke.

The foregoing has described an elevated golf club foot. It should be noted that the elevated foot may be used with a regular club for normal play as well as a training or practice aid. While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the preferred embodiment of the invention and the best mode for practicing the invention are provided for the purpose of illustration only and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. An apparatus for optimizing golfing performances, said apparatus comprising:

a shaft;

a club head;

a hosel to connect said shaft to said club head;

an elevated foot connecting to said club head.

2. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said shaft is perpendicular or non-perpendicular to said club head.

3. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said elevated foot is an integral portion of the bottom of the said club head.

4. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said elevated foot is a separate unit which is affixed to a club head by means such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, hook-and-loop fasteners such as VELCRO, adhesive tap, or soldering.

5. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said elevated foot is a separate and ready-removable unit which clamps to said club head by means of a clip which allows said elevated foot to be easily slide on or off an existing said club head.

6. The apparatus as recited in claim 1, wherein said elevated foot has a top surface; a bottom surface, and two opposed side surfaces;

wherein said two planar sides extend between the said top surface and said bottom surface connecting the said two opposed side surfaces;

wherein the said two opposed side surfaces have a convex curve.

7. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein shape of said elevated foot is varied having a generally squared cross-section with rounded corners.

8. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein shape of said elevated foot is varied having a quasi-triangular profile.

9. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein shape of said elevated foot is varied having a bullet-shaped profile.

10. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein shape of said elevated foot is varied having a plurality of downwardly-extending resilient bristles of a selected length.

11. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein shape of said elevated foot is varied having a shape of a pretzel.

12. The apparatus as recited in claim 6, wherein said elevated foot is made of suitable materials selected from wood, plastic, rubber, iron, steel, and aluminum.

13. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said club head is varied, made of material having an array of bright colors which includes red, orange, light blue, and pink.

14. The apparatus as recited in claim 2, wherein said club head is varied to include decorative and artistic designs or themes of flowers, the sun, or the stars.

15. An apparatus for optimizing golfing performances, said apparatus comprising:

a shaft;

a driver's head;

a hosel to connect said shaft to said club head;

a sole plate;

an elevated foot connecting to said club head.

16. The apparatus as recited in claim 15, wherein said elevated foot has a top surface connected to the said sole plate, a bottom surface, and two opposed side surfaces;

wherein said two spaced-apart sides extend between the said top surface and said bottom surface connecting the two said opposed side surfaces;

wherein said elevated foot is positioned in a longitudinal direction in the center of the driver's head.