Golf clubs and associated methods for achieving a side-pendulum swing technique

Abstract

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to an improved pendulum-style golf club and associated side-pendulum swing technique. Unlike conventional golf clubs and traditional swing techniques, the pendulum-style golf club and the side-pendulum swing technique of various embodiments of the present invention are specifically designed to maintain a golfer's binocular focus on a target while simultaneously reducing the number and complexity of movements that are required to practice a repeatable golf swing.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/678,662, filed May 6, 2005, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to golf clubs, and more particularly, to golf clubs and associated methods adapted for achieving an address position and an improved swing technique whereby a golfer is positioned throughout the swing to take advantage of his binocular vision.

2. Description of the Related Art

A significant portion of a golfer's score is attributable to putting and wedge play around the green. Indeed, putting alone can account for more than 40% of an average round of golf. In this regard, golfers are endlessly working to optimize their performance in these crucial aspects of the game.

Conventional putting and chipping techniques begin with a golfer taking an address position similar to that depicted in FIG. 1. More particularly, the golfer places the golf ball in front of and between the golfer's feet as shown. The club face is generally positioned perpendicular to a target line illustrated by line A as shown. A conventional address position is generally marked by proper positioning of the golfer's shoulders, hips, and feet. For example, an imaginary line B passing along the front of the golfer's feet should be generally parallel to the target line A as shown. Further, imaginary lines C and D passing through the golfer's hips and shoulders respectively should also be generally parallel to the target line A as shown. This “squared” position is also a preferred golf ball contact position.

As the golfer prepares to strike the golf ball with a short chip or putt, the golfer withdraws the club head in a curved path generally along imaginary line E as shown. In a typical chipping or putting stroke, the golfer's shoulders and hips veer at least momentarily from the preferred “squared” address and contact position. Adding further complexity to the stroke, the golfer's arms and wrists are used to maneuver the golf club from a backswing position though the contact position. When practiced perfectly, the face of the club head begins at address in the preferred “squared” position, is moved to an open position during the backswing, and is returned to a squared position at contact. Unfortunately, however, most golfers are not able to perfectly practice this relatively complex movement on a repeating basis. The predictable result is that the club head often fails to return to a squared position at contact, thus, resulting in the golf ball being deflected from the target line A.

The above swing complexities and resulting deficiencies are further exacerbated as the golfer attempts short- to mid-range shots around the green. In order to make flush, consistent contact with the golf ball, it is desirable for the golfer's eyes to be squarely focused on the golf ball positioned generally in front of the golfer's feet as shown in FIG. 1. However, for optimal depth perception, it is desirable for the golfer to turn his head sharply toward the target such that the golfer can utilize his binocular vision and thereby maximize his chances to properly judge the distance to the target. The resulting compromise produces a golfer focused for the most part on the golf ball except for a few hurried glances toward the target. Such glances are typically dominated by the eye closest to the target resulting in generally monocular rather than binocular vision. As a result, the golfer's ability to judge distance properly is inherently limited.

Thus, it would be desirable to develop a short-range golf swing technique and associated golf clubs that are adapted to take full advantage of a golfer's binocular vision and the improved depth perception associated therewith. It is further desirable to provide a technique and associated golf clubs that accommodate a golf swing movement whereby the number and complexity of arm, trunk, and shoulder movements that must be practiced to effectively stoke a golf ball along a preferred target line are reduced.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above needs are addressed and other advantages are provided by an improved pendulum-style golf club and associated side-pendulum swing technique. Unlike conventional golf clubs and traditional swing techniques, the pendulum-style golf club and the side-pendulum swing technique of various embodiments of the present invention are specifically designed to maintain a golfer's binocular focus on a target while simultaneously reducing the number and complexity of movements that are required to practice a repeatable golf swing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a conventional golf address position in accordance with the known prior art;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a golfer taking a binocular side-address position in anticipation of using an improved putter-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a golfer taking a backswing position when using an improved putter-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a golfer in a contact position when using an improved putter-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a golfer in a follow-through position using an improved putter-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a golfer taking a binocular side-address position in anticipation of using an improved chipping club-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a golfer taking a backswing position when using an improved chipping club-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a golfer in a contact position when using an improved chipping club-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a golfer in a follow-through position using an improved chipping club-type pendulum-style golf club and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a right side view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a left side view of an improved golf putter head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a top view of an improved golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is bottom view of an improved golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is front view of an improved golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a rear view of an improved golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a left side view of an improved golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 23 is a right side view of an improved golf chipping head adapted for use by a golfer employing a binocular side-address position and associated swing technique in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

As will be described in greater detail below, the present invention is directed an improved pendulum-style golf club and an associated side-pendulum swing technique. FIGS. 2-5 depict a golfer practicing a side-pendulum swing technique according to various embodiments of the invention using a pendulum-style putter-type golf club. Detailed views of a putter-type pendulum-style golf club structured in accordance with one embodiment the present invention are shown in FIGS. 10-16. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the disclosure provided herein, short to medium range chipping of a golf ball may be accomplished using the depicted golf swing in combination with a pendulum-style chipping-type golf club having a lofted face, as depicted in FIGS. 6-9. Detailed views of a pendulum-style chipping-type golf club are shown in FIGS. 17-23. Accordingly, the herein described side-pendulum swing techniques are not limited to putting and in fact, are quite effective for other shots around the green (e.g., chipping, sand-shots, etc.) In view of their similar side-pendulum swing motions, chipping and putting techniques adapted in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention are discussed simultaneously below.

For purposes of the foregoing specification and appended claims the term “pendulum-style golf club” refers to a wedge, putter or other short range golf implement that is adapted for use by a golfer positioned in a binocular side-address position. The term “short range” as used herein refers to a golf shot distance wherein the target (e.g., golf green, golf hole) is less than 100 yards from the golfer.

FIGS. 2 and 6 are perspective views of a golfer 20, 120 taking a binocular side-address position in anticipation of using a pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 and an associated side-pendulum swing technique in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Unlike conventional golf clubs and traditional swing techniques, the pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 and the side-pendulum swing technique of various embodiments of the present invention are specifically designed to maintain a golfer's binocular focus on a target while simultaneously reducing the number and complexity of movements that are required to practice a repeatable golf swing.

For purposes of the foregoing specification and appended claims, the term “binocular side-address position” refers to a golf address position or stance wherein the golf ball is positioned outside of, and immediately adjacent to, the golfer's feet as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6. To accommodate such a position, the pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 according to various embodiments of the present invention includes an elongated shaft 26, 126 configured such that a first end 26A, 126A of the shaft may be positioned generally adjacent a golfer's shoulder as shown. A second end 26B, 126B of the shaft 26, 126 is affixed to a club head 28, 128 that is positioned proximate the golf ball 22, 122. In this regard, the golfer is positioned generally facing a target (e.g., a hole 40, 140, a spot on the green, etc.) and thus may take full advantage of his binocular vision. In contrast, conventional address positions such as that depicted in FIG. 1 require the golfer to make over the shoulder glances toward the target. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that such glances are typically dominated by the eye closest to the target resulting in generally monocular rather than binocular vision. By facilitating full use of a golfer's binocular vision the pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 and associated side-pendulum swing technique described below give golfers an increased chance of properly judging the distance to the golf hole.

FIGS. 2 and 6 illustrate a golfer 20, 120 disposed in a binocular side-address position according to various embodiments of the invention. As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the golfer 20, 120 is positioned and focused generally to strike the golf ball 22, 122 toward a target 40, 140. The depicted target 40, 140 is a golf hole, however, in alternate embodiments the target 40, 140 may be any location toward which the golfer 20, 120 wishes to direct the golf ball 22, 122. An imaginary target line A is defined between the target 40, 140 and the golf ball 22, 122. The positioning of the golfer's shoulders, hips, and feet with respect to the target line A in the depicted binocular side-address position is plainly distinct from the positioning required for the conventional address position shown in FIG. 1. For example, in the depicted embodiment, an imaginary line B passing along the front of the golfer's feet is generally perpendicular to the target line A rather than the parallel positioning suggested for a conventional address position. Further, imaginary lines C and D passing through the golfer's hips and shoulders respectively are also generally perpendicular to the target line A as shown.

FIGS. 2-5 and 6-9 illustrate a golfer using an improved pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 to practice a side-pendulum swing technique in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. For illustration purposes, the golfer has been positioned with the golf ball 22, 122 at his right side; however, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing disclosure, the pendulum-style golf club and associated side-pendulum swing technique disclosed herein may be practiced from either side of the golf ball 22, 122. For example, right-handed golfers may be more comfortable in the depicted position while left-handed golfers may be more comfortable having the golf ball situated on the opposite side.

In the depicted embodiments, the pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 is positioned adjacent the right-side of the golfer 20, 120. The golfer 20, 120 grasps the first end 26A, 126A of the shaft 26, 126 with an upper hand 42, 142 (the left hand as shown) and grasps a mid-portion 26C, 126C of the shaft 26, 126, located between the first end 26A, 126A and the second end 26B, 126B, with a lower hand 44, 144 (the right hand as shown). In alternate embodiments, for example where the golf ball 22, 122 is positioned on the left side of the golfer 20, 120, this hand positioning may be reversed as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. In the depicted embodiments, the upper hand 42, 142 is that which is furthest from target line A and serves to anchor the first end 26A, 126A of the shaft 26, 126 generally adjacent the golfer's shoulder as shown. In other embodiments, however, the upper hand 42, 142 may secure the first end 26A, 126A of the shaft generally adjacent the golfer's right side or armpit area. The lower hand 44, 144 is that which is closest to the target line A and is used to drive the golf club 24, 124 along a swinging pendulum motion as shown collectively in FIGS. 2-5 and 6-9. In this regard, and in contrast to prior art swing techniques, the side-pendulum swing technique of various embodiments of the present invention simplifies the golf swing by relying generally on a pendulum motion provided by one arm and enclosed by a second arm to consistently strike a golf ball.

FIGS. 3 and 7 illustrate a golfer drawing a pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 rearward into a backswing position in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In the depicted embodiments, the golfer 20, 120 withdraws the golf club head 28, 128 rearwardly substantially along the target line A using the lower hand 44, 144. To eliminate unnecessary swing complexity, the golfer's upper hand 42, 142 remains anchored generally adjacent his right shoulder, side, or armpit, in a substantially stationary position. The preferred distance that the club head 28, 128 is removed from the ball, i.e., the length of the backswing, generally relates to the intended distance of the golf shot. As with more conventional swing techniques, shorter golf shots generally require shorter backswings than do longer golf shots.

FIGS. 4 and 8 illustrate a golfer 20, 120 positioned in a contact position using a pendulum-style golf club 24, 124 in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. As previously described with regard to the backswing position, the upper hand 42, 142 anchors the first end 26A, 126A of the shaft 26, 126 while the lower hand 44, 144 is used to swing the shaft 26, 126 forwardly toward the golf ball 22, 122 as shown. After striking the golf ball 22, 122, the golfer 20, 120 maneuvers the club head 28, 128 generally along the target line A to a follow-through position as shown in FIGS. 5 and 9. As referenced above with regard to the backswing and contact positions, the golfer's upper hand 42, 142 operates to anchor the first end 26A, 126A of the shaft 26, 126 through the depicted follow-through position. Alternatively, the lower hand 44, 144 operates to swing the shaft 26, 126 along a plane generally parallel to the target line A. This pendulum-style swing motion is useful for consistently striking the golf ball 22, 122 with the club head 28, 128 to advance the golf ball 22, 122 along the target line A as shown.

In contrast to prior art swing techniques, the face 29, 129 of the golf club head 28, 129 does not deviate substantially from a perpendicular orientation to the target line A during the backswing and follow-through motions of the above described side-pendulum swing technique. Accordingly, it is easier for the golfer to make flush and repetitive contact with the golf ball 22, 122. The repeatability of the side-pendulum swing technique is further enhanced by reducing the number of muscle groups that are needed to perform a characteristic swing. In prior art golf swings, several muscle groups including those needed for controlling a golfer's hips, shoulders, trunk, arms, and wrists are generally used. Advantageously, swing techniques according to various embodiments of the present invention require relatively fewer muscle groups such as those necessary to swing a golfer's lower hand 44, 144 and arm along the target line A.

A desirable byproduct of the above referenced side-pendulum swing technique, as shown in FIGS. 3-5 and FIGS. 7-9 collectively, is that the golfer 20, 120 remains in a substantially “side-squared position” through address, backswing, contact, and follow-through. For purposes of the foregoing specification and appended claims, the term “side-squared position” refers to side addressed golf swing positioning whereby the golfer's hips and shoulders remain generally perpendicular to the target line A. In the depicted embodiments, imaginary line C defined by the golfer's hips and imaginary line D defined by the golfer's shoulders, remain in a substantially side-squared position throughout the swing as shown. In this regard, the golfer desirably maintains a “quiet” upper body and improved positioning whereby binocular vision is possible. As noted above, binocular vision allows a golfer to enhance his ability to perceive the relative depth or distance to a target. Such advantages desirably allow golfers to improve their performance in short-range golf shots where accuracy is most important.

Detailed views of a pendulum-style putter head 28 structured in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention are depicted in FIGS. 10-16. In the depicted embodiments, the pendulum-style putter head 28 is defined by a front surface 29, a rear surface 32, a top surface 34, and a bottom surface 36. As with conventional putters, the front surface 29 is adapted to define a substantially flat surface for striking a golf ball toward an intended target. As shown in FIG. 13, when the pendulum-style putter 24 is in its binocular address position, an axis 26A defined by the shaft 26 is offset at an angle of at least 10 degrees from a vertical position indicated by the dashed line labeled V. It should be noted that although the pendulum-style putter 24 of the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 10-16 is designed to be used by a right-handed golfer, in other embodiments, the shaft may be offset at least 10 degrees from the vertical in the other direction so as to be usable by a left-handed golfer.

Pendulum-style golf clubs structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention are structured to possess a weight, shaft diameter, and shaft stiffness that is tailored to assist a golfer in practicing a side-pendulum swing technique. For example, in various embodiments, a pendulum-style putter head may be provided having a weight between 11 and 32 ounces, preferably between 12 and 28 ounces, and more preferably between 13 and 24 ounces. In one embodiment, such putter heads may be comprised of a composite material. For example, in one embodiment, the putter head is composed of a two part composite produced from a polyester resin, such as ArmorCast™ CD-10 series polyester resin produced by Cook Composites and Polymers of Kansas City, Mo., and an aluminum trihydrate filler. Other putter head embodiments may be comprised of metals, woods, cement materials, polymers, and the like.

As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, putter heads structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may be significantly heavier than traditional putter heads. This additional weight provides added momentum and encourages a slow and steady pendulum motion. Conventional putter club heads may weigh between approximately 300 to approximately 350 grams, while pendulum-style putter heads of various embodiments of the present invention may weigh between approximately 11 ounces and approximately 32 ounces (312 grams to 907 grams), and more preferably weigh between approximately 13 ounces and approximately 24 ounces (369 grams to 680 grams) as noted above.

In still other embodiments, the pendulum-style putter 24 may include a shaft 26 that is relatively stiffer, longer, and heavier than putter shafts used to putt via conventional techniques as described with regard to FIG. 1 above. Table 1 below provides a list of exemplary lengths, weights, and diameters for several pendulum-style putter shaft embodiments that are structured in accordance with the present invention. The table includes weights for pendulum-style shafts both with, and without, a shaft grip attached proximate the first end 26A of the shaft 26 (not shown).

TABLE 1
Exemplary Shaft Parameters
	Shaft Weight	Shaft Weight
Shaft Length	(without grip)	(with grip)	Shaft Diameter
38 inches	17.5 ounces	19.38 ounces	0.625 inches
40 inches	18.38 ounces	20.25 ounces	0.625 inches
42 inches	19.25 ounces	21.12 ounces	0.625 inches
44 inches	20.12 ounces	22.0 ounces	0.625 inches
46 inches	21.0 ounces	22.88 ounces	0.625 inches

Whereas a conventional steel putting shaft may weigh approximately 120 to 140 grams, pendulum-style putter shafts structured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention weigh from approximately 17⅓ ounces to approximately 21 ounces (496 grams to 595 grams). As used herein, the term “effective weight” refers to the weight per unit length of a golf club shaft. Taken without a grip, pendulum-style putter shafts structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention possess an effective weight between approximately 0.4 ounces per inch and approximately 0.5 ounces per inch, preferably, approximately 0.46 ounces per inch. The relatively higher shaft weights of various embodiments of the present invention, as compared to prior art golf clubs, are tailored to encourage a simpler, more repeatable, side-pendulum swing movement.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the top surface 34 of the pendulum-style putter head 28 is structured to include targeting indicia that is adapted to assist a golfer in aligning the putter head with an intended target and making consistent, repeatable contact with a golf ball. The depicted targeting indicia comprises a first focal pattern 205A, an impact focal pattern 205B, and a second focal pattern 205C. The first and second focal patterns 205A, 205C are disposed on opposite sides of the putter head 28 generally adjacent the front or impact surface 29 of the putter head 28 as shown. The depicted impact focal pattern 205B is disposed centrally on the top surface 34 of the putter head 28 and is structured to terminate at a preferred impact region IR along the front surface 29 as shown. Although depicted centrally, the impact focal pattern may be offset relative to center in embodiments where the preferred impact region IR of the putter head is itself offset relative to center.

The depicted first and second focal patterns 205A, 205C are comprised of a plurality of lines 206 that extend rearward from the front surface 29 of the putter head 28 as shown. The depicted first and second focal patterns 205A, 205C are comprised of five lines; however, more or fewer lines of varying thicknesses may be used. In addition, the first and second focal patterns 205A, 205C need not be comprised of lines and may be comprised of a solid shape, pattern, or other indicia. In one embodiment, the first and second focal patterns 205A, 205C each define a rear contour that is aligned with imaginary first and second focal axes 201, 202 as shown in FIG. 10. Although not wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the rear contour of the first and second focal patterns 205A, 205C operate to focus a golfer's attention along the first and second focal axes 201, 202 to the impact region IR. In this regard, the golfer is better equipped to make consistent, repeatable impact with the golf ball proximate the impact region IR.

The impact focal pattern 205B assists a golfer in maintaining the front surface 29 of the putter head square to the target line as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. The depicted impact focal pattern 205B is comprised of a plurality of lines 206 that extend rearward from the front surface 29 of the putter head 28 as shown. The depicted impact pattern 205B is comprised of five lines; however, more or fewer lines of varying thicknesses may be used.

The first focal pattern 205A, the impact focal pattern 205B, and the second focal pattern 205C may be formed on the upper surface of the putter head 28 by a number of techniques so long as the each focal pattern is visible to a golfer in an address position. For example, the focal patterns may be etched, embossed, painted, or otherwise transferred to the top surface of the putter head through decals, coatings, or the like. Although depicted on a “mallet-style” putter head, the above-described focal patterns are not limited to the depicted putter head style and may be transferred to any putter head style as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Detailed views of a pendulum-style chipping club 124 are depicted in FIGS. 17-23. In the depicted embodiment, the pendulum-style chipping club 124 comprises a pendulum-style chipping head 128 that is defined by a front surface 129, a rear surface 132, a top surface 134, and a bottom surface 136. As with conventional chipping clubs (e.g., wedges, hybrids, etc.), the front surface 129 is adapted to define a substantially flat and lofted surface for striking a golf ball toward an intended target. As shown in FIG. 20, when the pendulum-style chipping club 124 is placed in its binocular side-address position, the shaft 26 defines an axis 126A that is offset by at least 10 degrees from a vertical axis V. It should be noted that the depicted pendulum-style chipping clubs 124 are designed to be used by a right-handed golfer; however, in other embodiments, the shaft may be offset from the vertical axis V at least 10 degrees in the other direction so as to be usable by a left-handed golfer. Although not shown, one or more grooves may be defined in the front surface 129 for encouraging spin of the golf ball as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Pendulum-style chipping heads may be comprised of composite materials that are configured to make the pendulum-style chipping club much heavier than a conventional chipping club. For example, in various embodiments, a pendulum-style chipping head may be provided having a weight between 11 and 32 ounces, preferably between 12 and 28 ounces, and more preferably between 13 and 24 ounces. In one embodiment, the pendulum-style chipping head is composed of a two part composite produced from a polyester resin, such as ArmorCast™ CD-10 series polyester resin produced by Cook Composites and Polymers of Kansas City, Mo., and an aluminum trihydrate filler. Other pendulum-style chipping head embodiments may be comprised of metals, woods, cement materials, polymers, and the like.

As will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, pendulum style chipping heads structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may be significantly heavier than traditional chipping heads. This additional weight provides added momentum and encourages a slow and steady pendulum motion; even despite the ground (e.g., turf, sand, etc.) collisions that are anticipated for a chipping club. Conventional chipping club heads may weigh between approximately 280 to approximately 300 grams, while pendulum-style chipping heads of various embodiments of the present invention may weigh between approximately 11 ounces and approximately 32 ounces (312 grams to 907 grams), and more preferably weigh between approximately 13 ounces and approximately 24 ounces (369 grams to 680 grams) as noted above.

In still other embodiments, the pendulum-style chipping club may include a shaft that is relatively stiffer, longer, and heavier than chipping club shafts used to chip via conventional techniques as described with regard to FIG. 1 above. Table 2 below provides a list of exemplary lengths, weights, and diameters for several pendulum-style chipping club shaft embodiments that are structured in accordance with the present invention. The table includes weights for pendulum-style shafts both with, and without, a shaft grip attached proximate the first end of the shaft (not shown).

TABLE 2
Exemplary Shaft Parameters
	Shaft Weight	Shaft Weight
Shaft Length	(without grip)	(with grip)	Shaft Diameter
38 inches	17.5 ounces	19.38 ounces	0.625 inches
40 inches	18.38 ounces	20.25 ounces	0.625 inches
42 inches	19.25 ounces	21.12 ounces	0.625 inches
44 inches	20.12 ounces	22.0 ounces	0.625 inches
46 inches	21.0 ounces	22.88 ounces	0.625 inches

Whereas a conventional steel chipping club shaft may weigh approximately 120 to 140 grams, pendulum-style putter shafts structured in accordance with various embodiments of the invention weigh from approximately 17½ ounces to approximately 21 ounces (496 grams to 595 grams). Further, whereas a conventional chipping club shaft length may be from approximately 36¼ inches to approximately 41¼ inches, pendulum-style chipping clubs may comprise shafts defining a length between approximately 38 inches to approximately 46 inches. Thus, pendulum-style chipping clubs structured in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention may define an effective weight between at least 0.4 ounces per inch and approximately 0.5 ounces per inch, preferably, approximately 0.46 ounces per inch. The relatively higher shaft weights of various embodiments of the present invention, as compared to prior art golf clubs, are tailored to encourage a simpler, more repeatable, side-pendulum swing movement.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the depicted pendulum-style chipping club 124 defines a top contour angle fi between the shaft axis 126A and a top contour line 134A that is generally aligned or tangent to the top surface 134 of the club head 128. In various embodiments of the present invention, pendulum-style chipping clubs may define a top contour angle β between 100 and 165 degrees, preferably between 120 and 150 degrees, more preferably between 130 and 145 degrees. In contrast, more traditional chipping clubs define a top contour angle that is typically less than 90 degrees.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A pendulum-style golf club adapted for use by a golfer disposed in a binocular side-address position, the pendulum-style golf club comprising:

a shaft defining a first end, a second end, and an effective weight; and

a club head extending from the second end of the shaft,

wherein the effective weight of the shaft is greater than 0.4 ounces per inch.

2. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the effective weight of the shaft is between 0.4 ounces per inch and 0.5 ounces per inch.

3. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the effective weight of the shaft is approximately 0.46 ounces per inch.

4. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the club head weighs between approximately 11 ounces and 32 ounces.

5. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the club head weighs between approximately 12 ounces and 28 ounces.

6. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the club head weighs between approximately 13 ounces and 24 ounces.

7. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the club head is a pendulum-style putter head.

8. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 7, wherein the pendulum-style putter head defines a top surface, an impact surface, and an impact region provided on the impact surface, and wherein the pendulum-style putter head further comprises:

a first focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface generally adjacent the impact surface, wherein the first focal pattern defines a first rear contour aligned with a first imaginary focal axis; and

a second focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface generally adjacent the impact surface, wherein the second focal pattern defines a second rear contour aligned with a second imaginary focal axis, and

wherein the first imaginary focal axis and the second imaginary focal axis converge proximate the impact region of the impact surface of the pendulum-style putter head.

9. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 8, wherein the pendulum-style putter head defines a top surface, an impact surface, and an impact region provided on the impact surface, and wherein the pendulum-style putter head further comprises:

a first focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface generally adjacent the impact surface,

a second focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface generally adjacent the impact surface, and

an impact focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface and terminating proximate the impact surface generally adjacent the impact region of the impact surface of the pendulum-style putter head.

10. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 1, wherein the club head is a pendulum-style chipping head.

11. The pendulum-style golf club of claim 10, wherein the pendulum-style golf club defines a top contour angle that is greater than 100 degrees.

12. A pendulum-style chipping club adapted for chipping a golf ball from a binocular side-address position, the chipping club comprising:

a shaft defining a first end and a second end; and

a pendulum-style chipping head extending from the second end of the shaft, wherein the pendulum-style chipping head weighs between 11 and 32 ounces.

13. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 12, wherein the shaft defines a length between 38 and 46 inches.

14. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 12, wherein the pendulum-style chipping head weighs between 12 and 28 ounces.

15. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 12, wherein the pendulum-style chipping head weighs between 13 and 24 ounces.

16. A pendulum-style chipping club adapted for chipping a golf ball from a binocular side-address position, the chipping club comprising:

a shaft defining a first end, a second end, and a length between 38 to 46 inches; and

a pendulum-style chipping head extending from the second end of the shaft.

17. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 16, wherein the pendulum-style chipping head weighs between 11 and 32 ounces.

18. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 16, wherein the shaft defines an effective weight that is greater than 0.4 ounces per inch.

19. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 16, wherein the shaft defines an effective weight that is between 0.4 and 0.5 ounces per inch.

20. The pendulum-style chipping club of claim 16, wherein the pendulum-style chipping head defines a top surface contour and the shaft defines and imaginary shaft axis, and a top contour surface angle greater than 100 degrees is defined between the top contour surface and the imaginary shaft axis.

21. A putter head defining a top surface, an impact surface, and an impact region provided on the impact surface, the putter head comprising:

a first focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface generally adjacent the impact surface, wherein the first focal pattern defines a first rear contour aligned with a first imaginary focal axis; and

a second focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface generally adjacent the impact surface, wherein the second focal pattern defines a second rear contour aligned with a second imaginary focal axis;

wherein the first imaginary focal axis and the second imaginary focal axis converge proximate the impact region of the impact surface of the putter head.

22. The putter head of claim 21, further comprising:

an impact focal pattern disposed proximate the top surface of the putter head that terminates proximate the impact surface generally adjacent the impact region.