GOLF PUTTERS

Abstract

A fitting or coaching device (100) for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device having a head (102) with a striking face (120) and a shaft (131) slideably mounted to the head (102). The slideable mounting of the shaft (131) enables adjustment of its position to vary its offset distance from the striking face (120). The device (100) preferably includes an offset scale (141d). In preferred embodiments, the slideable mounting is in the form of a screw adjustment or a rack and pinion arrangement. In a less preferred embodiment, the slideable mounting is provided by an engaging portion (140) slideably receivable within a guide (141b) and securable thereto by a fastener or clamp (145), wherein the engaging portion (140) has a complementary shape to the guide (141b). In preferred embodiments, the position of the shaft (131) is movable between a first position behind the striking face (120) and a second position is in front of the striking face (120).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/991,549, which is a national stage application of international Patent Application No. PCT/GB2009/001133, which claims priority both from UK Patent Application Serial No. 0808268.7 and UK Patent Application No. 1009392.0.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to golf putters, and particularly an alignment aid in the custom fitting of golf putters to the requirements of individual users, where either left or right handed, and as a teaching tool.

2. Description of the Background

This invention relates generally to fitting and/or coaching devices for golf clubs for facilitating customised fitting of a golf club and/or for assisting golf trainers. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a fitting device for a golf putter. It is well known that golf clubs must be engineered and constructed to provide a consistent strike to impart consistent momentum to the golf ball. This momentum is transferred from the club to the golf ball by the movement of the head when swung by the golfer when the striking face of the head contacts the ball. The position and orientation of the strike face at the point of impact are crucial factors in controlling the distance and direction of travel of the ball. Several characteristics affect the consistency of the position and orientation of the strike face and these vary from one golfer to the next. For example, twisting of the club in the hands of the golfer as the ball is struck can occur when the point of contact is off the so-called ‘sweet spot’. This occurs when the head, which is disposed at right angles to the intended line of the golf ball, twists at the point of impact causing the ball to be propelled in the wrong direction.

Good golfing is possible only if the golfer has a good technique based on good mechanics. In order to have a solid, repetitive stroke, the golfer's eyes should be approximately over the golf ball and the golfer's hands and arms need to be below the shoulders. In order to meet these requirements, the golf club should be made to fit the physical characteristics of the golfer as closely as possible. Complying with these principles allows a golfer to move his/her hands and the club head along the intended line of the golf ball towards and past the hole, thereby allowing the head to stay at right angles to that line for as long as possible. There is therefore a need to provide a fitting device to enable golf clubs to be custom fitted to golfers.

WO2005120654, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, belongs to the present Applicants and discloses a putter fitting device having an adjustable length, lie and loft angles to establish the optimum parameters for a particular golfer.

The correct length requires the golfer to be well balanced and to have the correct posture. The eyes of the player should be approximately over the top of the ball but this will be determined by the physical make up of each individual person. More specifically, a golfer with a longer neck and face length/dimension will often put the golfers eyes to the outside edge of the golf ball where as a golfer with a short neck and a shorter face/dimension will often be inside edge of the golf ball. In general however, the eyes of the golfer will be positioned approximately over the golf ball and the hands and arms of the golfer will be positioned below his/her shoulders. The lie is the angle between the head and the shaft in a plane parallel to the striking face of the head, while the loft is the angle between the striking face and the shaft. The lie and loft angles should be selected so that the golfer can position the head under his/her eyes without the toe or heel of the putter being raised from the ground. Hitting the ground with either the heel or the toe of the golf putter before hitting the golf ball would result in the golf putter being twisted off the intended line of the golf ball and the golf ball being propelled dramatically off line.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Applicants have found that the device of WO2005120654 provides excellent results. However, the present invention was conceived when the inventor realised that golfer performance could be further improved by experimenting with a further dimension. Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a fitting and/or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs and/or assisting golf trainers, the device comprising a head with a striking face and a shaft releasably securable to the head at one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face.

By configuring the fitting device to be selectively securable to one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face, the shaft offset (e.g. from the striking face) that provides optimum results for a golfer can be determined and incorporated into a custom fitted golf club. This provides surprisingly improved results.

Upon further analysis, the inventor has found that the importance of the offset is determined by each individual player's personal physique and in particular with the relationship of the hands and arms to the sternum. It has been observed that some players will have their hands set forward of the sternum and in this position, if you were to have no offset, i.e. a putter that is for example a centre shafted putter where the shaft is located just behind the putter face, from this position the putter face will now be de-lofted and the ball from this position on impact will not roll properly and will jump out of the turf as it trapped between the putter face and the putting green surface. It also has an effect on the aim of the putter and in this position when the hands are set forward with no off-set the putter becomes closed and aiming left of target. If a player has his hands set back from the sternum, this has the opposite effect of opening the putter face at impact and adding excessive loft to the putter face therefore creating back-spin on the ball as the putter contacts the ball below the circumference and effectively chips the ball into the air. For this type of player with the hands back behind the sternum, a putter with offset, i.e. the shaft in front of the face, the putter would add even more loft to the putter face from this position. This type of player set-up requires a centre shafted type putter whereby the shaft is mounted behind the putter face which improves loft on the putter face at impact.

The shaft is preferably adjustable, for example slideably adjustable, with respect to the head, e.g. along a guide. Additionally or alternatively, the device may be configured for stepwise adjustment of the shaft relative to the head.

A second aspect of the invention provides a fitting and/or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs and/or assisting trainers, the device comprising a head and a shaft releasably connected to the head, wherein the releasable connection is configured for stepwise adjustment of the location of the shaft on the head. The shaft may be releasably connected to one of two or more different parts of the head. The connection between the shaft and the head may be adjustable along the striking face. The shaft comprises an engaging part or portion that cooperates with the guide, for example wherein the engaging part or portion comprises a complementary shape to the guide or to a slot of the guide, e.g. a tongue and groove or flange and recess type arrangement. In a preferred embodiment, the shaft includes an engaging part or portion with an L-shaped or T-shaped cross section that is received and/or retained and/or at least partially encased in a correspondingly shaped slot in the guide. The device preferably includes a securing means such as a fastener or clamp for securing the shaft or engaging part or portion to the guide at one of two or more positions. The securing means preferably comprises a head or wheel, e.g. with a gripping surface, and a shaft, for example a threaded shaft. The shaft may be threadedly engaged with the guide and configured to secure or clamp the engaging part or portion to or within the guide. Alternatively, the shaft may be threadedly engaged with the engaging part or portion and configured to engage or push against a surface, e.g. an internal surface, of the guide or slot.

In another embodiment, the shaft is removably securable to the head at one of two or more different positions, for example by a fastening or clamping means or mechanism such as a fastener, bolt, screw or clamp, which may be configured to engage, e.g. threadedly engage, a member or hole, e.g. a threaded hole. The device may advantageously comprise a scale, for example an offset scale, for displaying the distance or position or offset of the shaft relative to the head. The shaft is preferably configured for angular adjustment, for example pivotable, with respect to the head, e.g. in at least one plane. The at least one plane may be parallel or perpendicular to the head or a striking face of the head. In some embodiments, the shaft is releasably coupled or couplable in one or more angular positions, for example by an adjustable coupling. The adjustable coupling may comprise a coupling projection, for example on one of the head and shaft, which coupling projection may be receivable within a coupling recess or aperture, e.g. in one the other of the head and shaft. Preferably, the coupling projection extends from the head, for example rearwardly and/or from a rear portion of the head, and/or the coupling recess or aperture is in the shaft, e.g. in a joint or joint element of the shaft. The adjustable coupling preferably comprises a tightening element, e.g. for releasably securing or coupling the shaft in the one or more angular positions, which tightening element may comprise a wheel or lever.

Additionally or alternatively, the adjustable coupling or a further adjustable coupling may comprise a fastener or bolt or screw, for example a socket head cap screw, e.g. for releasably securing or coupling the shaft in the one or more angular positions, which fastener or bolt or screw may be receivable within corresponding holes of the shaft and joint element. The joint element may comprise a pair of fork elements, for example each of which includes a respective hole, e.g. between which fork elements is received or receivable an end of the shaft, which shaft end may comprise a corresponding hole. The adjustable coupling may be configured to allow the shaft to pivot in a plane parallel to the striking face and/or the further adjustable coupling may be configured to allow the shaft to pivot in a plane perpendicular to the striking face. Preferably, the head assembly comprises a lie angle indicator, e.g. for measuring the lie angle of the head member or base of the head member relative to the shaft assembly, for example in a plane parallel to the striking face, and/or a loft angle indicator, e.g. for measuring the loft angle of the head member relative to the shaft assembly, for example in a plane perpendicular to the striking face. More preferably, at least one of the indicators comprises an angular scale which is attached or secured to the head member. Most preferably, the lie angle indicator is configured to measure the angle of the shaft relative to one or more predetermined angles, for example a left handed angle and/or a right handed angle.

A third aspect of the invention provides a fitting device for use in fitting golf clubs, the device comprising a head, a shaft pivotably connected to the head and selectively securable to the head at one of two or more angles relative thereto and a lie angle indicator configured to measure the angle of the shaft relative to a predetermined left handed angle and/or a predetermined right handed angle. The lie angle indicator may comprise two angular scales, each corresponding to one of the left and right handed angles. Each angular scale may include a base angle, which may be between ten and thirty degrees, for example eighteen, nineteen or twenty degrees, from the vertical. Each scale may measure the deviation from the base angle, for example up to 10 degrees, on either side thereof, e.g. +/−10 degrees, at predetermined increments, e.g. of one degree. The lie angle indicator may be in the form of a fan shaped member, e.g. a flat plate that may be formed of a clear plastics material, that may be secured to the head such as by screws and may include the angular scales. The device may further comprise a grip unit, which may be movably mounted, e.g. axially movable, to or on the shaft, such as to provide for adjustment of a length of the shaft assembly.

In one embodiment the shaft includes an axial slot section which preferably extends axially along a length of the shaft, and the grip unit may include a guide element which, when located in the axial slot section, acts to guide the grip unit when moved along the shaft. The grip unit may be configurable in a left-handed and/or right-handed configuration. The shaft may include first and second oppositely-directed axial slot sections, for example which extend axially along a length of the shaft, and/or the grip unit may include a guide element. The guide element may act to guide the grip unit when it is located in a respective one of the axial slot sections, e.g. when the grip unit is moved along the shaft in one of the left-handed or right-handed configurations. Preferably, the shaft includes a circumferential slot section, which may interconnect the first and second axial slot sections, such as to allow the guide element to be moved selectively between the first and second axial slot sections and/or to enable the grip unit to be moved between the left-handed and right-handed configurations. In some embodiments, the grip unit includes a grip locking member that may be operative to lock the grip unit in a desired position to the shaft. The grip unit may include a grip locking member which is operative to lock the grip unit in a desired position to the shaft, and the guide element may be a locking element of the grip locking member.

The fitting device may further comprise at least one alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam. The generator may be configured such that the alignment beam is projected forwardly of the striking face of the putting head and/or substantially perpendicular to the striking face and/or through the striking face. The head may include at least one fitting, for example at least one screw fitting, wherein each alignment beam generator unit may include a counterpart or corresponding fitting, e.g. by which the generator is removably fitted to the head. The at least one fitting of the putting head may include a through bore through which the respective alignment beam is projected and/or a window element which closes the through bore. The alignment beam generator may comprise a laser generator, e.g. a laser pointer and/or a switch or button. The switch or button may be actuated when the at least one alignment beam generator unit is operatively fitted to the head. In one preferred embodiment, the beam generator is screw fitted to the putting head and/or the switch or button is actuated by rotation of the at least one alignment beam generator unit. The device preferably comprises first and second alignment beam generators for generating first and second spaced alignment beams. The first and second alignment beam generator units may be located towards, at or adjacent opposite ends of the striking face of the head. The fitting device may be provided in combination with an alignment screen that includes at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam may be projected in use. The alignment screen may comprise first and second spaced alignment marks, which may be provided by a horizontal line and first and second spaced vertical lines.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides a kit of parts for assembly into a fitting device as described above.

A fifth aspect of the invention provides a method of fitting a golf club comprising the steps of providing a fitting device with a head and a shaft and selectively securing the shaft to one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face. The method preferably includes one or more of the additional steps of executing a golf swing or stroke and/or gripping the shaft and/or swinging the head using the shaft and/or striking a golf ball with the head. The method may further comprise securing the shaft to a second portion of the head that is different from the one portion.

A sixth aspect of the invention provides a method of making a golf club comprising the steps of fitting a golf club according to the method described above and making a golf club with a shaft secured to a head at a second one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face.

A seventh aspect of the invention provides a golf club made using a method according to the fifth aspect of the invention.

An eighth aspect of the invention provides a method of perfecting or improving a golf stroke, the method comprising the steps of providing a fitting or coaching device with a head and a shaft connected to a first portion of the head, executing a golf swing or stroke and securing the shaft to a second one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face.

In another aspect the present invention provides a golf putter, comprising: a head assembly which includes a putting head which has a striking face, and at least one alignment beam generator unit which includes an alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam; and a shaft assembly which comprises a shaft which is connected to the head assembly and a grip unit by which a user grips the fitting device. In one embodiment the golf putter is a golf fitting putter. In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam is projected forwardly of the striking face of the putting head. In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam is projected substantially perpendicular to the striking face of the putting head. In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam is projected through the striking face of the putting head. In one embodiment the putting head includes at least one fitting and each alignment beam generator unit includes a counterpart fitting, by which the at least one alignment beam generator unit is removably fitted to the putting head. In one embodiment the fittings comprise screw fittings. In one embodiment the at least one fitting on the putting head includes a through bore through which the respective alignment beam is projected. In one embodiment the at least one fitting on the putting head includes a window element which closes the through bore. In one embodiment the alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer. In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate the alignment beam generator when the at least one alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to the putting head. In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to the putting head, and the switch is actuated/de-actuated by rotation of the at least one alignment beam generator unit.

In one embodiment the head assembly includes first and second alignment beam generator units for generating first and second spaced alignment beams. In one embodiment the first and second alignment beam generator units are located towards opposite ends of the striking face of the putting head.

In another aspect the present invention provides a golf putter system, comprising: the above-described golf putter; and an alignment screen which includes at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam is projected. In one embodiment the alignment screen comprises first and second spaced alignment marks. In one embodiment the alignment marks are provided by a horizontal line and first and second spaced vertical lines.

In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of fitting a golf putter using the above-described golf putter system.

In a still further aspect the present invention provides a method of training a golf putting stroke using the above-described golf putter system.

In yet another aspect the present invention provides an alignment beam generator unit for fitting to a putting head of a golf putter, wherein the alignment beam generator unit comprises a housing which includes a fitting for fitting to a counterpart fitting of the putting head and an alignment beam generator housed within the housing. In one embodiment the alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate the alignment beam generator when the alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to the putting head. In one embodiment the alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to the putting head, and the switch is actuated/de-actuated by rotation of the alignment beam generator unit. In one embodiment the alignment beam generator is a sliding fit within the housing, and the housing includes an internal flange which is configured to actuate the Switch when the alignment beam generator is biased into the housing on fitting the alignment beam generator unit to the fitting of the putting head.

In another embodiment the housing and the alignment beam generator are provided as a single, fixed integral unit. In one embodiment the alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment and certain modifications thereof when taken together with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of a golf fitting putter of a golf putter fitting system in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 illustrates one side view, in part section, of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 illustrates the other side view, in part section, of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the head assembly of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of detail A in FIG. 5.

FIGS. 7(a) to (d) illustrate, in enlarged scale, front, rear, plan and vertical sectional views of the boss member of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8(a) illustrates a side view of the alignment unit of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8(b) illustrates an enlarged view of detail B in FIG. 8(a).

FIG. 8(c) illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the alignment unit of FIG. 8(a).

FIG. 9 illustrates a part-sectional rear view of the shaft assembly of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 10(a) and (b) illustrate the steps in adjusting the length of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 11(a) to (c) illustrate the steps in re-configuring the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 between the left-handed and right-handed configurations.

FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 in a left-handed configuration.

FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 in a right-handed configuration.

FIGS. 14(a) to (d) illustrate, in enlarged scale, front, rear, plan and vertical sectional views of a boss member in accordance with one embodiment of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of an alignment screen of a golf putter fitting system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a fitting device according to a second embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the front of the head assembly of the fitting device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the rear of the head assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a side view of the head assembly of FIGS. 17 and 18 showing the shaft at a minimum offset position.

FIG. 20 is a similar view to that of FIG. 19 showing the shaft at a maximum offset position.

FIG. 21 is a rear view of the head assembly of FIGS. 17 to 20 showing the shaft extending perpendicularly from the head.

FIG. 22 is a similar view to that of FIG. 21 showing the shaft at a lie angle that is offset from the predetermined standard right handed angle.

FIG. 23 is a similar view to that of FIGS. 21 and 22 showing the shaft at a lie angle that is offset from the predetermined standard left handed angle.

FIG. 24 is a similar view to that of FIGS. 19 and 20 showing the shaft at a first loft angle.

FIG. 25 is a similar view to that of FIGS. 19, 20 and 24 showing the shaft at a second loft angle.

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the adjustable coupling assembly of the fitting device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a laser unit of the fitting device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 28 is an exploded view of the laser unit of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a partially exploded view of the fitting device of FIG. 16.

FIG. 30 is a similar view to that of FIG. 18 illustrating the removable weights.

FIGS. 31 and 32 show the shaft with the gripping unit at first and second positions respectively to illustrate the length adjustment.

FIG. 33 is an exploded view of the gripping unit and shaft of FIGS. 31 and 32.

FIGS. 34(a) to (c) show respectively a section view, exploded view and perspective view of part of an adjustable coupling assembly according to a first alternative embodiment.

FIGS. 35(a) to (d) show respectively a section view, exploded view, front perspective view and rear perspective view of part of an adjustable coupling assembly according to a second alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The golf putter fitting system of FIGS. 1 to 15 comprises a golf fitting putter 1 and an alignment screen 2 for use with the golf fitting putter 1. The golf fitting putter 1 comprises a head assembly 3, and a shaft assembly 5 which is connected to the head assembly 3 and by which a user grips the golf fitting putter 1. The head assembly 3 comprises a head unit 7 to which the shaft assembly 5 is connected, a lie angle indicator 11, in this embodiment an angular scale, which is attached to the head unit 7, in this embodiment by screws 15, such as to enable measurement of the lie angle of the head unit 7 relative to the shaft assembly 5, and first and second alignment beam generator units 13, 13 for generating alignment beams AB, in this embodiment laser beam pointers, which are attached to the head unit 7, as will be described in more detail herein below.

Referring to FIGS. 3 to 7, the head unit 7 comprises a head member 17, which includes a striking face 19 which is used to strike a golf ball, a coupling element 21, in this embodiment a cylindrical projection, which extends rearwardly from the head member 17, in this embodiment at a central position along the length thereof, and first and second fittings 23, 23, in this embodiment at positions towards the opposite ends of the head member 17, for receiving respective ones of the first and second alignment beam generator units 13, 13, such as to provide a pair of spaced, parallel alignment beams AB, and a boss member 25 which is connected to the shaft assembly 5 and movably coupled to the head member 17, such as to allow for adjustment of the lie angle of the head member 17 relative to the shaft assembly 5.

In this embodiment the fittings 23, 23 each include a through bore 26 through which the respective alignment beam AB is projected, and a window element 27 which closes the through bore 26 and is flush with the striking face 19 of the head member 17. In this embodiment the window element 27 is formed of sapphire glass and has a diameter of 5 mm and a thickness of 3 mm. In this embodiment the fittings 23, 23 are screw fittings to which the alignment beam generator units 13, 13 are screw fitted. In an alternative embodiment the fittings 23, 23 could be push fittings to which the alignment beam generator units 13 are push fitted.

In this embodiment the coupling element 21 includes a screw-threaded bore 28 for receiving a screw-threaded shaft 49 of a locking member 48, as will be described in more detail herein below.

In this embodiment the boss member 25 includes front and rear faces 31, 33, where the front face 31 is configured such as to abut a rear surface of the head member 17, a recess 35, in this embodiment a cylindrical recess, which is disposed in one, the front face 31 thereof and is of complementary shape to the coupling element 21 at the rear of the head member 17, such that the boss member 25 is rotatable relative to the head member 17 in a first vertical plane, which is substantially parallel to the striking face 19 of the head member 17, thereby enabling adjustment of the lie angle of the head member 17 relative to the shaft assembly 5, and a clearance aperture 37 which extends through the rear face 33 in correspondence with the screw-threaded bore 28 in the coupling element 21, such as to allow the screw-threaded shaft 49 of the locking member 48 to extend there through.

In this embodiment the boss member 25 further includes a bore 41, in this embodiment a cylindrical bore, which is disposed in the upper end thereof for fixedly receiving the lower, distal end of the shaft assembly 5.

In this embodiment as particularly illustrated in FIGS. 8(a) to (c), the alignment beam generator units 13, 13 each comprise a housing 42 which is fitted to a respective one of the fittings 23, 23, and an alignment beam generator 43 which is housed, here as a close sliding fit, within the housing 42, such as to provide for the generation of an alignment beam AS which is centered on the longitudinal axis of the housing 42. In an alternative ‘embodiment the housing 42 and the alignment beam generator 43 could be provided as a single integral unit.

In this embodiment the housing 42 includes an elongate cavity 44 in which the alignment beam generator 43 is housed, here as a close slideable fit, such as to ensure the centering of the alignment beam generator 43 on the longitudinal axis of the housing 42.

In this embodiment the cavity 44 includes an internal flange 45 which is configured to actuate a switch 47 of the alignment beam generator 43 when the alignment beam generator 43 is biased into the cavity 44 on fitting the housing 42 to one of the fittings 23 of the putter head 17.

In this embodiment the housing 42 includes a fitting 46, here a screw fitting, at one; the forward, end thereof which is counterpart to the fittings 23, 23 of the putter head 17, by means of which the housing 42 is fitted to the putter head 17.

In this embodiment, as particularly illustrated in FIG. 8(c), the alignment beam generator 43 includes a switch 47 in a surface thereof, here a lateral surface thereof, which is actuated by engagement with the internal flange 45 within the cavity 44 of the housing 42 when the housing 42 is fitted to one of the fittings 23, 23. With this configuration, the alignment beam generator 43 can in this embodiment be switched on and off simply by rotating the housing 42, thereby avoiding the need to remove the alignment beam generator units 13, 13 from the putter head 17.

The head unit 7 further comprises a locking member 48 for locking the boss member 25 in a desired angular position relative to the head member 17. In this embodiment the locking member 48 comprises a screw-threaded shaft 49 which extends through the clearance aperture 37 in the rear face 33 of the boss member 25 and is threadedly engaged with the screw-threaded bore 28 in the coupling element 21, a knob 50 which is attached to one, the rear, end of the screw-threaded shaft 49, such as to provide for rotation of the screw-threaded shaft 49, and a biasing element 51 which is located about the screw-threaded shaft 49 at the forward end of the knob 50, such as to bias the boss member 25 against the rear surface of the head member 17.

In this embodiment, referring particularly to FIG. 6, the biasing element 51 comprises first and second washers 52, 53 and a spring 55, in this embodiment a spring washer, which is disposed between the washers 52, 53, such as to bias apart the washers 52, 53 and thereby promote the frictional engagement between the rear surface of the head member 17 and the front face 31 of the boss member 25.

In another embodiment the biasing element 51 could be formed from a resilient material, such as a rubber material.

In an alternative embodiment the biasing element 51 could be replaced by a spacer element which acts frictionally to engage the forward end of the knob 50 and the rear face 33 of the boss member 25.

With this configuration, through operation of the knob 50, the locking member 48 can be loosened to allow the lie of the shaft assembly 5 to be set relative to the head member 17 and subsequently tightened to lock the boss member 25, and hence the shaft assembly 5 as connected thereto, to the head member 17, such as to fix the lie angle of the shaft assembly 5 relative to the head member 17.

Referring particularly to FIGS. 3 and 4, the shaft assembly 5 comprises a shaft 61, one, the lower, end of which is connected, in this embodiment fixedly connected, to the bore 41 in the boss member 25, and a grip unit 63 which is disposed to the other, upper end of the shaft 61 by which a user grips the golf fitting putter 1. The shaft 61 includes first and second oppositely-directed axial slot sections 65, 67 which extend axially along a length of the shaft 61 at one, the upper, end thereof, and are configured to receive and capture a locking element 83 of a grip locking member 75 when the grip unit 63 is in a respective one of a left-handed or right-handed configuration, as will be described in more detail herein below.

Referring to FIG. 9, the shaft 61 further includes a circumferential slot section 69, in this embodiment semi-circular, which interconnects the first and second axial slot sections 65, 67, in this embodiment at the upper ends thereof, such as to allow the locking element 85 of the grip locking member 75 to be moved selectively between the first and second axial slot sections 65, 67, and thereby enable the grip unit 63 to be moved between the left-handed and right-handed configurations.

In this embodiment the shaft 61 further includes a graduated scale 71, here marked in the imperial scale of inches which is still the measurement of choice in the golf industry, though it will be understood that any measurement unit could be employed. In this embodiment the graduated scale 71 enables the required length of the shaft 61 to be determined without recourse to the use of any other measuring device.

The grip unit 63 comprises a grip member 73, which is slideably mounted to the shaft 61 such as to be movable axially there along, and a grip locking member 75, which is operable to allow for locking of the grip unit 63 in a desired position relative to the shaft 61.

The grip member 73 includes a bore 77 which receives the shaft 61 and a collar 79, which is disposed to one, the lower, end of the grip member 73 and includes a screw-threaded through bore 81, which receives a locking element of the grip locking member 75, as will be described in more detail herein below.

In this embodiment the grip locking member 73 comprises a screw-threaded, locking element 83 which is threadedly engaged with the screw-threaded bore 81 in the grip member 73, and a knob 85 which is attached to one, the outer end of the locking element 83, such as to provide for rotation of the locking element 83 and frictional engagement between the distal end of the locking element 83 and the shaft 61, such as to lock the grip unit 63 in a desired position axially relative to the shaft 61. In this embodiment the distal end of the locking element 83 can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastics material, so as to facilitate, when desired, the free movement of the locking element 83 within the axial and circumferential slot sections 65, 67, 69.

With this configuration, as illustrated in FIGS. 10(a) and (b), through operation of the knob 85, the grip locking member 75 can be loosened to allow the position of the grip unit 63 on the shaft 61 to be set to a desired height, and subsequently tightened to lock the grip unit 63 to the shaft 61, such as to fix the effective length of the shaft 61, in terms of the separation of the head member 17 from the grip member 73.

Also, as illustrated in FIGS. 11(a) to (c), this configuration allows the grip unit 63 to be set to either one of a left-handed or right-handed configuration. This is achieved by first loosening the grip locking member 75, through operation of the knob 85, and raising the grip unit 63 to the uppermost position on the shaft 61, such that the grip locking member 75 is drawn to the upper end of the one of the axial slot sections 65, 67, in which position the locking element 83 of the grip locking member 75 is located at the circumferential slot section 69 in the shaft 61. The grip unit 63 is then rotated through 180 degrees about the shaft 61, such that the grip locking member 75 is in a position corresponding to the upper end of the other one of the axial slot sections 65, 67. The grip unit 63 is then lowered, such that the locking element 83 of the grip locking member 75 passes down the other one of the axial slot sections 65, 67. The position of the grip unit 63 can then be adjusted on the shaft 61, and the grip locking member 75 subsequently tightened to lock the grip unit 63 to the shaft 61, such as to fix the effective length of the shaft 61, in terms of the separation of the head member 17 from the grip member 73. FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the configuration of the golf fitting putter 1 for left-handed and right-handed fitting, respectively.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 14(a) to (d), the golf fitting putter 1 allows for adjustment of the loft angle of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17.

In this embodiment the boss member 25, instead of including a bore 41 in which the distal end of the shaft 61 is fixedly connected, further comprises a pivotable support coupling 91 to which the distal end of the shaft 61 is connected, such as to allow for adjustment of the loft angle of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17.

In this embodiment the support coupling 91 comprises a support element 93, here a pair of parallel, opposed supporting arms 95, 97 which extend from the upper end of the boss member 25, and a connector element 99 which is pivotally coupled between the supporting arms 95, 97 about a pivot 101, where the ends of the pivot 101 are located in respective ones of the supporting arms 95, 97.

In this embodiment the connector element 99 comprises a first, lower section 105 which is of a square section and configured to be a tight interference fit between the supporting arms 95, 97, such as to require the application of a predetermined force to cause the pivoting of the connector element 99 relative to the supporting arms 95, 97, and a second, upper section 107, here of a cylindrical section, over which the distal end of the shaft 61 is fitted.

In this embodiment the boss member 25 further includes a loft angle indicator 109, here an angular measurement scale, for measuring the loft angle of the’ shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17; In this embodiment the loft angle indicator 109 is attached to the support element 93.

In a further embodiment, the golf fitting putter 1 allows for adjustment of the offset of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17, for example, through the use of spacer elements.

In this embodiment the alignment screen 2, here in the form of an upstanding plate, includes two spaced alignment marks 121a, 123a, as defined by a horizontal line and two spaced vertical lines, which represent the required alignment of the golf fitting putter 1 and are intended to be aligned with the alignment beams AB generated by the alignment beam generator units 13, 13 of the golf fitting putter 1. Where the alignment beams AB are not aligned with the alignment marks 121a, 123a, either horizontally or vertically, the lie and/or loft of the head member 17 of the golf fitting putter 1 is adjusted as described hereinabove to provide the required alignment of the golf fitting putter 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 to 33, there is shown a more preferred fitting device 100 for use in fitting golf clubs and/or training golfers, which device includes a head assembly 102 and a shaft assembly 103 slideably connected to the head assembly 102 by an adjustable coupling assembly 104. The shaft assembly 103 is adjustable in length and the adjustable coupling assembly 104 permits adjustment of the shaft connection offset relative to a striking face 120 of the head assembly as well as adjustment of the lie and loft angles to establish the optimum parameters for a particular golfer. The head assembly 102 includes a head member 121, a lie angle indicator 122 and a pair of laser generators 105. The head member 121 is substantially rectangular in plan with a flat striking face 120 on its front side, a base 123 extending perpendicularly and rearwardly from the bottom of the striking face 120, a cylindrical coupling projection 124 extending rearwardly from the head member 121 and including a threaded hole 124a and first and second internally threaded fittings 125 at positions toward the opposite ends of the head member 121. The lie angle indicator 122 is in the formed of a fan shaped flat plate made of clear plastics material that is secured to the head member 121 by screws 126 and includes angular scales 127, 128 configured to measure the angle of the shaft assembly 103 relative to left and right handed predetermined standard angles. More specifically, each angular scale 127, 128 includes a base angle, which is nineteen degrees from the vertical (i.e. 71 degrees from the horizontal) in this embodiment, and a scale that measures the deviation from the base angle up to 10 degrees on either side thereof at increments of one degree. Each laser generator 105, shown more clearly in FIGS. 27 and 28, includes a hollow cylindrical housing 150, a core 151 received within the open end of the housing 150 and an end fitting 152. The housing 150 has an open end and a closed end with an external thread 150a on its peripheral surface about the open end and external gripping ridges 150b on its peripheral surface about the closed end. The core 151 encases the laser generation components and includes a button 153 on its circumferential surface and a beam projecting end from which a beam 154 projects. With the laser generators 105 in an assembled condition, they are mounted to the head member 121 by engaging the threads 150a of the housing 150 of one of the laser generators 105 with the threads of a respective fitting 125 of the head member 121. Once mounted, further turning of the housing 150 causes the button 153 to be depressed and the laser beam 154 to be generated. It will be appreciated that the alignment beams 154 are projected forwardly of the striking face 120 and substantially perpendicular thereto. The fitting device 100 is preferably provided in combination with an alignment screen 2 (as shown in FIG. 15) that includes at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam may be projected in use. The alignment screen may comprise first and second spaced alignment marks, which may be provided by a horizontal line and first and second spaced vertical lines. The head member 121 of the device 100 is formed of aluminium in this embodiment so that it weighs less than a standard brass putting head. The weight of the laser generators 105 increases the overall weight of the head assembly 102 to the weight of a standard putting head. When the alignment beams 154 are not required, weighted fittings 125a with external threads are engaged into the fittings 125 of the head member 121 to maintain a similar balance to that which is provided by the laser generators 105. In some embodiments, the weighted fittings 125a are of a similar shape and configuration to the lasers to provide a similar weight distribution. This is illustrated in FIG. 30. Advantageously, the device 100 may be provided with weighted fittings 125a having different weights. By fitting different weighted fittings 125a to either the toe or heel of the head member 121, the feeling of a toe hang putter can be simulated to determine the optimum set up to suit the individual golfer. The shaft assembly 103 includes a grip unit 130 movably mounted to a shaft 131 such that it is axially movable along the shaft to provide for adjustment of a length of the shaft 131. The shaft 131 includes a circumferential slot 132, a pair of opposed axial slots 133 and a scale 134 for measuring the length of the shaft assembly 103, wherein the axial slots 133 and the scale 134 all extend axially along the length of the shaft 131. The grip unit 130 includes a guide and clamping element 135 which, when located in one of the axial slots, acts to guide the grip unit 130 when it is moved along the shaft 131. The guide and clamping element 135 includes an adjustment wheel 135a and a threaded shaft 135b that engages a hole in the grip unit 130 to selectively clamp the grip unit 130 into place. The grip unit 130 is configurable in a left-handed or right-handed configuration by first loosening the guide and clamping element 135, sliding the grip unit 130 to the end of the shaft 131, rotating the grip unit 130 with the guide and clamping element 135 moving within the circumferential slot 132 until it is aligned with the other of the axial slots 133 and adjusted as required. The shaft 131 may also include an o-ring at or adjacent the top thereof to prevent metal to metal contact to eliminate vibrations from being transmitted through the device 100 on impact with the golf ball. It is also possible to slide off and replace the grip unit 130 with another grip unit (not shown), such as a mid size grip, over size grip or any other size or style of grip that the professional or golfer prefers to suit his or hers hand size. The adjustable coupling assembly 104 includes an engaging part 140 secured to the lower end of the shaft 131, a coupling element 141, a joint element 142 and a loft angle indicator 143. The engaging part 140 has an inverted T-shaped cross section and a threaded hole 140a through the base of the T. The coupling element 141 includes a horizontal element 141a with a T-shaped guide 141b, a slot 141c along one side thereof and an offset scale 141d on the other side thereof. The coupling element 141 also includes a vertical element 141e with a hole 141f in a lower part thereof. The joint element 142 includes a coupling recess 142a and a pair of opposed fork elements 142b. One of the fork elements 142b includes a threaded hole 142c while the other includes a through hole 142d aligned with the threaded hole 142c of the first fork element 142b. The loft angle indicator 143 is in the form of a flat plate of clear plastics material with an angular scale 143a for measuring the loft angle and is secured to one of the fork elements 142b by a pair of screws 142e. The vertical element 141e of the coupling element 141 is received between the fork elements 142b and pivotably connected and releasably secured thereto using a bolt 144 that extends through holes 142d and 141f and engages the threaded hole 142c of the first fork element 142b. The shaft 131 is slideably received and releasably secured within the guide 141b using a securing element 145 having an adjustment wheel 145a and a threaded shaft 145b that extends through the slot 141c and engages the threaded hole 140a of the engaging part 140. The joint element 142 is secured to the head member 121 by the cylindrical coupling projection 124 being pivotably received and releasably secured in the coupling recess 142a using a lever securing element 146 having an adjustment lever 146a and a threaded shaft 146b that engages the threaded hole 124a of the coupling projection 124. Thus, the shaft assembly 103 is configured to move toward and away from the striking face 120 to vary the offset distance, to pivot in a plane parallel to the striking face 120 to adjust the lie angle and to pivot in a plane perpendicular to the striking face 120 to adjust the loft angle. The fitting device according to the present invention therefore provides total flexibility in determining the optimum golf club configuration for a user.

Referring now to FIG. 34, there is shown an alternative adjustable coupling assembly 204 according to a first alternative embodiment. The adjustable coupling assembly 204 according to this embodiment is similar to the adjustable coupling assembly 104 according to the second embodiment, wherein like references depict like features and consequently these will not be described further, but differs in that adjustment of the offset distance is effected by an adjustment screw 247, which cooperates with a threaded hole 240a in the engaging part 240. The adjustment wheel 145a is still used to releasably secure the shaft 131 in position, but the adjustment screw 247 facilitates controlled fine adjustment of the offset position of the shaft 131. The adjustable coupling assembly 204 according to this embodiment also includes a shaft spigot 231 that carries three O-ring seals for providing an interference fit with an interior surface of the hollow tubular shaft 131.

Referring now to FIG. 35, there is shown another alternative adjustable coupling assembly 304 according to a second alternative embodiment. The adjustable coupling assembly 304 according to this embodiment is similar to the adjustable coupling assembly 204 according to the first alternative, wherein like references depict like features and consequently these will not be described further. The adjustable coupling assembly 304 according to this embodiment differs in that adjustment of the offset distance is effected by an adjustment wheel 347a that is rotatably mounted to a fork element 340 formed integrally with the shaft spigot 231. The adjustment wheel 347a is coupled to a pinion 347b received between the forks of the fork element 340. The horizontal element 341a in this embodiment includes a rack element 347c secured to it by fasteners 347d. The adjustable coupling assembly 304 also includes a securing element 345 in the form of a securing sleeve 345a with an internal thread that cooperates with an external thread on a lower portion of the shaft spigot 231 to clamp an upper shoulder portion of the horizontal element 341a between the fork element 340 and the securing sleeve 345a. In use, the securing sleeve 345a is loosened and the adjustment wheel 347a is rotated to cause the pinion 347b to move the position of the shaft 131 relative to the head assembly 102. When the desired position is reached, the securing sleeve 345a is tightened to lock the shaft 131 in the desired position.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that several variations are envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although the fitting system of the present invention is described in relation to a golf fitting putter 1, the fitting system also has application in relation to fitted putters, where the user can check his/her alignment of the fitted putter and as a teaching aid. In fitted putters, the fittings 23, 23 of the putter head unit 7, to which the alignment beam generator units 13, 13 are fitted normally have weights fitted thereto and these weights are removed to allow fitting of the alignment beam generator units 13, 13. Further, in one modification the bore 77 of the grip member 73 can be formed of a material of a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastics material, so as to facilitate the free movement of the grip unit 63 over the shaft 61. Alternatively, the bore 77 of the grip member 73 could include one or more annular elements of such a material.

It will also be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any number of combinations of the aforementioned features and/or those shown in the appended drawings provide clear advantages over the prior art and are therefore within the scope of the invention described herein.

Claims

1. A fitting or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device comprising a head with a striking face, a shaft releasably secured to the head at one of two or more different positions each at a predetermined offset distance from the striking face and an offset scale for measuring the offset distance.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is arranged for slideable adjustment toward and away from the striking face.

3. A device according to claim 2, wherein a first of the two or more positions is behind the striking face and a second of the two or more positions is in front of the striking face.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is movable between the two or more positions by a screw adjustment.

5. A device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is movable between the two or more positions by a rack and pinion adjustment.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises an engaging portion slideably receivable within a guide and securable thereto by a fastener or clamp, the engaging portion having a complementary shape to the guide.

7. A device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft is configured for angular adjustment with respect to the head in at least one plane.

8. A device according to claim 7, wherein the shaft is configured for adjustment of the lie angle, the device further comprising a lie angle indicator for measuring the lie angle between the shaft and the base of the head.

9. A device according to claim 7, wherein the shaft is configured for adjustment of the loft angle, the device further comprising a loft angle indicator for measuring the loft angle between the shaft and the striking face.

10. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a grip unit movably mounted to or on the shaft.

11. A device according to claim 1 further comprising at least one alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam.

12. A device according to claim 11, wherein the head comprises a fitting by which the alignment beam generator is removably mounted to the head.

13. A device according to claim 12 further comprising one or more weights removably connectable to the head fitting.

14. A device according to claim 11 in combination with an alignment screen with at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam may be projected in use.

15. A kit of parts for assembly into a fitting device for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the kit comprising a head with a striking face, a shaft releasably secureable to the head at one of two or more different positions each at a predetermined offset distance from the striking face, and an offset scale for measuring the offset distance.

16. A method of fitting a golf club or improving a golf stroke comprising the steps of providing a fitting device with a head and a shaft and selectively securing the shaft to the head at one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face in order to determine which of the predetermined offset distances is preferable or optimal.

17. A method according to claim 16 further comprising the step of executing a golf swing or stroke and securing the shaft to a different one of the two or more different distances.

18. A method of making a golf club comprising the steps of fitting a golf club according to a method as claimed in claim 16 and making a golf club with a shaft fixed to a head at a position corresponding to one of the two or more different distances.

19. A fitting or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device comprising a head with a striking face and a shaft slideably mounted to the head and releasably securable at one of two or more different positions each at a predetermined offset distance from the striking face, wherein a first of the two or more positions is behind the striking face and a second of the two or more positions is in front of the striking face.