PUTTER GRIP

Golf putter grips for use with the arm-lock putting technique counteract the inherent forward lean of the putter shaft and putter head when the technique is used. In an embodiment the grip is configured to convert a traditional or a body-anchored putter to a putter capable for use with the arm-lock putting technique. The putter grip 100 includes a proximal grip end 110, a distal grip end 120, a medial grip side 170, and a lateral grip side 180. The putter grip 100 covers an upper portion of a conventional putter shaft S. A surface of the putter grip 100 on the lateral grip side 180 is configured to rest in contact with the forearm F of the user during the putting stroke.

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Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No. 61/932,219, filed Jan. 27, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Golf putter grips are governed by a separate set of rules than other golf club grips under the United States Golf Association (USGA). The USGA has published a new rule that will disallow body-anchored putters to be used in sanctioned events starting Jan. 1, 2016. An example of a body-anchored putter is a “belly” putter, which a player rests against their abdomen throughout the golf putter stroke for increased stability. Body-anchored putters typically have longer shaft sections than traditional putters to extend beyond the hands of the player and contact the body.

As an alternative to a body-anchored putting technique, some players have shown preference for the arm-lock technique, which is still legal under the USGA rules. In this regard, a player rests the end of the putter grip against the inside of their leading forearm throughout the stroke. Arm-lock putters, like body-anchored putters, are typically longer than traditional putters. Due to the mechanics of the arm-lock grip, the putter shaft is dramatically ahead of the putter head, causing the putter head to lean forward during the stroke when compared to a traditional putter head during a stroke. Therefore, a need exists for a golf putter grip that counteracts forward lean of the putter shaft and head when a player is using the arm-lock putting technique. The putter grip of the present disclosure can also be used to convert phased-out body-anchored putters to arm-lock putters.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a golf putter grip is provided. The golf putter grip generally includes an elongate cylindrical or tapered body having a distal end, a proximal end, a lateral side, and a medial side, wherein the lateral side rests against a user's forearm during use. The elongate body further includes a channel to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having an open end at the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closed by the proximal end of the elongate body. The channel is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongate body such that the channel open end is disposed closer to the lateral side of the elongate body than to the medial side of the elongate body, and the closed end is disposed closer to the medial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of the elongate body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a golf putter is provided. The golf putter generally includes a shaft defining a shaft axis, a putter head, and a grip including an elongate cylindrical or tapered body having a distal end, a proximal end, a lateral side, and a medial side, wherein the lateral side rests against a user's forearm during use. The elongate body further includes a channel to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having an open end at the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closed by the proximal end of the elongate body. The channel is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongate body such that the channel open end is disposed closer to the lateral side of the elongate body than to the medial side of the elongate body, and the closed end is disposed closer to the medial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of the elongate body.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a golf putter grip configured to convert a standard-loft golf putter to a forearm-anchored golf putter is provided. The golf putter grip generally includes an elongate body defining a central axis and a channel extending through the body. The channel receives a golf putter shaft and extends from a first end of the body at least partially to a second end of the body. The channel defines a channel axis that is disposed at an angle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the central axis.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongate body may define a central axis, and the channel may be disposed at an angle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the central axis.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the closed end of the channel may be between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from the proximal end of the elongate body.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongate body may include a cylinder having a maximum transverse dimension of not more than 1.75 inches.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the lateral side of the elongate body may have a flat surface portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongate body may be frustoconical.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the lateral side of the frustoconical elongate body may have a flat surface portion.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the elongate body may be a right circular cylinder defining a cylinder axis, and the channel may be disposed at an angle of between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the cylinder axis.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the golf putter grip may further include a shaft extension disposed in the channel and abutting the closed end of the channel.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the golf putter grip elongate body may include a polymeric core with an overwrap layer fixed to the polymeric core.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the polymeric core may include enlarged end portions.

In accordance with any of the embodiments described herein, the grip may include a polymeric core having enlarged end portion and an overwrap layer fixed to the polymeric core.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is an environmental view of a putter grip formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the putter grip coupled to a putter shaft (shown in phantom);

FIG. 2 is a close-up environmental view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 1, showing the putter shaft in broken line inside of the putter grip;

FIG. 3A is an isometric view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 1 through section 3C-3C;

FIG. 4A is an isometric view of another embodiment of a putter grip formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 4A through section 4C-4C;

FIG. 5A is an isometric view of another embodiment of a putter grip formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 5A;

FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 5A through section 5C-5C;

FIG. 6A is an isometric view of another embodiment of a putter grip formed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a top view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional side view of the putter grip shown in FIG. 6A through section 6C-6C; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective exploded view of another embodiment of a putter grip formed in accordance with the present invention

 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, where like numerals reference like elements, are intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to represent the only embodiments. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration and should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchangeable with other steps, or combinations of steps, in order to achieve the same or substantially similar result.

In the following description, specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art, however, that the invention may be practiced without embodying all of the specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Further, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the present invention may employ any combination of features described herein.

The present application may include references to directions, such as “forward,” “rearward,” “front,” “back,” “upward,” “downward,” “right hand,” “left hand,” “lateral,” “medial,” “in,” “out,” “extended,” “advanced,” “retracted,” “proximal,” “distal,” “central,” etc. These references, and other similar references in the present application, are only to assist in helping describe and understand the particular embodiment and are not intended to limit the present invention to these directions or locations.

The present application may also reference quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated, such quantities and numbers are not to be considered restrictive, but exemplary of particular embodiments.

Embodiments of the present invention are generally directed to golf putter grips for use with the arm-lock putting technique. In general, golf putter grips described herein counteract the inherent forward lean of the putter shaft and putter head when the arm-lock putting technique is used. Golf putter grips in accordance with the present invention may be provided on a new putter or configured for converting traditional or body-anchored putters to putters capable of use with the arm-lock putting technique.

A first embodiment of a putter grip 100 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1-3C. The putter grip 100 includes a proximal grip end 110, a distal grip end 120, a medial grip side 170, and a lateral grip side 180. The putter grip 100 covers an upper portion of a conventional putter shaft S. In this embodiment, the putter grip 100 is about 20 inches in length. In other embodiments, the putter grip 100 may be any length suitable for a putter grip.

The putter grip 100 is designed for use with the arm-lock putting technique, generally depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2. In this regard, as can be seen most clearly in FIG. 2, part of the surface of the putter grip 100 on the lateral grip side 180 rests in contact with the forearm F of the user during the putting stroke. Although one method of arm-lock putting technique is shown, the embodiments of the present disclosure may also be used in other types of putter applications, including alternative hand placement configurations within the arm-lock putting technique, which are also within the scope of this disclosure.

The putter grip 100 is shown in isolation in FIGS. 3A-3C. FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the putter grip 100, FIG. 3B is a top view of the putter grip 100, and FIG. 3C is a sectional view of the putter grip 100 through section 3C-3C. The putter grip 100 includes an internal channel 130 configured to receive the putter shaft S (see FIG. 2). The channel 130 has an open channel end 140 at the distal grip end 120 and terminates in a closed channel end 150 near the proximal grip end 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 130 terminates between about 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches below the proximal grip end 110. In other embodiments, the channel 130 may terminate further from the proximal grip end 110. A pinhole (not shown) connecting the proximal grip end 110 to the closed channel end 150 may be optionally included, for example, to facilitate water drainage from the putter shaft S.

As described above, the mechanics of the arm-lock putting technique place the putter shaft S ahead of the putter head H, such that the putter shaft S has an inherent forward lean when the putter head H strikes the ball. The putter grip 100 of the present disclosure is configured to counteract the forward lean caused by the arm-lock putting technique. In this regard, the channel 130 is angled within the putter grip 100 with respect to the body of the putter grip 100. In order to produce the angled configuration, the closed channel end 150 of the channel 130 is relatively near the medial grip side 170 and the open channel end 140 is relatively near the lateral grip side 180.

For example, in some embodiments, the minimum thickness (i.e., between the grip 100 outer surface and the channel 130) on the medial grip side 170 at the closed channel end 150 is between about 0.1 inches and 0.3 inches, and the minimum thickness on the lateral grip side 180 at the open channel end 140 is between about 0.1 inches and 0.3 inches. In other embodiments, these minimum thicknesses may be between 0.0 inches and 0.5 inches.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A-3C, the outer shape of the putter grip 100 is frustoconical. In that regard, the maximum diameter of the putter grip 100 occurs near the proximal grip end 110 and the minimum diameter of the putter grip 100 occurs near the distal grip end 120. Under USGA rules, the maximum transverse dimension, or diameter, if the grip is circular, is 1.75 inches. However, putter grips within the scope of the present disclosure may have maximum transverse dimensions larger than 1.75 inches for use with other sanctioning bodies or for non-USGA sanctioned events. In alternative embodiments, the taper of the frustoconical putter grip 100 may not be constant along the length of the grip, and may result in an arcuate profile. In alternate embodiments described in more detail below, the cross section of the putter grip may also be non-circular, and may consist of any mixture of arcuate and polygonal shapes.

The configuration of the channel 130 within the putter grip 100 causes the assembled putter shaft S to exit the distal grip end 120 of the putter grip 100 at an angle relative to the body of the putter grip 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle of the putter shaft S relative to the body of the putter grip 100 is between about 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees. In other embodiments, the angle of the putter shaft relative to the body of the putter grip may be any angle possible within the boundaries of the putter grip.

The putter grips of the present disclosure are preferably made from a polymeric material to enhance gripping and comfort characteristics. Examples of suitable polymeric materials include rubber, urethane, and silicone. In some embodiments, the putter grip may also include additional materials to enhance the grip characteristics. As an example, a plurality of cotton cords may be embedded in the material.

Additional embodiments of putter grips in accordance with the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 4A-6C. The putter grips are substantially identical in materials and operation as in the previously described embodiment, except for differences regarding the shape of the body of the putter grip which will be described in greater detail below. For clarity in the ensuing descriptions, numeral references of like elements of the putter grip 100 are similar, but are in the 200 series for the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4A-4C, in the 300 series for the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, and in the 400 series for the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6C.

Another embodiment of a putter grip 200 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the putter grip 200, FIG. 4B is a top view of the putter grip 200, and FIG. 4C is a sectional view of the putter grip 200 through section 4C-4C. Except as described below, the putter grip 200 is substantially identical to the putter grip 100, including an angled channel 230 having an open channel end 240 at the grip distal end 220, disposed relatively near the medial grip side 270, and a closed channel end 250 near the proximal grip end 210, disposed relatively near the lateral grip side 280. In this embodiment the outer surface of the putter grip 200 further includes a flat grip portion 260 extending from the proximal grip end 210. For brevity and clarity, the description of similar aspects will not be repeated.

The flat grip portion 260 is disposed on the lateral grip side 280 and may be used in the arm-lock method to further stabilize the putter grip 200 against the forearm F of the user. In this regard, the flat grip portion 260 interfaces the forearm F of the user to provide resistance to torsion of the putter during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat grip portion 260 terminates about 1 inch from the distal grip end 220. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the flat grip portion 260 may terminate between 1 inch and 10 inches from the distal grip end 220, or may extend completely to the distal grip end 220. It is contemplated that more than one flat grip portion may be located at different areas of the putter grip 200.

Another embodiment of a putter grip 300 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the putter grip 300, FIG. 5B is a top view of the putter grip 300, and FIG. 5C is a sectional view of the putter grip 300 through section 5C-5C. Except as described below, the putter grip 300 is substantially identical to the putter grip 100, including an angled channel 330 having an open channel end 340 at the grip distal end 320, disposed relatively near the medial grip side 370, and a closed channel end 350 near the proximal grip end 310, disposed relatively near the lateral grip side 380. In this embodiment the outer surface of the putter grip 300 is substantially a right circular cylinder. In that regard, the outer surface of the putter grip 300 does not taper from the proximal grip end 310 to the distal grip end 320, but remains constant in diameter. As a result, the channel 330 may be disposed at a larger angle than in the putter grip 100 due to the larger diameter of the putter grip 300 near the distal grip end 320. In particular, the open channel end 340 may be further toward the lateral grip side 380 than was possible in the frustoconical putter grip 100.

Another embodiment of a putter grip 400 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIGS. 6A-6C. FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the putter grip 400, FIG. 6B is a top view of the putter grip 400, and FIG. 6C is a sectional view of the putter grip 400 through section 6C-6C. Except as described below, the putter grip 400 is substantially identical to the putter grip 200, including an angled channel 430 having an open channel end 440 at the grip distal end 420, disposed relatively near the medial grip side 470, and a closed channel end 450 near the proximal grip end 410, disposed relatively near the lateral grip side 480. In this embodiment the outer surface of the putter grip 400 further includes a flat grip portion 460 extending from the proximal grip end 410 similar to the embodiment of the putter grip 200. The flat grip portion 460 is disposed on the lateral grip side 480 and may be used in the arm-lock method to further stabilize the putter grip 400 against the forearm F of the user. In this regard, the flat grip portion 460 interfaces the forearm F of the user to provide resistance to torsion of the putter during use. In the illustrated embodiment, the flat grip portion 460 terminates about 1 inch from the distal grip end 420. In other embodiments of the present disclosure, the flat grip portion 460 terminates between 1 inch and 10 inches from the distal grip end 420. In other embodiments, the flat grip portion 460 extends completely to the distal grip end 420. Likewise, more than one flat grip portion may be located at different areas of the putter grip 400.

The putter grips of the present disclosure may be manufactured using a variety of suitable methods. In some embodiments, the grips may be manufactured using more than one piece, allowing the manufacturer to independently adjust material properties of each piece. One method of manufacturing the putter grips may include producing multiple layers, which are combined to form a putter grip assembly.

An embodiment of a multilayer putter grip 500 in accordance with the present invention is shown in FIG. 7. The multi-layer grip 500 may be include geometric features of any of the previous embodiments, including an angled grip channel 530 having an open distal end 540 and a closed proximal end 550. The multilayer putter grip 500 may be provided with a base grip layer 590 made from rubber, urethane, or silicone. To complete the assembly of the multilayer putter grip 500, the base grip layer 590 is wrapped with an overwrap layer 592, which may be manufactured using a firmer material, for example, a polymer, leather, textile, or synthetic blend. The base grip layer 590 may optionally include raised sections, as shown in FIG. 7, as an end cap 594 and a collar 596. The raised sections are configured to aid in locating the overwrap layer 592 on the base grip layer 590. The overwrap layer 592 may optionally include surface texture features, for example, voids, channels, or cords, in order to further enhance grip characteristics. In other embodiments, the grip may be manufactured using a single piece, or may include more than two pieces in its construction.

In some instances, embodiments of the present invention may be used to convert traditional putters, generally having shorter shafts than body-anchored putters, to putters capable of use with the arm-lock putting technique. In this regard, an optional shaft extension 598 may be disposed in the channel 530 such that the shaft extension 598 abuts the closed proximal end 550. Although the shaft extension 598 is shown with the multilayer putter grip 500 of FIG. 7, the shaft extension 598 is compatible with any of the embodiments of the invention, as shown and described herein. When the shaft extension 598 is used, the shaft of a traditional putter (i.e., a shorter shaft) would interface with the shaft extension 598 to allow the arm-lock putting method to be used with the traditional putter. In some embodiments, the shaft extension 598 may be molded into the putter grip during the manufacturing process. In other embodiments, the shaft extension 598 may be inserted into the channel 530 before or during installation of the putter grip.

The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure, which are intended to be protected, are not to be construed as limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Further, the embodiments described herein are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. It will be appreciated that variations and changes may be made by others, and equivalents employed, without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, as claimed.

Claims

1. A golf putter grip comprising:

an elongate cylindrical or tapered body having a distal end, a proximal end, a lateral side, and a medial side, the lateral side being configured to rest against a user's forearm during use;
wherein the elongate body further comprises a channel configured to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having an open end at the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closed by the proximal end of the elongate body; and
wherein the channel is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongate body such that the channel open end is disposed closer to the lateral side of the elongate body than to the medial side of the elongate body, and the closed end is disposed closer to the medial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of the elongate body.

2. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongate body defines a central axis, and wherein the channel is disposed at an angle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the central axis.

3. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the closed end of the channel is between 0.1 inches and 0.5 inches from the proximal end of the elongate body.

4. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongate body comprises a cylinder having a maximum transverse dimension of not more than 1.75 inches.

5. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the lateral side of the elongate body includes a flat surface portion.

6. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongate body is frustoconical.

7. The golf putter grip of claim 6, wherein the lateral side of the frustoconical elongate body includes a flat surface portion.

8. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the elongate body is a right circular cylinder defining a cylinder axis, and the channel is disposed at an angle of between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the cylinder axis.

9. The golf putter grip of claim 1, further comprising a shaft extension disposed in the channel and abutting the closed end of the channel.

10. The golf putter grip of claim 1, wherein the golf putter grip elongate body comprises a polymeric core with an overwrap layer fixed to the polymeric core.

11. The golf putter grip of claim 10, wherein the polymeric core comprises enlarged end portions.

12. A golf putter, comprising:

a shaft defining a shaft axis;
a putter head; and
a grip comprising an elongate cylindrical or tapered body having a distal end, a proximal end, a lateral side, and a medial side, the lateral side being configured to rest against a user's forearm during use, wherein the elongate body further comprises a channel configured to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel having an open end at the distal end of the elongate body and a closed end closed by the proximal end of the elongate body, and further wherein the channel is disposed at an angle with respect to the elongate body such that the channel open end is disposed closer to the lateral side of the elongate body than to the medial side of the elongate body and the closed end is disposed closer to the medial side of the elongate body than to the lateral side of the elongate body.

13. The golf putter grip of claim 12, wherein the elongate body defines a central axis, and wherein the channel is disposed at an angle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the central axis.

14. The golf putter grip of claim 12, wherein the lateral side of the elongate body includes a flat surface portion.

15. The golf putter grip of claim 12, wherein the elongate body is frustoconical.

16. The golf putter grip of claim 12, wherein the elongate body is a right circular cylinder defining a cylinder axis, and the channel is disposed at an angle of between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the cylinder axis.

17. The golf putter grip of claim 12, further comprising a shaft extension disposed in the channel and abutting the closed end of the channel.

18. The golf putter grip of claim 12, wherein the grip comprises a polymeric core having enlarged end portion and an overwrap layer fixed to the polymeric core.

19. A golf putter grip configured to convert a standard-loft golf putter to a forearm-anchored golf putter, the golf putter grip comprising:

an elongate body defining a central axis;
wherein the elongate body further comprises a channel extending through the body, the channel configured to receive a golf putter shaft, the channel extending from a first end of the body at least partially to a second end of the body; and
wherein the channel defines a channel axis, and further wherein the channel axis is disposed at an angle between 1.5 degrees and 5.0 degrees with respect to the central axis.

20. The golf putter grip of claim 19, wherein the lateral side of the elongate body includes a flat surface portion.

Patent History
Publication number: 20150209626
Type: Application
Filed: Dec 5, 2014
Publication Date: Jul 30, 2015
Applicant: VISSER GOLF, L.L.C. (Aberdeen, WA)
Inventors: Edwin J. Klein (Aberdeen, WA), Ronnie E. Espedal (Aberdeen, WA)
Application Number: 14/562,508
Classifications
International Classification: A63B 53/00 (20060101); A63B 53/14 (20060101); A63B 59/00 (20060101);