Surface On Head Simulates Ball Patents (Class 473/249)
  • Patent number: 11344776
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a golf club head includes: providing an intermediate golf club head body; prescribing a scoreline length value based on at least a first final spatial attribute of the intermediate golf club head; and texturing a first region of the striking face to exhibit a first average surface roughness Ra1 of greater than 180 ?in by surface milling in a first pass to form a plurality of arcuate micro-grooves each having a radius of curvature selected based on at least a second final spatial attribute of the intermediate golf club head. The method further includes texturing a second region of the striking face to exhibit a second average surface roughness Ra2 that is less than Ra1, and it includes forming a plurality of scorelines in the striking face, the plurality of scorelines defining a scoreline length LS substantially equal to the prescribed scoreline length value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: SUMITOMO RUBBER INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventors: Patrick Ripp, Jeff D. Brunski, Mika Becktor
  • Patent number: 10722768
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a golf putter head and a golf putter including the putter head. The golf putter head comprises a putter head having a hitting face on which a hitting unit is distributed. The rigidity of the hitting unit is increased from the middle to both sides in the width direction of the hitting face. The golf putter comprises a putter shaft and a putter head coupled to putter shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Inventor: Tat Wong
  • Patent number: 9227115
    Abstract: A putter having a body with a striking surface, an upper surface that is visible to player when in the address position and a sole plate that is coupled to a bottom surface of the body. The upper surface includes at least one aperture and the sole plate includes a sightline projection that extends into the aperture to form a sightline on the putter that is visible to the player.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 9174102
    Abstract: A putter head includes a hosel connectable to a club shaft, a frame cooperable with the hosel, and a putter face connected to the frame. The putter face includes a toe portion and a corresponding toe shoulder and a heel portion and a corresponding heel shoulder. The toe shoulder and the heel shoulder define an encasement. Weights are positioned in the encasement respectively adjacent the toe shoulder and the heel shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Stevenson
  • Patent number: 9022875
    Abstract: A golf putter with a clear insert in the clubhead is provided. One or more alignment lines are present on the top and bottom surfaces of the insert and lie directly vertically above one another. The alignment lines assist the player in ensuring that the clubhead is parallel to the ground. If the clubhead is not parallel to the ground, the alignment lines on the top and bottom surfaces will appear offset. The player can then reposition the clubhead until the alignment lines are aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Inventor: Dennis Wong
  • Patent number: 8888605
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved golf putter head with a unique shape and. sighting and alignment system. The head has an annular-like body with an undulating rim edge. A transparent plate extends across the opening of the annular body bearing the alignment aid. The alignment aid may have a crosshair component. The surface of the annular body is provided with a camouflage pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Inventor: Kie-Ho Cynn
  • Publication number: 20130324277
    Abstract: A golf putter structure contains a putter including a body which has a head set fixed on a lower end of the body. The head set also has a hitting segment defined on a front side thereof and a simulation ball fixed on a rear side thereof, and the simulation ball including a first directional alignment line defined thereon, such that the first directional alignment line of the simulation ball aligns with and aims at a second directional alignment line of a game ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: Feng-Yi Tien
  • Patent number: 8425341
    Abstract: A wood type golf club head according to this invention includes a face portion and a crown portion. A center-of-gravity position mark which indicates a point where the center of gravity of the wood type golf club head is projected to the crown portion is formed on the surface of the crown portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaharu Takechi, Yasunori Imamoto, Tomoe Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8262495
    Abstract: A golf club head, golf club and a set of golf heads and clubs is provided with a center of gravity indicator mechanism housed on the rear side that may include a latitudinal strip and a center of gravity locator structure positioned on an axis transverse to the rear side and extending through the center of gravity of the body. The center of gravity locator structure may be fixed on a golf club head or may be variable. Additionally, a set of golf club heads is provided in which the center of gravity indicator mechanism is varied for each club in the set as the position of the center of gravity locator structure is varied for each of the golf club heads. The golf club heads may be coupled to shafts and grips and other features to form a golf club or golf club set.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Nike, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Stites
  • Patent number: 8162773
    Abstract: An invertible golf putting accessory having a body with an upper surface, a lower surface and a plurality of sides. Two of the sides converge towards each other to form an apex and one of the sides is removably connectable to a face of a putter by magnetic and/or adhesive material. The body includes an aperture that is configured to receive a golf ball positioned therein. The accessory is attached to the face of a putter so that a portion of the golf ball can extend above the upper surface and another portion can extend below the lower surface. In use, a golf ball is pulled back and automatically released in a desired direction as the user extends the foreswing beyond the constraints of the aperture. The body also includes indicia on one or more of the surfaces. The indicia may be used to assist in sighting the putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Pingalore
  • Patent number: 8109838
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Leslie J. Bryant
  • Patent number: 8100779
    Abstract: Embodiments of golf club heads with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, Richard R. Sanchez, John Souza
  • Patent number: 7959519
    Abstract: A golf club head having an insert forming a window through the golf club head is described. The golf club head has upper and lower surfaces. The golf club head includes a body with a heel, a toe, a front portion with a striking face, and a back portion. The front portion of the body forms a striking face. The body includes an aperture extending from the upper surface to the lower surface and extending from the front portion to an inside portion of the back portion. An insert is secured within the aperture. An indicia within the insert is visible from the upper and lower surfaces of the golf club head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Clear Golf, LLC
    Inventors: Donovan Zielke, Roger Twibell
  • Patent number: 7811178
    Abstract: A golf club head has a face, a hosel, and a hollow body. The body includes an outer peripheral region, when viewed from above, and center portions on the upper surface and sole, respectively. The outer peripheral region has a weight-per-unit of surface area which is greater than the weight-per-unit of surface area of the center portions. The weight differential may be accomplished by molding ports into the hollow body around the periphery, which contain weight plugs. Alternately or in addition, a vertically oriented port may extend through the center portions to reduce weight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Prince Sports, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen J. Davis
  • Patent number: 7677987
    Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a main body (25) and a removable aft member (30) is disclosed herein. The putter-type club head (20) has a main body (25) that is preferably composed of an aluminum alloy. The removable aft member (30) is preferably composed of stainless steel and has a mallet shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Thomas R. Hilton
  • Patent number: 7645199
    Abstract: A golf putter head adapted for attachment to a club shaft is provided with a face member having a strike face and a cylindrical back cavity, and a body member configured to fit and rotate within the back cavity is disclosed. Selective rotation of the body member within the back cavity sets a loft of the putter head. The weighting of the putter is adjusted by securing a weight member to the body member. A golf putter head having an increased moments of inertia is also disclosed. The putter head includes a face member, a body member, and a weight member. Placement of the weight member is such that the moments of inertia are increased and the putter head is stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 7601073
    Abstract: A golf putter head dimensioned to closely simulate the size of a regulation-sized golf hole and including at least an indicium approximating the size of a golf ball, whereby a golfer is presented with a visual representation of the size of the target at which he/she is aiming. The golf putter head further indicia for indicating a direction of initial travel of the ball. Further, the golf putter head includes three-dimensional indicia to assist the golfer in properly aligning his/her eyes and hands above the golf putter head while addressing the golf ball to be struck. When the golfer is in a proper stance the three-dimensional indicia substantially “disappear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: MPH Golf, LLC
    Inventor: David Vincent Henry
  • Patent number: 7601076
    Abstract: A putter-type club head having a blade member and a peripheral mass belt is disclosed herein. The blade member is preferably composed of an aluminum alloy, and has a first surface with a first insert and a second surface with a second insert. The blade member is removably attached to the peripheral mass belt to allow for a reversal of the striking surface from the first face surface to the second face surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2009
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 7485047
    Abstract: The putter head has a front face with a heel and toe edge extending from the front face. Both the heel and toe surfaces have cavities extending from the outer surface toward a central wall that is perpendicular to the face of the putter to provide visual indication that the face is square to the intended putting line. Two semicircular cavities extend from the top surface of the putter and are separated by the central wall. Medallions on the upper surface of the putter sole are aligned with the semicircular cavities. In this matter, the semicircular holes and medallions give visual indication to the golfer that the placement of the putter relative to the green, the golfer's hand position relative to the club and the golfer's head position are correct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Bag Boy LLC.
    Inventor: Michael E. Evans
  • Patent number: 7481713
    Abstract: A golf club head comprises an aiming device defined by one or more openings disposed above a light emitting member. The openings may have a variety of shapes. The golf club head is configured to selectively retain or release the light emitting member, allowing the golfer to change out the light emitting member as desired for particular lighting conditions. The light emitting member may be in a variety of colors, including red, green, yellow, pink, orange, and blue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Inventor: Kyle Beckman
  • Patent number: 7452283
    Abstract: A putter-head (20) with a main body (22) having a striking face (24), a weight body (25) and an isolation layer 27 is disclosed herein. The striking face (24) has a dual milled pattern thereon. Preferably, a central area (40) has a first milled pattern and a periphery region (42) has a second milled pattern. The main body (22) is composed of a metal material, preferably a stainless steel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Ronald K. Hettinger, Wayne H. Byrne, Lionel Poincenot
  • Patent number: 7448955
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a body and ball alignment indicia that protrudes forwardly of the front surface of the body. A transparent plate covers the ball alignment indicia and has a front face arranged for impacting a golf ball. A flange on the transparent plate is received in a recess in the body thereby forming a mechanical interlock between the transparent plate and the body. The ball alignment indicia has a partial spheroid shape and is located intermediate heel and toe ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie J. Bryant, Gregory J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 7384345
    Abstract: A putter head (1) is described wherein the putter head (1) has a putter face (4) and a linear marking (9) located on an upper surface (44) of the putter head (1). The relative angle of the putter face (4) with respect to the linear marking (9) is adjustable in order to compensate for inherent inaccuracies in a player's visual judgement when putting. In a preferred embodiment, the upper surface (44) is in the form of a rotatable disc (3) wherein the rotatable disc (3) is moveable about an axis in order to selectively adjust the relative angle between the linear marking (9) and the putter face (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Inventor: Robyn Ann Sherman
  • Patent number: 7371184
    Abstract: The present invention provides a putter head which includes a putter head body which has a portion thereof connected to a distal end of a putter shaft; a laterally extending putter face which is formed on a front portion of the putter head body; a strip-like longitudinal line mark which is capable of being aligned with an imaginary ball hitting line at an address position, the longitudinal line mark being formed on an upper surface of the putter head body and extending rearwardly from a center of the putter face in the direction orthogonal to the putter face; and blurring marks which are formed on the upper surface of the putter head body in a state that the blurring marks sandwich the longitudinal line mark, the blurring marks having profile lines which are arranged substantially symmetrically and non-parallel with respect to the longitudinal line mark, wherein the profile of one blurring mark is arranged approximately parallel to the imaginary ball hitting line at a take-back position and the profile line o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2008
    Inventor: Tadamasa Tao
  • Publication number: 20080085780
    Abstract: The putter head has a front face with a heel and toe edge extending from the front face, giving the head an overall triangular configuration. Both the heel and toe surfaces have cavities extending from the outer surface toward a central wall. The central wall is perpendicular to the face of the putter to provide visual indication that the face is square to the intended putting line. Two semicircular cavities extend from the top surface of the putter and are separated by the central wall. Medallions on the upper surface of the putter sole are aligned with the semicircular cavities. If the golfer's eyes are not directly over the putter with the sole at 0 degree lie angles, the central wall and horizontal cavities will obscure part of the medallion. If the golfer's hand position is forward, de-lofting the putter surface or laid back adding loft to the base, the forward or rearward edges of the semicircular holes will obscure the edges of the medallions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventor: Michael E. Evans
  • Patent number: 7309291
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a body and ball alignment indicia that protrudes forwardly of the front surface of the body. A transparent plate covers the ball alignment indicia and has a front face arranged for impacting a golf ball. A flange on the transparent plate is received in a recess in the body thereby forming a mechanical interlock between the transparent plate and the body. The ball alignment indicia has a partial spheroid shape and is located intermediate heel and toe ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: Leslie J. Bryant, Gregory J. Schmidt
  • Publication number: 20070243943
    Abstract: An adjustable heel and toe weighted putter head comprising of stand-alone heel and toe weight-carrying portions spaced rearward from the face portion for increased moment of inertia and also transversely spaced apart from each other by the width of a golf ball to therein define an alignment channel. Each weight-carrying portion consists of a through bore parallel to said face portion, a through threaded insert permanently secured in said bore, selectable weight member(s) housed in said insert, and end plug setscrews that book-end and removably secure said weight member(s) to therein provide for selectable total weight and longitudinal positioning of the center of gravity. The integration of the weight system and the alignment system provides for simultaneous tangential target alignment and parallax golfer head alignment. Positive sloped truncated conical projections on the putter face help minimize ball skid, maximize tactile properties, and provide enhanced audio feedback.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Publication date: October 18, 2007
    Inventors: Michael Takeshi Inouye, Mitsuko Nakaema Inouye, Christie Mariko Inouye
  • Patent number: 7226362
    Abstract: A golf club head includes a transparent cylinder with a sight on top and target on the bottom for indicating to the golfer when the club head is level and on line. An exemplary sight includes a centered disk surrounded by concentric rings; some rings being transparent. The target includes a larger central disk sounded by concentric rings of contrasting color or pattern. At the preferred club orientation, the center of the sight is vertically aligned with the center of the target and the vertical sight picture includes at least four concentric colored or patterned rings. In a second embodiment, the sight and target each include a swing stripe in the swing direction. The relative location of the sight and target centers and swing stripes show the golfer the position of the club head relative to the ball and aid in swing smoothness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Geometrix Golf
    Inventors: Daniel Schell, Richard E. Hoff, Allan M. Stein
  • Patent number: 7186185
    Abstract: A customizable alignment sighting device for a golf club is mounted to an upper surface of the head of the golf club with a sighting element providing the user a visual target indicator for desired alignment of the club head with the user's line of sight. The sighting element can be readily adjusted for the user's preferences. When not aligned, the sighting element provides an indication of the magnitude and direction of misalignment. In one embodiment, the device is shaped as a planar disc mounted on the upper surface of the club head by leveling posts spaced around its periphery. The sighting element is a concave lens or lenticulated grid or grill superimposed on a target image. In another embodiment, the device has a 3D device body mounted in a mounting cup or socket fastened to or formed in the head of the golf club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Inventor: Lajos I. Nagy
  • Patent number: 7166039
    Abstract: A putter-head (20) with a body (22) having a striking face (24) is disclosed herein. The striking face (24) has a dual milled pattern thereon. Preferably, a central area (40) has a first milled pattern and a periphery region (42) has a second milled pattern. The body (22) is composed of a metal material, preferably a stainless steel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Calaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Ronald K. Hettinger, Wayne H. Byrne, Lionel Poincenot
  • Patent number: 7166036
    Abstract: A putter (100) having a club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting. The putter has novel inertial properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Wayne H. Byrne, Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Luke R. Williams
  • Patent number: 7156752
    Abstract: This invention creates a new and truly scientifically advanced design and structuring of golf club heads based on Sir Isaac Newton's First Law of Motion. A very precise and controlled path of inertial swing is then developed by this gyroscopic club head. This is accomplished by utilizing a spherical metal weight positioned rearward of the striking surface. Further, a weight is positioned at the club head's center of gravity. Further again, a metal spherical weight is positioned at the club head's center of gravity. All this creates and results in a smooth, easy and natural flowing swing which is in one arc line and in one plane. The concept presented herein, enables the manufacture of unlimited variety of golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventor: John Emmanuel Bennett
  • Patent number: 7147569
    Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a body (22) and a peripheral mass belt (23) is disclosed herein. The putter-type club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of an aluminum alloy. The body (22) preferably has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and a column portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the peripheral mass belt (23) define a central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the central mass portion (80). The crown portion (26) preferably has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting which preferably comprises three circular inserts (40a–c).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Augustin W. Rollinson, Roger Cleveland
  • Patent number: 7083526
    Abstract: A golf putter (10) includes a putter head (316) having a putter body (320), a heel weight (344H), a toe weight (344T) and a first sole insert (354F). The putter body (320) includes a heel region (330) and a toe region (332), and is formed from a material having a first specific gravity. The heel weight (344H), the toe weight (344T) and the first sole insert (354F) are each formed from materials having specific gravities that are greater than the first specific gravity. In one embodiment, the putter head (316) also includes a second sole insert (354S). The sole inserts (354F, 354S) are positioned partly in the heel region (330) and partly in the toe region (332) of the putter body (320). In another embodiment, the first sole insert (354F) has a first specific gravity, and the second sole insert (354S) has a second specific gravity that is greater than the first specific gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Timothy Durnin
  • Patent number: 7077757
    Abstract: The present invention provides a novel visual golf club-head curvilinear path indicator and method of use. Specifically, the present invention provides a visual golf club-head curvilinear path guide in the form of one or more alignment lines or markings on putters and other club-heads that are curvilinear (instead of linear) and that curve toward the golfer's body as he or she stands at address. The curvilinear line (or lines) and/or shape (or shapes) are intended to provide the golfer with a visual reminder to move the club-head back and through along a curvilinear path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Inventors: Brian Payne, Mark Shaprow
  • Patent number: 7004849
    Abstract: A golf putter head adapted for attachment to a club shaft is provided with a face member having a strike face and a cylindrical back cavity, and a body member configured to fit and rotate within the back cavity is disclosed. Selective rotation of the body member within the back cavity sets a loft of the putter head. The weighting of the putter is adjusted by securing a weight member to the body member. A golf putter head having an increased moments of inertia is also disclosed. The putter head includes a face member, a body member, and a weight member. Placement of the weight member is such that the moments of inertia are increased and the putter head is stable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventor: Don T. Cameron
  • Patent number: 6949028
    Abstract: A golf putter having visual indicia to correct for misalignment caused by eye predominance, the visual indicia being generally D-shaped with the back line linear portion parallel to the clubface and the arc portion facing forward toward the clubface, with a linear alignment line disposed within the arc and back line such that the alignment line is angled a slight amount away from perpendicular to the back line, such that the golfer falsely perceives the alignment line to be perpendicular to the clubface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: David B. Hueber
  • Patent number: 6905420
    Abstract: A putter (100) having a club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting. The putter has novel inertial properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2005
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040266542
    Abstract: A Planar-Parallactic Golf Alignment Aide is disclosed. Also disclosed is a device that provides the golfer with a planar alignment sight line for aligning the club face with the target. The invention further provides the golfer with a parallactic alignment sight line for placing his or her head in the proper and repeatable position in order to eliminate unintentional stance variations. The aide may be incorporated within the club head and operate by aligning an aperture or line with the projected image of that aperture or line to use the phenomena of parallax for head alignment. The aperture or line is formed in the top of a dome, and the projected image then appears on a projection surface below the dome. The device may either be an attachment for a conventional club head, or may incorporated into the head itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventor: Jason Goldsmith
  • Patent number: 6793588
    Abstract: A putter (100) having a club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting. The putter has novel inertial properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040166950
    Abstract: A putter for improving a golfer's putting game having a shaft attached to a head having a hitting surface, top surface, and a bottom surface. The head having a front portion and a rearwardly extending portion. The rearwardly extending portion having a pair of side walls. An aperture being defined on the bottom surface of the head. A ball disposed within the head and protruding through both the apertures of said top surface and bottom surface. The ball being both removeable and mounted to roll only in the direction perpendicular to the hitting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Sam Park
  • Publication number: 20040166952
    Abstract: A putter for improving a golfer's putting game having a shaft attached to a head having a hitting surface, top surface, and a bottom surface. An aperture being defined on both the top surface and bottom surface. A ball disposed within the head and protruding through both the apertures of said top surface and bottom surface. The ball being both removeable and mounted to roll only in the direction perpendicular to the hitting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Sam Park
  • Publication number: 20040127305
    Abstract: A putter (100) having a club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting. The putter has novel inertial properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2004
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: CALLAWAY GOLF COMPANY
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20040110572
    Abstract: The hockey stick and golf club of the present invention is generally formed of a shaft and a blade. The shaft has a grip at one end and a hosel at the opposite end. Similarly, the blade has a heel at one end and a toe at the opposite end. An incrementally locking indicia assembly rotatably attaches the heel end of the blade to the hosel of the shaft. The indicia assembly includes a scale for indicating the angle of the blade to the shaft. To adjust and customize this angle, the blade may be incrementally rotated up or down relevant to the shaft and locked into location for a trial skate by a hockey player or swing by a golfer. The lie angle of the blade may be adjusted after each trial skate to achieve maximum blade contact with a hockey puck or golf ball and increase shooting accuracy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: Black Beauty Custom Sticks, LLC
    Inventors: Richard V. Flaum, Brian L. Klanow
  • Patent number: 6722998
    Abstract: A method for applying a putter alignment indicator to a putter to aid in aligning the putter during a putting stroke. The method includes providing a substantially planar alignment surface and having a golfer, while standing in the golfer's normal putting stance, place the striking surface of the putter head against the substantially planar alignment surface. A light source directs a beam of light onto the elongated shaft to create a shadow on the heel portion of the putter head. The position of the light source is adjusted until the first edge and the second edge of the shadow, as viewed by the golfer when standing in the golfer's normal putting stance, appear adjacent to or directly behind the shaft. An alignment indicator is applied to the putter head adjacent to at least one edge of the shadow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Dale Miller Inc.
    Inventor: Dale D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6699139
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a golf collimator and a golf club therewith which make it easy for a player to ascertain a straight direction without a tense feeling when holding a golf club at the ready. A golf collimator 1, which is a device to be fixed on a head of a golf club so as to ascertain a straight direction, comprises a recess 12 and three points arranged around the recess 12, wherein a recess 12 is of such a concave shape as is open in a direction which will be front when holding a club at the ready and as narrows the width of the recess with the approach to the bottom of the recess, and wherein the three points 13 are arranged at the back and on the right and the left of the recess. A golf club is fitted on a head with the collimator structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Eben Corporation
    Inventor: Jijoong Kim
  • Patent number: 6679782
    Abstract: A putter (100) having a club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting. The putter has novel inertial properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6561918
    Abstract: The present invention provides: a golf collimator and a golf club therewith which make it easy for a player to ascertain a straight direction without a tense feeling when holding a golf club at the ready. A golf collimator (1), which is a device to be fixed on a head of a golf club so as to ascertain a straight direction, comprises a recess (12) and three points arranged around the recess (12), wherein a recess (12) is of such a concave shape as is open in a direction which will be front when holding a club at the ready and as narrows the width of the recess with the approach to the bottom of the recess, and wherein the three points (13) are arranged at the back and on the right and the left of the recess. A golf club is fitted on a head with the collimator structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: Eben Corporation
    Inventor: Jijoong Kim
  • Publication number: 20030036438
    Abstract: A putter (100) having a club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting. The putter has novel inertial properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Publication date: February 20, 2003
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Patent number: RE39472
    Abstract: A putter is precision machined to form a concave horizontal face from the heel to toe of the hitting face. The curvature of the concave horizontal face may range from an arc of a five circle to an arc of a one-feet radius circle with the center point at the center of the hole. Thus the putter has a curvature of the horizontal or striking face ranging from the reciprocal of five feet to the reciprocal of one foot. Also provided in accordance with the present invention is a marking on the club head of the putter, the marking serving to assist with both aiming and centering. The marking is an arc of a concentric circle of the golf ball in front of the putter face and has a radius of curvature which is a function of the radius from the center point of a golf ball abutting the striking face. The marking may be used on putters having regular, non-concave striking faces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventors: Stephen C. Ahn, Suh Yong Lee