Used For Putting Patents (Class 473/251)
  • Patent number: 7399233
    Abstract: A putter has a center of gravity located rearward from the face and under the stroking pivot point. The polar moment of inertia of the putter is increased by moving the distribution of weight toward the rear of the head away from the contact surface. The sole of the putter has an optimized transverse radius and a raised front edge. The putter has an aiming mark that has a minimum area and a minimum length-to-width ratio and is brightly colored. The putter grip has a flat portion that is oriented to match the player's hand rotational position. The face of the putter has friction and energy transfer characteristics that are selected to influence ball motion if struck with stroking errors. The face loft angle cooperates with the face surface characteristics to influence ball launch angle and rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Inventor: Frederic W Pollman
  • Publication number: 20080167136
    Abstract: A putting training device comprising a putter module which is selectively attachable and detachable to a putter and a target module. The putter module includes at least one indicia viewable when a users head is substantially vertically above the module. The putter module further includes a signaling element and the target module including a receiving element, and an indicating element. In use, the putter is directed towards the target module. A golf ball is struck in the direction of the target module and the indicating element alerts the user of impact condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Henwood, William Henwood
  • Patent number: 7396289
    Abstract: A golf club head is disclosed. The golf club head includes a first body member and a second body member. The first body member includes a strike face and a top portion. The second body member is coupled to the first body member and extends away from the first body member in a direction opposite the strike face. At least a top portion of the second body member is camouflaged. A preferred method of camouflage is color differentiation, wherein the second body member is darker than the first body member. Specific color values and club head geometries are also disclosed and claimed. The club head may include a body member and a weight member such as a bar that extends rearward from the body member. A cover may be included to camouflage the weight member. A separate core member and high visibility sight lines may also be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Scott A. Rice, Christopher B. Best, Thomas C. Morris
  • Patent number: 7396288
    Abstract: A putting training device having two alignment guides positioned to extend from the blade of a putter. In one embodiment the alignment guides extend generally parallel to each other to facilitate a generally parallel putting stroke. In an alternative embodiment, each of the alignment guides generally arcuate in shape and extends from the blade of the putter in a generally concentric manner, to facilitate a generally arcuate putting stroke. The ends of the alignment guides are tapered to prevent the alignment guides from catching on the putting surface. Additionally, at least one of the alignment guides is movable, such that the space between the two alignment guides can tailored for the experience level of each user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventor: Terence Kevin Patrick McLauhglin
  • Publication number: 20080161121
    Abstract: An adjustable putter head for a golf putter is designed having an elongated line of sight marking on a top surface of the putter head to aid in aligning the putter head in a putting direction toward a target point, and a putter face which is pivotally connected to the putter head to allow selective adjustment of an angular position of the putter face relative to the line of sight for purposes such as adjusting a face angle orientation to compensate for improper putting strokes, or lining up breaking putts using the line of sight to aim the putt at the hole as a fixed target while adjusting the face angle orientation to align the ball striking face square to an off-line direction of intended ball movement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 3, 2008
    Inventor: GREGORY BITONDO
  • Patent number: 7393285
    Abstract: A putter head having a forward-facing striking surface, a heel, a toe, a top surface and a rearward-facing, elongated tail section. The elongated tail section has vertical side walls, into each of which is machined an elliptical track or groove along the inside surface. The elliptical tracks are spaced from each other at a width slightly less than the diameter of a golf ball, and are machined into the sidewalls at a predetermined angle of incidence such that, when viewed from directly overhead, the tracks will be perceived by the user as two parallel lines. If the user's eyes are not directly in line with the plane extending vertically from the centerline, then one of the tracks will increasingly disappear behind its respective sidewall, while the opposite track will appear to become increasingly curved, as the degree of misalignment increases. The putter thus provides a means of alignment that improves putting accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Inventor: Bernt Stellander
  • Patent number: 7390267
    Abstract: A golf club head, particularly for putting, includes a main body having a leading section and a trailing section where the leading section has a top edge and a bottom edge and the trailing section has a top edge and a bottom edge. A sole portion interconnects the bottom edge of the leading section and the bottom edge of the trailing section. A heel portion and a toe portion each include a weight disposed therein. In addition, a third weight is disposed in the trailing section of the club. The weighting is such that the moment of inertia of the club head is increased over known putters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: MacGregor Golf Company
    Inventor: Robert M. Grace
  • Publication number: 20080139333
    Abstract: A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Lon Klein
  • Patent number: 7377858
    Abstract: A putter head includes a face portion, at least one first aiming marker, and a contrast portion. The first aiming marker appears substantially parallel to a face surface of the face portion. The contrast portion substantially contrasts with the first aiming marker in appearance. The contrast portion is disposed adjacent to the face portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Bridgestone Sports Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Makoto Kubota
  • Patent number: 7374497
    Abstract: A mallet-style golf ball putter with a hollow pipe component that has generally the same diameter as a golf ball, is positioned about the sweet spot in the vertical and lateral dimensions on the putter striking face, and extends longitudinally towards the rear of the putter to assist the golfer to align the striking face of the putter with the golf ball when in an address position and with the intended line of putt during takeback and follow-through. Peripheral weighting further enhances the moment of inertia of the golf putter head. The pipe component so designed permits a visual alignment of the striking face with the golf ball in the lateral and vertical dimensions and for a smooth perpendicular stroke along an axis of the pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Sienna Sport Limited
    Inventor: James P. Brown
  • 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: 20080096682
    Abstract: Golf putter heads, gold putting kits, and golf putters including same are described. One putter head comprises a body having a putting face, a toe, a heel, a sole, and a crown, the sole and crown extending away from the face to an aft-mass, the body further having at least one substantially vertical wall extending from the crown to the sole and, with an internal surface of each of the face and the aft-mass, defining at least a port cavity and a starboard cavity. The port cavity opens to the port side of the body and the starboard cavity opens to the starboard side. The crown has an aiming feature on a top external surface thereof. The port and starboard cavities are non-ball-striking features, allowing golfers to pick up a pin flag stick, or another golf club, without stooping, a great benefit to golfers with bad backs and elderly golfers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventor: Angela O. Fox
  • 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: 7344451
    Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a body (22) and a peripheral mass belt (23) is disclosed herein. The body (22) is preferably composed of an aluminum alloy. The body (22) includes a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and a column portion (30). The crown portion (26) and the sole portion (28) extend rearward from the face portion (24). The peripheral mass belt (23) includes a central mass portion (80), a heel arc member (82) and a toe arc member (84). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the peripheral mass belt (23) define a central aperture (32), which 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2008
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 7341526
    Abstract: A golf putter having an alignment aid for aligning the player's head relative to the ball and the putter head. In addition to providing alignment along the usual X and Y axes, the alignment aid of the invention allows precise and repeatable head positioning in the fourth and fifth axes as well. A pair of vertically-aligned pins protrude from a back surface of the putter head, substantially perpendicular to the putting face of the club. The diameter of the upper pin is less than the diameter of the lower pin. In addition, the length of the upper pin may be slightly shorter that the length of the lower pin. Typically, the pins are made in contrasting colors such as black and white. In operation, a golfer sights down at the pins and establishes a uniform border of the lower pin visible around the upper pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Robert McCarthy
  • Patent number: 7341527
    Abstract: A golf putter including a head which has detachably fastened to the body thereof a face plate provided with a plurality of striking surfaces which are selectably and interchangeably oriented by a player to a forward facing use position, the striking surfaces each having different ball-impacting characteristics, e.g., rebound factor, hardness, and/or frictional characteristics. In one embodiment, the face plate has flat front and rear parallel surfaces in which are fitted inserts with different ball-impacting characteristics, the face plate being attachable conformally to the front face of a putter head body with a selected insert in a forward-facing use position by a pair of screws inserted through holes in the face plate in opposite sides of the inserts and tightened into a pair of aligned threaded bores which extend perpendicular into the front face of the putter head body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Inventor: Dale P. Fisher
  • Patent number: 7331876
    Abstract: A putter comprising a grip having an anatomically correct shape to promote proper grasping of the putter, a shaft having a first end and a second end, wherein the grip is attached to the first end of the shaft, a hosel attached to the second end of the shaft, a head attached to the hosel, the head having a striking face, and an alignment feature of the putter adapted to ensure correct assembly of the head onto the shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Inventor: Lon Klein
  • Patent number: 7326121
    Abstract: A golf putter system including features that allow customization of the overall weight of the putter head, as well as the distribution of the weight. The golf putter includes a shaft and a head that is attached to an end of the shaft. The head typically includes an elongated body including a front face having a substantially flat putting surface adapted to strike a golf ball on a ball striking area disposed on the putting surface. The system normally includes a plurality of elongated end members that are releasably attachable adjacent each end of the body. The end members, when attached, may allow a user to configure the overall weight of the head and may allow a user to configure the location of the center of mass of the head. The end members generally include a rear portion that, when attached, extends beyond a rear surface of the body, axes that are substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the putting face when attached, as well as, end sight lines that mark the axes of the end members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: James P. Roake
  • Publication number: 20080026864
    Abstract: Apparatus for training golfers in putting techniques and the method for its use are taught. The principle of the apparatus of the invention provides two reference points, one of which is adjustable and fixed relative to the head of a putter. By sliding the two reference points along a guidance surface, the putting head moves parallel to the guidance surface with the face of the putting head at a constant angle to the guidance surface. i.e. this is a putting stroke. One of the reference points may be a part of the putter head and the other is a member, removably attachable to the putter and adjustable so that a contact head touches, and is slidable along, the guidance surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Inventor: Roger John Brooks
  • Publication number: 20080009361
    Abstract: A golf putter having a shaft with a grip at a proximal end and a head at a distal end of the shaft for contacting a golf ball on the ground during putting of the golf ball includes an elongate blade having opposed ends, with a top side and a bottom side, and a linear edge extending therebetween. The top side of the blade is mounted on the distal end of the shaft, and the first linear edge acts as a striking face for the golf ball and strikes the golf ball in an essentially linear contact area horizontal to the ground. The golf putter includes a weight having an alignment point to be used as an aid in aligning the golf putter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Lanny L. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7316622
    Abstract: An adjustable putter 10 having a shaft (12) and a grip assembly (16) that is connected to the butt end of shaft (12). A hosel assembly (20) is connected to the tip end (18) of shaft (12) and a head assembly (22) is connected to the hosel assembly. The grip assembly is adjustable on shaft (12) to adjust the length of the putter. A collet (106) is angularly moveable in a housing (94) to adjust the lie and to determine the right-hand/left-hand sense of the putter. The loft is adjusted by substituting different collets (106) with passageways (108) having varying orientations in collet (106). The weight of the putter is adjusted by substituting various weights (156, 158) in the head assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2008
    Inventor: Ron Lucas
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7297073
    Abstract: A weight interchangeable golf putter is provided having a T shaped head. The head has a main body constituting the main weight and a striking face. From the trailing edge of the top surface a center tail extends rearward to form the T shape of putter plane. At the sides of the tail there are formed end fins with their free ends opened rearward to better guide the putter head through the air during the stroking address. The top of the back weight extends to near midway of the length of the tail and merges with the bottom of the tail. The back weight has a bottom surface in flush with the corresponding bottom of the main body and terminates with an end wall tapered gradually toward the main body to avoid hitting the ground when strokes are made. Three cylindrical bores are formed facing the same backward direction in the common 90-degree angle from the rear wall to receive different metal screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Inventor: Man Young Jung
  • Publication number: 20070191130
    Abstract: An easily attached, universal performance enhancement device for existing golf putters. The invention comprises an “L” shaped body, made of a rigid, lightweight material. The device is designed to mount in front of and on top of an existing putter by clamping a clubhead between the face of the device and a set screw mounted on the underside of the device. The face of the device becomes the new striking surface, and provides improved tactile feedback and control of the golf ball. The top of the device provides alignment aids and also moves the center of gravity back away from the face and upwards from the sole of the existing putter. The threaded end near the back end of the device is used to house various weights or attachments which alter the overall weight, swing weight, and position of the center of gravity of the existing golf putter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2007
    Publication date: August 16, 2007
    Inventor: Aristo Kouldus
  • Publication number: 20070161430
    Abstract: A golf club having a shaft and an elongated head projecting at a lie angle relative to the shaft, the head having the shape of a regular polygon in a cross section at right angles to the central axis of the head, with each face being formed of a material that provides a different ball rebound factor, the head section being rotatable about the central axis so that any one of the faces may be presented for use with the club.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: July 12, 2007
    Inventor: Ilir Bardha
  • Patent number: 7235021
    Abstract: A golf putter head includes a face member with a front surface arranged for impacting a golf ball. A first arm extends generally rearwardly from a heel end of the face member, a second arm extends generally rearwardly from a toe end of the face member, and a central member extends rearwardly intermediate the heel and toe ends of the face member. The central member has an inner end adjacent the face member and an outer end spaced from the face member. The central member includes a pair of wings extending in opposite directions at the outer end thereof connecting the central member to the first and second arms rearwardly of the face member. A portion of the central member extends rearwardly of the wings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, David D. Jones, Derek W. Haines, John K. Solheim
  • Patent number: 7204765
    Abstract: A golf club (e.g., driver or putter) is provided. The club includes a head. The club also includes a handle having a proximate end connected to the head and having a distal end (which may be provided with a grip). The head may include components that can be adjusted to alter (e.g., simultaneously and/or independently) the position of the proximate end of the handle on the head and to alter the head weight balance and/or orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: SC2, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian M. Cover, William J. Shildmyer, II
  • Patent number: 7201667
    Abstract: A device to aid golfers in improving their putting game comprising in combination with a putter, a straight edge guide and an attachment for the putter head, the putter head attachment comprising an elongated flat vertical base plate which extends horizontally and is adapted to slide against a horizontal flat surface on the guide, a first vertical arm extending perpendicularly in a vertical plane from the base plate, a horizontal arm extending from an upper edge of the first vertical arm in a horizontal plane from an end of the first vertical arm opposite its attachment to the base plate, the horizontal arm extending in spaced relation with respect to the base plate, the horizontal arm forming a right angle with the first vertical arm so as to extend over an uppermost portion of the putter head, a second vertical arm attached to an end of the horizontal arm opposite from its attachment to the first vertical arm and extending downwardly in parallel relation with the first vertical arm, the putter head being gr
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Inventor: Daniel W. Dorman
  • 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: 7182697
    Abstract: A Hole-aligning Putter is disclosed. The putter defines a center alignment mark on the face and top surface of the club head. The putter further displays second and third alignment marks straddling the first (center) alignment mark in spaced relation at a distance of somewhat less than the diameter of a conventional golf ball. Finally, the putter further displays fourth and fifth alignment marks straddling the first (center) alignment mark in spaced relation at a distance equal to the diameter of the cup. The result of the visually apparent difference in the distance between the fourth and fifth marks and that of the second and third marks inspires additional confidence in the golfer, thereby improving his or her golf game.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Inventor: Ruben Zamora
  • Patent number: 7172513
    Abstract: A tool has an adjustable lie angle, face angle, weight, and shaft length and is used by a golfer to adjust a putter to the optimal lie angle, face angle, weight and shaft length for that golfer. The tool head has a face plate and a sole disposed normal to one another. An angle member has a vertical wall disposed parallel to the face plate and a horizontal wall that overlies the sole. A hosel is pivotally mounted to the vertical wall and a first protractor is fixedly secured to the vertical wall. A marker on the hosel indicates the lie angle on the first protractor. A second protractor secured to the sole indicates a face angle when the shaft of the club is rotated about its axis. Weights are selectively added to the toe, heel, or mid-point of the putter head to determine an optimal weight and weight distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Inventor: James Rinker
  • 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: 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: 7163463
    Abstract: A golf club is provided in which a front heel face of the club defines a bore for receiving one end of a hosel, the hosel defining a substantially right angled bend. A free end of the hosel engages the putter shaft. The hosel provides a desired offset distance from the club strike face. Rotation of the hosel relative to the bore also provides an adjustment mechanism by which the lie angle and face balancing of the club may be achieved. Shaft inserts are also provided to adjust lie angles and offset distances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Inventor: Truett P. Mills
  • 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: 7125341
    Abstract: A golf club putter head including an elongated body formed of a first metal and having an upright front portion defining a ball striking face, enlarged heel and toe portions symmetrically shaped about a vertical central axis of said body, and a horizontal bottom portion defining outer portions of beveled bottom surfaces. The front and bottom portions have a thickness at each central portion thereof which is substantially less than a width and a height, respectively, of the heel and toe portions. A slanted elongated cavity having a longitudinal axis receives and secures a lower distal end of a golf club shaft. A sole plate formed of a second metal is secured within a mating slot formed into only a central portion of the bottom surface. A front edge of the sole plate also forms a lower central portion of the ball striking face while a bottom surface of the sole plate is continuous with the bottom surfaces of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: DSP Golf Concepts, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger D'Eath
  • Patent number: 7115041
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a golf club head with an insert having a face plate is disclosed herein. The insert is disposed in a recess of the club head in which the recess has a depth that is greater than the thickness of the insert. The insert is preferably composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane material formed from a polytetramethylene ether glycol terminated hexamethylene diisocyanate prepolymer having a NCO group content of 8.0% to 12.0%, and a 1,4 butane diol. An adhesive is preferably disposed between the rear wall of the recess and an interior surface of the insert. Further, an adhesive is applied between the plurality of tabs, and preferably over the exterior surface of each of the plurality of tabs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: John G. Guard, Joshua G. Breier, Wayne H. Byrne, Augustin W. Rollinson, Ronald K. Hettinger, Pijush K. Dewanjee, Herbert Reyes, Andrew Oldknow, Robert R. Lang
  • Patent number: 7104899
    Abstract: A golf putter assembly and its associated method of use. The putter assembly has a putter head disposed at the end of a traditional shaft. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. A rod is provided that extends forward of the striking surface. The rod has a first end, a second end and at least one curved section in between those two ends. The rod can be rotated into different orientations prior to being attached to the putter head. As the rod is rotated, the perceived curvature of the rod that is observed by a golfer holding the putter changes. A golfer can therefore selectively change the perceived curvature of the rod to match the natural curvature inherent in that golfer's putting swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Caserta
  • Patent number: 7104898
    Abstract: A putter assembly and the method of converting a putter assembly between a practice configuration and a regulation play configuration. The putter assembly has a shaft. A putter head is attached to the shaft. The putter head has a striking surface for striking a golf ball. A connection receptacle is disposed on the striking surface of the putter head. A training rod is provided that has a predetermined weight. A plug is also provided that has a weight generally equal to that of the rod. Either the rod or the plug can be attached to the connection receptacle in the putter head. When the rod is attached, the putter is configured for use in training, wherein the rod provides a reference guide during putting. When the rod is removed and the plug is set in place, the putter is ready for regulation play.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Inventor: Richard Caserta
  • Patent number: 7101288
    Abstract: A golf club, and particularly a putter, is provided with an alignment line which extends along a length of the putter shaft and a length of the putter head. The alignment line is disposed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and parallel to the face of the putter head and allows a golfer to align the face of the club perpendicular to an imaginary line along which a golf ball is to be driven. The body of the putter head is a skeletal frame and is covered with a plastic coating to fill up the openings in the body and provide a flat striking surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Frankly Golf LLC
    Inventor: Frank Thomas
  • Patent number: 7086957
    Abstract: A golf putter head includes a face member with a front surface arranged for impacting a golf ball. A first arm extends substantially rearwardly from a heel end of the face member, a second arm extends substantially rearwardly from a toe end of the face member, and a central member extends rearwardly from the face member intermediate the heel and toe ends thereof. The central member is connected to and extends rearwardly from a back surface of the face member. The central member is connected to the first and second arms rearwardly of the face member. The first and second arms have top surfaces that slope downwardly as the first and second arms extend away from the face member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Karsten Manufacturing Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Solheim, David D. Jones, Derek W. Haines, John K. Solheim
  • Patent number: 7083524
    Abstract: A preferred golf club includes a first alignment mark on a grip of the club and a second alignment mark on the head proximate a centerline of the head. A preferred method for addressing a ball involves positioning the second alignment mark proximate the center of the ball; pivoting the club until the first alignment mark overhangs the ball; aiming the first alignment mark toward a target; positioning one's feet parallel to the first alignment mark; and again centering the second alignment mark with the ball. One object of the present invention is to assist a golfer both in striking a golf ball with the sweet spot of a club head and to enable the golfer to accurately sight on the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Tyrone S. Daniels
  • Patent number: 7083525
    Abstract: A golf club head comprising an integral toe, heel and center section, with the center section including a cavity. The center section is structured so that the majority of the weight of the golf club head is positioned at the toe and heel. One embodiment of the golf club head includes an insert located in the cavity and a second insert is located in the golf ball striking face of the golf club head. The inserts, alone and in combination, increase the feel transmitted through the golf club head to the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Assignee: Roger Cleveland Golf Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Pond, Andre Shmoldas, Tom Morris, Jim McGeeney
  • 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: 7077758
    Abstract: A golf putter in which most of the clubhead mass is distributed at three or more individual or one or more arcuate locations within a “Mass Ring” approximately equidistant from, and as remote as possible from, the clubhead planar center of mass with the clubshaft axis preferably forward of the clubhead center of mass thus maximizing both putter and clubhead planar moment of inertia for improved putter performance during mis-hits. Maximum remote mass is achieved by interconnecting the remote high mass areas (Mass Ring) with the putterface striking area and the putter shaft connection point with a light weight rigid open (see thru) truss system so arranged to enhance the visibility of the Sighting Field and/or aim or Sight Line on the putterhead while preventing undesirable vibration of individual clubhead members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2006
    Assignee: Rohrer Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John W. Rohrer
  • Patent number: 7070515
    Abstract: An adjustable golf putter includes a shaft and a head; the head being comprised of a putting part and an adjustment device connected to the back of the putting part; the adjustment device includes a base, a trough being disposed on the central section of the base to accommodate a roller; a sleeve and an adjustment mechanism being respectively inserted to both ends of the roller; a joint being adapted to the roller to be incorporated with the shaft; an insertion channel being each disposed in recess on both sides of the base; a threaded bolt being fixed in the insertion channel for the installation of weights and their positions by means of two sets of nuts to adjust the weight and central gravity of the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Inventor: Jui Feng Liu
  • Patent number: 7066826
    Abstract: A head for a practice putter includes a front face with a ball-strike area, a pair of laser beam emitters located within the head and each emitting a laser beam at a respective side of the ball-strike area. The laser beams converge with one another to a point several yards directly forward of the ball-strike area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Pak Wing Tsoi
  • Patent number: 7063625
    Abstract: A golf putting aid is used with a putter having a handle, a putter head, and an elongated putter shaft. The putting aid includes an elongated member affixed to the putting aid and an attachment member capable of detachably securing the putting aid to the shaft of a putter. The method comprises attaching the putting aid to the shaft of the putter and using a level on the putting aid to determine the slope of a green between two points on the surface of the green. The putting aid may be used either with, or without the putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Inventor: James L. Murtha
  • 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