Hands Spaced Apart On Handle Patents (Class 473/294)
  • Patent number: 9808679
    Abstract: A golf club shaft connection assembly comprising first and second shaft sections, male and female adaptors, a hollow retainer, a spring, and a plurality of balls is disclosed herein. The male and female adaptors are each attached to the first and second shaft sections, respectively, preferably with a permanent adhesive. The male adaptor comprises a protrusion that fits within a keyed interior of the female adaptor, and moving the hollow retainer towards the male adaptor reversibly fixes the two adaptors together, while moving the hollow retainer towards the female adaptor allows the male adaptor to be removed from the female adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventor: James A. Seluga
  • Patent number: 9468830
    Abstract: A golf swing training club for training a golfer has a shaft, a club head with a club face and a gripping area. The club head has a club face for striking a ball. The club head extends out from the shaft in a first direction and the club face facing in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. There is a training grip to be gripped by the dominant hand. The training grip is carried by the shaft and is positioned below the gripping area relative to the club head. The training grip is positioned above the shaft in the direction of the club head and, relative to a direction from the gripping area to the club head, the training grip being angled toward a point that is spaced from the first end of the shaft in each of the first and second directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Inventor: Michael Paulson
  • Patent number: 9333408
    Abstract: A golf swing aid is attached to the shaft of a golf club. The aid comprises (a) a sleeve having a longitudinal slot defining a longitudinal axis for frictional attachment to a shaft of a golf club; and (b) a rod extending outwardly from the sleeve opposite the longitudinal slot and forming an angle of about 40 to 80 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. When the club is swung optimally, the rod is hidden beneath the shaft when the ball is contacted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Inventor: David B. Hedrick
  • Patent number: 8998744
    Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club of the type having a shaft (30) with a head (32) on one end and a base (24) on the other end. A proximal handle (20) and a distal handle (22) each extend from the base. The orientation of the proximal handle and distal handle are each set at an angle relative to the axis of the base. Each handle is directed outward from the shaft in a respective meridian which is substantially opposite the head. The proximal handle is grasped with the preferred hand for substantial control and power of the swing. The distal handle is grasped with the non-preferred hand to augment the control and power of any desired portion of the swing. Other embodiments are described as shown.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventor: Raymond L. Castaldo
  • Patent number: 8920256
    Abstract: A golf club shaft swing training and practice device to impart axial rotation to the user's hand during the length of the stroke by utilizing a fixed upper handgrip and a movable lower handgrip on a support rod. The upper handgrip is fixed on the rod and the lower handgrip is slidably disposed along the rod which is cross-sectionally square with a longitudinal spiral twisted surface to impart lower grip axial rotation as it is moved therealong in increasing distance from the fixed upper handgrip during a practice swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: George Ffitch
  • Patent number: 8801535
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a golf putter and methods of using the same. More specifically, embodiments relate to an improved golf putter, designed to allow a golfer to utilize the putter in a novel manner, yielding enhanced results. In one embodiment, a golf putter comprises a club head having a face thereon, the face designed to impact a golf ball; a shaft, connected on a first end to the club head; a golf grip, positioned on a second end of the shaft, the golf grip having a first gripping section positioned beneath a second gripping section; wherein the first gripping section of the golf grip comprises an first ergonomic cross-section, for being gripped by a control hand of a golfer; and wherein the second gripping section of the golf grip comprises a second ergonomic cross-section, for being gripped by a stabilizing hand of the golfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Inventor: James Furey
  • Patent number: 8529363
    Abstract: The self-attaching golf putter aid includes an upper grip joined at a pivot point with a bottom bracket such that the upper grip can rotate about a vertical axis with the bottom bracket. The bottom bracket is designed to attach onto the handle of a putter via an adjustable strap. The aid is used by grabbing the upper grip with a first hand while grabbing the bottom bracket and handle of the putter with a second hand, and wherein the end user holds the upper grip stationary while swinging the putter to form a true and smooth pendulum golf putting stroke that is ideal when putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Inventor: Thomas Grafe
  • Patent number: 8506417
    Abstract: A golf club which may be in the form of a so-called “putter” golf club and which is capable of being adjustable by a user to obtain consistent swinging movements with the golf club and thereby improve performance in the play of the game of golf. In particular, the handle portion is adjustably positionable allowing the user to locate his hands and arms in a position where he or she will generally always obtain a consistent swinging movement. In particular, the handle portion is formed of a pair of segments with one being rotatably moveable relative to the other and fixed in a precise location so that the head of the club (located at the lower end thereof) permits the striking face of the head to engage a golf ball consistently at a precise angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Inventor: Harold Sansbury
  • Publication number: 20120309556
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved handle configuration are disclosed. The apparatus and method include an upper handle secured to a shaft that has a longitudinal axis and a lower handle secured to the shaft opposite the upper handle at a location spaced from the upper handle along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The upper handle and lower handles each have grip portion that extends at an angle substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and that is spaced apart from the shaft in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper handle and lower handle are secured to the shaft at an end of the shaft opposite a device configured to contact an object when the shaft is swung.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Inventor: Donald T. Allen
  • Publication number: 20120283034
    Abstract: A putter may have a symmetrical head with respect to a shaft of the putter. The head may have a flat surface and a peripheral surface which extends upward to a top surface of the head. The flat surface may be sufficiently large so that the putter may be positioned in the upright position. The golf putter may be utilized by a left or right handed individual and employed in a straight arrow stance, conventional stance and a side saddle stance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventor: George Morton
  • Patent number: 8105179
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an improved handle configuration are disclosed. The apparatus and method include an upper handle secured to a shaft that has a longitudinal axis and a lower handle secured to the shaft opposite the upper handle at a location spaced from the upper handle along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The upper handle and lower handles each have grip portion that extends at an angle substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and that is spaced apart from the shaft in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The upper handle and lower handle are secured to the shaft at an end of the shaft opposite a device configured to contact an object when the shaft is swung.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Inventor: Donald T. Allen
  • Patent number: 8096893
    Abstract: A golf club including a club head with a ball striking face lying in a plane and a shaft connected to the club head. The golf club is formed with an elongated handle, having a cross-sectional configuration with a first length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said ball striking face and a second length in a direction parallel to the plane of said ball striking face. Alignment indicia in the form of intersecting lines is provided on a top surface of the handle to assist the golfer to properly align the golf club in order to execute a proper golf stroke toward an intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Inventor: Richard D. Ferris
  • Publication number: 20110201445
    Abstract: A golf club which may be in the form of a so-called “putter” golf club and which is capable of being adjustable by a user to obtain consistent swinging movements with the golf club and thereby improve performance in the play of the game of golf. In particular, the handle portion is adjustably positionable allowing the user to locate his hands and arms in a position where he or she will generally always obtain a consistent swinging movement. In particular, the handle portion is formed of a pair of segments with one being rotatably moveable relative to the other and fixed in a precise location so that the head of the club (located at the lower end thereof) permits the striking face of the head to engage a golf ball consistently at a precise angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventor: Harold Sansbury
  • Patent number: 7708651
    Abstract: An improved putter having an adjustable handle, shaft, and putter head. The adjustable handle is configured for a first position or a second position. The shaft is connected with the adjustable handle and configured to rotate about the handle. The putter head is connected with the shaft and configured to move in a pendulum motion as the shaft rotates about the handle. The adjustable handle can be placed at a first position such that the handle is substantially perpendicular with respect to the shaft. The adjustable handle can be placed at a second position such that the handle is positioned in a vertical or upright position so that the golfer can easily place the improved putter into the golf bag after putting. In the first position, the golfer can use the pendulum motion of the putter head to putt a golf ball into the hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Hyung In Shin
  • Patent number: 7658683
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for a golf putting training aid, which is attached to the shaft of a conventional existing putter which putter would normally be used by the golfer for putting. The apparatus comprises a second handle, which is disposed parallel to the first handle of the existing putter, wherein the apparatus has means of being attached to the shaft of the existing putter so that the second handle on the golf putting training aid is disposed parallel to the handle of the existing putter. The second handle is removable and can be moved along the first handle and the distance between the first and second handles can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Albert Scott Daniel
  • Patent number: 7635309
    Abstract: An improved grip arrangement for a golf club. The grip arrangement comprises a grip extension that extends substantially orthogonally from the shaft of the club and oriented to be substantially parallel to the club face. The grip extension allows a golfer to hold the golf club with the wrist of the dominant hand locked. The grip arrangement further comprises a shaft grip that can be used by the subordinate hand to grip the shaft of the club. The locked wrist of the dominant hand provides the golfer with more consistent and accurate shots. The improved grip arrangement is particularly well suited to use with a putter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Inventor: Mikidjuk L. Akavak
  • Patent number: 7544135
    Abstract: A golf swing quick adjustment training aid and method of use is used to teach a golfer the proper body position and swing when putting a ball. The training aid has a frame that is attached to the golfer's putter club. Two adjustable golf club grip handles are removably attached to the frame at adjustable positions in the same plane as the grip of the putter club. The handles may be adjusted to differing symmetrical distances from the putter club grip. Starting at the outermost position from the putter club grip, the golfer practices putting until the golfer is proficient in controlling the speed and direction of the ball. The handles are then adjusted nearer to the putter club grip and the process repeated, then the handles are again adjusted nearer to the putter club grip. This training is continued until the golfer becomes proficient in controlling the speed and direction of the ball with the handles at the innermost position. Then the golfer is ready to use the putter club grip to putt the ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Neil Higgins
  • Publication number: 20090137337
    Abstract: An improved putter having an adjustable handle, shaft, and putter head. The adjustable handle is configured for a first position or a second position. The shaft is connected with the adjustable handle and configured to rotate about the handle. The putter head is connected with the shaft and configured to move in a pendulum motion as the shaft rotates about the handle. The adjustable handle can be placed at a first position such that the handle is substantially perpendicular with respect to the shaft. The adjustable handle can be placed at a second position such that the handle is positioned in a vertical or upright position so that the golfer can easily place the improved putter into the golf bag after putting. In the first position, the golfer can use the pendulum motion of the putter head to putt a golf ball into the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Hyung In Shin
    Inventor: Hyung In Shin
  • Patent number: 7476159
    Abstract: An improved putting method and apparatus include an improved putter and a swinging stance of specific features. The improved putter includes a putter head, a shaft and a handle. The putter head is attached to one end of the shaft and the handle is formed on the other end of the shaft. The handle includes a gripping portion, which is terminated with a substantially spherical ball. The elements of the swinging method include resting a back of one hand against a leg thigh; placing the substantially spherical ball into the palm of the one hand; grasping the spherical ball with the fingers and thumb of the one hand; grasping the gripping portion with the other hand; and retracing an arcuate path to strike the golf ball. Preferably, the one hand is closest to the target. The putter head is preferably swung parallel to the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Inventor: Jimmy H. Walworth
  • Patent number: 7306526
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a golf putter and an associated method of use with which an experienced golfer can maintain a stable posture during putting and an inexperienced golfer can easily perform putting. The golf putter comprises a shaft, a grip located at an end of the shaft, and a head which is connected to the other end of the shaft and strikes a golf ball in a target direction. The grip includes a first grip portion, where a side of an end of the first grip portion protrudes in a direction opposite to the target direction, and a second grip portion, which extends from the first grip portion toward the head and is gently curved. The shaft extends up to the end of the first grip portion through the grip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Inventor: Kyung Tae Baek
  • Patent number: 7261652
    Abstract: Method of putting a golf ball using a putter having a club head of any legal configuration, and a shaft of sufficient length that its end can be held by the golfer against, or pressed into, the armpit or the area at the front of the shoulder, which area includes the pectoralis minor muscle (collectively “point of contact”) on the target side of the player's body. The actual length of the shaft will be determined by the distance between the point of contact and the ground when the player has assumed a stance of his choosing. The target side arm is substantially fully extended, and the shaft rests against or is directly adjacent to that arm. The target side hand grasps the club with the target side arm at substantially full extension. The other hand can grasp the grip or the shaft, or rest on or grip the target side hand or arm, at any point and in any fashion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Inventor: Thomas Robert Gold
  • Patent number: 7207894
    Abstract: A golf grip, device and method are described to hold a golf club shaft in a manner to avoid pinching the golf club shaft between the fingers and the thumb of the dominant hand. A device of the present invention, in one form, is a golf glove which includes a joining mechanism to affix the thumb and index finger of the dominant hand. The glove of the present invention is used in training and actual play to provide an improved grip which encourages a proper swing of the club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Inventor: Marmon Pine
  • Patent number: 7150685
    Abstract: An improved golf club includes an improved grip. The grip may be improved over known grips by including an offset upper portion and/or a sliding grip portion, and/or by providing a shaft with greater flex in an upper shaft portion than in a lower shaft portion. The sliding grip portion is about four inch long and may slide over a standard grip, or over a guide, and is preferably used with putters, but may be used with other golf clubs. The offset upper portion comprises an eleven inch upper grip offset at about nine degrees from the shaft centerline and clocked about 110 degrees counter-clockwise from that face of the head. The lower portion of the grip is retained as in known clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Inventor: Andrew J. Berokoff
  • Patent number: 7048643
    Abstract: A golf putter having a bent shaft and designed to be used with an individual facing the intended travel direction of the launched golf ball. The golf putter comprises a bent shaft configuration, an upper handle assembly having a rotating upper grip, a fixed lower grip, and a putter head assembly. In operation, the right-handed individual will hold the golf putter with the left hand grasping the rotating handle assembly and the right hand grasping the lower fixed grip. The left hand and the rotating upper grip are held against the abdomen for stability purposes. Using the right hand, the individual rotates the shaft rearward and then forward to make contact between the putter head and the golf ball. The present invention golf putter comprises unique symmetry allowing a left-handed individual to use the golf putter simply by reversing the hand positions described. By enabling the individual to face the cup, the proposed invention provides better sight alignment and enables a more natural swing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Inventors: Richard Paul Welsh, Michael William Welsh
  • Patent number: 7018302
    Abstract: An apparatus which may be used to convert conventional length putters to long putters while also providing an adjustment feature over a large range to accommodate virtually all golfers who wish to use long putters which have the precise length suited to their individual needs. The preferred embodiment comprises a first extension shaft which is a hollow tube inserted into the upper end of the conventional putter shaft after an end portion of the grip has been removed to reveal the upper end. The first extension shaft terminates in a threaded portion. A threaded nut is then secured to the threaded portion. A second extension shaft, slightly smaller in diameter than the first extension shaft, is then inserted into the first extension shaft to achieve the desired putter length including an extension grip affixed to the upper end of the second extension shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Inventor: Mark Robert Jacoby
  • Patent number: 6899632
    Abstract: A golf putter and a method for using the same is disclosed. The golf putter includes a putter head with an insert and a radial bottom, a shaft attached to the putter head, and a grip having a gap and a weight attached to the shaft, wherein the gap includes a cutout for attaching a clip. When the clip is connected to a golfer's body, the golf putter is effectively anchored to the golfer. The method includes providing a golf club having a putter head with a putting face, approaching a golf ball such that the big toe of the foot furthest from the target is placed adjacent to the golf ball and the golfer's dominant eye is directly over the golf ball, positioning the golfer erect at forty-five degrees to the target, gripping the putter with the golfer's dominant arm, and putting the golf ball by moving the dominant arm and putter along the target line such that the face of the putter head engages the golf ball with appropriate force to drive the golf ball to the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: DL-45 Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel P. Lane
  • Patent number: 6896626
    Abstract: A long and belly length putter fitment system includes a lower shaft section, an upper shaft section, and a coupler to join the upper and lower sections to form one singular putter. The upper and lower sections are selected from a selection having various lengths. Upper sections, each of differing length, may be combined in various combinations with lower sections, each of different overall length and/or lower section grip height, according to a fitment table. All upper shaft sections are compatible with all lower shaft sections through the use of the shaft coupler. Lower shaft sections can utilize shafts of various specifications with any number of putterhead styles or models affixed to the distal end of the lower shaft section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Inventor: William Drossos
  • Publication number: 20040259655
    Abstract: A golf club including a club head with a ball striking face lying in a plane and a shaft connected to the club head. The golf club is formed with an elongated handle, having a cross-sectional configuration with a first length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said ball striking face and a second length in a direction parallel to the plane of said ball striking face. Alignment indicia in the form of intersecting lines is provided on a top surface of the handle to assist the golfer to properly align the golf club in order to execute a proper golf stroke toward an intended target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Ferris
  • Publication number: 20040259660
    Abstract: A grip for a golf putter having an elongate handle with a first end, a second end, an intermediate body portion, and means for connecting the handle to the putter such that the second end is contiguous therewith. The handle is provided with a thumb-receiving surface and finger-receiving surfaces adjacent the second end on opposite lateral sides thereof and normal to the thumb-receiving surface. The handle defines a pointed portion including the second end and the finger-receiving surfaces. The handle is adapted to be gripped by a golfer with the thumbs in side-by-side relation upon the thumb-receiving surface pointing towards a club head of the putter, the index fingers lie upon the finger-receiving surfaces and against the thumbs, the tips of the middle fingers touch and lie against the index fingers and a rear surface of the handle, and the ring and small fingers of the golfer's hands are intertwined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2004
    Publication date: December 23, 2004
    Applicant: Pure Pendulum Corporation
    Inventor: Janis Zichmanis
  • Patent number: 6817956
    Abstract: An improved golf club grip is provided that is comprised of a shaft, including an upper shaft portion; an upper grip portion positioned about at least a portion of the upper shaft portion; and a lower grip portion positioned below the upper grip portion. In an embodiment, the outer diameter of the upper grip portion is significantly less than the outer diameter of the lower grip portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Kim Dagenais
  • Publication number: 20040185956
    Abstract: A putter type golf club including a club head with a ball striking face lying in a plane and a shaft connected to the club head. The golf club is formed with an elongated handle, having a cross-sectional configuration with a first length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said ball striking face and a second length in a direction parallel to the plane of said ball striking face; the first length being greater than the second length and the cross-sectional shape being generally oval, including rounded front and rear edges. Alignment indicia is provided on a top surface of the handle to assist the golfer to properly align the golf club in order to execute a putting stroke toward an intended target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Publication date: September 23, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Ferris
  • Patent number: 6793589
    Abstract: A flexible golf putter for use in the game of golf when putting a golf ball into a hole. The construction of the putter serves to limit the amount of bodily movement necessary. By keeping the putter, golfer, and ball in one plane of motion, the precision of the putt is increased and the possibility of error is decreased. The flexible golf putter has a head portion, an elongated shaft portion, a top flexible grip portion mounted on the top end of the shaft portion, and a T-shaped appendage positioned between the shaft top end and bottom end. The appendage provides an additional handle for the putter and is used by the golfer to control movement of the golf ball.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Inventor: Minas Yerelian
  • Publication number: 20040166956
    Abstract: An improved golf club shaft comprising a plurality of alternating circular and rectangular cross-sections extending from a top end of the shaft toward a club head and a corresponding grip which closely follows the alternating cross-sectional contour of the shaft. The rectangular cross-sections allow the shaft of the golf club to fit between chosen fingers on either hand of a golfer, thus stiffening the golfer's grip on the club without creating additional tension in the golfer's arms, which can cause extraneous motion. Improved golf club shaft grips, employing the alternating cross-sectional area system as disclosed for the improved shaft are attachable to conventional golf club shafts for a golfer's use. An improved method for holding a golf club, conventional or as taught herein, to provide additional stability to a golfer during a golf swing is also taught.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Yoshihiko Shioda
  • Patent number: 6780120
    Abstract: A golf club, such as a putter, having a first tube, a second tube, and a clamp assembly. The clamp assembly defines a longitudinally extending bore, a shoulder surface on the exterior surface of the clamp assembly, an orifice extending from the inner surface of the bore toward the exterior surface of the clamp assembly, and an aperture extending between the orifice and the exterior surface of the clamp assembly. A lower portion of the clamp assembly is received within the first tube. The putter further including a shaft and a captured fastening member. The shaft is received within the bore of the clamp assembly and a portion of the shaft proximate its rear end is received within the second tube. The fastening member is operatively received within the orifice of the clamp assembly and is in selective contact with a portion of the exterior surface of the shaft such that the shaft and the second tube may be fixed relative to the clamp assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Inventor: Donald K. Murray
  • Patent number: 6776724
    Abstract: A golf putter is described which may be used as a regular length putter, a mid-length putter and a long putter. A conventional regular length putter has as assembly detachably secured thereto which enables the putter to be used as a mid-length putter and as a long putter as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Michael C. Siemsglusz
  • Patent number: 6743115
    Abstract: A golf club having a novel golf club grip assembly is described. The grip assembly includes an elongated forearm stabilizer blade mounted directly on the upper end of the golf club shaft and extending upwardly in line with the golf club shaft. A connector rod formed integrally with the stabilizer blade extends from the golf club shaft end of the stabilizer blade and is inserted into the upper end of the golf club shaft. In use, the stabilizer blade is pressed against the inside of the forearm of the golf player to provide a steady and accurate pendulum effect when swinging the club to hit a golf ball. In a second embodiment, the stabilizer blade is fabricated separately and is slipped over an elongated rod having an exposed end which is inserted into the upper end of the golf club shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Michael R. Rodarte
  • Patent number: 6723001
    Abstract: A putter type golf club including a club head with a ball striking face lying in a plane and a shaft connected to the club head. The golf club is formed with an elongated handle, having a cross-sectional configuration with a first length in a direction perpendicular to the plane of said ball striking face and a second length in a direction parallel to the plane of said ball striking face; the first length being greater than the second length and the cross-sectional shape being generally oval, including rounded front and rear edges. Alignment indicia is provided on a top surface of the handle to assist the golfer to properly align the golf club in order to execute a putting stroke toward an intended target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Richard D. Ferris
  • Patent number: 6663499
    Abstract: A putter effective for use in both conventional strokes and side saddle strokes. The putter includes a shaft having a grip portion at one end and a putter head at an opposite end. The shaft includes a lower forward offset portion and a straight portion. The straight portion defines a majority of the length of the putter and is disposed at an upright lie angle allowing effective use of the putter in the side saddle approach. The forward offset portion allows effective use of the putter with a conventional putting stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Robert A. Riseley
  • Patent number: 6616545
    Abstract: A putter including a shaft having first and second ends, the first, lower end pivotally engaging a “T” configured putter head via a spring biased, rotatable hosel, the upper end of the putter having first and second grips pivotally adjustable into a wishbone or other spaced configuration. The configuration of the present system allows each hand to independently engage a separate, spaced grip with the hands engaged with the thumbs gripping the upper portion of each respective handle, as desired by the user. The club is configurable into multiple positions, with the grips and putter head pivotally adjustable so as to allow side putting with the putter head to the side of the user, center putting with the user facing the target croquet style and the putter drawn back between the legs of the user, or pendulum style.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2003
    Inventor: Lee A. Lacoste
  • Publication number: 20030157992
    Abstract: A golf club having a novel golf club grip assembly is described. The grip assembly includes an elongated forearm stabilizer blade mounted directly on the upper end of the golf club shaft and extending upwardly in line with the golf club shaft. A connector rod formed integrally with the stabilizer blade extends from the golf club shaft end of the stabilizer blade and is inserted into the upper end of the golf club shaft. In use, the stabilizer blade is pressed against the inside of the forearm of the golf player to provide a steady and accurate pendulum effect when swinging the club to hit a golf ball. In a second embodiment, the stabilizer blade is fabricated separately and is slipped over an elongated rod having an exposed end which is inserted into the upper end of the golf club shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2002
    Publication date: August 21, 2003
    Inventor: Michael R. Rodarte
  • Patent number: 6595867
    Abstract: A block putter, usable with either a conventional or sidesaddle putting stance for a right-handed or left-handed golfer, having a head width in the range of about one half to about twice the width of a golf ball. The increased width and potentially increased weight of the putter head improve its performance both on the green and when hitting from the fringe, the fairway, or the rough, or out of the sand. The golfer may use the toe of the putter, rather than one of the faces, to strike the ball, for increased accuracy, especially on short putts. Alternatively, the golfer may putt in a sidesaddle stance with the traditional putter face using a putter having an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is of such a length as to allow for the end of the shaft to rest on the golfer's shoulder and help stabilize the putt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Feil Golf, LLC
    Inventor: Howard Sosin
  • Publication number: 20030114240
    Abstract: A putter including a shaft having first and second ends, the first, lower end pivotally engaging a “T” configured putter head via a spring biased, rotatable hosel, the upper end of the putter having first and second grips pivotally adjustable into a wishbone or other spaced configuration. The configuration of the present system allows each hand to independently engage a separate, spaced grip with the hands engaged with the thumbs gripping the upper portion of each respective handle, as desired by the user. The club is configurable into multiple positions, with the grips and putter head pivotally adjustable so as to allow side putting with the putter head to the side of the user, center putting with the user facing the target croquet style and the putter drawn back between the legs of the user, or pendulum style.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventor: Lee A. Lacoste
  • Patent number: 6447403
    Abstract: An improved method of swinging a putter includes an improved putter and a swinging stance of specific features. The elements of the swinging method include gripping the putter in the traditional fashion, securing at least one hand or a butt end of the hand grip against some part of the lower body, moving the putter head back through an arcuate path, and retracing the arcuate path to strike the golf ball. The improved putter includes a putter head attached to one end of the shaft, and hand grip attached to the other end of the shaft. In a second embodiment, the shaft extends from the putter head at an angle of between 35 to 85 degrees from the vertical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Karl B. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6394911
    Abstract: A pendulum type putter includes a U-shaped, yoke-like handle, connected at an angle to the club shaft. The yoke includes a rotatable mandrel pivotable at opposed ends between the legs of the U-shaped yoke, while the bight of the yoke has an adapter for connection to the club shaft. The yoke legs, bight and club shaft are swung in pendulum like fashion by gripping the shaft and mandrel and swinging the shaft with a pendulum-like motion relative to the mandrel. The use of the yoke alleviates any interference with the pendulum movement of the shaft by the grip of the user. Further, the mechanical advantage gained by spacing the shaft adapter at an angle from the mandrel makes it easier to swing the club with less force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Inventor: Phillip L. Vaughn
  • Patent number: 6364787
    Abstract: A golf club wherein a redistribution of weight is provided to increase the moment of inertia but to decrease the swing weight of the club and thus allow increased velocity about the pivot point of the club when using the same energy input or swing, by means of a hollow tubular extension of one to six inches, preferably three to five inches, bearing a weight of 25 to 200 grams, preferably 50 to about 100 grams, at the end of the hollow tubular extension, which weight is thereby upwardly spaced from the gripping surface of the club so as to place the added weight in alignment with the vertical or longitudinal axis of the club shaft and behind the hands of the golfer during a swing, as well as such an extension comprising an adapter for converting a normal golf club to such a club.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Robert W. Huiskamp
  • Publication number: 20020025858
    Abstract: A block putter, usable with either a conventional or sidesaddle putting stance for a right-handed or left-handed golfer, having a head width in the range of about one half to about twice the width of a golf ball. The increased width and potentially increased weight of the putter head improve its performance both on the green and when hitting from the fringe, the fairway, or the rough, or out of the sand. The golfer may use the toe of the putter, rather than one of the faces, to strike the ball, for increased accuracy, especially on short putts. Alternatively, the golfer may putt in a sidesaddle stance with the traditional putter face using a putter having an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is of such a length as to allow for the end of the shaft to rest on the golfer's shoulder and help stabilize the putt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventor: Howard B. Sosin
  • Patent number: 6343997
    Abstract: A golf club handle apparatus is used with a golf club having a longitudinally extending hand grip and includes an elongated shaft, a handle structure, a forearm support member and a connector. The shaft extends along a longitudinal axis and has a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion disposed between the first and second portions. The handle structure includes a pair of handles connected to the intermediate portion and spaced apart from one another in a generally parallel relationship with the shaft positioned between the pair of handles. Each one of the pair of handles extends along a respective handle axis that is oriented generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. The forearm support member is connected to the first portion and has a forearm support surface spaced apart and facing away from the shaft. The connector is disposed at the second portion and is operative to connect the hand grip of the golf club and the golf club handle apparatus together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Inventor: Don Allen
  • Patent number: 6342018
    Abstract: A golf club for effecting chip shots within sixty yards of play to the “green” is presented. The golf club includes two distinct shaft configurations and has a club head with a striking face or impact surface which gradually narrows downwardly to a rounded bottom edge to form a convex shaped structure. The club is fitted with a long shaft which forces the golfer into an upright position to create a chipping stroke similar to a normal putting stroke. The convex top surface of the golf club head has a series of seven colored parallel grooves incorporated thereon to form an optical pattern to help a golfer's eyes focus and to project a more broad-based target line-up. The angle between the line-up defined by the shaft when positioned normally as during play and a line perpendicular to the ground is six to seven degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2002
    Inventor: Milton T. Mason
  • Patent number: 6296577
    Abstract: A method of putting a golf ball with a longer putting club is disclosed. The putter is of sufficient length that a player can hold the putter handle against the player's sternum and putt the golf ball positioned at the player's feet. The player maintains his wrists in a constant orientation relative to the putter handle during the putting stroke. The stroke is carried out by the player pivoting his shoulders first in one direction and then in an opposite direction to strike the golf ball with the putter head in a controlled manner to propel the ball toward a target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventors: James Trammell, Louie Keener
  • Patent number: RE44598
    Abstract: The instant invention provides a putter for use by a golfer in playing golf. The putter includes: a shaft long enough to rest against the abdomen; a head of greater than conventional mass fixed to the first end of the putter; and, a handle fixed to the second end of the putter. The handle further includes: an upper hand grip; a lower hand grip substantially length to rest against the abdomen navel dimensionally spaced from the upper hand grip; and, a counterweight positioned within the handle substantially near the upper hand grip, for providing the putter with a conventional center of gravity. The putter is designed for maximizing the sweet spot of the head while enabling the golfer to putt a golf ball by pivoting the putter substantially only at a point located at about the upper hand grip, from an otherwise conventional crouched stance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventor: Robert P. Prince