GB2554482A

GB2554482A - Golf club head

Info

Publication number: GB2554482A
Application number: GB1705156.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Downes Alistair
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-09-27
Filing date: 2017-03-30
Publication date: 2018-04-04
Also published as: GB201616404D0; GB201705156D0

Abstract

A golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at a target, said club comprising a striking surface 18 and a plurality of indicia 15. The indicia may be configured to impart a certain path to the ball departing from a direct path to the target (for example accounting for a sloping putting green, figure 1), to gauge the backswing of a putt (figures 8-9) or to impart a certain spin on the ball (figure 18). Preferably the indicia are a series of lines converging at a point 16 one ball 17 radius from the striking surface (figure 4). Preferably a central line 14 intersects the centre of gravity 19 of the club head. Preferably the indicia are formed on a plurality of inserts 47 so that different indicia can be used, e.g. for different green speeds.

Description

(54) Title of the Invention: Golf club head

Abstract Title: Golf club head with converging indicia (57) A golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at a target, said club comprising a striking surface 18 and a plurality of indicia 15. The indicia may be configured to impart a certain path to the ball departing from a direct path to the target (for example accounting for a sloping putting green, figure 1), to gauge the backswing of a putt (figures 8-9) or to impart a certain spin on the ball (figure 18). Preferably the indicia are a series of lines converging at a point 16 one ball 17 radius from the striking surface (figure 4). Preferably a central line 14 intersects the centre of gravity 19 of the club head. Preferably the indicia are formed on a plurality of inserts 47 so that different indicia can be used, e.g. for different green speeds.

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Title: Golf Club Head

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a golf club head. More specifically, the present invention relates to a golf club head to aid in the directional aim and/or club-head path and/or swing length of the shot.

Background of the Invention

A golf ball is struck by a club with the intention of moving the golf ball into a hole. After impact there are forces which act on the ball which may cause its path to not be straight. In certain embodiments, the club head is a club head for a putter. When a golf ball is struck by a putter it rolls and gravity will cause it to follow the contour of the ground on which it rolls. For such a putt with no side slope the target direction the player with a perfect putting stroke should aim their putt would be equal to the direction of the hole. Similarly, for a shot with no side wind, the target direction the player with perfect technique should aim at with a driver, hybrid, iron, wedge etc would be equal to the direction of the hole.

There have been many inventions in the golf industry over the years to assist a player in aligning their shot to their target direction. One such invention is U.S. Pat No. 4688798 to David Pelz which discloses using multiple linearly aligned golf ball shaped indicators on a putter as the alignment means.

Many if not most shots a player will hit will exhibit some sort of sideways movement and/or curvature due to the effects of wind or spin imparted on the ball at impact. In addition most putts or chips a player will encounter will also exhibit some sort of ground side slope meaning that to putt/chip the ball into the hole successfully the player must aim on a target direction which is at a set angle to the direction of the hole.

A player may also want to aim in a direction at an angle to the direction of the hole to allow for an amount the ball may curve to the right or left after impact due to wind or spin impacted on the ball at impact (either on purpose or due to poor technique)

Whilst the existing alignment means will still help a player to align their putt to a target direction the prior art has not optimized the putter head design in such a way that would help a player determine that direction for a given stroke

A player must also decide on how hard to hit a putt for the ball to cover the necessary distance to the hole. Many if not most putts a player will encounter will also exhibit some sort of upslope or downslope in the direction of the hole meaning that to putt the ball into the hole successfully the player must start their putt will a certain initial ball speed different to that of an equivalent putt will no slope. In addition for both putts with slope in the direction of the hole and those without the lateral extent to which a putt will be impacted by a side slope over a given distance is also a factor of the speed of the ball as it rolls. The prior art has not optimized the putter head design in such a way that would help a player determine the initial ball speed for a given putt.

The present invention aims to overcome some or all of these problems.

Statement of Invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at an intended target, said club head comprising a striking surface and a plurality of indicia configured to assist a golf player in making a stroke intended to impart a predetermined initial ball path that deviates from a path between the ball and its intended target by a certain magnitude, to account for the effect of post-impact factors which may cause the post-impact path of the ball not to be straight.

The present invention uses indicia to assist the player in making a stroke that will impart a desired initial aim direction relative to the direction of the hole so as to increase the probability of the ball finding the target (e.g. the hole) for given post impact factorsthat would cause the post-impact path of the ball to not be straight. Post-impact factors are factors which may affect the path the ball takes after impact by the club head. Such post-impact factors could include ground-slope, wind and spin. One part of the present invention is a golf club head that includes indicia which when aligned with the direction of the hole allows a player to aim a stroke such as a putt at a specific desired angle to the direction of the hole. Alignment of the desired indicia to the hole can be made easier by aligning with indicia on the golf ball set in the direction of the hole.

Preferably said plurality of indicia form a discrete set of reference elements, each indicium corresponding to a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target, such that a selected indicium may be used to align the club head so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target. Alternatively the indicia may form a continuous pattern of indicia, each indicium in the continuous pattern corresponding to a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target, such that a selected indicium may be used to align the club head so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target.

Preferably the plurality of indicia comprise a series of indicia, the forward extrapolation of each indicium to a notional convergence point located in front of the striking surface corresponding to a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target, such that a selected indicium may be used to align the club head so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target.

Preferably said plurality of indicia are configured such that upon alignment of a selected indicium with a line passing substantially through the ball and the intended target, the striking surface of the club head will be at an alignment relative to the ball so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path if the ball is struck by the striking surface at said alignment of the club head relative to the ball and intended target.

The plurality of indicia may comprise a plurality of visible linear elements arranged to converge at a notional convergence point located in front of the striking surface. The plurality of indicia need not be visible linear elements; any indicia which indicate a set of alignment angles can be used, such as a row of markings arrange in a line parallel to the striking surface.

In preferred embodiments the club head is adapted for use with a golf ball of predetermined radius, said plurality of indicia comprising a series of indicia arranged to converge at a notional convergence point located in front of the striking surface, said notional convergence point being located at a distance from the striking surface substantially equal to the radius of said golf ball.

The club head has a top surface intersecting with the striking face, the plurality of indicia preferably including a centre line element extending substantially orthogonally relative to the intersection of the top surface and the striking face. Suitably the centre line element aligns with a plane, said plane passing substantially through the centre of gravity of the club head and being substantially orthogonal to the striking face.

Another part of the present invention is a golf club head which includes indicia which allow a player to determine the length of backstroke they should make during the putting stroke in order to impart the desired initial ball speed at impact. These indicia may or may not be the same indicia as the directional ones. According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at an intended target, said club head comprising a striking surface and a plurality of indicia configured to assist a golf player in making a backswing of predetermined magnitude, so as to impart a desired initial ball speed to the golf ball at impact.

Preferably said plurality of indicia form a discrete set of reference elements, each corresponding to a predetermined backswing magnitude, such that a selected indicium may be used to position the club head relative to the ball at a predetermined backswing magnitude.

Preferably said plurality of indicia are configured such that upon alignment of a selected indicium with a target line comprising the desired initial ball path, the club head will be spaced from the ball by a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined backswing magnitude.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at an intended target, said club head comprising a striking surface and a plurality of indicia configured to assist a golf player in making a swing of predetermined path, so as to impart a desired initial ball spin to the golf ball at impact.

For all aspects of the invention, preferably said plurality of indicia are disposed on a top surface of the golf club head. Preferably each indicium of the plurality of indicia is a visible linear element comprising a line, a series of dots, a series of dashes or the like. Each indicium of the plurality of indicia may be raised or recessed relative to the top surface of the club head. In embodiments in which the indicia are recessed relative to the top surface of the club head, each recess may be a closed recess, or an open recess that passes all the way through the club head to the bottom surface of the club head. The preferred embodiment of this invention is to do so using a changeable inset to the club head which allows the club head design to be adjusted appropriately for different conditions (such as green speed). Suitably the plurality of indicia are formed on an insert, said insert being removably mountable to the club head.

Preferably the club head is configured to removably receive any of a plurality of inserts for mounting to the club head to permit removal and replacement of an insert with another of the plurality of inserts.

Preferably said golf club head is a golf putter club head. The indicia provided on the golf putter club head allow the player to aim a putt at a specific desired angle to the direction of hole. Alternatively or in addition the indicia allow the player to determine the length of backstroke they should make during the putting stroke in order to impart the desired initial ball speed at impact. It will be understood that indicia can be provided on the head of other golf club types, such as drivers or irons. Such indicia will allow a player to aim a stroke at a specific desired angle relative to the direction of the hole, depending on certain conditions, such as wind direction, speed and ball spin.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a kit comprising a golf club head according to any aspect of the invention described above and a plurality of different inserts, each insert being removably mountable to the golf club head.

Preferably the plurality of different inserts each have a different characteristic, such as a different weight, colour or arrangement of indicia.

Preferably the plurality of different inserts each have a different number of indicia and/or indicia arranged at differing angles relative to a centre line element.

According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided an insert for a golf club head, said insert comprising a plurality of indicia, said insert being configured for mounting to a golf club head according to any aspect of the invention as described above.

A player using such a club head design with the presented invention can more confidently aim all shots in their intended direction and at their intended pace. For putts with 'break', which is the vast majority if their judgement/measurement of green speed and slope is accurate they are more likely to be successful in holing putts.

Using the preferred embodiment which utilizes a changeable inset piece the player can optimize their club head design before play for the prevailing conditions (e.g. green speed) to further increase their probability of successful putts.

The above features and advantages thereof will be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art from the following more detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

Drawings:

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be more particularly described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a top down perspective of a golf hole 1 and a golf ball 2 and three different paths that the ball would take for a left to right side slope 3 when struck at the same speed but at three different angles 4, 5, 6.

Figure 2 is a top down perspective of a golf hole 7 and a golf ball 8 and three different paths that the ball would take for a left to right side slope 9 when struck at the same angle but at three different speeds 10, 11, 12.

Figure 3 is a top down perspective of a theoretical golf putter club head 13 of the present invention with a zero degree indicia 14 and other angled indicia 15 all of which intersect at the centre 16 of the golf ball 17 addressed adjacent on the club face 18 to the putter head centre of mass 19.

Figure 4 is a top down perspective of a theoretical golf putter club head 20 of the present invention as the player would see it in a normal putting position, aligned with a target direction 21 at an angle of X degrees 22 to the direction of the hole 23, by aligning the X degree indicia 24 with the indicia on the golf ball 25 pointed in the direction of the hole 26.

Figure 5 is an equivalent depiction as Figure 4 only showing an embodiment of a golf putter head design TI of the present invention.

Figure 6 is a top down perspective of an alternative embodiment of a the putter club head design 28 from Figure 5 of the present invention with multiple of said indicia 29 constructed using surface contouring and dots, as the player would see it in a normal putting position when holding the shaft30.

Figure 7 is a top down perspective of an another alternative embodiment of a golf putter club head design 31 of the present invention with multiple of said indicia constructed as struts and holes 32 as the player would see it in a normal putting position

Figure 8 is a top perspective of an embodiment of a the golf putter club head design of the present invention from Figure 5 with multiple of said indicia as the player would see it in a normal starting putting position 33 and in a position at the far extent of an example backswing 34, highlighting the change in face angle due to the arced path 35 and how the indicia can be used to measure backswing length as a function of that rotation.

Figure 9 is a top perspective of an embodiment of a the golf putter club head design of the present invention from Fig 5 with multiple of said indicia as the player would see it in a normal starting putting position 36 and in a position at the far extent of an example backswing 37, being further than the backswing extent 34 in Figure 8, highlighting the further change in face angle due to the longer arced path 38 and again how the indicia can be used to measure backswing length as a function of that rotation.

Figure 10 is an isometric perspective of an inset 39 to the preferred golf putter head design. The indicia 40 and/or striking face 41 could be manufactured as one with the club head or alternatively could be constructed individually as shown here and then inset into the club head. The indicia 40 are shown here as constructed by variance in surface contours as above.

Figure 11 is a view from below of the preferred club head design of the present invention 42, constructed with the appropriate recesses 43, 44 and fixings to allow the inset from Figure 9 to be attached in place.

Figure 12 is an isometric view from above of the preferred putter head design of the present invention with the inset from Figure 10 attached to the putter head from Figure 11, showing both the indicia 45 and putting face 46 in position.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative inset 47 that can be removably mountable to a club head, the inset 47 having indicia 48.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of a club head 49 configured to receive inset 47 of Figure 13 in recess 50.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of the club head of Figure 14 with the inset 47 installed in recess 50.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of a driver 50 with indicia on the club head according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of an iron 52 with indicia on the club head according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 18 is a top down perspective of a golf hole 54 and a golf ball 56 and three possible different paths (55, 61, 62) that the ball could take when impacted by a club striking face 57 moving along a path 58 at an angle 60 to the direction of the hole. The magnitude of the sideways curvature of the ball path post impact is a factor of the magnitude of the side spin 59 imparted on the ball at impact which itself is a factor of angle between the club path 58 and the striking face 57 at impact.

Detailed Description:

The present embodiments represent currently the best ways known to the applicant of putting the invention into practice. But they are not the only ways in which this can be achieved. They are illustrated, and they will now be described, by way of example only.

There are four factors to consider in the attempt to make a successful putt:

A. Initial Aim Angle (direction relative to hole direction)

B. Initial Ball Speed

C. Side Slope (dependant on surface friction and slope perpendicular to direction of the hole)

D. Green Surface Speed (dependant on surface friction and slope in the direction of the hole)

See Figure 1. For a given amount of side slope and a given initial speed of the ball there is a set angle of the initial ball path to the direction to the hole which will result in a successful putt on a green of certain speed/friction (5). A putt hit at the correct speed but with too small an angle to the direction of the hole to account for side slope will miss the hole on the low side (4) and a putt hit at the correct speed but with too large an angle to the direction of the hole will miss on the high side (6).

See Figure 2. For a given amount of side slope and a given initial aim angle to the direction of the hole there is a set initial ball speed which will result in a successful putt on a green of certain speed/friction (11). A putt hit at the correct angle but with too low a speed will miss the hole on the low side (10) and a putt hit at the correct angle but with too high a speed will miss on the high side (12).

That is, a correct combination of initial aim angle A & initial ball speed B is dependent on the magnitude of the side slope C & the green speed/slope in the direction of the hole D. C & D are both measurable or at least estimable, but at present a player must apply their best guess for A & B during their putting motion.

To enable a player to have more successful putts the present invention proposes indicia on the putter club head to help the player better impart the variables A and/or B above which are under the control of the putting motion:

A. To prevent a player from having to guess which such angle to aim their putt the present invention proposes indicia on the putter head which guide the player in more accurately selecting the desired aim direction of the putt. The indicia on the putter head may optionally be used in combination with indicia on the golf fall to guide the player in more accurately selecting the desired aim direction of the putt.

These indicia on the club head are directional in nature and for the geometric relationships to hold must all converge to one specific point; namely a point on the axis perpendicular to the putter club face, in line with the putter head centre of gravity and a distance from the club face specifically equal to the radius of the golf ball being used. See Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 4 lets consider one indicium set perpendicular to the clubface i.e. at an angle of zero degrees to the intended target line and another set at an angle X 24. The player aligns the X angle indicium with the indicium on the golf ball which is aligned to the direction of the hole. As the two club indicia bisect at the centre of the addressed golf ball then by geometrical reasoning the club face is aligned at an angle X to the direction of the hole. In this case the player need only judge which angle X (based on C) needs to be applied to account for the perceived side slope and the present invention will allow the player to confidently align to this aim direction.

As such these indicia will preferably be multiple in nature as visual recognition and the shape of the putter head allow and preferably consist of angles increasing in a consistent manner in both directions from the zero angle indicium. For example these indicia could set out as in

Figure 3 where there is one indicia indicating an angle of 0 degrees, an indicia on each side of this indicating an angle of +/- 2.9 degrees (arc tan 5%), an indicia on each side of this indicating an angle of +/- 5.7 degrees (arc tan 10%), an indicia on each side of this indicating an angle of +/- 8.5 degrees (arc tan 15%), an indicia on each side of this indicating an angle of +/-113 (arc tan 20%), an indicia on each side of this indicating an angle of +/-14 degrees (arc tan 25%), and an indicia on each side of this indicating an angle of +/-16.7 degrees (arc tan 30%) to the zero angle indicium.

By aligning the target direction of the putt 2.9 degrees away from the direction of the hole the user is allowing for the ball to fall with the slope a distance of 5% of the distance of the putt e.g. by 1 foot on a 20 foot putt or equally 2 feet on a 40 foot putt etc. I will define this as the fall%. Aligning +/-5.7 degrees would be allowing for a fal 1% of 10% and so on. Knowing this the player only has to estimate the fal 1% they need to allow for and align the club and ball indicia appropriately to do so. There are numerous ways for a player to measure/estimate this fall% value, from visual judgement to using green measurement books which often supply such slope information.

For a certain green speed a putt with a consistent side slope of 1 degree to the horizontal could cause a putt to have a fal 1% of approximately 10% of the distance of the putt. In this case the user can align the putter to the first indicium for 0.5 degree slope putts, the second for 1 degree slope putts etc. It is the relationships which are important here rather than the specific values; Faster green speeds, downhill putts or larger side slopes would require a higher fal 1% to be allowed for and hence a larger aim angle to be aligned to.

In reality green surfaces are not always perfect or consistent and a putt may have varying amounts of slope in multiple directions along its length and a ball with be impacted more from slope as it travels more slowly towards the end of the putt but once a player has made a measurement or judgement as to the 'weighted average' amount of slope to allow for the present invention allows them to align the putter clubface confidently in that direction, reducing the number of variables (aim angle judgement/measurement and aim angle execution) from two to one. With one variable eliminated the player with experience and feedback will likely improve at judgment of the other.

In addition it is highly likely that an amateur player and even many professionals may not have a putting stroke which routinely brings the club head back to 'square' (ie with the club face perpendicular to the target line) at impact. Users who routinely hit the ball with a club ahead misaligned to the intended target line by a certain angle in either direction, or who bring the club-head square at impact but using a misaligned club-head path could benefit by using the relevant indicia to account for and offset this in their setup.

Whilst the above example is preferable the present invention also includes customizing the angle(s) of the indicia for individual use cases. For example a user putting on greens with lower friction/higher speed than the above example may benefit from having proportionately higher angle increments and vice versa. In the above example the angular spacing between indicia is consistent. However, the angles need also not even increase in a consistent way if the user so desires but any such indicia will aid the putt target direction aiming process as long as the break implied by the angle between that indicia and the zero degree indicia is known to the user and the indicia converges with the zero degree indicia at the centre of the golf ball being used when addressed.

As per the drawings provided, the indicia can be designed in multiple formats (lines, contours, struts, holes, dots) and applied to multiple club head shapes and should be arranged as such in a quantity and manner fitting to the club head shape they are on. Some possible designs are shown in Figures 5, 6 and 7.

B. To prevent a player having to guess the initial ball speed they should use for a putt this invention proposes indicia on the club head to allow the user to better configure the length of their backswing on the basis that in a standard putting motion the larger the motion, the higher the potential energy and the higher the clubface speed and hence ball speed at impact.

Due to the restriction in the rules of golf meaning a putter shaft has to be angled at least 10 degrees to the vertical the usual putting stroke technique involves the putter head rotating slightly as the backswing path rotates around the body. This rotation is more prevalent for users with shaft angles increasingly away from the vertical. With this type of putting stoke as the putter head rotates during the backswing, the extent of the backswing can be measured as a factor of the extent of rotation of the putter head. The rotation of the putter head can be measured based on the angle of the putter face to the intended target direction which itself can be measured using the same indicia as specified above for correctly setting the initial aim direction. See Figure 8 and Figure 9.

For example an arced putting stroke backswing that has a maximum extent at a point whereby a 2.9 degree indicium is visibly aligned with the aim direction will cause the ball to travel less far than the same arced putting stroke backswing that has a maximum extent at a point whereby a 5.7 degree indicium is visibly aligned with the aim direction.

In example testing it was found that on a green of speed of 10 as measured by a standard stimpmeter, on a flat green, the following distances were the average a golf ball travelled using a test group of players for given back swing lengths as measured by face angle rotation to the indicia angles used in the previous example:

2.9 degrees - 5.5ft

5.7 degrees - 12.6ft 8.5 degrees - 20.8ft 11.3 degrees - 30.4ft 14 degrees - 44.6ft 16.7 degrees - 60.2ft

There are other factors that will influence how far a ball travels between individuals in a test group for a given angle of face rotation in the backswing (such a technique, strike consistency, stroke acceleration etc) so again the exact numbers here are of less importance that the observed relationships; namely that the longer the backswing the further the ball travels. For many users as above it may well be the case that the rate of increase in ball travel distance increases more than linearly with face angle rotation.

For a given player these other factors (above) affecting the travel distance would usually be relatively constant for individual over time enabling them with experience using said indicia to get a good idea of the specific relationship between face angle rotation (as measured by the club head indicia) and ball travel distance for their putting stoke on a certain green speed.

Alternatively the player can use the indicia as a feedback mechanism to understand the angle at which their target line differs from the direction of the hole even if they are not used to determine the direction.

Alternatively the player can use the indicia to deliberately offset a putting stroke which consistently returns the putter back to the ball during the putting stroke at an angle misaligned to the aim direction, or with a club-head path misaligned to the aim direction.

The above indicia will greatly assist the golfer in selecting the optimal target direction and initial ball speed for a given putt on a green of set speed. However golfers often play the same golf course in different set-up conditions and often also play different golf courses with different set-up conditions. Such a golfer would benefit from having their indicia more finely tuned to the speed of the greens on which they are playing. For example a golfer putting on faster greens may benefit from using indicia aligned at different angles to a golfer putting on a slower green. As such rather than manufacturing the indicia directly into the club head and requiring golfers to buy multiple such putters for different use cases, the preferred version of the present invention proposes that the indicia be constructed into a putter head insert or inset which can be changed prior to play to suit the conditions of the day, as shown in Figures 10, 11 and 12.

The present invention may be provided as a golf club head other than a putter head. For example, indicia as described above may be provided on a driver for assisting with aim direction when the aim direction needs to be misaligned to the direction of the hole to account for factors that may influence the post-impact path of the ball to not be straight (e.g. in side wind conditions or when imparting spin on the ball, either deliberately or inadvertently, to cause the post-impact ball path to curve). See for example Figure 16, which shows indicia 51 on the club head of a driver 50 and Figure which shows indicia 52 on the club head of an iron 52. One way to do this deliberately would be to use a club-head path at impact which is aligned at an angle to the aim direction whilst keeping the striking face in the aim direction. Again the indicia on the club head can assist the player to make such a misaligned club-head path of the desired magnitude and consequently helping to get both the starting direction and post-impact path of the ball as desired.

Figure 18 shows a top down perspective diagrammatic view of a hole 54, ball 56 and club head with striking surface 57 to illustrate use of indicia on the club head to assist with making a swing of predetermined path to impart a desired initial ball spin to the ball at impact (the indicia are not visible in Figure 18). In this situation, the indicia on the club head correspond to a set of paths, each of which is aligned at an angle to the aim direction when the striking surface of the club head is facing the aim direction. The player can move the club head along a path that aligns with a selected indicium on the club head, with the striking surface 57 of the club head facing the aim direction, to impart a desired initial ball spin to the golf ball at impact.

It is proposed that this inset can have varying characteristics to suite the use case and player preferences such as:

• Indicia of different angles relevant to certain use cases (green speeds/putting strokes) • Indicia of different styles, such as those described above (contours, lines, dots, struts, gaps) to suit a players preference • Indicia and inset base material of different colours to better suit a player's preference • Material of differing weight to better suit a player's preference and use case.

• A striking face with different loft options to better suit a player's preference and use case • A striking face of different thickness to better suit a player's preference and use case • A striking face material of different softness to suit a player's preference and use case • Additional decoration and personalization options to suit a player's preference

Figures 13, 14 and 15 show an alternative putter head 49 with removable inset 47. The inset 47 is installed in recess 50 of the putter head 49 via a sliding action and is held in place via frictional engagement.

The following numbered clauses provide further disclosure of embodiments and options, and also indicate potential scopes of protection within the contemplation of the applicant.

1. A golf putter club head design which uses indicia to assist the player in making a putting stroke that will impart a desired initial aim direction relative to the direction of the hole and a corresponding desired initial ball speed to the putt at impact.

2. A golf putter club head design according to clause 1, in which the forward extrapolation of all of the indicia would intersect the direction of alignment at the centre of a golf ball addressed immediately adjacent to the putter face in line with the centre of gravity of the putter head, thus geometrically resulting in the angle between the direction of alignment and direction of hole equal to the angle between the indicium perpendicular to the putter face and the indicium aligned to the direction of the hole.

3. A golf putter club head design according to clause 1 which includes indicia to help the player select the desired initial aim direction by aligning the indicium that corresponds to the estimated amount of side slope on the putt with the direction of the hole.

4. A golf putter club head design according to clause 1 which includes indicia to help the player select the desired putting stroke backswing magnitude by aligning the indicium that corresponds to the estimated amount of face rotation during the backswing with the target direction.

5. A golf putter club head design according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the indicia could be of any of multiple forms (linear, dots, surface contours, struts, holes)

6. A golf putter head design according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the indicia can be placed on any style of putter head.

7. A golf putter head design according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the indicia can be set at any angles relevant to the intended usage.

8. A golf putter head design according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the indicia can be as numerous as to the intended usage.

9. A golf club putter head design according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the indicia are placed on a inset, allowing for the indicia to be adjusted prior to play by using a particular inset containing the desired indicia angles, quantities and/or style as deemed appropriate for the intended usage (e.g. green speed, putting stroke)

10. A golf club putter head design according to any of the preceding clauses, in which the indicia are placed on a inset which also includes the putter striking face, allowing for the material of the inset to be adjusted prior to play by using a particular inset of the desired weight, softness, face loft, colour and/or personalization as deemed appropriate for the intended usage.

Claims

1. A golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at an intended target, said club head comprising a striking surface and a plurality of indicia configured to assist a golf player in making a stroke intended to impart a predetermined initial ball path that deviates from a direct path between the ball and its intended target by a certain magnitude, to account for the effect of post impact factors which may cause the post-impact path of the ball to not be straight

2. A golf club head according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of indicia form a discrete set of reference elements, each indicium corresponding to a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target, such that a selected indicium may be used to align the club head so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target.

3. A golf club head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of indicia comprise a series of indicia, the forward extrapolation of each indicium to a notional convergence point located in front of the striking surface corresponding to a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target, such that a selected indicium may be used to align the club head so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path relative to the direction of the intended target.

4. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein said plurality of indicia are configured such that upon alignment of a selected indicium with a line passing substantially through the ball and the intended target, the striking surface of the club head will be at an alignment relative to the ball so as to impart a predetermined initial ball path to the ball if the ball is struck by the striking surface at said alignment of the club head relative to the ball and intended target.

5. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of indicia comprise a plurality of visible linear elements arranged to converge at a notional convergence point located in front of the striking surface.

6. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein the club head is adapted for use with a golf ball of predetermined radius, said plurality of indicia comprising a series of indicia arranged to converge at a notional convergence point located in front of the striking surface, said notional convergence point being located at a distance from the striking surface substantially equal to the radius of said golf ball.

7. A golf club head according to claim 6, wherein the club head has a top surface intersecting with the striking face, the plurality of indicia including a centre line element extending substantially orthogonally relative to the intersection of the top surface and the striking face.

8. A golf club head according to claim 7, wherein the centre line element aligns with a plane, said plane passing substantially through the centre of gravity of the club head and being substantially orthogonal to the striking face.

9. A golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at an intended target, said club head comprising a striking surface and a plurality of indicia configured to assist a golf player in making a backswing of predetermined magnitude, so as to impart a desired initial ball speed to the golf ball at impact.

10. A golf club head according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein said plurality of indicia are also configured to assist a golf player in making a backswing of predetermined magnitude, so as to impart a desired initial ball speed to the golf ball at impact and/or configured to assist a golf player in making a swing of predetermined path, so as to impart a desired initial ball spin to the golf ball at impact.

11. A golf club head according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said plurality of indicia form a discrete set of reference elements, each corresponding to a predetermined backswing magnitude, such that a selected indicium may be used to position the club head relative to the ball at a predetermined backswing magnitude.

12. A golf club head according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein said plurality of indicia are configured such that upon alignment of a selected indicium with a target line comprising the desired initial ball path, the club head will be spaced from the ball by a predetermined distance corresponding to a predetermined backswing magnitude.

13. A golf club head for use with a golf ball for assisting a player in directing a ball to end up at an intended target, said club head comprising a striking surface and a plurality of indicia configured to assist a golf player in making a swing of predetermined path, so as to impart a desired initial ball spin to the golf ball at impact.

14. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein said plurality of indicia are disposed on a top surface of the golf club head.

15. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein each indicium of the plurality of indicia is a visible linear element comprising a line, a series of dots, a series of dashes or the like.

16. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein each indicium of the plurality of indicia may be raised or recessed relative to the top surface of the club head.

17. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein the plurality of indicia are formed on an insert, said insert being removably mountable to the club head.

18. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein the club head is configured to removably receive any of a plurality of inserts for mounting to the club head to permit removal and replacement of an insert with another of the plurality of inserts.

19. A golf club head according to any preceding claim, wherein said golf club head is a golf putter club head.

20. A kit comprising a golf club head according to claim 17 and a plurality of different inserts, each insert being removably mountable to the golf club head.

21. A kit according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of different inserts each have a different characteristic, such as a different weight, colour or arrangement of indicia.

22. A kit according to claim 20, wherein the plurality of different inserts each have a different number of indicia and/or indicia arranged at differing angles relative to a centre line element.

23. An insert for a golf club head, said insert comprising a plurality of indicia, said insert being configured for mounting to a golf club head of claims 16 or 17.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705156.6 Examiner: Mr Chris Morris