AU2005200308A1 - A Golf Putter - Google Patents

Description

cA GOLF PUTTER tField of the Invention.

The present invention relates to golf putter and in particular to golf putters improving putting performance through decreasing the occurrence of "hopping" motion f the ball when struck.

00 O Background Art.

o Golf putters are available in many forms. An excellent summary of the C, prior art problems and attempts to solve these problems is given in United States o Patent No. 5,176,379, a portion of which is reproduced below verbatim.

C 10 "The present invention relates to the field of golf club putters. More particularly, the present invention relates to a design for a golf club putter in which the golfer can effectively strike the ball holding the shaft in any position from substantially vertical to an incline of at least 10 degrees with respect to vertical, and provides the golfer with symmetry and balance in the putter when using an upright style of putting stroke.

Two authors have estimated that putting comprises 43% of the game of golf ("Putt Like the Pros", by Dave Pelz and Nicholas Mastroni, Harper Row, 1989, page Therefore, considerable effort has been expended on analysis of putting and ways to improve a golfer's score by more accurate putts.

Putting a ball into the cup involves essentially two distinct steps. In the first step, the golfer must choose the path of the ball over the green from its present position into the cup. The second step has the golfer striking the ball in such a way as to cause it to follow the planned trajectory into the cup. Both steps are very complicated.

In choosing the path of the ball over the putting surface into the cup (that is, the "line" of the putt), the contour of the green is the first consideration for many golfers. The overall contour determines the curvature of the golf ball as it approaches the cup (that is, the "break" of the putt). In addition, the friction of the ball with the green (the "speed" of the green) must be considered in determining the correct speed for the putt. Obviously, the ball must reach the cup to have any chance of going in. But balls moving too rapidly also cause problems. A ball approaching the cup at too high a speed can strike the rim of the cup and be deflected away from the hole, whereas a slower-moving golf ball will not ricochet as much from the rim of the 2 Clcup and probably fall into the hole. Also, pulls travelling too fast will result in a longer return pull to the hole in the event of a miss. The speed of the green is determined by such factors as the length and type of grass, the natural slant of grass Cl growth (the "grain" of the green), the moisture content of the grass and soil, and 00 5 occasionally in competition, even by wind conditions.

o All the above factors affecting the speed of the green are to be oconsidered in addition to the uphill and downhill rolling of the pull following the Cl overall undulations of the green itself. Further complicating matters is the fact that the O curvature in the path of the rolling golf ball ("break") is itself determined in part by the speed at which the ball is rolling. Thus, it is quite possible for a ball rolling too quickly to fail to follow the contour of the green as expected by the golfer, tending to prefer a trajectory closer to a straight line in accordance with Newton's laws. This results in "hitting through the break", and a missed puff. Thus, the complex art of pulling is further complicated by the fact that the correct line for the pull is not entirely separate from speed of the ball as determined by the way it is struck. The many factors of putting are interrelated and affect the trajectory of the pull in a complex way.

Once the golfer has determined the line of the putt (including consideration of the speed), the next problem is to strike the ball so as to cause it to follow this line. Pelz and Mastroni (cited above) report in their Chapter 5 on controlled experiments in rolling golf balls towards a hole in which essentially all variables in starting the golf ball on its way have been eliminated through careful engineering. Even under these near-ideal conditions, many pulls are missed. The authors conclude that even extremely well-groomed greens are subject to small variations in surface structure (spike marks, imperfectly repaired ball marks, small variations in sod contours, etc.) making the trajectory of a golf ball subject to random disturbances beyond the control of even the most dedicated student of pulling. Thus, making 100% of one's pulls is not possible on real greens, even in theory. However, the quest of many golfers is to make all the pulls they reasonably can. This leads at once to the problems of striking the ball in such a way as to start it properly on the desired path.

The human golfer is subject to many imperfections in his or her pulling stroke. Numerous books (including that cited above) attempt to describe many of 3 N these putting problems and suggest solutions. Of course, the major problem is not simply an imperfect stroke for which compensation may be possible. The major concern is the variation of the putting stroke from shot to shot, leading to N unpredictable putting results. The elimination of shot to shot variation is thus a major concern of golfers.

00 o Two basic approaches are taken in a golfer's attempt to bring Spredictability and reproducibility into his or her putting stroke. First, lessons and N practice to train the body are employed, attempting thereby to condition the muscles to o act in coordination the same way from stroke to stroke. Secondly, golfers frequently N 10 choose equipment which minimizes or reduces the adverse consequences of their particular putting problem. The thrust of the present invention is towards a new style of putter offering advantages and flexibility for the individual golfer in selecting his or her most advantageous putting stroke.

There are essentially two considerations in selecting equipment for the game of golf (in this case, a putter). The particular piece of equipment must be suitable for the golfer, feel comfortable to him or her, and provide a modicum of advantage as perceived by the golfer over other choices of equipment. Secondly, for many golfers it is necessary that the equipment meet the requirements of the U.S. Golf Association (or another recognized rule-making body) and, therefore, be acceptable for use in private or tournament competition, be acceptable in determining recognized handicaps, and avoid unfair advantages for a particular golfer. The official rules of golf change from time to time, often in response to technical advances in equipment.

Therefore, one cannot predict 100% reliably whether a new club will be "conforming", in the absence of an official determination by the appropriate ruling body. However, it is one intent of the inventor that the putter of the present invention is apparently in conformity with the rules of golf as commonly understood and applied by golfers in the United States of America. If, however, the club of the present invention is found to lack conformity with the rules of golf, or the rules are specifically altered to make this club nonconforming, the utility and novelty of the present invention will in no way be affected for those many golfers who simply wish to enjoy the game on their own terms.

In selecting suitable golf equipment, many factors are taken into consideration by the individual golfer. For the case of putters, the golfer considers the Ic) 4 Cl balance of the club in his or her hand; the weight of the clubhead and its distribution; the structure of the club in terms of ease of alignment, sighting marks, shape, color, etc., and the size and location of the "sweet spot" (that is, the region on the clubhead Cl wherein the golf ball may be struck without causing serious rotation of the clubface 00 5 during impact and resulting misdirection of the putt). Many types of clubs have been O developed to address in various ways some or all of these factors. Full consideration O of these is beyond the scope of our present discussion and not required for a complete Cl understanding of the present invention," O An important consideration when putting is that increased putting accuracy is achieved if fewer discrepancies in the chosen "line" of the putt are encountered. One of the most common problems with prior art putters is that it is possible and even likely that the ball can be struck with a positive loft, causing the ball to hop rather than roll across the ground surface. This hopping can move the ball off the chosen putting line and lead to decreased accuracy when putting.

One prior art putter that is directed to being more comfortable to use, is easier to aim and control and is capable of impacting a golf ball in a more predictable manner is described in United States Patent No. 5601499. The design of the head member of this putter ostensibly allows one to easily apply top spin to the ball. The prior art putter accomplishes this by providing a curved base portion. The curvature raises the front face of the head to thereby allow a golfer to hit higher on the ball and thereby readily apply top spin to the ball.

This putter is capable of causing a golf ball to "hop" even though it provides a mechanism for imparting top spin. This is mainly due to the location on the ball which the putter will strike. It can be seen that the prior art putter will generally strike the ball at a point on the ball below the midline of the ball as can be seen from a copy of Figure 5 of US 5601499 with the ball of Figure 6 of the same document superimposed thereon.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to a golf putter, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the 0

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N consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a golf putter comprising an elongate shaft having a first end portion and a second end portion and a head member Csecured to said first end portion of said shaft and wherein said head member includes a front surface adapted for contacting a golf ball, and a rear surface opposite said front 00 O surface and wherein said front surface is shaped to impact a golf ball at a point no o lower than 17mm from the bottom of the golf ball.

N The putter of the present invention suitably prevents contact with the o ball at a point any lower than 17mm from the bottom of the ball. A standard golf ball is approximately 42mm in diameter which results in the centre of the golf ball being located 21 mm from both the bottom and the top of the golf ball. The inventors of the present invention have found that by striking the ball at a point no lower than 17mm from the bottom of the ball, the "hopping" effect produced by an imperfect putting stroke is greatly reduced, giving the ball better roll characteristics and a more predictable roll line. In particular, by producing a rolling as opposed to a "hopping" motion when struck, the length of the putt has been found to be more consistent, even with variations in the ball strike position.

The putter of the present invention has a head member including a front surface adapted for contacting a golf ball and a rear surface located behind said front surface on the putter head relative to the golf ball.

The front surface of the head member is substantially planar and is preferably oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head member. The substantially planar front face of the putter is preferably substantially vertical. The planar front surface is suitably spaced a height from the lowest surface of the putter head. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the lowest part of the substantially vertical front surface is no lower than 17mm from the lowest surface of the putter head. Most preferably, the lowest part of the substantially vertical front surface may be between 17mm from the lowest surface of the putter head and 21 mm from the lowest surface.

The rear surface of the putter head may be configured such that the front and rear surfaces form a substantially L-shape, with the front surface substantially vertically oriented and the rear surface, substantially horizontal. The rear 6

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N surface may be located on a rear portion and the rear surface may be a lower surface ton which the putter rests when the ball is addressed prior to the putting stroke.

The bottom of the head is upwardly curved from the flattened rear N surface portion at the rear of the putter head to the front surface. This provides a flattened surface on which the putter can rest or slide over the ground during the 00 O putting stroke. This may minimize the chances of the head catching on the green Oduring a swing, particularly when the head is maintained in a single orientation. The N curvature also effectively raises the front face of the head to thereby allow a golfer to o hit higher on the ball and preferably at or above the midline equator of the ball.

0 In addition to the putter of the present invention having a curved portion between the front surface and the rear surface, the putter head member will suitably also include curved portions when viewed from the front. In particular, the lateral side edges of the putter head member may be curved upwardly and outwardly from the rear surface which makes contact with the ground. There may be a curved portion provided on both lateral sides of the putter head. These curved portions, in addition with the curved portion between the front surface and the rear surface may further adapt the putter of the present invention to "skid" over the ground surface during the putting stroke rather than "grab" the ground surface if the putter is swung too low on the forward part of the putting stroke.

The rearmost edge of the putter may also be curved to decrease the chance that the putter head will grab the ground surface if the putter to swung too low on the takeaway part of the putting stroke.

The shaft suitably attaches to the head member at a location that is closer to the head member's front surface than to the head member's rear surface.

The shaft preferably attaches to the head member at a location that is positioned on a central axis of the head member in line with the direction of swing of the putter.

The shaft is preferably secured to the head member's central section.

The shaft's second end portion includes a grip means designed to be gripped by a user when the golf putter is being swung by said user.

The shaft is substantially straight and is preferably oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said head member.

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N The shaft may include a bend located between its first and second end portions wherein said first end portion is non-parallel to the second end portion. For example, the lower portion of the shaft may extend substantially vertically from the putter head and then be angled to the vertical such that a user's eyes may be substantially over the golf ball when the user assumes a putting stance.

00 O The shaft of the putter is preferably made of a metal, but may be of en3 o wood or graphite material and is attached to the central section of the head. The 0 N attachment point is located nearer to the head's front surface than to its rear surface.

O This provides a golfer with a better feel of the hit/impact with a ball since the end of N 10 the shaft is located in extremely close proximity to the impact area. Alternatively, the attachment point can be located proximate the longitudinal axis of the head. The latter placement enhances the overall balance of the head.

The head member of the putter is typically manufactured of a metal such as aluminium. The head member may be manufactured of a composite of materials. The face of the putter head may include one or more insert members manufactured of a resilient material, typically plastic and particularly of urethane.

There may be additional weights provided associated with the putter head in order to increase the balance of the putter.

The head member of the putter may include one or more alignment aids on areas of the putter head which are viewable by the user. These alignment aids may be patterned portions of the putter head or one or more lines scribed into or printed on the portions of the putter head viewable by the user. One or more circular aids could also be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a prior art putter and its ball striking position.

Figure 2 is a schematic side view of a golf putter according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention and its ball striking position.

Figure 3 is a top view of the putter illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a front view of the putter illustrated in Figure 2.

08 Cl Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

Ct According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a golf puffer producing better roll characteristics and a more predictable roll line in a golf Cl ball when stuck.

005 The preferred embodiment of the golf putter includes an elongate shaft o 10 having a first end portion and a second end portion (not shown) and a head o member 11 secured to said first end portion of said shaft 10. The head member 11 Cl includes a front surface 12 adapted for contacting a golf ball 13, and a rear surface 14 opposite said front surface 12. The front surface 12 is shaped to impact a golf ball 13 at a point no lower than 17mm from the bottom of the golf ball 13.

The front surface 12 of the head member 11 is substantially planar and is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head member 11. The substantially planar front surface 12 of the putter is substantially vertical. The planar front surface 12 is spaced a predetermined height from the lowest surface of the putter head such that the lowest part of the substantially vertical front surface 12 is no lower than 17mm from the lowest surface of the putter head 11.

The rear surface 14 of the putter head 11 is configured such that the front 12 and rear 14 surfaces form a substantially L-shape, with the front surface 12 substantially vertically oriented and the rear surface 14, substantially horizontally oriented. The rear surface 14 is located on a rear portion of the putter head 11 and the rear surface 14 is a lower surface on which the putter rests when the ball 13 is addressed prior to the puffing stroke.

The head member 11 is upwardly curved from the flattened rear surface 14 portion at the rear of the puffer head 11I to the front surface 12. This provides a flaffened surface on which the puffer can rest or slide over the ground during the puffing stroke and the curvature minimize the chances of the head I11 catching on the green during a swing, particularly when the head 11I is maintained in a single orientation. The curvature also effectively raises the front surface 12 of the head 11I to thereby allow a golfer to hit higher on the ball 13 and preferably at or above the midline equator of the ball 13.

In addition to the putter of the present invention having a curved portion between the front surface 12 and the rear surface 14, the putter head member 11I also includes curved portions 15 when viewed from the front. In particular, the t9 0 N lateral side edges of the putter head member 11 are curved upwardly and outwardly from the rear surface 14 which makes contact with the ground. These curved portions in addition with the curved portion between the front surface 12 and the rear Csurface 14 further adapt the putter of the present invention to "skid" over the ground surface during the putting stroke rather than "grab" the ground surface if the putter to

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o swung too low on the forward part of the putting stroke.

o The rearmost edge 16 of the putter is also curved to decrease the 0 N chance that the putter head 11 will grab the ground surface if the putter to swung too o low on the takeaway part of the putting stroke.

N 10 The shaft 10 attaches to the head member 11 at a location that is closer to the head member's front surface 12 than to the head member's rear surface 14.

The shaft 10 attaches to the head member 11 at a location that is positioned on a central axis of the head member 11 in line with the direction of swing of the putter.

The shaft 10 is preferably secured to the head member's central section.

The shaft's second end portion (not shown) includes a grip means designed to be gripped by a user when the golf putter is being swung by said user.

The shaft 10 is substantially straight and is preferably oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of said head member 11.

The shaft 10 of the putter is preferably made of a metal, but may be of wood or graphite material and is attached to the central section of the head member 11. The attachment point is located nearer to the head member's front surface 12 than to its rear surface 14. This provides a golfer with a better feel of the hit/impact with a ball 13 since the end of the shaft 10 is located in extremely close proximity to the impact area. Alternatively, the attachment point can be located proximate the mid-line longitudinal axis of the head. The latter placement enhances the overall balance of the head.

The head member 11 of the putter is typically manufactured of a metal such as aluminium.

The head 11 member of the putter includes an alignment aid in the form of a central identification area 17 on the putter head which is viewable by the user.

O 0 The putter of the preferred embodiment prevents contact with the ball 13 at a point any lower than 17mm from the bottom of the ball 13 through the provision of a curved surface with a planar upper front surface 12 for striking the golf ball 13. This reduces the "hopping" effect produced by an imperfect putting stroke, 0 5 giving the ball 13 better roll characteristics and a more predictable roll line. In

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o particular, by producing a rolling as opposed to a "hopping" motion when struck, the Olength of the putt has been found to be more consistent, even with variations in the Sball strike position.

o In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" 0 10 and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (12)

1. A golf putter comprising an elongate shaft having a first end portion and a second end portion and a head member secured to said first end portion of said shaft Cand wherein said head member includes a front surface adapted for contacting a golf ball, and a rear surface located behind said front surface, said front surface and 00 O wherein said front surface is shaped to impact a golf ball at a point no lower than O 17mm from the bottom of the golf ball.

S2. A golf putter according to claim 1 wherein the front surface of the head O member is substantially vertical and is oriented parallel to a longitudinal axis of the head member and is spaced from a lowest surface of the head member.

3. A golf putter according to claim 2 wherein the lowest part of the substantially vertical front surface is no lower than 17mm from the lowest surface of the head member.

4. A golf putter according to claim 3 wherein the lowest part of the substantially vertical front surface is between 17mm from the lowest surface of the head member and 21 mm from the lowest surface of the head member.

A golf putter according to claim 1 further including a rear surface of the head member such that the front and rear surfaces form a substantially L-shape, with the front surface substantially vertically oriented and the rear surface, substantially horizontal, the rear surface located being a lower surface on which the putter rests when the ball is addressed prior to the putting stroke.

6. A golf putter according to claim 5 including an upwardly curved surface between the rear surface of the head member and the front surface, the curved surface effectively raising the front face of the head member to allow a golfer to hit higher on the ball.

7. A golf putter according to claim 6 including lateral side edges of the head member which are curved upwardly and outwardly from the rear surface.

8. A golf putter according to claim 6 wherein a rearmost edge of the head member is curved to decrease the chance that the head member will grab the ground surface if the putter to swung too low in the putting stroke.

9. A golf putter according to claim 1 wherein the shaft attaches to the head member at a location that is closer to the head member's front surface than to the head member's rear surface. t 12 0 0 c

10. A golf putter according to claim 1 wherein the shaft attaches to the head Smember at a location positioned on a central axis of the head member in line with the t direction of swing of the putter. l

11. A golf putter according to claim 1 wherein the head member of the putter 5 includes one or more alignment aids on areas of the head member viewable by the 00 o user. O

12. A golf putter substantially as described herein with reference to the C accompanying drawings. O Dated this 27 h day of January 2005 C 10 Paul Bounty and David Smith By their patent attorneys CULLEN CO.