EP2172250A1 - Putter fitting station - Google Patents

Abstract

The putter fitting device (1) has base plate (2) with an adjusting unit (5) for a putter head. The putter head in the later fixing is rotating in the plate plane of the base plate. An adjustable positioning unit (11) is provided for giving the standing position of a person relative to the base plate. An alignment unit (9) for specific alignment of the putter head in the later fixing and for controlling a selective alignment of the putter head.

Description

The present invention relates to a putter fitting device and a putter for use with such, which together form a putter fitting station.

The term "fitting" in golf is understood as the entirety of the measures required to adapt a racket, in this case especially a putter, to a player individually. In the present case, in addition to adjusting the shaft length L of the putter and the Lie or Lie angle α between the shaft and the ground when the putter head is set up flat, the said assembly also comprises the player's standing position with respect to a golf ball to be putted and the so-called impact resulting therefrom will be discussed in more detail.

Previously known putter fitting stations do not allow a total putter adjustment taking into account all the factors mentioned above. The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying a putter fitting device and a putter to be used with this, which together form a putter fitting station on which allows an individual adaptation of the putter to a player taking into account all the factors mentioned above is, namely shaft length, Lie and impact position.

The invention solves this problem by means of a putter fitting device with the features of patent claim 1 and by means of a putter with the features of claim 15 for use with such a putter fitting device.

Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of subclaims, the wording of which is hereby included by express reference in the description in order to avoid unnecessary text repetitions.

• eine Bodenplatte mit einer Fixierungseinrichtung für einen Putterkopf, welche wahlweise eine erste, drehfeste Fixierung des Putterkopfs oder eine zweite, drehfreie Fixierung des Putterkopfs relativ zur Bodenplatte ermöglicht, wobei der Putterkopf in der zweiten Fixierung in der Plattenebene drehbar ist,
• verstellbare Positioniermittel zum Vorgeben der Standposition einer Person relativ zu der Bodenplatte und
• Ausrichtmittel zum gezielten Ausrichten des Putterkopfs in der zweiten Fixierung und zum Kontrollieren einer gewählten Ausrichtung des Putterkopfs.

According to the invention, a putter fitting device comprises:

• a base plate with a fixation device for a putter head, which optionally allows a first, rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head or a second, rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head relative to the bottom plate, wherein the putter head is rotatable in the second fixation in the plane of the plate,
• adjustable positioning means for setting the standing position of a person relative to the bottom plate and
• Alignment means for selectively aligning the putter head in the second fixation and for controlling a selected orientation of the putter head.

A putter according to the invention for use with the putter fitting device according to the invention or one of its developments comprises a fixing device, which is designed to cooperate with the fixing device of the putter fitting device.

According to a basic idea of the present invention, it is accordingly provided that the putter-fitting device allows two different fixations or types of fixation for the putter head, namely a first, rotationally fixed fixation and a second rotational fixation relative to the bottom plate. In the second fixation, the putter head is rotatable in the plane of the bottom plate (plate plane). In the first, rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head can be easily adjust the Lie and shaft length. Subsequently, in the second, rotationally free fixation, a determination of the impact or impact position is made, in particular by the person who is performing the fitting closing his eyes and concentrating on his intuitive response position. In this case, the person is in a standing position relative to the bottom plate of the device, which is specified by the adjustable positioning reproducible. By means of the present invention alignment means for targeted alignment or to control a selected orientation of the putter head, which is changeable in the second, rotationally free fixation, then the impact position can be controlled, which should ideally be "square", that is, the putter head hits a golf ball to be played with a face oriented perpendicular to the direction of impact movement. A different impact position can be corrected by adjusting the positioning means and correspondingly changing the standing position of the player relative to the base plate.

In this way, the inventive putter fitting device allows the holistic consideration of shaft length, Lie and impact in the putter fitting.

A first development of the device according to the invention provides that the fixing device for rotationally free connection to the putter head in the second fixation has a first fixing structure. The latter cooperates with a complementary first fixing structure on the putter head, so that the desired rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head is effected, in which the putter head can rotate in the plane of the plate or parallel to the latter.

Expediently, the said first fixing structure is a projection extending perpendicular to the plane of the plate, in particular a pin or pin which engages in a corresponding recess on the underside of the putter head. An alternative embodiment provides that the first fixing structure is a recess and that the engaging projection is provided on the underside of the putter head.

According to another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the fixing device thereof has a second fixing structure which, together with the said first fixing structure, serves for selectively blocking the described rotational movement of the putter head. For this purpose, said second fixation structure cooperates with a complementary second fixation structure on the putter head.

A corresponding development of the device according to the invention provides that the second fixing structure comprises a recess in the bottom plate and a fixable in this recess fixing means, the latter may be formed in particular as a pin or pin.

In this context, another embodiment of the invention provides that said fixing means is arranged on the putter head and can be inserted from this into the recess in the base plate.

Another preferred embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the bottom plate has a recess for receiving the putter head. The said recess or its bottom can be designed differently in color and / or material from the rest of the base plate. For example, in the region of the depression, a mat which has been deposited in a color opposite the base plate or another suitable covering (rubber, carpet, felt or the like) may be provided. Alternatively, a color finish may be applied in the area of the depression.

The fixing device is preferably arranged in the region of the depression. The dimensions of the recess are chosen so that the free rotation of the putter head in the second fixation is not hindered by the edge of the recess.

Advantageously, at least one positioning device for a golf ball is arranged in the region of the fixing device, so that it is close to the striking surface the putter head comes to rest when the putter head is in the first and / or second fixation.

The presence of a golf ball is important because it allows the player or fitting person to orientate themselves in taking the stance position for a putt to be performed as they would on a golf course.

In order to make the putter fitting device according to the invention usable both for right-handers and for left-handers, a preferred further development of the invention provides that the fixing device is mirror-inverted with respect to the bottom plate. In particular, the above-described second fixing structure of the putter fitting device is duplicated.

For reproducible predetermining the standing position of a person relative to the bottom plate, the inventive putter fitting device has adjustable positioning, as already described above and as in principle from the parallel patent application DE 10 2008 027 152.7 the same applicant. The positioning means may comprise a straight, elongate element in the form of a rod or the like, which projects laterally out of the bottom plate and can be positioned relative to it in various positions.

The bottom plate may for this purpose have a number of insertion openings, in which the elongated element is inserted accordingly and in which it is in particular releasably clamped.

The insertion openings are expediently located along a first straight line which extends parallel to a second straight line, which is part of the alignment means, in particular an alignment rule mounted on the floor panel, on which or at least the first fixation structure of the putter system according to the invention Fitting device is arranged.

With regard to the intended use of the positioning means with regard to the position to be adopted, reference is expressly made at this point to the corresponding statements in the above-mentioned parallel patent application of the same Applicant in order to avoid unnecessary text repetitions.

A particular embodiment of the putter according to the invention provides that its fixing device has a second fixation structure, which with the second fixation structure the putter fitting device cooperates. Said second fixation structure of the putter can be designed, in particular, as a rear-side recess, ie, facing away from the impact surface of the putter, in which the fixing means of the putter-fitting device engages in order to effect the first, rotationally fixed fixation of the putter or putter head with respect to the bottom plate ,

Advantageously, at least one alignment rule is also provided on the putter or on the putter head, which aligns at least in the first fixation of the putter or putter head on the putter fitting device with the existing there Ausrichtung. This design helps to control the impact position of the putter after releasing the first fixation: If the aforementioned alignment lines are still aligned even after taking the intuitive impact position after releasing the first fixation, there is a quasi-optimal fitting. Otherwise, the standing position is to be changed with the aid of the adjustable positioning means, as described in detail above.

The first fixation structure of the putter head, z. B. said underside recess or said sub-row projection, is meaningfully arranged on the Putterkopf-Ausrichtlinie so that it is aligned with optimal impact orientation of the putter head with the Ausrichtlinie on the bottom plate.

The putter is preferably adjustable in terms of shaft length and / or Lie angle and may further comprise means for determining the posture of a person with respect to the putter head, in particular a sight-grain device for balancing eye and ball center.

The described fitting station is particularly suitable for sales and showrooms, in order to be able to produce the correct putter model "custom made" with the determined personal data of the fit person on the basis of the fitting performed.

Figur 1

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf eine Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Putter-Fitting-Vorrichtung;

Figur 2

zeigt einen Schnitt durch die Putter-Fitting-Vorrichtung entlang der Linie B-B in Figur 1;

Figur 3

zeigt eine Detailansicht gemäß dem Buchstaben C in Figur 2;

Figur 4

zeigt eine Draufsicht auf die Putter-Fitting-Vorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 mit aufgesetztem Putter bzw. Putterkopf und Golfball, wobei der Putterkopf drehfest fixiert ist;

Figur 5

zeigt einen Schnitt entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 4; und

Figur 6

zeigt eine perspektivische Gesamtansicht der Putter-Fitting-Vorrichtung mit fixiertem Putterkopf und Golfball gemäß den Figuren 4 und 5.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing.

FIG. 1

shows a plan view of an embodiment of the putter fitting device according to the invention;

FIG. 2

shows a section through the putter fitting device along the line BB in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

shows a detailed view according to the letter C in FIG. 2 ;

FIG. 4

shows a plan view of the putter fitting device according to FIG. 1 with attached putter or putter head and golf ball, wherein the putter head is fixed against rotation;

FIG. 5

shows a section along the line AA in FIG. 4 ; and

FIG. 6

shows an overall perspective view of the putter fitting device with fixed putter head and golf ball according to the FIGS. 4 and 5 ,

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the inventive putter fitting device, which is designated as a whole by the reference numeral 1. The putter fitting device 1 comprises a base or bottom plate 2, which is preferably formed solid in a relatively dense, preferably metallic material, without, however, the present invention would be limited to such a configuration. The base plate 2 has centrally a recess or depression 3, whose bottom 4 is designed differently in color and / or material from the rest of the bottom plate 2, for example by applying a lacquer layer or inserting a felt cover or the like.

In the area of the recess 3, the bottom plate 2 has a fixing device 5 for a (in FIG. 1 not shown) putter head, whose design is discussed in more detail below.

The fixing device 5 is based on an axis of symmetry of the putter fitting device 1 (see line BB in FIG FIG. 1 ) has a redundant-symmetrical design and has first on both sides of this line and at a same distance D in each case a recess 6, which are preferably designed as glued Bohrbuchsen. The recesses 6 are used for receiving a (not shown) fixing means for the putter head, which will be discussed in more detail below. Also mirror images and on both sides of the line BB further recesses 7 are arranged at a distance d, whose purpose is also discussed in more detail below. In this case, all said recesses 6, 7 lie on a line which coincides with the center line M of the putter fitting device 1.

In the center of the arrangement, that is to say at the intersection of the center line M with the line BB, the fixing device 5 has a further fixing structure in the form of a projection extending perpendicularly to the plane of the bottom plate 2 (plate plane), which is designed here as a pin or pin 8. The projecting structure 8 cooperates with a complementary structure (recess) on the putter head, not shown here, which will be discussed in more detail below.

Outside the recess 3, the putter fitting device 1 in extension of the center line M mirror images on either side of the line B-B each have an alignment mark in the form of an alignment rule 9, whose detailed design also below will be discussed in detail.

At an edge of the base plate 2 which is parallel to the alignment guideline 9, the putter fitting device has a series of recesses (bores 10.1, 10.2,...), Each for inserting a rod-shaped, elongate element 11, the latter being adjustable Positioning means for setting the standing position of a (not shown) person relative to the bottom plate 2 acts. Such a positioning is basically from the German patent application 10 2008 027 152.7 the same applicant, to which reference is expressly made. In order to assume a reproducible standing position with respect to the bottom plate 2 or the entire putter fitting device 1, the person stands with their feet symmetrically on both sides of the elongate element 11 at a certain distance from the bottom plate 2. For targeted modification of this position, the elongated member 11 can be inserted into another recess 10.1, 10.2, ... of the bottom plate 2, which is not discussed further here.

FIG. 2 shows a section through the putter fitting device 1 along the line BB in FIG. 1 , The same or equivalent elements are - as in the following figures - basically with the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 designated.

It should be noted that in FIG. 2 differing from the above description of the FIG. 1 (still) no pin 8 (see. FIG. 1 ) is present in the center of the device 1. Instead, is in FIG. 2 at the relevant point only a bore 12 is shown, which accordingly as a receptacle for the pin 8 according to FIG. 1 serves.

The thickness of the base plate 2 in the region of the recess 3 is in FIG. 2 designated by the reference h. It is preferably 6.0 mm, which corresponds to the preferred distance of the underside of a putter head from the green of a golf course when making a putts.

FIG. 3 shows a detailed representation of the base plate 2 in the area C according to FIG. 2 , Shown is a special embodiment of already based on FIG. 1 described alignment rule 9, which is formed in the form of a part-circular cross-section recess 13 having a width B and a depth T. In the region of the recess 13 In addition, a contrast to the material of the base plate 2 offset color done.

FIG. 4 essentially shows the FIG. 1 corresponding plan view of the putter fitting device 1, but the Einsteckausnehmungen 10.1, 10.2, ... and the elongated positioning member 11 are not shown again. The illustration shows in accordance with FIG. 4 in addition, a putter head 14 and a golf ball 15, whose arrangement in relation to the remaining putter fitting device 1 will be discussed in more detail below. The putter head 14 is in the present case designed in Mallet-form, however, the invention is not limited to such a shape of the putter head.

To describe the arrangement according to FIG. 4 is complementary to the sectional view in FIG. 5 Referenced, which is a longitudinal section along the line AA in FIG. 4 represents. Accordingly, the golf ball 15 at reference numeral 16 a pin-like projection, with which it can be inserted into one of the already described recesses 7 of the base plate 2 (see. FIG. 1 ). At reference numeral 8, the device now again on the already mentioned pin, which in the already in FIG. 2 shown recess 12 of the base plate 2 is pressed. The pin 8 engages in a socket 17 of the putter head 14, which is optionally inserted into a recess or bore 18 in the putter head 14, which in particular in FIG. 4 easy to recognize. Said bore 18 extends substantially perpendicular to the putter head 14, ie, except for the so-called loft of the present example, for example 3.25 ° parallel to its face 19. The latter is located at the in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 illustrated embodiment at a distance a from the golf ball 15th

Through the interaction of the putter head bore 18 and pin 8, a rotationally free fixation of the putter head 14 with respect to the device 1 or the base plate 2 is achieved when the putter head 14 is placed with its bore 18 on the pin 8.

To achieve a rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head 14 with respect to the bottom plate 2, the putter head 14 has a recess or indentation 21 on its rear face 20 facing away from the striking surface 19, which cooperates with a fixing means 22 of the putter fitting device 1. The latter is presently in the form of a pin 23 which is connected to a ball head 24 or alternatively with a knurled head (not shown), in particular screwed. The pin 23 is inserted into one of the recesses 6 of the bottom plate 2, in which previously a Bohrbuchse 25 was glued. The fixing means 22 engages with its pin 23 in the rear recess 21 of the putter head 14, thus preventing its rotation about the pin 8, so that a rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head 14 relative to the bottom plate 2 of the device 1 is achieved.

As the skilled artisan readily recognizes, the entire assembly of bottom plate 2, golf ball 15 and putter head 14 may also be in relation to the line BB in FIG FIG. 1 be formed mirror image to make the described putter fitting device suitable for both right and left-handers.

In the following, a few special features of the putter head 14 will be discussed in more detail:

With particular reference to FIG. 4 the putter head 14 at reference 26 has a recess for insertion of a (in FIG. 4 not shown) club shank, in which the club shaft is used so that the Lie angle (or short: Lie), ie the angle between the racket shaft and ground or green is set in area putter head flat, for example by tightening a clamping screw (not shown).

Furthermore, reference numeral 27 denotes a marking line on the putter head 14, which extends perpendicularly and centrally with respect to the striking surface 19. In addition to the marking line 27, the putter head 14 has a further central marking line 29, which is formed lying deeper in relation to the marking line 27 and is aligned therewith.

A recognizable for the player alignment of the marking lines 27 and 29 is a prerequisite for the player is in the so-called basic position for putting. If, in addition, an equatorial marking line 31, possibly attached to the golf ball 15, is aligned with the marking lines 27, 29, the center of the eye is also located exactly above the center of the ball, which completes the basic position mentioned.

Such embodiments of putter heads 14 are - as I said - known. In the present case, however, the arrangement of putter head 14 and golf ball 15 with rotatably fixed putter head 14, that is inserted pin 8 and fixing means 22 such that the club face 19 of the putter with respect to the ball 15 "square", which means that the marking lines , 27, 29 and 31 if necessary.

FIG. 6 clarifies the relationships described above once again with reference to a perspective overall view, this time with suggested club shaft 32, which is adjustable with respect to the Lie angle α and the shaft length L, which is in FIG. 6 symbolized by corresponding double arrows.

The use according to the invention of the fitting station described above consisting of the putter fitting device 1 and the associated putter with putter head 14 and shaft 32 will now be described below:

The putter is placed with its head 14 in the recess 3 of the putter fitting device 1, that is plugged with its lower side recess 18 on the pin 8 and rotatably fixed in this position by means of the fixing means 22 (see. FIG. 4 ). In this first, rotationally fixed fixation, the lie angle α and the shaft length L can then be adjusted to a person who, for this purpose, assumes a symmetrical standing position with respect to the positioning means 11, as described in detail above. The person continues to take the Putt basic position in which the marking lines 31, 27 and 29 are aligned on the golf ball 15 and the putter head 14, as also described in detail above.

If the possible settings on the putter have been made in this way, the fixing means 22 is removed, so that the putter head 14 is now fixed relative to the base plate 2 about the pin 8 without rotation. Conveniently, the person using the device 1 hereby closes his eyes and tries to find the optimum impact or impact position with respect to the golf ball 15 intuitively or based on their natural response position. Subsequently, a comparison of the orientation of the marking lines 27 and 29 on the putter head 14 with the marking lines 9 on the base plate 2 and with the marking line 31 on the golf ball shows whether the playing or striking position thus found is "square", d. H. If the said marking lines are still as aligned as in the case of the first rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head 14. If this is the case, then the found stationary or basic position, which is reproducibly predetermined by the positioning means 11, is optimal for the person concerned, and that Fitting is over. In other words, the person now knows the shaft length required for their game, the corresponding lie and the standing position to be taken.

Otherwise, that is, if the said marking lines are no longer aligned after taking the intuitive beat position, the standing position is to be corrected relative to the bottom plate 2. For this purpose, the positioning means 11 is inserted laterally offset in the bottom plate 2 and adjusted the stance position accordingly. For example, if after taking the intuitive beat position, the marker line 29 of the putter head 14 in FIG. 4 opposite to the right Ausricht 9 is twisted upward, you will move the positioning accordingly to the left and then the fitting check with the new stand position to be taken. If, in particular, the marking line 29 is turned downwards in relation to the right-hand alignment rule 9, the positioning means 11 in the base plate 2 will be displaced to the right accordingly.

Notwithstanding the embodiment described above, the shank 32 of the putter may at least partially have an outer square contour or the like, in order to achieve an anti-rotation at least for the (not shown) grip part of the putter.

Furthermore, in deviation from the described embodiment, the rotationally free fixing of the putter head 14 also take place in that it has on its underside a pin-like projection in a suitable complementary recess of the bottom plate 2 (corresponding to, for example, the bore 12 in FIG FIG. 2 or FIG. 5 ) can be used.

The bottom plate 2 of the device 1 is preferably made of a relatively heavy, solid material to ensure a secure stability. In this case, the bottom plate 2 may further comprise suitable means, in particular for attaching a billboard and / or a panel with corresponding instructions for use.

Furthermore, in the context of another embodiment of the above-described fitting station can also be provided that the fixing means 22 is arranged for rotationally fixed fixing of the putter head 14 in the first fixation on the putter head 14 itself.

Instead of a lower marking line 29 (cf. FIG. 4 ) may be provided on the putter head 14, two parallel marking lines, so that the higher lying marking line 27 and their imaginary extension in the manner of sight and grain just between these two lines is when the player occupies the putt base position.

Claims (15)

Putter fitting device (1) comprising: - A bottom plate (2) with a fixing device (5) for a putter head (14) which optionally allows a first rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head (14) or a second, rotationally fixed fixation of the putter head (14) relative to the bottom plate (2), wherein the putter head (14) is rotatable in the second fixation in the plane of the plate (2), - Adjustable positioning means (11) for setting the standing position of a person relative to the bottom plate (2) and - Alignment means (9, 27, 29) for selectively aligning the putter head (14) in the second fixation and for controlling a selected orientation of the putter head (14). Putter fitting device (1) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the fixation means (5) comprises a first fixation structure (8) for rotation-free connection to the putter head (14) in the second fixing, with a complementary first fixing structure (17, 18) cooperates on the putter head (14). Putter fitting device (1) according to claim 2,
characterized,
in that the first fixing structure (8) is formed as a projection, in particular a pin or pin, extending perpendicular to the plane of the plate (2). Putter fitting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 3,
characterized,
in that the fixing device (5) has a second fixing structure (6, 22, 25) for selectively blocking the rotational movement of the putter head (14) in the first fixing, which cooperates with a complementary second fixing structure (21) on the putter head (14) preferably the second fixing structure has a recess (6, 25) in the bottom plate (2) and a fixable into the recess fixing means (22), in particular pin or pin has. Putter fitting device (1) according to at least claim 2,
characterized,
in that the alignment means comprise at least one alignment guide (9) mounted on the base plate (2), and in that at least the first fixing structure (8) is arranged on or in extension of the alignment guide (9). Putter fitting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 5,
characterized,
in that the base plate (2) has a recess (3) for receiving the putter head (14), wherein preferably the fixing device (5) is arranged in the region of the depression (3), and optionally the bottom (4) of the depression (3) color and / or material of the rest of the bottom plate (2) is designed differently. Putter fitting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 6,
characterized,
in that at least one positioning device (7) for a golf ball (15) is arranged in the area of the fixing device (5) so that it comes to lie at a distance (a) from the striking surface (19) of the putter head (14). Putter fitting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 7,
characterized,
in that the fixing device (5) is mirror-inverted with respect to the base plate (2), wherein in particular at least the second fixing structure (6, 25) according to claim 4 is duplicated. Putter fitting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 8,
characterized,
in that the positioning means comprise a straight, elongate element (11) which projects laterally from the base plate (2) and can be positioned relative to it in various positions. Putter fitting device (1) according to claim 9,
characterized,
that the elongated element (11) in certain positions (10.1, 10.2, ...) laterally protruding into the bottom plate (2) can be inserted and there in particular releasably positively held, wherein the bottom plate (2) has a number of insertion openings (10.1, 10.2 , ...) for insertion of the elongated element (11), which are arranged in an edge region of the bottom plate (2). Putter fitting device (1) according to claim 9 or 10,
characterized,
in that the positions or insertion openings (10.1, 10.2,...) are arranged along a first straight line which extends parallel to a second straight line (9) which forms part of the alignment means, in particular the alignment rule (9) according to the claim 5th A putter for use with the putter fitting device (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 11, comprising fixing means (18, 21) adapted to cooperate with the fixing means (5) of the putter fitting device (1) is. Putter according to claim 12,
characterized,
in that the fixing device of the putter has a first fixing structure (18) which cooperates with the first fixing structure (8) of the putter fitting device (1), in particular a lower-side recess for receiving the projection according to claim 3. Putter according to claim 12 or 13,
characterized,
in that the fixing device of the putter has a second fixing structure (21) which cooperates with the second fixing structure (6, 22, 25) of the putter fitting device (1), in particular a back side (20), the striking face (19) of the putter remote recess (21), in which engages the fixing means (22) according to claim 4. Putter according to at least one of claims 12 to 14,
characterized by at least one alignment rule (27, 29), which is at least in the first fixation of the putter on the putter fitting device (1) with the alignment rule (9) according to claim 5 aligned.

Images