GB2347355A

GB2347355A - Golf putter

Info

Publication number: GB2347355A
Application number: GB9904921A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony Quinn; Marc Rowan; Peter Garlick
Original assignee: DNA Worldwide Ltd
Current assignee: DNA Worldwide Ltd
Priority date: 1999-03-03
Filing date: 1999-03-03
Publication date: 2000-09-06
Anticipated expiration: 2019-03-03
Also published as: GB2347355B; GB9904921D0

Abstract

A golf potter has a sole 5, a ball striking face 2 generally perpendicular to the sole and a relieved portion 6 spacing the sole at least 3 mm rearwardly and at least 8 mm downwardly of the ball striking face 2. The relieved portion 6 preferably has an S-configuration and the face of the potter opposite the striking face 2 an arcuate groove 10. The striking face 2 may have a shock absorbing layer.

Description

GOLF CLUBS This invention relates to golf clubs especially putters.

Many golfers both professional and amateur have considerable difficult in putting which is to say causing the ball to roll into or near the hole. A good putting action imparts a generally linear motion broadly parallel to the ground to the putter striking the ball at or about its centre of percussion. This stroke causes the ball to roll possibly providing a degree of top-spin to the ball. This ensures that the ball stays on the ground.

The actuality is often different. The putter tends to move downwardly and in an arc. This results in the ball being struck too low and imparts back spin to the ball. This is potentially deleterious for several reasons. First a ball spinning will not run so far as one struck with the same force with either top spin or no spin. Secondly a ball with back spin is more likely to leave the ground then those with top spin or no spin. The trajectory is thus less predictable.

The invention seeks to provide a club with reduced propensity to imparting back spin.

According to the invention there is provided a golf putter having a head comprising: i. a sole; ii. a ball striking face generally perpendicular to the sole; and iii. a relieved portion spacing the sole at least 3 mm rearwardly and at least 8 mm downwardly of the ball striking face.

An embodiment of the invention will be illustrated by way of non-limiting example by reference to the accompanying figures which is a cross-section of a putter.

Putter 1 is provided with face 2 for striking the ball. Face 2 is generally substantially planar. It will be apparent that it need not be so and, for example ribbing could be provided. In some embodiments of the invention a shock absorbing layer 3 may be provided on face 2. In the illustrated embodiment a neoprene shock absorbing layer is provided. Sole 5 is provided and is, in use, directed to the ground.

Once again sole 5 is generally planar although it may be provided with ribs.

Face 2, or the shock absorbing layer, where provided, is generally perpendicular to the sole 5 although in some embodiments such as bespoke putters the face may be inclined at a different angle. This may be done to help compensate for defects in the player's stroke.

Face 2 does not extend to sole 5. Intermediate the face 2 and sole 5 is a relieved portion 6. Relieved portion 6 is set back into the club relative to the face. Desirably it comprises a S-shaped portion 7 set back by plate 8. Plate 8 is preferably about parallel with sole 5 but divergence from this, especially small divergence is unlikely to be critical.

Preferably the rear 9 of the putter is provided with channel 10 running the width of the putter. In the illustrated embodiment the rear of the putter is connected to the top and sole by arcuate portions 11,12.

Top 13 is desirably about planar with sole 5 but divergence from this especially small divergence is unlikely to be critical. Preferably the connection between the top 13 and face 2 is not of large radius of curvature.

The putter is provided with a shaft and handle the precise form of which are not critical for the performance of the invention.

Those skilled will have little difficulty in devising suitable materials for construction of the putter. For example it may be made of carbon or alloy steel such as BS 970 526 M60, stainless steel such as BS 970 420 S45. Where a lighter head is desired aluminium alloys such as LM25 may be used. Other materials such as titanium could be used.

The total height of the putter head, between the top and the sole at the ball striking portion of the face is about equal to the diameter of the golf ball. Golf balls are generally about 42.6 mm diameter. The height of the head is therefore desirably 42-46 mm more preferably 42.5-45 more preferably 42.5-43.5 mm especially about 42.6 mm. The head should not be too small or too large too reduce the likelihood of mis-strokes.

Relieved portion 6 has a number of functions. First because it is set back from the face it is hard to hit the ball below its centre imparting large amounts of backspin. As previously noted back spin is not desirable. Secondly the toe 20 of the relieved portion is set back this reduces the likelihood of the toe impacting the ground thereby disruption the stroke. Thirdly the rounded features of the toe allow the head to sweep through upstanding blades of grass with low resistance.

An added advantage is that the illustrated arrangement is believed to comply with'Royal and Ancient'rules. These rules prescribe only one ball striking face per side of a club.

Relieved portion 6 should not extend too high to allow easy striking of the ball without imparting excessive top spin. On the other hand too low or an inadequately set back relieved portion give little or no benefit. Desirably the height of the relieved portion is 10 to 15 mm especially 11 to 12.5 mm more preferably about 11.3 mm high. This means that the ball is struck at about its centre of gyration resulting in little spin being applied to the ball. Toe 20 is desirably set back 4 to 7 mm especially 5 to 6 mm from the ball striking part of the face. It may have a radive of curvature of 3 to 4 mm. Plate 8 may be 7 to 8 mm in its planar portion and terminate in a rounded portion connecting with the toe 20.

In the illustrated embodiment the arcuate channel in the rear of the head is positioned so that the centre of gravity is about the same height above the sole as the centre of gyration of the ball is above its base. Preferably it will be positioned slightly below for example 3 to 5 mm this height to take account of the clearance between the sole and the ground in use. The centre of the arcuate channel will be less than half the height of the ball from the ground to take account of the relieved portion. Alternatively or additionally denser material could be inserted in or near the sole. The shaft may be provided on a line passing through the centre of gravity of the head to reduce the likelihood of twisting forces.

The length of the head is not believed critical. If too short then mis-hits may occur. If too long then there is a danger that the centre of gravity of the club will not hit the ball again causing mis-hits.

Claims

Claims 1. A golf putter having a head comprising: i. a sole ii. a ball striking face generally perpendicular to the sole; and iii. a relieved portion spacing the sole at least 3 mm rearwardly and at least 8 mm downwardly of the ball striking face.
2. A golf putter as claimed in claim 1 wherein the relieved portion has an S-configuration.
3. A golf putter as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 where the face of the putter opposite the ball striking face has an arcuate groove fonned therein.
4. A golf putter substantially as described herein by reference to the figure.