GB2458209A

GB2458209A - Golf putter clubhead

Info

Publication number: GB2458209A
Application number: GB0904195A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Brian Thornes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-03-11
Filing date: 2009-03-11
Publication date: 2009-09-16
Also published as: US20090233726A1; IES20090193A2; GB0904195D0

Abstract

A golf putter clubhead 10 comprises a body having at least one light guide 20 provided in the body, adapted to direct light through the body to a given location; and at least one viewing aperture 18 provided so reflected light from the given location may be visualized by a user; preferably light is guided to a given location on the ground below the club when in use and a user may view reflected light via the viewing aperture when the club is positioned at a correct height above the ground. The light guide and viewing aperture are preferably elongate slots perpendicular to the club face 16.

Description

1 2458209 A Golf Putter Cluhhead This invention relates to a golf putter. In particular, it relates to a golf putter cluhhead.

For the purposes of this specification, the term "cluhhead" is intended to he synonymous with the terms "golf putter cluhhead", "golf clubhead", and "putter cluhhead".

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cluhhead, which in use can indicate a correct "target line", thereby affording better aim to a user, and assist in producing a more consistent performance. It is envisaged that when a user addresses a golf ball prior to the stroke, use of the elubhead will facilitate increased putting accuracy by indicating to a user that the clubhead is at the correct position for optimal striking of the ball. Moreover, in use, the clubhead can improve aim by offering a user the opportunity to more reliably strike the ball squarely at the optimum height above the playing surface, and ultimately ensuring that the face of the clubhead is square to stance of the user (and/or the golf ball), during the stroke.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf putter cluhhead comprising a body having a viewing face, and a sole; characterised in that at least one light guide is provided in the body, adapted to direct light through the body to a given location; and at least one viewing aperture is provided and arranged to visualise rellected light from the given location.

Preferably, the at least one viewing aperture is provided in the body.

By "sole" is meant the, in use, ground-engagable face of the c!uhhead. What is meant by "viewing face" is the, in use, uppermost face (opposing the sole) of the cluhhead.

Preferably. the given location is located, in use, below the sole of the body. Optionally, the given location is located spaced apart from the sole of the body. Further optionally, the given location is located adjacent, or at, the ground.

By "ground" is meant any surface capable of supporting a golf ball.

Preferably, the at least one light guide is an elongate aperture, described herein as a "light guide aperture". Optionally, the at least one light guide aperture is an elongate aperture, which is substantially parallelepiped in transverse cross-section.

Optionally, the at least one light guide aperture is arranged to direct light through the body.

Further optionally, the at least one light guide aperture is arranged to direct light to the given location. Optionally the light is ambient light. By "ambient light" is meant light encompassing the surrounding area or environment, such as sunlight.

Optionally, the at least one light guide aperture extends through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and at least one other face of the body. Further preferably, the at least one light guide aperture extends through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and the viewing face of the body.

Optionally, a first open end of the at least one light guide aperture has a first boundary, and a second open end of the at least one light guide aperture has a second boundary. Optionally, the lirst open end of the at least one light guide is located at the sole of the body and the second open end is located at the viewing face of the body. Preferably, the first and second boundaries are substantially equal. Alternatively, the first boundary is greater than the second boundary. Still alternatively, the first boundary is less than the second boundary.

Preferably, the aperture extends through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the viewing face of the body and the sole of the body. Alternatively, the aperture may open at the sole of the body and at any other face of the clubhcad.

Optionally, the light guide further comprises an optical guide. The optical guide may comprise a lens, optic fibre, or any such material that can be used to actively direct light to the given location.

Preferably. one, both, or each light guide is independently arranged to direct light to a single given location. Further preferably, one, both, or each light guide is independently arranged to direct light to the same single given location. Still further preferably, one, both, or, each light guide is arranged to direct light to the same single given location when the clubhead is, in use, spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.

Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1mm to about 10mm, further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined distance is about 5mm.

Optionally, at least two light guides are provided in the body of the clubhcad. Preferably, each light guide is arranged to direct light to a single given location.

Preferably, a pair of light guides is provided in the body of the clubhead. Further preferably, each light guide of the pair is independently arranged to direct light to the same single given location.

Preferably, the pair of light guides are arranged to direct light to a single given location when the elubhead is, in use, elevated a predetermined distance from the ground. Further preferably, each light guide of the pair is arranged to direct light to the same single given location only when the clubhead is, in use, spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.

Preferably, each light guide of the pair is located on opposing sides of the viewing aperture, and arranged to direct light to the same single given location.

Optionally, the at least one light guide is arranged to allow passage of light through the body to the given location. Further optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to allow passage of light through the body from the given location to a second location.

Preferably, the at least one viewing aperture is an elongate aperture, described herein as a "viewing aperture". Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is an elongate aperture, which is substantially parallelepiped in transverse cross-section.

Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to direct light through the clubhead.

Further optionally, the at least one light guide aperture is arranged to direct light to a second location. Optionally, the light is reflected light. Preferably, the light is reflected from the given location.

Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture extends through the body of the cluhhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and any other face of the body. Further preferably, the at least one viewing aperture extends through the body of the clubhead. and opens at each of the sole of the body and viewing face of the body.

Optionally, a first open end of the at least one viewing aperture has a first boundary, and a second open end of the at least one viewing aperture has a second houndaiy. Optionally, the first open end of the at least one viewing aperture is located at the sole of the body and the second open end is located at the viewing face of the body. Preferably, the first and second boundaries arc substantially equal. Alternatively, the first boundary is greater than the second boundary. Still alternatively, the first boundary is less than the second boundary.

Preferably, the second location is an eye of a user.

Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture further comprises an optical guide. The optical guide may comprise a lens, optic fibre, or any such material that can be used to actively direct light from the given location.

Prclrably. each open end of the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the striking face of the body. Further preferably, the longitudinal axis of each end of the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the striking face of the body.

For the purposes of this specification, the term striking face" is intended to refer to the face of the clubhead that comes in contact with the golf ball during the stroke.

Preferably, the viewing aperture is shaped and dimensioned to receive light from one, both, or each light guide.

Optionally, thc at least one viewing aperture is arranged to be in optical communication with one, both, or each of the at least one light guides. Further optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to receive light reflected from the given location, and direct light to a second location. Still further optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to receive light reflected from the ground, and direct light to an eye of a user.

Preferably, the at least one light guide and the at least one viewing aperture are in optical communication to allow light to be directed by the light guide to the given location; and same said light to be directed by the at least one viewing aperture from the given location to the second location.

Preferably, the at least one light guide and the at least one viewing aperture are in optical communication to allow light to he directed by the light guide from, for example, the viewing face of the body to the given location, for example, the ground below the sole of the body: and same said light to he directed by the at least one viewing aperture from the given location, for example, the ground below the sole of the body to the second location, for example, an eye of a user.

Optionally, the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to allow a user to view the location to which light is directed by the at least one light guide. Preferably, the viewing aperture is shaped and dimensioned to allow a user to view the location to which light is directed by the at least one light guide. Further preferably, the viewing aperture is shaped and dimensioned so that a user can view the location to which light is directed by the at least one light guide, without allowing the passage of ambient light through the viewing aperture.

Preferably. the plane of the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sole of the body.

Preferably, the at least one light guide and the viewing aperture are in optical communication to allow light to be directed from the viewing face of the body to an, in use, location below the sole of the body by the light guide, and same said light to be directed from the in use, location below the sole of the body to the eye of a user by the viewing aperture.

Further preferably, the at least one light guide and the at least one viewing aperture are adapted to be in optical communication, whereby in a first position, light may pass from the at least one light guide to the at least one viewing aperture, and in a second position, light is impeded from passing from the at least one light guide to the at least one viewing aperture.

Optionally, the second position is achieved when, in use, at least part of the body, for example the sole, is engaging the ground, and the first position is achieved when, in use, at least part of the body, for example the sole, is spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.

Preferably, the second position is achieved when, in use, the sole of the body is engaging the ground, and the first position is achieved when, in use, the sole of the body is spaced a predeten-nined distance from the ground.

Optionally, the clubhead further comprises a light source, such as a bulb. Alternatively, the light may be in the firm of a laser beam. Further optionally, the light source is arranged to direct light to the given location. Still further optionally, the light source is arranged to direct light through the at least one light guide to the given location.

Preferably, in use, the clubhead has a loft of no more than ten degrees. By "loft" is meant the angle of deviation from the vertical made by the plane of the striking face of the clubhead.

Preferably, the cluhhead has at least one striking face. Optionally, the cluhhead comprises first and second striking faces. Preferably, the planes of the first and second striking faces are substantially parallel to one another. More preferably, the first and second striking faces are identical and/or symmetrical to one another.

Preferably, the clubbead is formed from metal. Preferably, the metal is malleable. Most preferably, the elubbead is formed from steel. Although, it will be seen that the clubhead can he formed from any material that will impart the required mechanical strength, such as aluminium, zinc, titanium, or other suitable alloy. The material may be selected by one skilled in the art.

Optionally, the weight of the cluhhead may be distributed uniformly throughout the cluhhead. Alternatively, the weight distribution of the cluhhead may he biased to the outer perimeter of the cluhhead.

Optionally, weighted inserts may be provided to bias the weight distribution of the clubhead.

Preferably, the clubhead further comprises means for attaching the cluhhead to a shaft, Preferably, the attaching means is shaped, dimensioned, and located so as to provide uninterrupted views to at least part of the viewing face of the cluhhead. Further preferably, the attaching means is shaped, dimensioned, and located so as to provide uninterrupted views to at least part of the viewing aperture of the clubhead.

Preferably, the attaching means is a hosel, the hosel being shaped, dimensioned, and located so as to provide uninterrupted views to at least part of the viewing face of the clubhead.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method fbr using the present invention, the method comprising the steps of 1. grounding the clubhead when addressing a golf' hail; 2. visualising reflected light through the viewing aperture; 3. elevating the clubhead from the ground to the point at which the reflected light is at its brightest; 4. adjusting the position of the elubhead based on the orientation of the viewing aperture; and 5. striking the hail accordingly.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for using the present invention, the method comprising the steps of: 1. grounding the clubhead when addressing a golf ball; 2. elevating the clubbead a predetermined distance from the ground; 3. visualising reflected light through the viewing aperture; and 4. striking the ball accordingly.

Optionally, the method comprises the further step of adjusting the position of the clubhead based on the orientation of the viewing aperture: hefbre the striking step.

By grounding" is meant engaging at least part of the clubhead with the ground. Preferably, the sole of the body of the clubhead is engaged with the ground. Further preferably, the given location is adjacent, or at, the ground.

Optionally, the visualising step involves visualising reflected light passing from the given location, through the viewing aperture, to a second location.

Optionally, the elevating step is carried out until the reflected light has a maximum intensity.

Preferably, the elevating step is carried out until the clubhead reaches a predetermined distance from the ground.

Preferably, the reflected light has a maximum intensity at the predetermined distance from the ground.

Preferably, the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10mm, further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined distance is about 5mm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter cluhhead according to a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2is a plan view of the golf putter clubhead of Figure 1; Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the golf putter club of Figure 1 in an in use, second, ground-engaging position; and Figure 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the golf putter club of Figure 1 in an, in use, first, elevated position.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is shown a golf putter cluhhead according to a preferred embodiment of a first aspect of the present invention. The clubhead comprises a striking face 16, a sole 12, and a viewing face 14.

l'he striking face 16 is substantially elliptical in shape, and has a generally planar face for engaging a golf ball (not shown), in use. Although, it will be appreciated that the shape and dimension of the striking face may be selected by one skilled in the art.

The sole 12 comprises a generally rectangular body, which extends rearwardly from the in use, ground-engaging edge of the striking face 16.

The viewing face 14 is generally rectangular in shape and extends rearwardly from the opposing edge of the in use, ground-engaging edge of the striking face 16.

A viewing aperture 18 is provided in the elubhead 10. The viewing aperture 18 comprises an elongate slot, which extends through the clubhead 10, and opens at each of the viewing face 14 and the sole 12. The plane of the viewing aperture 18 is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the face of the striking face 16.

A light guide 20 is provided on each side of the plane of the viewing aperture 18. Each light guide 20 comprises an elongate aperture, which extends through the clubbead 10, and opens at opposing sides of the viewing face 14. and at the sole 1 2. The plane of each light guide 20 is oriented such that the distance at the viewing face 14, between the opening of the viewing aperture 18 and the opening of the light guide 20 is shorter in length than the distance at the sole 12, between the opening of the viewing aperture 18 and the opening of the light guide 20. As such, each of the light guides 20 is angled to, in use, direct light to the same single given location below the sole 12.

Figure 3A is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the golf putter club according to a first aspect of the present invention, in an in use, second, ground-engaging position. In use, the sole 12 of the clubhead 10 engages the ground. Ambient light 22 enters one or each of the light guides 20, which in turn directs the ambient light 22 toward a given location below the sole 12. However, in this position, the ground impedes the passage of the ambient light 22 from the light guide 20. Resultantly, the viewing aperture 18, when viewed by a user (depicted by an eye) appears darker.

Figure 3B is a schematic diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of the golf putter club according to a first aspect of the present invention, in an in use, first, elevated position. In use, the so]e 12 of the clublicad 10 is spaced a predetennined distance from the ground.

Prcfirab1y. the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1mm to about 10mm. further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm. Still further preferably, the predetermined distance is about 5mm.

Ambient light 22 enters one or each of the light guides 20, which in turn directs the ambient light 22 toward a given location below the sole 12. The ambient light 22 passes from the light guide 20, and is reflected from the given location, at the ground, to the viewing aperture 18, which in turn directs the reflected light 22' to a second location, an eye of a user. Resultantly, the viewing aperture 18. when viewed by a user (depicted by an eye) appears lighter.

Accordingly, in use, the user grounds the cluhhead 10 when addressing a golf ball, and visualises the viewing aperture 18, which will appear darker as ambient light 22 received at the light guides 20 caimot pass to the given location, the ground. Spacing the clubhcad 10 from the ground allows the ambient light 22 to pass from the light guides 20 and be reflected from the given location, the ground, to the viewing aperture 18. The user, still visualising the viewing aperture 1 8, elevates the clubhead 10 to the point at which the reflected light 22' has the greatest intensity, thereby indicating that the clubhead 10 is at a height from the ground for optimal striking of the golf ball. Moreover, the position of the lighter viewing aperture 18 provides a means to indicate the "sweet spot" of the striking face 16, and the orientation of the viewing aperture 18 provides an indication of the proposed target line. As such, the user can then adjust the target line based on the orientation of the viewing aperture and strike the golf ball accordingly.

It is envisaged that the clubhead can, optionally, comprise a light source (not shown), to facilitate use of the clubhead during periods of low, or diminished, ambient light 22. The light source is envisaged to potentiate, or replace, the ambient light 22, during periods when the intensity of the reflected light 22' is insufficient to be visualised through the viewing aperture 18.

Tn either case, of using ambient light, or of using a light source, ii is also envisaged that the intensity of the light reflected from the first position may be assessed using a device, such as a light meter, or similar device. For example. a device may be employed to quantitatively measure the intensity of light at the viewing aperture 18, and thus facilitate the user in visualising or assign the intensity of light reflected from the first position.

Therefore, the present invention will indicate a correct target line", and affbrd better aim to a user, ultimately producing a more consistent perfbrrnance. Furthermore, the putter clubhead can improve aim by offering a user the opportunity to counteract the twist of the clubhead experienced due to torque during the stroke, and ensure that the face of the elubbead is square to stance of the user (and/or the golf ball), during the stroke.

For clarity, the golf putter clubhead illustrated in the accompanying drawings does not comprise a hosel. However, it is understood that in a preferred embodiment, the golf putter clubhead illustrated herein may further comprise a hosel, or similar means fir attaching a shaft to the golf putter cluhhead.

Claims

Claims 1. A golf putter clubhcad comprising a body having a viewing face, and a sole; characlerised in that at least one light guide is provided in the body, adapted to direct light through the body to a given location; and at least one viewing aperture is provided and arranged to visualise reflected light from the given location.
2. A golf putter cluhhead according to Claim 1, wherein the at least one viewing aperture is provided in the body. 1 0
3. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim I or 2, wherein the given location is located, in use, below the sole of the body, optionally spaced apart a predetermined distance from the sole of the body.
4. A golf putter cluhhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least oe light guide is an elongate aperture, arranged to direct light through the body to the given location.
5. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 4, wherein the at least one light guide aperture extends through the body of the ci ubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and at least one other face of the body.
6. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 4 or 5, wherein the at least one light guide aperture extends through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and the viewing face of the body.
7. A golf putter clubhead according to any one of Claims 4-6, wherein a first open end of the at least one light guide aperture has a first boundary substantially equal to a second boundary of a second open end of the at least one light guide aperture.
8. A golf putter cluhhead according to any one of Claims 4-6, wherein a first open end of the at least one light guide aperture has a first boundary greater than a second boundary of a second open end of the at least one light guide aperture.
9. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light guide further comprises an optical guide to direct light to the given location.
10. A golf putter cluhhead according to any preceding claim, wherein one, both, or each light guide is independently arranged to direct light to the same single given location.
11. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 10, wherein one, both, or, each light guide is arranged to direct light to the same single given location when the clubhead is, in use, spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.
12. A golf putter clubbead according to Claim 11, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1mm to about 10mm, further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm, still further preferably about 5mm.

1 5
13. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein at least two light guides are provided in the body of the clubhead, and are arranged to direct light to a single given location.
14. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein a pair of light guides is provided in the body of the clubhead, and each light guide of the pair is independently arranged to direct light to the same single given location.
15. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 14, wherein the pair of light guides are arranged to direct light to a single given location when the clubbead is, in use, spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.
16. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 15, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1 mm to about I 0mm, further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm, still further preferably about 5mm.
17. A golf putter clubhead according to any one of Claims 14-16, wherein each light guide of the pair is located on opposing sides of the viewing aperture, and each light guide is arranged to direct light to the same single given location.
18. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light guide is arranged to allow passage of light through the body to the given location, and the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to allow passage of light through the body from the given location to a second location.
19. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least OflC viewing aperture extends through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and any other face of the body.
20. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 19, wherein the at least one viewing aperture extends through the body of the clubhead, and opens at each of the sole of the body and viewing face of the body.
21. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim l9or 20, wherein a first open end of the at least one viewing aperture has a first boundary substantially equal to a second boundary of a second open end of the at least one viewing aperture.
22. A golf putter clubhead according to Claim 19 or 20, wherein a first open end of the at least one viewing aperture has a first boundary greater than a second boundary of a second open end of the at least one viewing aperture.
23. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one viewing aperture further comprises an optical guide to direct light from the given location.
24. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the body has a first striking face, and the longitudinal axis of each open end of the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the first striking face of the body.
25. A golf putter cluhhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to be in optical communication with one, both, or each of the at least one light guides.
26. A golf putter clubhead according to any one of Claims 18-25, wherein the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to receive light reflected from the given location, and direct light to the second location.
27. A golf putter cluhhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one viewing aperture is arranged to allow a user to view the location to which light is directed by the at least one light guide.
28. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the plane of the viewing aperture is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the sole of the body.
29. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one light guide and the at least one viewing aperture are adapted to be in optical communication, whereby in a first position, light may pass from the at least one light guide to the at least one viewing aperture, and in a second position, light is impeded from passing from the at least one light guide to the at least one viewing aperture.
30. A golf putter clubhcad according to Claim 29, wherein the second position is achieved when, in use, at least part of the body, for example the sole, is engaging the ground, and the first position is achieved when, in use, at least part of the body, fbr example the sole, is spaced a predetermined distance from the ground.
31. A golf putter clubbead according to Claim 30, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1 mm to about 10mm, further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm, still further preferably is about 5mm.
32. A golf putter cluhhead according to any preceding claim, further comprising a light source arranged to direct light through the at least one light guide to the given location.
33. A golf putter clubbead according to any preceding claim, further comprising a second striking face.
34. A method of using a golf putter cluhhead according to any preccding claim, the method comprising the steps of: I. grounding the clubbead when addressing a golf ball; 2. elevating the clubhead a predetermined distance from the ground; 3. visualising reflected light through the viewing aperture; and 4. striking the ball.
35. A method according to Claim 34, wherein the visualising step comprises visualising reflected light passing from the given location, through the viewing aperture, to a second location.
36. A method according to Claim 34 or 35, wherein the elevating step is carried out until the reflected light has a maximum intensity.
37. A method according to Claim 36, wherein the reflected light has a maximum intensity at the predetermined distance from the ground.
38. A method according to any one of Claims 34-37, further comprising the step of adjusting the position of the clubhcad based on the orientation of the viewing aperture prior to the striking step.
39. A method according to any one of Claims 34-38, wherein the predetermined distance is in the range of about 1mm to about 10mm, further preferably in the range of about 2mm to about 8mm, still further preferably, is about 5mm.
40. A golf putter clubhead according to any preceding claim, substantially as described and illustrated herein.