US20020010033A1

US20020010033A1 - Putter aiming method and apparatus

Info

Publication number: US20020010033A1
Application number: US09/965,060
Authority: US
Inventors: Christine Aoki; Kirk Smith; Harold Deming; James Hofmeister
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-05-03
Filing date: 2001-09-27
Publication date: 2002-01-24

Abstract

A putter fitting method includes the steps of providing a golfer with a first putter assembled from a first set of components including a putter head, a hosel, and a shaft. The golfer aims the putter towards a target, and the alignment of the first putter with respect to the target is checked. Then one of the components is changed, and the golfer again aims the putter towards the target, and the alignment of the second putter with respect to the target is checked. The process of changing one of the components continues until a combination is found which allows the golfer to correctly aim the putter towards the target.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a divisional of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/304,463, filed May 3, 1999.[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to golf methods and golf systems, and in particular to a method and apparatus for improving the putting aim of a golfer and fitting a golfer with a custom putter which will be correctly aimed when the golfer believes it is correctly aimed.

BACKGROUND

One of the primary objectives of a golfer is to aim correctly when putting. It is well understood that a sphere, such as a golf ball, when lying on a flat planar surface, and when struck by a second flat planar surface, such as the face of a golf putter, will travel along a straight line in a direction perpendicular to second planar surface. If the golf hole in which the golfer desires to sink the ball lies along this line, then it is correct to say that the golfer has correctly aimed the putter (i.e., the golfer has caused the ball to travel along the intended path and into the hole). Thus, when a golf ball lies on a flat surface, the golfer attempts to align the face of the putter to be perpendicular to the desired line of travel of the ball. This is done mostly by visual perception, that is, the putter is “aimed” when the golfer thinks the putter face is aligned perpendicular to the desired path of travel.

Typically in a real-world golf situation, the golf ball does not lie on a flat surface, but rather lies on a contoured surface, and the golfer attempts to make corrections based on “reading the green.” This frequently involves aiming the putter away from the hole so that the contours in the surface will cause the ball to roll into the hole after being struck by the putter. However, making such corrections assumes that the golfer is aiming the putter correctly. If a golfer cannot aim correctly for a flat surface, then there is little hope that the golfer will be able to make proper corrections for a contoured surface. It is therefore desirable that a golfer should be able to properly aim a putter. It is further desirable to provide a golfer with a putter which improves the golfer's ability to correctly aim the putter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention includes a putter aiming apparatus. The putter aiming apparatus comprises a plurality of golf putter components including at least one of a plurality of putter heads, a plurality of hosels, or a plurality of putter shafts. The apparatus further includes a target and an object to be aimed towards the target. A putter aim measuring device is also included in the apparatus, and can comprise an alignment determining apparatus to determine the perpendicularity of the point of contact on the face of the putter head to a line along the target and the object.

The plurality of putter heads can include putter heads having a series of distinct alignment marks visible to a golfer using the putter. The putter heads can include putter heads having a series of distinct lofts. The putter heads can be defined by face profiles, and can further include putter heads having differing face profiles.

The plurality of hosels can include hosels producing differing shaft angles for shafts mounted to the putter head using the hosel. The plurality of hosels can further include hosels having differing offsets with respect to one another.

The plurality of shafts can include shafts having different lengths with respect to one another.

The invention further includes a putter fitting method for fitting a golf putter to a golfer. The method includes the steps of providing the golfer with a first putter comprising a first putter head, a first shaft, and a first hosel connecting the shaft to the putter head. The golfer aims the first putter towards a target, and the alignment of the first putter with respect to the target is checked. Then at least one of the first putter head, the first shaft, or the first hosel comprising the first putter is changed with a respective second putter head, second shaft, or second hosel to produce a second putter. The golfer then aims the second putter towards the target, and the alignment of the second putter with respect to the target is checked. The process of changing one of the putter head, the shaft, or the hosel with a different putter head, shaft, or hosel, and having the golfer aim the putter, and checking the alignment of the putter with respect to the target, can be repeated until the putter is aimed at the target.

The alignment of the putter with respect to the target can be determined by measuring the perpendicularity of a flat surface on the face of the putter to a line from the target to the flat surface on the face of the putter. The measurement of perpendicularity of the indicated line can be performed using a focused or coherent light source such as a laser.

The method can further include the step of providing an object in front of the putter head which the golfer attempts to aim towards the target by visually attempting to align the flat surface on the putter face to be perpendicular to a line along the object and the target. The target represents a golf hole; the object represents a golf ball.

A hosel for attaching a golf club head is also disclosed. The hosel comprises an elongated body having a first end configured to be received within a recess in the golf club head, wherein the cross section of the first end is non-circular to prevent rotation of the hosel within the recess in the golf club head. The elongated body of the hosel can comprise a tapered protrubance thereon, the taper being tapered at a first angle to fit within the recess in the golf club head, the recess having a tapered portion to receive the taper of the protrubance. The tapered portion in the putter head is tapered at a second angle less than the first angle such that the hosel is force fitted within the golf club head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view diagram showing one step of the putter aiming method. [0013]
FIG. 2 is a schematic top view diagram showing another step of the putter aiming method. [0014]
FIG. 3 is a top view of a putter head having a first style of alignment marking thereon. [0015]
FIG. 4 is a top view of a putter head having a second style of alignment marking thereon. [0016]
FIG. 5 is a top view of a putter head having a third style of alignment marking thereon. [0017]
FIG. 6 is a top view of a putter head having a fourth style of alignment marking thereon. [0018]
FIG. 7 is a top view of a putter head having no alignment marking thereon. [0019]
FIG. 8 is a rear view of the putter head shown in FIG. 6. [0020]
FIG. 9 is a front view of a putter head showing a first face profile. [0021]
FIG. 10 is a front view of a putter head showing a second face profile. [0022]
FIG. 11 is a front view of a putter head showing a third face profile. [0023]
FIG. 12 is a front view of a putter head showing a fourth face profile. [0024]
FIG. 13 is a front elevation view of a first style of hosel. [0025]
FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 13, having a first offset. [0026]
FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 13, having a second offset. [0027]
FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 13, having no offset. [0028]
FIG. 17 is a front elevation view of a second style of hosel. [0029]
FIG. 18 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 17, having a first offset. [0030]
FIG. 19 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 17, having a second offset. [0031]
FIG. 20 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 17, having a third offset. [0032]
FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 17, having no offset. [0033]
FIG. 22 is a side elevation view of the hosel of FIG. 17, having a fourth offset. [0034]
FIG. 23 is a front elevation view of a putter showing a variety of shaft lengths. [0035]
FIG. 24 is a side elevation view in partial section showing a hosel attachment design. [0036]
FIG. 25 is a bottom view of the hosel attachment apparatus of FIG. 24. [0037]
FIG. 26 is a front elevation sectional view of a putter head showing the attachment of the hosel attachment apparatus of FIGS. 24 and 25 thereto.[0038]

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

A golfer believes a putter to be properly aimed when the golfer perceives the face of the putter (the ball contact surface) to be perpendicular to the desired initial direction of travel. Such perception is based primarily on the golfer's visual perception of perpendicularity of the face of the putter to the desired line of travel. The perception can be further based on the feel of the putter in the golfer's hands when attempting to align or aim the putter. Many factors can affect these perceptions. Thus, frequently when a golfer believes the putter to be correctly aimed, in fact it is not. Tests have shown that, on a level putting surface (the ideal putting green), golfers frequently misalign the putter, resulting in misaiming the putt. We have discovered that a number of variables can lead to visual and tactile misperception of alignment. We have also discovered that by changing these variables, a golfer's ability to align and aim a putter can be adversely or beneficially affected. We have further discovered that fixing the variables to a set which allows one golfer to properly align a putter can cause another golfer to misalign the putter. [0039]
We have used these discoveries to produce the putter aiming methods and apparatus disclosed and described herein. The apparatus allows a golfer to experience different sets of variables relating to the putter to derive a fixed set of the variables for that golfer, which, when incorporated into a putter, will enhance that golfer's ability to aim his or her putts. The method is the method for determining the fixed set of variables for a given golfer which will produce the optimum putter for that golfer. [0040]
Among the variables which we have identified which affect a golfer's aim of a putter are: (1) alignment markings on the top of the putter head; (2) the front profile of the putter head, and particularly the effect this profile has on the lie angle of the putter; (3) the style of hosel used to attach the shaft to the putter head, and particularly the shaft angle, if any, that the hosel imparts to the shaft; (4) the offset of the hosel used to attach the shaft to the putter head; (5) the length of the shaft; (6) the style of the grip on the shaft; and (7) the size of the grip on the shaft. It should be understood that this list should not be considered exhaustive, and that other variables can also affect a golfer's ability to aim a given putter. Likewise, not all of these variables will affect every golfer's ability to properly aim a putter. [0041]
The Apparatus [0042]
General [0043]
The apparatus for fitting a putter to a golfer includes a plurality of golf putter components which can be used to assemble a plurality of different putters, the object being to assemble a putter which is properly aimed when the golfer perceives it to be properly aimed. As will be discussed further below, a putter is assembled from the components, the golfer attempts to align the putter with a golf hole, and the alignment is checked. If the alignment is not correct, one or more of the variables is changed by changing one or more of the components of the putter until a combination is found which results in a properly aimed putter when the golfer believes it to be properly aimed. [0044]
The plurality of putter components can include a plurality of putter heads, a plurality of hosels, or a plurality of putter shafts. One or more of these can be used. For example, it is possible to provide a putter aiming apparatus wherein the plurality of putter components comprises only a plurality of putter heads. The heads can be distinguished by having different alignment markings on each head. Alignment markings are markings visible to a user which aid the user in aligning or aiming the putter. The putter heads can also be distinguished by having different face profiles on each head. The face profile is the view of the golf club head from a front elevation view. The face profile of a golf club and generally affects lie angle of the putter. Another distinction between the plurality of heads can be the loft of each head. The loft is well understood in the art, and generally comprises the angle of the face of the putter to a vertical line perpendicular to level ground on which the putter can rest when in a position to putt a golf ball. [0045]
The plurality of putter components can also comprise a plurality of shafts. For example, the shafts can be distinguished by having different lengths from one another. [0046]
The plurality of putter components can also comprise a plurality of hosels. The hosels can be distinguished from one another either by offset, or by the shaft angle that the hosel imparts to a shaft when the hosel is used to attach a shaft to a putter head. The hosels can include a plurality of hosels including hosels having both a difference in offset from one another, and a different in shaft angle they produce. Offset is well understood in the art, and generally comprises the orthogonal distance between a line extending from the centerline of the shaft, and a line extending from the centerline of the hosel at the attachment point of the hosel to the putter head. The shaft angle is the angle between a line extending from the centerline of shaft, and a line extending vertically from a level surface on which the putter head can rest. [0047]
The apparatus further includes a target and an object to be aimed towards the target. The target is understood to represent the golf hole to which the golfer intends a golf ball to be projected by the putter. That is, the golfer aims putter such that a golf ball, real or virtual, will be propelled towards the target when struck by the putter. The target can either be a real golf hole, a representation of a golf hole (such as a photograph), or a marking on a surface across which a golf ball propelled by the putter would move. The target can also comprise the point of origin of a laser beam pointed in the direction of the putter face. The object can be a golf ball, a representation of a golf ball (such as a marking on a surface across which a golf ball propelled by the putter would move), or the face of the putter itself. Preferably, the object comprises a real physical object to simulate the actual putting experience, although, as indicated, the putter face itself can be the object aimed at the hole. [0048]
The apparatus also includes a putter aim measuring apparatus. The putter aim measuring apparatus is configured to measure the direction in which a putter is aimed. One such apparatus comprises an alignment determining apparatus which is configured to determine the perpendicularity of the face of the putter head to a line along the target and the object. More particularly, the alignment determining apparatus is configured to determine the perpendicularity of the actual or theoretical point of contact where the putter face contacts the golf ball to the desired path of travel of a golf ball struck by the putter. Since a large number of putter faces are essentially flat, the alignment determining apparatus can be configured to measure the perpendicularity of the putter face to a line extending from the target to the object, i.e, the desired line of travel of the golf ball. If the putter face is perpendicular to this line, it is fair to say that the putter is correctly aimed. The putter aim measuring apparatus will be discussed more fully below. [0049]
FIG. 1 shows a plan view of one embodiment of the putter aiming apparatus. The [0050] system 10 includes a putter 20 assembled from putter components such as a putter head 21, a shaft 26, and a hosel 24 which attaches the shaft to the putter head. The apparatus 10 as shown further includes a target 30, an object 32 to be aimed towards the target 30, and a putter aim measuring apparatus 34.
Putter Aim Measuring Apparatus [0051]
The putter aim measuring apparatus is preferably configured to measure the perpendicularity of a tangent line to the ball striking surface on the face of the putter. One such embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. The putter aim measuring apparatus of FIG. 1 comprises a [0052] laser 34 which directs a beam of coherent light 36 towards the putter face 22. A reflective surface 28, such as a mirror, affixed to the face 22 of the putter, reflects the laser beam 36 at an angle of incidence equal to the deviation from normal (perpendicular) of the laser beam 36 to the face of the putter. When the face 22 of the putter 20 is perpendicular to the laser beam 36, the beam is reflected back along its original path, albeit with possible vertical deviation resulting from loft imparted to the face of the putter, indicating that the putter is correctly aimed. When the face 22 of the putter 20 is not perpendicular to the laser beam 36, the beam 36 will be reflected either to the right or left of the line of the source beam 36. For example, the misaimed putter 20 of FIG. 2 caused the reflected beam 38 to be projected at an angle of incidence Θ as shown. The angle of incidence is half of the angle between the source beam 36 and the reflected beam 38.
In the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a solid golf ball is used as the [0053] object 32. The golfer attempts to aim the putter 20 to strike the object 32 towards the hole or target 30. The laser can be turned on during this aiming process. Once the golfer believes the putter to be correctly aimed, the object 32 can be removed allowing the laser beam 36 to be reflected from the mirror 28 on the face 22 of the putter 20. The direction of the reflected beam 38 of FIG. 2 tells the golfer if he or she has correctly aimed the putter.
Other putter aim measuring apparatus can be used. For example, the [0054] laser 34 of FIG. 1 can be replaced with any source capable of generating a focused light beam. The laser 34 can also be placed on the putter such that the aim of the putter is indicated by the laser beam directly from the laser, and not a reflected beam. In such case the laser beam is then compared to the desired line of travel, which can be indicated by a line between the object 32 and the target 30. Alternately, the perpendicularity of the face of the putter to the desired line of travel, indicated by the line 36 in FIG. 1, can be measured using a protractor. Other configurations to measure the aim of the putter using sensors and detectors can be used. The invention includes other known and unknown apparatus and methods for measuring the aim of a putter, and the disclosure of only certain examples and embodiments should not be read as precluding those other apparatus and methods.
Putter Components: Putter Heads [0055]
The plurality of golf putter components can include a plurality of putter heads. The putter heads can be distinguished from one another by certain characteristics. One such characteristic is alignment marks on the top of the putter head, which marks are visible to a golfer using the putter. As discussed previously, we have discovered that different alignment marks can cause different golfers to correctly or incorrectly aim a putter, depending on the particular golfer and the particular set of alignment marks. Turning to FIGS. 3 through 7, one embodiment of a series of putter heads having different alignment marks is shown. The putter heads of FIGS. [0056] 3-7 are preferably all the same, except for the alignment marks. A rear view of the putter head of FIGS. 3-7 is shown in FIG. 8. The putter head 100 of FIG. 8 has a scalloped out area 106 at the rear of the club head opposite the face 102 (FIG. 3). The scalloped out area is typical of all of the club heads shown in FIGS. 3-7. It is understood that the scallop is not related to the aiming of the putter, but is a typical design feature only.
In FIG. 3, a plan view of a [0057] first putter head 100 is shown. Towards the face 102 of the putter, an alignment mark 104 is placed on the top of the putter head. A second putter head 110 is shown in FIG. 4, having a single alignment mark 114 placed on the top of the putter head in the scalloped out area 116 opposite the face 112 of the putter. A third putter head 120 is shown in FIG. 5, having a single alignment mark 124 placed on the top of the putter head towards the face 122 of the putter, and having two alignment marks 125 and 126 placed on the top of the putter head in the scalloped out area 128 opposite the face 122 of the putter. The rearward alignment marks 125 and 126 are positioned on either side of the forward alignment mark 124. A fourth putter head 130 is shown in FIG. 6, having a single alignment mark 134 placed on the top of the putter head towards the face 132 of the putter, and having three alignment marks 136, 137 and 138 in the scalloped out area 135 opposite the face 122 of the putter. The rearward alignment marks 136 and 138 are positioned on the top of the putter head on either side of the forward alignment mark 134, while rearward alignment mark 137 is aligned with the forward alignment mark 134. A fifth putter head 140, having no alignment markings, is shown in FIG. 7. In some instances, we have found that golfers tend to align putters better only using the face of the putter as an “alignment mark”.
It is understood that different club head geometries and different alignment markings than those shown in FIGS. [0058] 3-8 can be used for the plurality of heads having differing alignment marks. In addition to marks perpendicular to the face of the putter, lines at other angles, including in particular lines parallel to the face of the putter, can be used. FIGS. 3-8 show only one embodiment of a series of golf club heads having alignment marking for illustrative purposes.
Another characteristic which can be used to distinguish one putter head from another in a plurality of interchangable club heads is the putter face, or more particularly, the front profile of the putter, or the face profile, as we will call it. The face profile can affect the lie angle of the putter. Lie angle is well understood by those in the art, and is demonstrated in FIG. 9. The lie angle α of [0059] putter 150 of FIG. 9 generally comprises the angle between level ground 2 and a horizontal balance line through the face 152 of the putter. Different face profiles can affect the lie angle for a particular golfer, and lie angle can affect aim of the putter. In addition to lie angle, the shape of the top surface of the putter can also affect a golfer's perception of alignment of the putter.
FIGS. 8 through 12 show four different putters having different face profiles, tending to produce four different lie angles for the same golfer. FIG. 9 shows a [0060] putter 150 having a rather sharply curved sole portion 156 and an essentially flat top portion 158. FIG. 10 shows a putter 160 having a much flatter sole portion 162 than that of the putter of FIG. 9, and an essentially flat top portion 164. FIG. 11 shows a putter 170 having a scalloped curved sole portion 172 which tends to prevent any rocking of the putter (resulting in a lie angle of zero). The top 174 of putter 170 is curved convexly with respect to the golfer's view of the top of the putter. FIG. 12 shows a putter 180 having a rather sharply curved sole portion 182 similar to that of the putter 150 of FIG. 9. The top portion 184 of the putter 180 is curved convexly similar to that of the putter 170 of FIG. 11.
Other variations in putter heads can include such things as the loft of the face of the putter, the top profile of the putter head, the weight of the putter head, and so on. The above examples should not be considered as limiting the possible types of putter heads that can be used in the present invention, or the types or variables which can be varied within the putter heads. [0061]
Putter Components: Hosels [0062]
The plurality of golf putter components can include a plurality of hosels used to attach the putter head to a shaft. The hosels can be distinguished from one another by certain characteristics. Changes in these characteristics can affect how a golfer perceives the putter to be aimed. One such characteristic is the shaft angle the hosel imparts to the shaft when the hosel is used to connect a shaft to a putter head. Shaft angle is a term well understood in the art, and generally refers to the tilt of the shaft with respect to a vertical line, and particularly tilt in the plane of the face of the putter. The putter of FIG. 23 has a shaft angle of about 30 degrees. Turning to FIG. 13, a front view of a first style of hosel is shown. The front view of FIG. 13 should be compared to the side view of the same hosel in FIG. 14. As can be seen in the two figures, although the hosel is offset by dimension d[0063] ₁as indicated in FIG. 14, lines extending from the both the upper end 202 and lower end 204 of hosel 200 are both vertical lines, indicating that no shaft angle is imparted to the shaft by this hosel. This is confirmed by reference to the front view in FIG. 13. The hosel of FIGS. 13 and 14 should be compared with the hosel of FIG. 17. In FIG. 17 a front view of a hosel 230 is shown wherein the upper end 232 is tilted by an angle β from the vertical. This results in a shaft angle of the same amount.
In addition to the two styles of hosels shown in FIGS. 13 and 17, other hosels imparting a variety of shaft angles to the shaft can be used. [0064]
The plurality of hosels can further include hosels having differing offsets with respect to one another. Offset is well understood in the art, and comprises the distance between parallel vertical lines extending from the hosel lower end and the hosel upper end. Changing offset typically changes how a golfer perceives the putter to be aligned. Turning to FIGS. 13 through 16, a first style of hosel is shown. FIG. 13 is the front view of the hosels of FIGS. 13 through 16. In FIG. 14, side view of a first variation of the [0065] hosel 206 is shown. The upper end 202 of the hosel is offset from the lower end 204 by a distance d₁. FIG. 15 shows the same style of hosel, but with a greater offset than the hosel of FIG. 14. In FIG. 15, the upper end 212 is offset from the lower end 214 by a distance d₂, as indicated. Yet a third variation of the hosel of FIG. 13 is shown in FIG. 16. In FIG. 16, the hosel 220 does not have any offset, as is known as a “zero-offset” hosel.
The hosels of FIGS. 13 through 16 can be manufactured by forming the [0066] main body portion 206 of FIG. 14 from a length of metal which is rectangular in cross section, and which is bent or formed to produce the curves which give the hosel its offset. It should be noted that the hosels of FIGS. 14 and 15 make a smooth offset transition from the lower end to the upper end. This is to be contracted with the discontinuous offset of the hosels shown in FIGS. 19 through 22.
Turning to FIGS. 17 through 22, a second style of hosel is shown. FIG. 17 is a common front view of the hosels of FIGS. 18 through 22. As described above, these hosels mount the shaft to the putter head at an angle to the vertical. FIG. 18 shows a front view of a hosel having no offset, as indicated by the continuous vertical line through the [0067] body 242, upper end 244, and lower end 246 of the hosel. FIG. 19 shows a first variation of the hosel of FIG. 17. In FIG. 19, the hosel 250 has an upper end 252 offset a distance d₃from lower end 254. FIG. 20 shows a second variation of the hosel of FIG. 17, wherein the upper end 262 of the hosel 260 is offset a distance d₄from the lower end 264. Yet a third variation of the hosel of FIG. 17 is shown in FIG. 21 wherein the upper end 272 of the hosel 270 is offset a distance d₅from the lower end 274. Note that d₅is greater than d₄, and d₄is greater than d₃. A fifth variation of the hosel of FIG. 17 is shown in FIG. 22. The hosels shown in FIGS. 19 through 21 are all offset towards the read or trailing edge of the putter head, whereas the hosel 280 of FIG. 22 is offset a distance d₆towards the face or leading edge of the putter head.
The hosel of FIGS. 19 and 22 show hosel offsets of approximately the same amount, but in different directions. The same effect can be achieved with [0068] hosel 210 of FIG. 15 merely by rotating it 180 degrees in the mounting hole in the putter head. This is possible since hosel 210 does not produce any shaft angle, as do hosels 250 and 280 of FIGS. 19 and 22, respectively. It is obvious that if hosel 250 were rotated 180 degrees, the shaft would be angled in the wrong direction. However, if the hosel of FIG. 15 is provided with a putter head mounting configuration which does not allow rotation of the hosel with respect to the putter head, then to get offsets on either side of the hosel, a separate hosel for each offset direction is required.
It is understood that additional hosels having other variations, or greater ranges of variations than those shown, or finer gradations between variations than those shown, can also be used with the invention without detracting from the overall concept of the invention. [0069]
Putter Components: Shafts [0070]
The plurality of golf putter components can include a plurality of shafts which are attached to the putter head, typically by a hosel. The shafts can be distinguished from one another by certain characteristics. Changes in these characteristics can affect how a golfer perceives the putter to be aimed. One such characteristic is the length of the shaft. Turning to FIG. 23, a [0071] putter 290 is shown. The shaft 295 of putter 290 is connected to a putter head 292 by hosel 294. The shaft terminates at upper end 296. Five additional variations of the putter 290 are shown in FIG. 23 by dashed lines, each variation having a longer shaft than the one before, as indicated by progressive upper ends 296(a) through 296(e) of the shaft 295.
In addition to varying the shaft length in the plurality of shafts, the plurality of shafts can also include different styles of grips, and different sizes of grips. Other factors which can affect a golfer's ability to aim a putter, and which can be attributable to characteristics of the shaft, can also be changed, such as the overall weight of the shaft, the progressive weighting of the shaft, and the material of construction of the shaft. It is understood that additional shafts having other variations, or greater ranges of variations than those shown, or finer gradations between variations than those shown, can also be used with the invention without detracting from the overall concept of the invention. [0072]
Putter Components: Assembly [0073]
Preferably, the plurality of putter components are configured such that they can be easily assembled and disassembled. Since the putter aiming apparatus is particularly useful in fitting a golfer with a putter which is correctly aimed when the golfer perceives it to be so aimed, it is useful to have a system wherein the components can be easily interchanged until a combination of components which works for a particular individual golfer is found. Once the right combination of putter components is identified for a particular golfer, a putter having the characteristics of the fitted putter can be manufactured in the traditional manner. Less preferably, the putter can also be assembled from the fitted components. [0074]
To allow for interchangability of shafts, shafts having threaded ends can be fitted to hosels having complementary threaded ends. For example, the hosels shown in FIGS. 13 through 22 all have externally threaded upper ends which can be fitted to shafts have internally threaded lower ends. In a like manner, to allow for interchangability of hosels and putter heads, the hosels can be configured to be secured to the putter head with a fastener such as a screw. [0075]
Preferably, the hosel or hosels are configured such that they can only be inserted into the head in one particular orientation and will not rotate with respect to the putter head. This removes a variable which can affect aim, and over which it is difficult to exercise control. One method of accomplishing this is shown in FIG. 24, which depicts a partial sectional side view of a [0076] hosel 300, only which a portion thereof is shown in the figure. The hosel 300 includes an elongated body 302 and a lower portion 304. The lower portion 304 is configured to fit within a complementary recess formed within a putter head. The elongated body 302 terminates in an upper portion (not shown), which connects to a shaft. The lower portion 304 further comprises a protrubance 306 which projects outwardly from the main body 314 of the lower portion. The lower portion 304 has an internally threaded void 310 formed in the bottom thereof. The protrubance 306 on the lower portion 304 of the hosel 300 includes a tapered lower portion 308 which tapers downwardly from the upper most outward edge of the protrubance into the main body 314 of the lower portion.
Turning to FIG. 26, a sectional view of a [0077] putter head 320 is shown. The putter head 320 is provided with an upper recess 322 in the top of the putter head. A lower recess 326 allows a fastener such as the threaded screw 330 to be received in the lower recess. A passageway 324 allows the threaded portion 336 of the fastener 330 to pass from the lower recess 326 into the upper recess 322, where the threaded portion of the fastener can engage the internally threaded portion 310 of the hosel 300. The head 338 of fastener 330 is received within lower recess 326, and presses against ledge 340 to secure the hosel 300 within the upper recess 322 in the putter head 320. The upper recess 322 is further provided with a keyway 328 configured to receive the protrubance 306 of the hosel 300. The keyway includes a lower tapered section 332. The taper of section 332 tapers at an angle slightly greater than the taper of tapered portion 308 of the hosel lower portion 304. In this way, when the fastener 330 is tightened into the hosel, the tapered portion 308 of the hosel is pulled tightly into the tapered section 332 of the upper recess 322. Thus, not only does protrubance 306 of hosel 300 prevent rotation of the hosel when fitted into the putter head 320, but a force fit is obtained, significantly reducing any relative movement between the hosel and putter head.
Turning now to FIG. 25, a bottom view of the [0078] hosel 300 of FIG. 24 is shown. In order to more firmly secure the hosel 300 to the putter head 320, the lower portion 314 can include a flat section 312 as shown. The flat section 312 will be aligned with the rear of the putter head when the hosel 300 is inserted into the recess 322 in the top of the putter head 320. A threaded opening 342 is provided in the back of the putter head 320, providing access to the upper recess 322. Once the hosel is secured in the putter head by fastener 338, a set screw can be inserted into the opening 342 to contact the flat portion 312 of the hosel 300. The set screw provides additional security for the hosel. In one variation, the lower recess 326 in the putter head 320, and the fastener 338, can be eliminated and the hosel 300 secured to the putter head 320 using only the set screw in the manner described above. If the upper recess 332 of the hosel is provided with a complementary flat section, then the protrubance 306 of hosel 300, as well as the keyway 328 in the upper recess 322, can be eliminated, since the engagement of the flat section 312 of the hosel lower portion 304 with the flat section in the upper recess 322 of the putter head 320 will tend to prevent rotation of the hosel within the putter head.
In addition to using the methods described above for securing a hosel to a putter head for the putter aiming apparatus described herein, the methods can also be used on production golf clubs to allow ease of repair and interchangability of components. [0079]
The Method [0080]
In one embodiment the putter fitting method of the present invention for fitting a golf putter to a golfer comprises providing the golfer with a first putter comprising a first putter head, a first shaft, and a first hosel connecting the shaft to the putter head. The golfer then attempts to aim the first putter towards a target. The alignment of the first putter with respect to the target is measured or determined. Then at least one of the first putter head, the first shaft, or the first hosel on the first putter is interchanged with a respective second putter head, second shaft, or second hosel to produce a second putter. Preferably, only one of the components is changed. The golfer then aims the second putter towards the target, and the alignment of the second putter with respect to the target is again measured. Preferably, the acts of interchanging one or more of the components of the putter and checking the aim of the golfer is repeated until a combination of components is found which allows the golfer to correctly aim the putter. Preferably, only one of the components is changed each time before the aim is checked. [0081]
The target can comprise a simulated golf hole or cup, and can also be a real golf hole. The target can be a putting practice cup, or an image of a golf cup. The target can also be the point of origin of a beam of light, such as a laser beam. The method can further include placing an object in front of the putter for the golfer to align with the face of the putter, the object being representative of a golf ball to be propelled towards the target by the putter. [0082]
In one embodiment, the act of measuring the aim of the putter is performed using a laser. Turning to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a putter aim measuring apparatus which can be used in the method of the present invention is shown. FIG. 1 depicts a plan view of a [0083] putter 20 assembled from putter components such as a putter head 21, a shaft 26, and a hosel 24 which attaches the shaft to the putter head. The apparatus 10 as shown further includes a target 30, an object 32 to be aimed towards the target 30, and laser 34. In a preferred embodiment, the object 32 comprises a golf ball. The laser is aligned such that a beam of light generated by the laser (a “laser beam”) will pass over the center of the target 30 and towards the center of the object 32. The path of the laser beam indicates the ideal path of travel for a properly aimed putter to sink the object in the target. A golfer then attempts to align the putter 20 with the object 30 and the target 32. The laser can be either on or off while the golfer is aiming.
Once the golfer believes the putter to be correctly aimed, the object is removed to allow the laser beam to strike the [0084] face 22 of the putter. If the face of the putter is provided with a reflective surface, such as mirror 28, then the source beam 36 will be reflected at an angle of incidence equal to the deviation of the face of the putter from normal (i.e., the deviation from being perpendicular to the source beam). By observing the position of the reflected beam on a secondary surface 29 as shown in FIG. 2, the putter aim is thus measured. Alternately, small particles can be suspended in the air around the laser beams to cause the beams themselves to be visible, and the putter aim can be measured by observing the laser beams. For example, an aerosol such as air freshener can be sprayed in the general area to cause a portion of the laser beam to be dispersed and thus observed. It should be noted that “measuring the aim” is not limited to taking a precise measurement, but can also include observing the resulting aim of the putter and comparing the resulting aim to the desired aim. Such comparison can be done by observation as well as by precise measurement, as indicated.
Other methods of measuring the aim of the putter can be employed. Variations on the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be employed wherein the laser is replaced with a source of focused light, such as a flashlight having a beam collimator. In another variation, the light source or laser can be mounted to the putter itself, and a reflective surface provided on the side of the target opposite the putter. The reflected beam is then detected in the direction of the putter, rather than away from the putter. [0085]
The method can further include providing a plurality of interchangable putter components. In one embodiment, the interchangable putter components include a plurality of putter heads. In a first variation, each putter head has a distinct set of alignment marks which can be used by the golfer to aid in aligning the putter. In another variation, the putter heads each have a different face profile, which can affect both lie angle as well as visual perception of alignment. In yet another variation, the putter heads include putter heads having different lofts. [0086]
In a second embodiment the interchangable putter components include a plurality of hosels which are used to attach a shaft to a putter head. In a first variation each shaft imparts a different shaft angle to the shaft when the hosel is used in an assembled putter. In a second variation, each hosel is provided with a different offset to effectively move the shaft closer to or farther away from the face of the club when the hosel is used in an assembled putter. [0087]
In a third embodiment the interchangable putter components include a plurality of shafts which can be attached to the putter head. The shafts can be distinguished from one another by such variables as length, total weight, weight distribution, flexibility, and cross sectional geometry. Other embodiments can include providing a plurality of shaft grips. [0088]

EXAMPLE

The following example illustrates but one example of the method of the present invention. It is understood that this example is for illustrative purposes only, and should not be considered as limiting the invention. [0089]
To set up the aim measuring apparatus, a laser is provided and is set low and level over a flat surface representing the putting surface. The laser should be positioned such that a beam from the laser will strike the face of a putter which is in a putting position. The laser is positioned against a wall, with the beam discharge end pointing outward, so that reflected laser light can be visually detected on the wall. The laser beam discharge point from the laser will serve as the target to which the golfer will attempt to aim the putter. [0090]
A golf ball is placed about 12 feet (about 4 meters) in front of the laser discharge point, such that a beam from the laser hits the center of the ball. [0091]
A small mirror is attached to the face of a first putter head. The mirror is attached using double-backed tape. A golfer for whom the putter is being fitted takes the putter and attempts to align the putter such that the golf ball will be putted “into” the laser if the putter is aimed correctly. The golfer must assume that the surface between the golf ball and the laser is a flat, level putting surface, so that the golfer does not attempt to make any corrections for “the lie of the green.” The golf ball is removed, and the laser beam from the laser strikes the mirror on the face of the putter. The mirror reflects the laser beam to the wall behind the laser. The reflection of the laser beam onto the wall is noted. If the beam is reflected to a point either to the right or left of the laser beam point of origin, then the putter is misaimed. If the laser beam is reflected to a point along a vertical line which includes the laser beam point of origin, then the putter is correctly aimed. When the putter head comprises loft on the face, the laser beam should ideally be reflected to a point slightly above the laser beam point of origin. [0092]
A putter head having a face profile should be selected such that, when the golfer holds the putter in the putting position, the putter sits flat on its sole from the leading edge (front) to the trailing edge (rear) of the putter head. Further, once the golfer's posture, arm and grip position have been adjusted to preferred putting technique positions, the putter head should be positioned toe-to-heal such that the sweet spot of the putter is directly above the point of contact of the sole of the putter with the ground. This step is known as adjusting the lie angle of the putter. This will also affect any loft the putter head has. [0093]
The aim of the golfer using the putter is then checked. If the putter is misaimed, then a different hosel should be fitted to the putter. A hosel having a different offset should be selected. The aim should be checked several times (three to five, for example) using the new hosel without making any other changes. If the aim is still off, another hosel having different offset is selected as is fitted to the putter. Preferably, the hosels should be interchanged starting either with a zero-offset hosel and working towards progressively greater offsets, or at a maximum offset, and progressively working towards a zero-offset or reverse-offset position. The hosel which reflects the laser beam back to the wall most accurately and consistently should be considered the correct hosel for the particular individual golfer being fitted. [0094]
Next, the aim of the golfer should be checked using putter heads having different alignment markings on the top thereof. A first putter head is selected having a first set of alignment markings, such as a single line towards the face or leading edge of the putter. The aim should be checked several times (three to five, for example) using the new putter head without making any other changes. If the aim is still off, another putter head having different alignment markings should be selected and fitted to the putter. For example, the progression of putter heads will next include a putter head having a single alignment mark oriented toward the rear (trailing edge) of the putter, a putter head having a single mark towards the leading edge of the putter head and two alignment marks towards the trailing edge of the putter head and on either side of the forward alignment mark, and a putter head having no alignment marks. The putter head with alignment marks (or no marks) which reflects the laser beam back to the wall most accurately and consistently should be considered the correct putter head alignment marking configuration for the particular individual golfer being fitted. [0095]
Next, the aim of the golfer should be checked using hosels producing different shaft angles. A first putter hosel is selected having essentially no shaft angle. The aim should be checked several times (three to five, for example) using the new hosel (shaft angle) without making any other changes. If the aim is still off, another hosel producing a different shaft angle is selected and fitted to the putter. One such hosel will product a shaft angle directed slightly back towards the golfer. The hosel which provides the shaft angle which reflects the laser beam back to the wall most accurately and consistently should be considered the correct hosel (shaft angle) for the particular individual golfer being fitted. [0096]
After the above described fitting steps have been performed, the identified components are assembled to produce a fitted, correctly aimed putter. This putter should be checked for aim on a real putting green. If the putts are misaimed on the real putting green, the shaft flex and shaft weight can be varied to improve aim. A further step can include varying the grip type and size to further improve the aim of the golfer with the putter. [0097]
As a further step, a complete sets of woods and irons, having optics and dynamics which match those of the fitted putter, can be provided to provide the golfer with a complete matched set of golf clubs, which can improve the performance of the golfer with all clubs in his or her set of golf clubs. [0098]
While the above invention has been described with particularity to specific embodiments and examples thereof, it is understood that the invention comprises the general novel concepts disclosed by the disclosure provided herein, as well as those specific embodiments and examples. Specific recited structures and acts should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention, and equivalent structures and acts which those skilled in the art would readily identify as being within the scope of the disclosure should be considered as covered by this invention. [0099]

Claims

We claim:

1. A putter fitting method for fitting a golf putter to a golfer, comprising:

providing the golfer with a first putter comprising a first putter head, a first shaft, and a first hosel connecting the shaft to the putter head;

allowing the golfer to aim the first putter towards a target;

checking the alignment of the first putter with respect to the target;

changing at least one of the first putter head, the first shaft, or the first hosel on the first putter with a respective second putter head, second shaft, or second hosel to produce a second putter;

allowing the golfer to aim the second putter towards the target; and

checking the alignment of the second putter with respect to the target.

2. The putter fitting method of claim 1 wherein each putter head comprises a putter face having an essentially flat surface thereon, and further wherein alignment of the first and second putters with respect to the target is check by measuring the perpendicularity of the flat surface on the putter face to a line from the flat surface on the putter face to the target.

3. The putter fitting method of claim 1 wherein each putter head comprises a putter face having an essentially flat surface thereon, and further wherein the golfer aims the putter at the target by visually aligning an object in front of the putter head with the target along a line perceived to be perpendicular to the flat surface on the putter face.

4. The putter fitting method of claim 3 wherein the object in front of the putter head is a marking on a surface.

5. The putter fitting method of claim 3 wherein the object in front of the putter head is a golf ball.

6. The putter fitting method of claim 3 wherein alignment of the first and second putters with respect to the target is check by measuring the perpendicularity of the flat surface on the putter face to a line running from the target through the object to the flat surface on the putter face.

7. The putter fitting method of claim 6 wherein the act of measuring the perpendicularity of the line is performed by generating a beam of focused light, passing the beam of focused light over the target, reflecting the beam of focused light from the flat surface on the putter face, and determining the deviation of the reflected beam of light from the beam of light passing over the target.

8. The putter fitting method of claim 7 wherein the beam of focused light is generated using a laser.

9. The putter fitting method of claim 7 wherein the flat surface on the putter face comprises a reflective covering.

10. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising repeating the steps of changing at least one of the putter head, the shaft, or the hosel on the putter, allowing the golfer to aim the second putter towards the target, and checking the alignment of the putter with respect to the target until the golfer has aligned the putter with the target.

11. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising providing a plurality of putter heads which can be interchanged with one another to produce a plurality of different putters to be aimed at the target by the golfer.

12. The putter fitting method of claim 11 wherein the putter heads are characterized by alignment markings visible to the golfer disposed thereon, each putter head having a unique set of alignment markings.

13. The putter fitting method of claim 11 wherein the putter heads are characterized by putter face profiles, each putter head having a unique putter face profile.

14. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising providing a plurality of shafts having different lengths from one another and which can be interchanged with one another to produce a plurality of different putters to be aimed at the target by the golfer.

15. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising providing a plurality of hosels having different offsets from one another and which can be interchanged with one another to produce a plurality of different putters to be aimed at the target by the golfer.

16. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising providing a plurality of hosels each producing a different shaft angle with respect to the putter head when a shaft and putter head are attached to the hosel, to produce a plurality of different putters to be aimed at the target by the golfer.

17. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising following changing at least one of the first putter head, the first shaft, or the first hosel on the first putter with a respective second putter head and checking the alignment of the second putter with respect to the target, changing at least one other of the first putter head, the first shaft, or the first hosel on the first putter with a respective second putter head to produce a third putter, allowing the golfer to aim the third putter towards the target; and checking the alignment of the third putter with respect to the target.

18. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising the preliminary step of fitting the putter with a putter head having correct loft.

19. The putter fitting method of claim 1 further comprising the preliminary step of fitting the putter with a putter head having correct lie angle.