US20110124430A1 - Golf putters - Google Patents
Golf putters Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110124430A1 US20110124430A1 US12/991,549 US99154909A US2011124430A1 US 20110124430 A1 US20110124430 A1 US 20110124430A1 US 99154909 A US99154909 A US 99154909A US 2011124430 A1 US2011124430 A1 US 2011124430A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- alignment beam
- beam generator
- alignment
- golf putter
- fitting
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 210000003128 head Anatomy 0.000 description 54
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 7
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 7
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 6
- 235000009508 confectionery Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 2
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000000887 face Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003252 repetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012858 resilient material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052594 sapphire Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010980 sapphire Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/007—Putters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/02—Joint structures between the head and the shaft
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/02—Joint structures between the head and the shaft
- A63B53/022—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft
- A63B53/023—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft adjustable angular orientation
- A63B53/026—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft adjustable angular orientation loft angle only, i.e. relative angular adjustment between the shaft and the club head about a horizontal axis perpendicular to the intended line of play when the club is in its normal address position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/06—Heads adjustable
- A63B53/065—Heads adjustable for putters
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/0085—Telescopic shafts
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
- A63B60/42—Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3614—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf using electro-magnetic, magnetic or ultrasonic radiation emitted, reflected or interrupted by the golf club
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
- A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
- A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
- A63B69/3685—Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/02—Joint structures between the head and the shaft
- A63B53/022—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft
- A63B53/023—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft adjustable angular orientation
- A63B53/025—Joint structures between the head and the shaft allowing adjustable positioning of the head with respect to the shaft adjustable angular orientation lie angle only, i.e. relative angular adjustment between the shaft and the club head about an axis parallel to the intended line of play when the club is in its normal address position
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0441—Heads with visual indicators for aligning the golf club
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B53/00—Golf clubs
- A63B53/04—Heads
- A63B53/0487—Heads for putters
Definitions
- the present invention relates to golf putters, and particularly an alignment aid in the custom fitting of golf putters to the requirements of individual users, where either left or right handed, and as a teaching tool.
- a golf putter whose purpose is to propel a golf ball along the ground of a prepared surface, referred to as a green, provides a consistent strike and thus imparts consistent momentum to the golf ball.
- This momentum is transferred from the golf putter to the golf ball by the movement of the putter head when swung by the golfer. It is a requirement that this momentum be transferred consistently to the golf ball for a given force of impact, as otherwise a variable amount of momentum will be transferred, causing the golf ball to be propelled a variable distance.
- the golf putter should not twist in the hands as the golf ball is struck. If the point of contact is away from the “sweet spot” of the golf putter, the putter head, which is disposed at right angles to the intended line of the golf ball, will twist away from the intended line of the golf ball and the golf ball will not be propelled in the correct direction.
- the “sweet spot” is normally found by tapping the face of the putter head when the golf putter is held in the finger tips at the end of the grip and the golf putter hangs vertically downwards. If the putting face is tapped near the toe or heel on conventionally-balanced golf putters, then the putting face will twist in one of the respective directions. If the putting face does not deflect off axis when so tapped, then the “sweet spot” has been found.
- Complying with these principles allows a golfer to move his/her hands and the putter head along the intended line of the golf ball towards and past the hole, thereby allowing the putter head to stay at right angles to that line for as long as possible.
- the fitting device of the present invention has been developed to enable golf putters to be custom fitted to golfers, in particular to be made to the correct length and to have the correct lie.
- the lie is defined as the angle between the putter head and the shaft. If the lie angle is too small, the golfer will find it difficult to position the putter head under his/her eyes without the toe of the golf putter being raised from the ground. Conversely, if the lie angle is too great, then the heel of the putter will be raised from the ground. In both instances, hitting the ground with either the heel or the toe of the golf putter before hitting the golf ball, would result in the golf putter being twisted off the intended line of the golf ball and the golf ball being propelled dramatically off line.
- an adjustable shaft is provided which allows the eyes of the golfer to be positioned over the golf ball and the hands of the golfer to be positioned below his/her shoulders. The lie angle can then be adjusted to ensure that the head of the golf putter is flat to the ground.
- the present invention provides a golf putter, comprising: a head assembly which includes a putting head which has a striking face, and at least one alignment beam generator unit which includes an alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam; and a shaft assembly which comprises a shaft which is connected to the head assembly and a grip unit by which a user grips the fitting device.
- the golf putter is a golf fitting putter.
- the at least one alignment beam is projected forwardly of the striking face of the putting head.
- the at least one alignment beam is projected substantially perpendicular to the striking face of the putting head.
- the at least one alignment beam is projected through the striking face of the putting head.
- the putting head includes at least one fitting and each alignment beam generator unit includes a counterpart fitting, by which the at least one alignment beam generator unit is removably fitted to the putting head.
- the fittings comprise screw fittings.
- the at least one fitting on the putting head includes a through bore through which the respective alignment beam is projected.
- the at least one fitting on the putting head includes a window element which closes the through bore.
- the alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer.
- the at least one alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate the alignment beam generator when the at least one alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to the putting head.
- the at least one alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to the putting head, and the switch is actuated/de-actuated by rotation of the at least one alignment beam generator unit.
- the head assembly includes first and second alignment beam generator units for generating first and second spaced alignment beams.
- first and second alignment beam generator units are located towards opposite ends of the striking face of the putting head.
- the present invention provides a golf putter system, comprising: the above-described golf putter; and an alignment screen which includes at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam is projected.
- the alignment screen comprises first and second spaced alignment marks.
- the alignment marks are provided by a horizontal line and first and second spaced vertical lines.
- the present invention provides a method of fitting a golf putter using the above-described golf putter system.
- the present invention provides a method of training a golf putting stroke using the above-described golf putter system.
- the present invention provides an alignment beam generator unit for fitting to a putting head of a golf putter, wherein the alignment beam generator unit comprises a housing which includes a fitting for fitting to a counterpart fitting of the putting head and an alignment beam generator housed within the housing.
- the alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate the alignment beam generator when the alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to the putting head.
- the alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to the putting head, and the switch is actuated/de-actuated by rotation of the alignment beam generator unit.
- the alignment beam generator is a sliding fit within the housing, and the housing includes an internal flange which is configured to actuate the switch when the alignment beam generator is biased into the housing on fitting the alignment beam generator unit to the fitting of the putting head.
- the housing and the alignment beam generator are provided as a single, fixed integral unit.
- the alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of a golf fitting putter of a golf putter fitting system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 illustrates one side view, in part section, of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 illustrates the other side view, in part section, of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the head assembly of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of detail A in FIG. 5 ;
- FIGS. 7( a ) to ( d ) illustrate, in enlarged scale, front, rear, plan and vertical sectional views of the boss member of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8( a ) illustrates a side view of the alignment unit of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8( b ) illustrates an enlarged view of detail B in FIG. 8( a );
- FIG. 8( c ) illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the alignment unit of FIG. 8( a );
- FIG. 9 illustrates a part-sectional rear view of the shaft assembly of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 10( a ) and ( b ) illustrate the steps in adjusting the length of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIGS. 11( a ) to ( c ) illustrate the steps in re-configuring the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 between the left-handed and right-handed configurations;
- FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 in a left-handed configuration
- FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 in a right-handed configuration
- FIGS. 14( a ) to ( d ) illustrate, in enlarged scale, front, rear, plan and vertical sectional views of a boss member in accordance with one embodiment of the golf fitting putter of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of an alignment screen of a golf putter fitting system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
- the golf putter fitting system comprises a golf fitting putter 1 and an alignment screen 2 for use with the golf fitting putter 1 .
- the golf fitting putter 1 comprises a head assembly 3 , and a shaft assembly 5 which is connected to the head assembly 3 and by which a user grips the golf fitting putter 1 .
- the head assembly 3 comprises a head unit 7 to which the shaft assembly 5 is connected, a lie angle indicator 11 , in this embodiment an angular scale, which is attached to the head unit 7 , in this embodiment by screws 15 , such as to enable measurement of the lie angle of the head unit 7 relative to the shaft assembly 5 , and first and second alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 for generating alignment beams AB, in this embodiment laser beam pointers, which are attached to the head unit 7 , as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
- the head unit 7 comprises a head member 17 , which includes a striking face 19 which is used to strike a golf ball, a coupling element 21 , in this embodiment a cylindrical projection, which extends rearwardly from the head member 17 , in this embodiment at a central position along the length thereof, and first and second fittings 23 , 23 , in this embodiment at positions towards the opposite ends of the head member 17 , for receiving respective ones of the first and second alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 , such as to provide a pair of spaced, parallel alignment beams AB, and a boss member 25 which is connected to the shaft assembly 5 and movably coupled to the head member 17 , such as to allow for adjustment of the lie angle of the head member 17 relative to the shaft assembly 5 .
- the fittings 23 , 23 each include a through bore 26 through which the respective alignment beam AB is projected, and a window element 27 which closes the through bore 26 and is flush with the striking face 19 of the head member 17 .
- the window element 27 is formed of sapphire glass and has a diameter of 5 mm and a thickness of 3 mm.
- fittings 23 , 23 are screw fittings to which the alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 are screw fitted.
- fittings 23 , 23 could be push fittings to which the alignment beam generator units 13 are push fitted.
- the coupling element 21 includes a screw-threaded bore 28 for receiving a screw-threaded shaft 49 of a locking member 48 , as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
- the boss member 25 includes front and rear faces 31 , 33 , where the front face 31 is configured such as to abut a rear surface of the head member 17 , a recess 35 , in this embodiment a cylindrical recess, which is disposed in one, the front face 31 thereof and is of complementary shape to the coupling element 21 at the rear of the head member 17 , such that the boss member 25 is rotatable relative to the head member 17 in a first vertical plane, which is substantially parallel to the striking face 19 of the head member 17 , thereby enabling adjustment of the lie angle of the head member 17 relative to the shaft assembly 5 , and a clearance aperture 37 which extends through the rear face 33 in correspondence with the screw-threaded bore 28 in the coupling element 21 , such as to allow the screw-threaded shaft 49 of the locking member 48 to extend therethrough.
- the boss member 25 further includes a bore 41 , in this embodiment a cylindrical bore, which is disposed in the upper end thereof for fixedly receiving the lower, distal end of the shaft assembly 5 .
- the alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 each comprise a housing 42 which is fitted to a respective one of the fittings 23 , 23 , and an alignment beam generator 43 which is housed, here as a close sliding fit, within the housing 42 , such as to provide for the generation of an alignment beam AB which is centred on the longitudinal axis of the housing 42 .
- the housing 42 and the alignment beam generator 43 could be provided as a single integral unit.
- the housing 42 includes an elongate cavity 44 in which the alignment beam generator 43 is housed, here as a close slideable fit, such as to ensure the centring of the alignment beam generator 43 on the longitudinal axis of the housing 42 .
- the cavity 44 includes an internal flange 45 which is configured to actuate a switch 47 of the alignment beam generator 43 when the alignment beam generator 43 is biased into the cavity 44 on fitting the housing 42 to one of the fittings 23 of the putter head 17 .
- the housing 42 includes a fitting 46 , here a screw fitting, at one, the forward, end thereof which is counterpart to the fittings 23 , 23 of the putter head 17 , by means of which the housing 42 is fitted to the putter head 17 .
- the alignment beam generator 43 includes a switch 47 in a surface thereof, here a lateral surface thereof, which is actuated by engagement with the internal flange 45 within the cavity 44 of the housing 42 when the housing 42 is fitted to one of the fittings 23 , 23 .
- the alignment beam generator 43 can in this embodiment be switched on and off simply by rotating the housing 42 , thereby avoiding the need to remove the alignment, beam generator units 13 , 13 from the putter head 17 .
- the head unit 7 further comprises a locking member 48 for locking the boss member 25 in a desired angular position relative to the head member 17 .
- the locking member 48 comprises a screw-threaded shaft 49 which extends through the clearance aperture 37 in the rear face 33 of the boss member 25 and is threadedly engaged with the screw-threaded bore 28 in the coupling element 21 , a knob 50 which is attached to one, the rear, end of the screw-threaded shaft 49 , such as to provide for rotation of the screw-threaded shaft 49 , and a biasing element 51 which is located about the screw-threaded shaft 49 at the forward end of the knob 50 , such as to bias the boss member 25 against the rear surface of the head member 17 .
- the biasing element 51 comprises first and second washers 52 , 53 and a spring 55 , in this embodiment a spring washer, which is disposed between the washers 52 , 53 , such as to bias apart the washers 52 , 53 and thereby promote the frictional engagement between the rear surface of the head member 17 and the front face 31 of the boss member 25 .
- the biasing element 51 could be formed from a resilient material, such as a rubber material.
- biasing element 51 could be replaced by a spacer element which acts frictionally to engage the forward end of the knob 50 and the rear face 33 of the boss member 25 .
- the locking member 48 can be loosened to allow the lie of the shaft assembly 5 to be set relative to the head member 17 and subsequently tightened to lock the boss member 25 , and hence the shaft assembly 5 as connected thereto, to the head member 17 , such as to fix the lie angle of the shaft assembly 5 relative to the head member 17 .
- the shaft assembly 5 comprises a shaft 61 , one, the lower, end of which is connected, in this embodiment fixedly connected, to the bore 41 in the boss member 25 , and a grip unit 63 which is disposed to the other, upper end of the shaft 61 by which a user grips the golf fitting putter 1 .
- the shaft 61 includes first and second oppositely-directed axial slot sections 65 , 67 which extend axially along a length of the shaft 61 at one, the upper, end thereof, and are configured captively to receive a locking element 83 of a grip locking member 75 when the grip unit 63 is in a respective one of a left-handed or right-handed configuration, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
- the shaft 61 further includes a circumferential slot section 69 , in this embodiment semi-circular, which interconnects the first and second axial slot sections 65 , 67 , in this embodiment at the upper ends thereof, such as to allow the locking element 85 of the grip locking member 75 to be moved selectively between the first and second axial slot sections 65 , 67 , and thereby enable the grip unit 63 to be moved between the left-handed and right-handed configurations.
- a circumferential slot section 69 in this embodiment semi-circular, which interconnects the first and second axial slot sections 65 , 67 , in this embodiment at the upper ends thereof, such as to allow the locking element 85 of the grip locking member 75 to be moved selectively between the first and second axial slot sections 65 , 67 , and thereby enable the grip unit 63 to be moved between the left-handed and right-handed configurations.
- the shaft 61 further includes a graduated scale 71 , here marked in the imperial scale of inches which is still the measurement of choice in the golf industry, though it will be understood that any measurement unit could be employed.
- the graduated scale 71 enables the required length of the shaft 61 to be determined without recourse to the use of any other measuring device.
- the grip unit 63 comprises a grip member 73 , which is slideably mounted to the shaft 61 such as to be movable axially therealong, and a grip locking member 75 , which is operable to allow for locking of the grip unit 63 in a desired position relative to the shaft 61 .
- the grip member 73 includes a bore 77 which receives the shaft 61 and a collar 79 , which is disposed to one, the lower, end of the grip member 73 and includes a screw-threaded through bore 81 , which receives a locking element of the grip locking member 75 , as will be described in more detail hereinbelow.
- the grip locking member 73 comprises a screw-threaded, locking element 83 which is threadedly engaged with the screw-threaded bore 81 in the grip member 73 , and a knob 85 which is attached to one, the outer end of the locking element 83 , such as to provide for rotation of the locking element 83 and frictional engagement between the distal end of the locking element 83 and the shaft 61 , such as to lock the grip unit 63 in a desired position axially relative to the shaft 61 .
- the distal end of the locking element 83 can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastics material, so as to facilitate, when desired, the free movement of the locking element 83 within the axial and circumferential slot sections 65 , 67 , 69 .
- the grip locking member 75 can be loosened to allow the position of the grip unit 63 on the shaft 61 to be set to a desired height, and subsequently tightened to lock the grip unit 63 to the shaft 61 , such as to fix the effective length of the shaft 61 , in terms of the separation of the head member 17 from the grip member 73 .
- this configuration allows the grip unit 63 to be set to either one of a left-handed or right-handed configuration. This is achieved by first loosening the grip locking member 75 , through operation of the knob 85 , and raising the grip unit 63 to the uppermost position on the shaft 61 , such that the grip locking member 75 is drawn to the upper end of the one of the axial slot sections 65 , 67 , in which position the locking element 83 of the grip locking member 75 is located at the circumferential slot section 69 in the shaft 61 .
- FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the configuration of the golf fitting putter 1 for left-handed and right-handed fitting, respectively.
- the golf fitting putter 1 allows for adjustment of the loft angle of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17 .
- the boss member 25 instead of including a bore 41 in which the distal end of the shaft 61 is fixedly connected, further comprises a pivotable support coupling 91 to which the distal end of the shaft 61 is connected, such as to allow for adjustment of the loft angle of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17 .
- the support coupling 91 comprises a support element 93 , here a pair of parallel, opposed supporting arms 95 , 97 which extend from the upper end of the boss member 25 , and a connector element 99 which is pivotally coupled between the supporting arms 95 , 97 about a pivot 101 , where the ends of the pivot 101 are located in respective ones of the supporting arms 95 , 97 .
- the connector element 99 comprises a first, lower section 105 which is of a square section and configured to be a tight interference fit between the supporting arms 95 , 97 , such as to require the application of a predetermined force to cause the pivoting of the connector element 99 relative to the supporting arms 95 , 97 , and a second, upper section 107 , here of a cylindrical section, over which the distal end of the shaft 61 is fitted.
- the boss member 25 further includes a loft angle indicator 109 , here an angular measurement scale, for measuring the loft angle of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17 .
- the loft angle indicator 109 is attached to the support element 93 .
- the golf fitting putter 1 allows for adjustment of the offset of the shaft 61 relative to the putting face 19 of the head member 17 , for example, through the use of spacer elements.
- the alignment screen 2 here in the form of an upstanding plate, includes two spaced alignment marks 121 , 123 , as defined by a horizontal line and two spaced vertical lines, which represent the required alignment of the golf fitting putter 1 and are intended to be aligned with the alignment beams AB generated by the alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 of the golf fitting putter 1 .
- the alignment beams AB are not aligned with the alignment marks 121 , 123 , either horizontally or vertically, the lie and/or loft of the head member 17 of the golf fitting putter 1 is adjusted as described hereinabove to provide the required alignment of the golf fitting putter 1 .
- the fitting system of the present invention is described in relation to a golf fitting putter 1
- the fitting system also has application in relation to fitted putters, where the user can check his/her alignment of the fitted putter and as a teaching aid.
- the fittings 23 , 23 of the putter head unit 7 to which the alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 are fitted, normally have weights fitted thereto, and these weights are removed to allow fitting of the alignment beam generator units 13 , 13 .
- the bore 77 of the grip member 73 can be formed of a material of a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastics material, so as to facilitate the free movement of the grip unit 63 over the shaft 61 .
- the bore 77 of the grip member 73 could include one or more annular elements of such a material.
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Golf Clubs (AREA)
Abstract
A golf putter, comprising: a head assembly which includes a putting head which has a striking face, and at least one alignment beam generator unit which includes an alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam; and a shaft assembly which comprises a shaft which is connected to the head assembly and a grip unit by which a user grips the fitting device.
Description
- The present invention relates to golf putters, and particularly an alignment aid in the custom fitting of golf putters to the requirements of individual users, where either left or right handed, and as a teaching tool.
- It is important that a golf putter, whose purpose is to propel a golf ball along the ground of a prepared surface, referred to as a green, provides a consistent strike and thus imparts consistent momentum to the golf ball.
- This momentum is transferred from the golf putter to the golf ball by the movement of the putter head when swung by the golfer. It is a requirement that this momentum be transferred consistently to the golf ball for a given force of impact, as otherwise a variable amount of momentum will be transferred, causing the golf ball to be propelled a variable distance.
- Certain other characteristics are also desirable, particularly that the golf putter should not twist in the hands as the golf ball is struck. If the point of contact is away from the “sweet spot” of the golf putter, the putter head, which is disposed at right angles to the intended line of the golf ball, will twist away from the intended line of the golf ball and the golf ball will not be propelled in the correct direction. The “sweet spot” is normally found by tapping the face of the putter head when the golf putter is held in the finger tips at the end of the grip and the golf putter hangs vertically downwards. If the putting face is tapped near the toe or heel on conventionally-balanced golf putters, then the putting face will twist in one of the respective directions. If the putting face does not deflect off axis when so tapped, then the “sweet spot” has been found.
- It is also desirable to provide that the “sweet spot” of the golf putter is in line with the shaft of the golf putter, as this configuration minimizes the possibility of twisting.
- Good putting is possible only if the golfer has a good putting technique based on good putting mechanics. In order to have a solid, repetitive putting stroke, the golfer's eyes should be over the golf ball and the golfer's hands need to be below the shoulders, and, in order to meet these requirements, the golf putter should be made such as to fit the physical characteristics of the golfer precisely.
- Complying with these principles allows a golfer to move his/her hands and the putter head along the intended line of the golf ball towards and past the hole, thereby allowing the putter head to stay at right angles to that line for as long as possible.
- The fitting device of the present invention has been developed to enable golf putters to be custom fitted to golfers, in particular to be made to the correct length and to have the correct lie. The lie is defined as the angle between the putter head and the shaft. If the lie angle is too small, the golfer will find it difficult to position the putter head under his/her eyes without the toe of the golf putter being raised from the ground. Conversely, if the lie angle is too great, then the heel of the putter will be raised from the ground. In both instances, hitting the ground with either the heel or the toe of the golf putter before hitting the golf ball, would result in the golf putter being twisted off the intended line of the golf ball and the golf ball being propelled dramatically off line.
- Furthermore, in order to ensure that the shaft of a golf putter is of the correct length, an adjustable shaft is provided which allows the eyes of the golfer to be positioned over the golf ball and the hands of the golfer to be positioned below his/her shoulders. The lie angle can then be adjusted to ensure that the head of the golf putter is flat to the ground.
- It is an aim of the present invention to allow for custom fitting of golf putters to golfers, in which both the length of the golf putters and the lie angle of the golf putters can be configured to suit the golfers.
- In one aspect the present invention provides a golf putter, comprising: a head assembly which includes a putting head which has a striking face, and at least one alignment beam generator unit which includes an alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam; and a shaft assembly which comprises a shaft which is connected to the head assembly and a grip unit by which a user grips the fitting device.
- In one embodiment the golf putter is a golf fitting putter.
- In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam is projected forwardly of the striking face of the putting head.
- In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam is projected substantially perpendicular to the striking face of the putting head.
- In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam is projected through the striking face of the putting head.
- In one embodiment the putting head includes at least one fitting and each alignment beam generator unit includes a counterpart fitting, by which the at least one alignment beam generator unit is removably fitted to the putting head.
- In one embodiment the fittings comprise screw fittings.
- In one embodiment the at least one fitting on the putting head includes a through bore through which the respective alignment beam is projected.
- In one embodiment the at least one fitting on the putting head includes a window element which closes the through bore.
- In one embodiment the alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer.
- In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate the alignment beam generator when the at least one alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to the putting head.
- In one embodiment the at least one alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to the putting head, and the switch is actuated/de-actuated by rotation of the at least one alignment beam generator unit.
- In one embodiment the head assembly includes first and second alignment beam generator units for generating first and second spaced alignment beams.
- In one embodiment the first and second alignment beam generator units are located towards opposite ends of the striking face of the putting head.
- In another aspect the present invention provides a golf putter system, comprising: the above-described golf putter; and an alignment screen which includes at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam is projected.
- In one embodiment the alignment screen comprises first and second spaced alignment marks.
- In one embodiment the alignment marks are provided by a horizontal line and first and second spaced vertical lines.
- In a further aspect the present invention provides a method of fitting a golf putter using the above-described golf putter system.
- In a still further aspect the present invention provides a method of training a golf putting stroke using the above-described golf putter system.
- In yet another aspect the present invention provides an alignment beam generator unit for fitting to a putting head of a golf putter, wherein the alignment beam generator unit comprises a housing which includes a fitting for fitting to a counterpart fitting of the putting head and an alignment beam generator housed within the housing.
- In one embodiment the alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate the alignment beam generator when the alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to the putting head.
- In one embodiment the alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to the putting head, and the switch is actuated/de-actuated by rotation of the alignment beam generator unit.
- In one embodiment the alignment beam generator is a sliding fit within the housing, and the housing includes an internal flange which is configured to actuate the switch when the alignment beam generator is biased into the housing on fitting the alignment beam generator unit to the fitting of the putting head.
- In another embodiment the housing and the alignment beam generator are provided as a single, fixed integral unit.
- In one embodiment the alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer.
- Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described hereinbelow by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a rear view of a golf fitting putter of a golf putter fitting system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates a front view of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 illustrates one side view, in part section, of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 illustrates the other side view, in part section, of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 illustrates a plan view of the head assembly of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of detail A inFIG. 5 ; -
FIGS. 7( a) to (d) illustrate, in enlarged scale, front, rear, plan and vertical sectional views of the boss member of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8( a) illustrates a side view of the alignment unit of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8( b) illustrates an enlarged view of detail B inFIG. 8( a); -
FIG. 8( c) illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the alignment unit ofFIG. 8( a); -
FIG. 9 illustrates a part-sectional rear view of the shaft assembly of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 10( a) and (b) illustrate the steps in adjusting the length of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIGS. 11( a) to (c) illustrate the steps in re-configuring the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 between the left-handed and right-handed configurations; -
FIG. 12 illustrates a rear view of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 in a left-handed configuration; -
FIG. 13 illustrates a rear view of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 in a right-handed configuration; -
FIGS. 14( a) to (d) illustrate, in enlarged scale, front, rear, plan and vertical sectional views of a boss member in accordance with one embodiment of the golf fitting putter ofFIG. 1 ; and -
FIG. 15 illustrates a front view of an alignment screen of a golf putter fitting system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. - The golf putter fitting system comprises a golf
fitting putter 1 and an alignment screen 2 for use with the golffitting putter 1. - The golf
fitting putter 1 comprises ahead assembly 3, and ashaft assembly 5 which is connected to thehead assembly 3 and by which a user grips the golffitting putter 1. - The
head assembly 3 comprises ahead unit 7 to which theshaft assembly 5 is connected, alie angle indicator 11, in this embodiment an angular scale, which is attached to thehead unit 7, in this embodiment byscrews 15, such as to enable measurement of the lie angle of thehead unit 7 relative to theshaft assembly 5, and first and second alignmentbeam generator units head unit 7, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 to 7 , thehead unit 7 comprises ahead member 17, which includes astriking face 19 which is used to strike a golf ball, acoupling element 21, in this embodiment a cylindrical projection, which extends rearwardly from thehead member 17, in this embodiment at a central position along the length thereof, and first andsecond fittings head member 17, for receiving respective ones of the first and second alignmentbeam generator units boss member 25 which is connected to theshaft assembly 5 and movably coupled to thehead member 17, such as to allow for adjustment of the lie angle of thehead member 17 relative to theshaft assembly 5. - In this embodiment the
fittings bore 26 through which the respective alignment beam AB is projected, and awindow element 27 which closes the throughbore 26 and is flush with thestriking face 19 of thehead member 17. In this embodiment thewindow element 27 is formed of sapphire glass and has a diameter of 5 mm and a thickness of 3 mm. - In this embodiment the
fittings beam generator units fittings beam generator units 13 are push fitted. - In this embodiment the
coupling element 21 includes a screw-threadedbore 28 for receiving a screw-threadedshaft 49 of a lockingmember 48, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. - In this embodiment the
boss member 25 includes front and rear faces 31, 33, where thefront face 31 is configured such as to abut a rear surface of thehead member 17, arecess 35, in this embodiment a cylindrical recess, which is disposed in one, thefront face 31 thereof and is of complementary shape to thecoupling element 21 at the rear of thehead member 17, such that theboss member 25 is rotatable relative to thehead member 17 in a first vertical plane, which is substantially parallel to thestriking face 19 of thehead member 17, thereby enabling adjustment of the lie angle of thehead member 17 relative to theshaft assembly 5, and aclearance aperture 37 which extends through therear face 33 in correspondence with the screw-threadedbore 28 in thecoupling element 21, such as to allow the screw-threadedshaft 49 of the lockingmember 48 to extend therethrough. - In this embodiment the
boss member 25 further includes abore 41, in this embodiment a cylindrical bore, which is disposed in the upper end thereof for fixedly receiving the lower, distal end of theshaft assembly 5. - In this embodiment, as particularly illustrated in
FIGS. 8( a) to (c), the alignmentbeam generator units housing 42 which is fitted to a respective one of thefittings alignment beam generator 43 which is housed, here as a close sliding fit, within thehousing 42, such as to provide for the generation of an alignment beam AB which is centred on the longitudinal axis of thehousing 42. In an alternative embodiment thehousing 42 and thealignment beam generator 43 could be provided as a single integral unit. - In this embodiment the
housing 42 includes anelongate cavity 44 in which thealignment beam generator 43 is housed, here as a close slideable fit, such as to ensure the centring of thealignment beam generator 43 on the longitudinal axis of thehousing 42. - In this embodiment the
cavity 44 includes an internal flange 45 which is configured to actuate aswitch 47 of thealignment beam generator 43 when thealignment beam generator 43 is biased into thecavity 44 on fitting thehousing 42 to one of thefittings 23 of theputter head 17. - In this embodiment the
housing 42 includes a fitting 46, here a screw fitting, at one, the forward, end thereof which is counterpart to thefittings putter head 17, by means of which thehousing 42 is fitted to theputter head 17. - In this embodiment, as particularly illustrated in
FIG. 8( c), thealignment beam generator 43 includes aswitch 47 in a surface thereof, here a lateral surface thereof, which is actuated by engagement with the internal flange 45 within thecavity 44 of thehousing 42 when thehousing 42 is fitted to one of thefittings alignment beam generator 43 can in this embodiment be switched on and off simply by rotating thehousing 42, thereby avoiding the need to remove the alignment,beam generator units putter head 17. - The
head unit 7 further comprises a lockingmember 48 for locking theboss member 25 in a desired angular position relative to thehead member 17. In this embodiment the lockingmember 48 comprises a screw-threadedshaft 49 which extends through theclearance aperture 37 in therear face 33 of theboss member 25 and is threadedly engaged with the screw-threadedbore 28 in thecoupling element 21, aknob 50 which is attached to one, the rear, end of the screw-threadedshaft 49, such as to provide for rotation of the screw-threadedshaft 49, and a biasingelement 51 which is located about the screw-threadedshaft 49 at the forward end of theknob 50, such as to bias theboss member 25 against the rear surface of thehead member 17. - In this embodiment, referring particularly to
FIG. 6 , the biasingelement 51 comprises first andsecond washers spring 55, in this embodiment a spring washer, which is disposed between thewashers washers head member 17 and thefront face 31 of theboss member 25. - In another embodiment the biasing
element 51 could be formed from a resilient material, such as a rubber material. - In an alternative embodiment the biasing
element 51 could be replaced by a spacer element which acts frictionally to engage the forward end of theknob 50 and therear face 33 of theboss member 25. - With this configuration, through operation of the
knob 50, the lockingmember 48 can be loosened to allow the lie of theshaft assembly 5 to be set relative to thehead member 17 and subsequently tightened to lock theboss member 25, and hence theshaft assembly 5 as connected thereto, to thehead member 17, such as to fix the lie angle of theshaft assembly 5 relative to thehead member 17. - Referring particularly to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , theshaft assembly 5 comprises ashaft 61, one, the lower, end of which is connected, in this embodiment fixedly connected, to thebore 41 in theboss member 25, and agrip unit 63 which is disposed to the other, upper end of theshaft 61 by which a user grips the golffitting putter 1. - The
shaft 61 includes first and second oppositely-directedaxial slot sections shaft 61 at one, the upper, end thereof, and are configured captively to receive a locking element 83 of agrip locking member 75 when thegrip unit 63 is in a respective one of a left-handed or right-handed configuration, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , theshaft 61 further includes a circumferential slot section 69, in this embodiment semi-circular, which interconnects the first and secondaxial slot sections element 85 of thegrip locking member 75 to be moved selectively between the first and secondaxial slot sections grip unit 63 to be moved between the left-handed and right-handed configurations. - In this embodiment the
shaft 61 further includes a graduatedscale 71, here marked in the imperial scale of inches which is still the measurement of choice in the golf industry, though it will be understood that any measurement unit could be employed. In this embodiment the graduatedscale 71 enables the required length of theshaft 61 to be determined without recourse to the use of any other measuring device. - The
grip unit 63 comprises agrip member 73, which is slideably mounted to theshaft 61 such as to be movable axially therealong, and agrip locking member 75, which is operable to allow for locking of thegrip unit 63 in a desired position relative to theshaft 61. - The
grip member 73 includes a bore 77 which receives theshaft 61 and a collar 79, which is disposed to one, the lower, end of thegrip member 73 and includes a screw-threaded through bore 81, which receives a locking element of thegrip locking member 75, as will be described in more detail hereinbelow. - In this embodiment the
grip locking member 73 comprises a screw-threaded, locking element 83 which is threadedly engaged with the screw-threaded bore 81 in thegrip member 73, and aknob 85 which is attached to one, the outer end of the locking element 83, such as to provide for rotation of the locking element 83 and frictional engagement between the distal end of the locking element 83 and theshaft 61, such as to lock thegrip unit 63 in a desired position axially relative to theshaft 61. In this embodiment the distal end of the locking element 83 can be formed of a material having a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastics material, so as to facilitate, when desired, the free movement of the locking element 83 within the axial andcircumferential slot sections - With this configuration, as illustrated in
FIGS. 10( a) and (b), through operation of theknob 85, thegrip locking member 75 can be loosened to allow the position of thegrip unit 63 on theshaft 61 to be set to a desired height, and subsequently tightened to lock thegrip unit 63 to theshaft 61, such as to fix the effective length of theshaft 61, in terms of the separation of thehead member 17 from thegrip member 73. - Also, as illustrated in
FIGS. 11( a) to (c), this configuration allows thegrip unit 63 to be set to either one of a left-handed or right-handed configuration. This is achieved by first loosening thegrip locking member 75, through operation of theknob 85, and raising thegrip unit 63 to the uppermost position on theshaft 61, such that thegrip locking member 75 is drawn to the upper end of the one of theaxial slot sections grip locking member 75 is located at the circumferential slot section 69 in theshaft 61. Thegrip unit 63 is then rotated through 180 degrees about theshaft 61, such that thegrip locking member 75 is in a position corresponding to the upper end of the other one of theaxial slot sections grip unit 63 is then lowered, such that the locking element 83 of thegrip locking member 75 passes down the other one of theaxial slot sections grip unit 63 can then be adjusted on theshaft 61, and thegrip locking member 75 subsequently tightened to lock thegrip unit 63 to theshaft 61, such as to fix the effective length of theshaft 61, in terms of the separation of thehead member 17 from thegrip member 73.FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the configuration of the golffitting putter 1 for left-handed and right-handed fitting, respectively. - In one embodiment, as illustrated in
FIGS. 14( a) to (d), the golffitting putter 1 allows for adjustment of the loft angle of theshaft 61 relative to the puttingface 19 of thehead member 17. - In this embodiment the
boss member 25, instead of including abore 41 in which the distal end of theshaft 61 is fixedly connected, further comprises apivotable support coupling 91 to which the distal end of theshaft 61 is connected, such as to allow for adjustment of the loft angle of theshaft 61 relative to the puttingface 19 of thehead member 17. - In this embodiment the
support coupling 91 comprises asupport element 93, here a pair of parallel, opposed supportingarms boss member 25, and aconnector element 99 which is pivotally coupled between the supportingarms pivot 101, where the ends of thepivot 101 are located in respective ones of the supportingarms - In this embodiment the
connector element 99 comprises a first,lower section 105 which is of a square section and configured to be a tight interference fit between the supportingarms connector element 99 relative to the supportingarms upper section 107, here of a cylindrical section, over which the distal end of theshaft 61 is fitted. - In this embodiment the
boss member 25 further includes aloft angle indicator 109, here an angular measurement scale, for measuring the loft angle of theshaft 61 relative to the puttingface 19 of thehead member 17. In this embodiment theloft angle indicator 109 is attached to thesupport element 93. - In a further embodiment, the golf
fitting putter 1 allows for adjustment of the offset of theshaft 61 relative to the puttingface 19 of thehead member 17, for example, through the use of spacer elements. - In this embodiment the alignment screen 2, here in the form of an upstanding plate, includes two spaced alignment marks 121, 123, as defined by a horizontal line and two spaced vertical lines, which represent the required alignment of the golf
fitting putter 1 and are intended to be aligned with the alignment beams AB generated by the alignmentbeam generator units fitting putter 1. Where the alignment beams AB are not aligned with the alignment marks 121, 123, either horizontally or vertically, the lie and/or loft of thehead member 17 of the golffitting putter 1 is adjusted as described hereinabove to provide the required alignment of the golffitting putter 1. - Finally, it will be understood that the present invention has been described in its preferred embodiments and can be modified in many different ways without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
- For example, although the fitting system of the present invention is described in relation to a golf
fitting putter 1, the fitting system also has application in relation to fitted putters, where the user can check his/her alignment of the fitted putter and as a teaching aid. In fitted putters, thefittings putter head unit 7, to which the alignmentbeam generator units beam generator units - Further, in one modification the bore 77 of the
grip member 73 can be formed of a material of a low coefficient of friction, such as a plastics material, so as to facilitate the free movement of thegrip unit 63 over theshaft 61. Alternatively, the bore 77 of thegrip member 73 could include one or more annular elements of such a material.
Claims (25)
1. A golf putter, comprising:
a head assembly with a putting head having a striking face and at least one alignment beam generator unit with an alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam; and
a shaft assembly with a shaft connected to said head assembly and a grip unit by which a user grips said golf putter.
2. The golf putter of claim 1 , wherein said golf putter is a golf fitting putter.
3. The golf putter of claim 1 , wherein said alignment beam of said at least one alignment beam generator unit is projected forwardly of said striking face of said putting head.
4. The golf putter of claim 3 , wherein said alignment beam of said at least one alignment beam generator unit is projected substantially perpendicular to said striking face of said putting head.
5. The golf putter of claim 3 , wherein said alignment beam of said at least one alignment beam generator unit is projected through said striking face of said putting head.
6. The golf putter of claim 1 , wherein said putting head includes at least one fitting and each of alignment beam generator unit includes a counterpart fitting, by which said at least one alignment beam generator unit is removably fitted to said putting head.
7. The golf putter of claim 6 , wherein said fittings comprise screw fittings.
8. The golf putter of claim 6 , wherein said at least one fitting on said putting head includes a through bore through which said alignment beam of a respective one of said at least one alignment beam generator units is projected.
9. The golf putter of claim 8 , wherein said at least one fitting on said putting head includes a window element which closes said through bore.
10. The golf putter of claim 1 , wherein said alignment beam generator comprises a laser pointer.
11. The golf putter of claim 1 , wherein said at least one alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate said alignment beam generator when said at least one alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to said putting head.
12. The golf putter of claim 11 , wherein said at least one alignment beam generator unit is screw fitted to said putting head, and said switch is actuated or de-actuated by rotation of said at least one alignment beam generator unit.
13. The golf putter of claim 1 , wherein said head assembly includes first and second alignment beam generator units for generating first and second spaced alignment beams, said first and second alignment beam generator units being located towards opposite ends of said striking face of said putting head.
14. (canceled)
15. A golf putter system, comprising:
the golf putter of claim 1 ; and
an alignment screen which includes at least one alignment mark onto which said alignment beam of said at least one alignment beam generator unit is projected.
16. The golf putter system of claim 15 , wherein said alignment screen comprises first and second spaced alignment marks.
17. The golf putter system of claim 15 , wherein said alignment marks are provided by a horizontal line and first and second spaced vertical lines.
18. (canceled)
19. (canceled)
20. An alignment beam generator unit for fitting to a putting head of a golf putter, wherein said alignment beam generator unit comprises a housing which includes a fitting for fitting to a counterpart fitting of said putting head and an alignment beam generator housed within said housing.
21. The unit of claim 20 , wherein said alignment beam generator unit includes a switch which is actuated to actuate said alignment beam generator when said alignment beam generator unit is operably fitted to said putting head, said alignment beam generator unit being screw fitted to said putting head, and said switch being actuated or de-actuated by rotation of said alignment beam generator unit.
22. (canceled)
23. The unit of claim 20 , wherein said alignment beam generator is a sliding fit within said housing, and said housing includes an internal flange which is configured to actuate said switch when said alignment beam generator is biased into said housing on fitting said alignment beam generator unit to said fitting of said putting head.
24. The unit of claim 17 , wherein said housing and said alignment beam generator are provided as a single, fixed integral unit.
25. (canceled)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0808268A GB2459861A (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2008-05-07 | Laser alignment aid for custom fitting golf putters |
GB0808268.7 | 2008-05-07 | ||
PCT/GB2009/001133 WO2010063983A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-05-07 | Golf putters |
Publications (1)
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US20110124430A1 true US20110124430A1 (en) | 2011-05-26 |
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US12/991,549 Abandoned US20110124430A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2009-05-07 | Golf putters |
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EP (1) | EP2323739A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2459861A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010063983A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
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US20110230275A1 (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2011-09-22 | David Raymond Hicks | Golf putters |
USD665471S1 (en) | 2012-03-22 | 2012-08-14 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Collar clamp for sports equipment |
US20160096090A1 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2016-04-07 | Acushnet Company | Club length adjustment device |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB2480871A (en) * | 2010-06-04 | 2011-12-07 | Dave Hicks Golf Ltd | A golf head means to receive a shaft in a plurality of different offset positions |
CN104874158A (en) * | 2015-06-06 | 2015-09-02 | 衡阳市嘉励运动器材有限公司 | Golf club assembling and aligning device |
CN106711608B (en) * | 2016-11-29 | 2023-05-12 | 广东通宇通讯股份有限公司 | Antenna transmission device and adjusting knob thereof |
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US20110230275A1 (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2011-09-22 | David Raymond Hicks | Golf putters |
US20100267460A1 (en) * | 2009-02-27 | 2010-10-21 | Kuhlman Jr John A | Laser Golf Alignment Device and Method |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110230275A1 (en) * | 2008-05-07 | 2011-09-22 | David Raymond Hicks | Golf putters |
USD665471S1 (en) | 2012-03-22 | 2012-08-14 | Karsten Manufacturing Corporation | Collar clamp for sports equipment |
US20160096090A1 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2016-04-07 | Acushnet Company | Club length adjustment device |
US9901795B2 (en) * | 2013-11-01 | 2018-02-27 | Acushnet Company | Club length adjustment device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2010063983A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
GB0808268D0 (en) | 2008-06-11 |
EP2323739A1 (en) | 2011-05-25 |
GB2459861A (en) | 2009-11-11 |
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