US20130178307A1

US20130178307A1 - Golf Putter Systems

Info

Publication number: US20130178307A1
Application number: US13/727,132
Authority: US
Inventors: Kurt George Wicketts
Original assignee: W Cubed LLC
Current assignee: W Cubed LLC
Priority date: 2012-01-09
Filing date: 2012-12-26
Publication date: 2013-07-11

Abstract

A system of user-customizable golf putters. The system provides golf putters having replaceable, removable handles, multi-part modular head components, and adjustments for the handles in relation to the club heads, including adjustable handle-positioners.

Description

This non-provisional application is a conversion of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/584,542.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing a system for improved golf putters. More particularly, this invention relates to providing a system of user-customizable golf putters.
Proficient golfers would like to customize their putter to fit their particular putting stroke. For most participants of the sport, acquiring such a “custom” golf putter is prohibitively expensive.

OBJECTS AND FEATURES OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide a system overcoming the above-mentioned problem(s).
It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system providing a golf putter having a replaceable, removable handle, multi-part modular head components, and adjustments for the handle in relation to the club head, including an adjustable handle-positioner.
A further primary object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a system that is efficient, inexpensive, and handy. Other objects and features of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising: at least one club head structured and arranged to strike the golf ball, such at least one club head comprising at least one toe portion and at least one heel portion; at least one club shaft structured and arranged to assist hand manipulation of such at least one club head while a user stands adjacent the golf ball in a generally upright position; at least one adjustable coupler structured and arranged to adjustably couple such at least one club head with such at least one club shaft; and at least one releasable lock structured and arranged to releseably lock such at least one club shaft in a user-selected position relative to such at least one club head; wherein such at least one club shaft, when adjustably coupled with such at least one club head, comprises at least one first continuous freedom of movement, relative to such at least one club head, along at least one defined path extending continuously between such at least one toe portion and such at least one heel portion of such at least one club head, and at least one second continuous freedom of movement, relative to such at least one club head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one portion of such at least one club head; and wherein such at least one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to contemporaneously lock such at least one club shaft to prevent both such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such at least one club head.
Moreover, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one club shaft comprises at least one hand grippable shaft end and at least one distal shaft end located generally opposite such at least one hand grippable shaft end; and such at least one club head comprises at least one face portion having at least one strike face structured and arranged to strike the golf ball during a putt, and at least one shaft-end receiver structured and arranged to receive such at least one distal shaft end of such at least one club shaft. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one club head further comprises: at least one back portion structured and arranged to be removably coupled with such at least one face portion; and at least one back-portion coupler structured and arranged to firmly couple such at least one back portion with such at least one face portion. Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one releasable lock comprises: at least one clamp assembly structured and arranged to firmly clamp such at least one club shaft between such at least one face portion and such at least one back portion; wherein such at least one clamp comprises at least one adjustable compressor structured and arranged to adjustably compress such at least one face portion and such at least one back portion against such at least one club shaft; wherein such adjustable compression by such at least one clamp contemporaneously locks such at least one club shaft to prevent both such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such at least one club head.
In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one adjustable compressor comprises such at least one back-portion coupler. And, it provides such a system wherein such at least one back-portion coupler comprises at least one threaded fastener structured and arranged to engage at least one threaded receiver of such at least one club head. Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one face portion comprise at least one first component set containing at least two such at least one face portions, each such at least one face portion of such at least one first component set comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of such at least one first component set.
Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one particular physical characteristic of such at least one face portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other member of such at least one first component set. Moreover, it provides such a system wherein such at least one particular physical characteristic of such at least one face portion comprises such at least one strike face having a strike face-geometry distinct from each other member of such at least one first component set. Additionally, it provides such a system wherein such at least one back portion comprise at least one second component set containing at least two such at least one back portions, each such at least one back portion of such at least one second component set comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of such at least one second component set.
Also, it provides such a system wherein such at least one particular physical characteristic of such at least one back portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other member of such at least one second component set. In addition, it provides such a system wherein such at least one club shaft comprise at least one third component set containing at least two such at least one club shafts, each such at least one club shaft of such at least one third component set comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of such at least one third component set. And, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one distal shaft end comprises at least one shaft offset structured and arranged to offset such at least one club head from such at least one principal axis of such at least one club shaft; such at least one particular physical characteristic of such at least one club shaft comprises such at least one shaft offset; and each such at least one club shaft comprises at least one such at least one shaft offset distinct from each other member of such at least one third component set.
Further, it provides such a system wherein: such at least one continuous defined path comprises at least one linear slot; and such at least one distal shaft end comprises at least one projecting engager structured and arranged to movably engage such at least one linear slot. Even further, it provides such a system further comprising guide indicia structured and arranged to assist in visually guiding user operation during such putt. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one face portion comprise at least one sole portion at least partially extending under such at least one back portion during use.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising: at least one club head and at least one club shaft, such at least one club shaft structured and arranged to be adjustably joined with such at least one club head; wherein such at least one club shaft comprises at least one hand-grippable portion, and at least one hosel end structured and arranged to be engagable with such at least one club head; wherein such at least one club head comprises at least one face portion having at least one strike face structured and arranged to strike the golf ball, at least one shaft-end receiver structured and arranged to receive such at least one hosel end of such at least one club shaft, and at least one releasable lock structured and arranged to releseably lock such at least one club shaft relative to such at least one club head; wherein such at least one club shaft, when adjustably joined with such at least one club head, comprises at least one continuous translational movement, relative to such at least one club head, along at least one linear axis extending between at least one toe portion and at least one heel portion of such at least one club head, and at least one continuous rotational movement, relative to such at least one club head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one portion of such at least one club head; and wherein such at least one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to contemporaneously lock such at least one club shaft to prevent both such continuous translational movement and such at least one continuous rotational movement relative to such at least one club head.
In accordance with another preferred embodiment hereof, this invention provides a system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising: ball striker means for striking the golf ball, such ball striker means comprising at least one toe portion and at least one heel portion; hand manipulator means for assisting hand manipulation of such ball striker means while a user stands adjacent the golf ball in a generally upright position; adjustable joiner means for adjustably joining such ball striker means with such hand manipulator means; releasable locker means for releseably locking such hand manipulator means in a user-selected position relative to such ball striker means; wherein such hand manipulator means, when adjustably joined with such ball striker means, comprises at least one first continuous freedom of movement, relative to such ball striker means, along at least one defined path extending continuously between such at least one toe portion and such at least one heel portion of such ball striker means, and at least one second continuous freedom of movement, relative to such ball striker means, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one portion of such ball striker means; and wherein such releasable locker means contemporaneously locks such hand manipulator means to prevent both such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such ball striker means. In accordance with the preferred embodiments hereof, this invention provides each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating a golfer executing a putt utilizing a customizable golf putter, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, illustrating a preferred multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram, illustrating preferred freedoms of movement of a club shaft relative to a club head of the customizable golf putter, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows an exploded view, of multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 shows a rear elevational view, of a continuous guide slot, located within a face portion of an alternate club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view, illustrating an alternate multi-part club head, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a top view, illustrating an alternate multi-part club head, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a rear view, illustrating the alternate multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 shows a rear view, in partial section, illustrating a continuous guide slot of the alternate multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 shows a side view, illustrating the alternate multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 shows a front view, illustrating the alternate multi-part club head, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 8.

FIG. 14 shows a diagram illustrating a series of modular components usable to produce one or more user-customized embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES AND PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view, illustrating a golfer 101 (at least embodying herein the player or user) executing a golf putt utilizing customizable golf putter 102, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The golf putter 102 depicted in FIG. 1 illustrates one preferred embodiment of golf putter system 100, which preferably provides a range of user-modifiable golf putters, each one having a user-selectable club shaft 104 adjustably coupled to a modular/multi-part club head 106. Preferred embodiments of golf putter system 100 preferably allow a user to fine-tune his or her game by optimizing the physical configuration of the club to best fit the specific preferences of the individual. Preferably, a user may assemble golf putter 102 by selecting from a preferred group of modular subcomponents of the system. The user may preferably test and re-select subcomponents until a suitable combination is achieved. After assembly, the user is preferably provided with a number of additional adjustments, thus allowing the user to further modify and refine the configuration of the apparatus to best match the player's needs.
Club shaft 104 preferably comprises a rigid or semi-rigid elongated shaft preferably configured to assist hand manipulation of club head 106 while golfer 101 stands adjacent golf ball 118 in a generally upright position, as shown (at least embodying herein hand manipulator means for assisting hand manipulation of such ball striker means while a user stands adjacent the golf ball in a generally upright position). Club shaft 104 preferably comprises an upper hand-grippable shaft end 113, lower distal shaft end 115 (located generally opposite hand-grippable shaft end 113), and a principal shaft axis 121 extending between hand-grippable shaft end 113 and distal shaft end 115, as shown.
FIG. 2 shows a perspective view, illustrating a preferred multi-part club head 106 adjustably coupled to the distal shaft end 115 of club shaft 104, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram, illustrating preferred freedoms-of-movement 108 of club shaft 104 relative to club head 106 of customizable golf putter 102, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1.
Referring first to FIG. 2, it is noted that the preferred geometries of the various assembled embodiments of club head 106 vary; however, each embodiment preferably includes a set of common features, preferably including a toe portion 110, heel portion 112, face portion 114 (having a strike face 116 to strike golf ball 118 during the putt), and at least one back portion 120, as shown (at least embodying herein ball striker means for striking the golf ball, such ball striker means comprising at least one toe portion and at least one heal portion).
Club head 106 is preferably joined with club shaft 104 in an adjustable manner. Customizable golf putter 102 preferably is configured to comprise a user-adjustable coupler 122 providing a means for coupling face portion 114 and back portion 120 in addition to enabling several important positional adjustments between club head 106 and club shaft 104.
Referring to FIG. 3, adjustable coupler 122 (at least embodying herein adjustable joiner means for adjustably joining such ball striker means with such hand manipulator means) preferably allows multiple adjustments to the configuration of customizable golf putter 102, preferably by enabling multiple freedoms of movements of club shaft 104 relative to club head 106. Preferably, a first continuous freedom of movement 124 enables selectable positioning of club shaft 104, relative to club head 106, along at least one defined path 128 extending generally between toe portion 110 and heel portion 112 of club head 106, as shown. This preferred adjustment feature enables a user to alter the position at which club shaft 104 engages club head 106. Preferably, the range of heel-to-toe adjustment varies with club-head design, but generally comprises an adjustment distance A of less than about four inches (about 10 centimeters). Thus, among other things, the heel-to-toe balance of club head 106, relative to the shaft-support point, may be altered to suit the preferences of a specific player.
A second continuous freedom of movement 126 preferably provides user adjustment to the lie angle of club shaft 104 relative to club head 106. More specifically, second continuous freedom of movement 126 preferably provides a user adjustment of angle of club shaft 104, relative to club head 106, along pivot axis 130, as shown. Preferably, pivot axis 130 comprises a position intersecting at least one portion of club head 106 and is preferably orientated generally transversely to the toe-heel axis 132 of club head 106. Preferably, the range of lie-angle adjustment varies with club-head design, but generally comprises an adjustment angle Q of less than about 90 degrees. It is noted that this preferred adjustment, in some preferred club designs, permits the handing of the putter to be changed from right to left.
FIG. 4 shows an exploded view, depicting a preferred arrangement of modular subcomponents forming the preferred version of multi-part club head 106 illustrated in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. Club head 106 preferably comprises two primary modular components identified herein as face portion 114 and back portion 120. As illustrated in the exploded view, back portion 120 is preferably detachable from face portion 114. In a preferred arrangement of the system, back portion 120 is coupled to face portion 114 in a removable manner, as shown. Preferably, back portion 120 is coupled to face portion 114 by one or more back-portion couplers 138, preferably comprising one or more threaded fasteners 140, as shown. Preferably, each threaded fastener 140 passes through a respective smooth-bore aperture 154, preferably located within back portion 120, before engaging a corresponding threaded receiver 142 located within face portion 114, as shown. In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, two symmetrically located back-portion couplers 138 are preferably used, as shown.
Back-portion couplers 138 are preferably configured to draw back portion 120 toward face portion 114 by threading fasteners 140 into their respective threaded receivers 142. In the depicted embodiment, the preferred threaded fasteners 140 comprise ¼-inch diameter recessed-socket-head bolts, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, cost, structural requirements, other coupling arrangements, such as, for example, alternate bolt configurations (particularly those meeting the player-removal restrictions of regulatory organizations such as the USGA, the PGA, the LPGA, etc.), spring clips, interlocking couplers, magnetic couplers, etc., may suffice.
The exploded view of FIG. 4 further depicts preferred physical arrangements of a shaft-end receiver 146 that is preferably designed to receive and guide lower distal shaft end 115 in a movable manner along defined path 128. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 4, defined path 128 is substantially linear, with shaft-end receiver 146 comprising a continuous guide slot 148, preferably a substantially linear recessed slot having a preferred depth of about 1/16 inch, which is preferably located within the rear of face portion 114, as shown, as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, etc., other defined path arrangements such as, for example, non-linear (curved) paths, segmented (discontinuous) paths, etc., may suffice.
FIG. 5 shows the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3 according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of the sectional view 5-5 of FIG. 3. Reference is now made to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 with continued reference to the exploded view of FIG. 4.
Distal shaft end 115 is preferably configured to comprise at least one projecting engager 150 designed to movably engage guide slot 148. Projecting engager 150 preferably establishes a set of geometric constraints on the physical connection between shaft and club head, while maintaining the preferred adjustments described above. Projecting engager 150 preferably comprises a pin 152, preferably a cylindrical pin having a length and outer diameter sufficiently smaller than the height and depth of guide slot 148 (preferably a diameter of about 1/16 inch). This preferred geometric arrangement permits shaft end 115 to contemporaneously pivot and slide within the recessed guide slot. Preferably, pin 152 further defines pivot axis 130 in the assembled device.
Referring to FIG. 4 through FIG. 6, guide slot 148 is preferably nested within a larger linear recess 156 formed within the rear surface 158 of face portion 114, as shown. This larger linear recess 156 preferably functions to provide operable clearance for distal shaft end 115 when the apparatus is assembled. Preferably, linear recess 156 comprises a depth B less than but closely equal to the about ¼-inch thickness C of distal shaft end 115 (preferably comprising a difference of about 1 millimeter).
When assembled as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, distal shaft end 115 is preferably situated within linear recess 156 between face portion 114 and back portion 120. Preferably, face portion 114, back portion 120, and the back-portion couplers 138 cooperatively interact to produce a releasable lock 160 to releseably lock club shaft 104 in a user-selected position relative to club head 106 (at least embodying herein releasable locker means for releseably locking such hand manipulator means in a user-selected position relative to such ball striker means). The act of tightening the back-portion couplers 138 preferably urges the back portion 120 in frictional contact with distal shaft end 115 and distal shaft end 115 in frictional contact with face portion 114. This preferred adjustment operation produces a positional locking of club shaft 104 that contemporaneously prevent the first continuous freedom of movement 124 and the second continuous freedom of movement 126 relative to club head 106 (at least embodying herein wherein such adjustable compression by such at least one clamp contemporaneously locks such at least one club shaft to prevent both such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such at least one club head and at least embodying herein wherein such releasable locker means contemporaneously locks such hand manipulator means to prevent both such at least one first continuous freedom of movement and such at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to such ball striker means).
Manipulation of the back-portion couplers 138 preferably enables adjustments to the levels of compression-force developed by face portion 114 and back portion 120 against distal shaft end 115 (at least embodying herein at least one adjustable compressor structured and arranged to adjustably compress such at least one face portion and such at least one back portion against such at least one club shaft). Accordingly, the preferred arrangements of face portion 114, back portion 120, and the back-portion couplers 138 cooperatively interact to produce a clamp assembly 162 structured and arranged to firmly clamp club shaft 104 between face portion 114 and back portion 120.
Most preferred embodiments of face portion 114 are preferably configured to comprise a dedicated strike face 164 (see FIG. 13) designed to strike golf ball 118 during a putt. Preferably, strike face 164 is generally flat and smooth and preferably comprises the same material composition as the overall face portion 114. Preferred materials of club head 106 are hard and rigid, more preferably metallic, most preferably steel. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other material selections such as, for example, dense polymers, metallic alloys (such as, titanium or aluminum), multi-material composites, etc., may suffice.
Alternately preferably, strike face 164 may consist of a generally flat surface having a selected loft angle (The loft of the putter defined as the angle formed by the strike face 164 and a level surface when the putter is held in a generally neutral position at address). Alternately preferably, strike face 164 may comprise surface textures and/or portions comprising alternate materials, as generally shown in FIG. 13.
In addition, face portion 114 preferably comprises a lower sole portion 166, which, in most preferred embodiments of the system, is preferably configured to at least partially extend under back portion 120 when assembled. Sole portion 166 is preferably configured to move smoothly over the green surface during a putting stroke.
FIG. 7 shows a rear elevational view, of an alternate club head 180, according to the preferred embodiment of FIG. 1. Although the toe portion 110 and heel portion 112 of alternate club head 180 comprise alternate shapes, alternate club head 180 retains the essential functional features of the prior-described embodiment. These features preferably include the provision of guide slot 148, threaded receivers 142, and sole portion 166 (it is noted that rear face 158 of alternate face portion 114 is preferably smooth with the linear recess 156 preferably located within back portion 120).
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view, illustrating an alternate multi-part club head 190, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred alternate embodiment, sole portion 166 is preferably enlarged to assist the player “sole” the putter flat to the putting surface. In addition, the enlarged sole portion 166 comprises a physical shape that produces distinctive indicia (in this preferred example, a suggested letter “W”), as shown. Upon reading this specification, those with ordinary skill in the art will now appreciate that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other apparatus arrangements such as, for example, features assisting alignment of the apparatus during use, alternate indicia, etc., may suffice. Club head 106 may further preferably comprise guide indicia 165 structured and arranged to assist in visually guiding user operation during such putt. Preferred guide indicia 165 include recessed sighting grooves located in the upper visible surface of the club head, built-in sighting features, inset disks, etc., as shown.
FIG. 9 shows a top view, illustrating another alternate multi-part club head 200, according to an addition preferred embodiment of the present invention. In this preferred alternate embodiment, sole portion 166 is also preferably enlarged and again has been configured to be suggestive of the letter “W”. FIG. 10 shows a rear view of the alternate multi-part club head 200 of FIG. 8. Visible in FIG. 10 are back portion 120, back-portion couplers 138, and sole portion 166.
FIG. 11 shows a rear view, in partial section, illustrating a continuous guide slot 148 of the alternate multi-part club head 200 of FIG. 8. Also visible in FIG. 11 are back portion 120, threaded receivers 142, back-portion coupler 138, and sole portion 166.
FIG. 12 shows a side view and FIG. 13 shows a front view of the alternate multi-part club head 200 of FIG. 8. Visible in FIG. 12 are face portion 114, back portion 120, and sole portion 166. Visible in FIG. 13 is face portion 114, preferably including a strike-face feature 202 and indicia 204. Strike-face feature 202 preferably comprises a urethane or similar polymer material inserted into the face, as shown. When an insert is incorporated into strike face 116, it is preferably flush with the rest of the face so that the face remains substantially smooth.
The measure for the “hardness” of strike face 116 is preferably made using a durometer scale rating. Preferably, strike face 116 comprises a hardness of no less than about 85 on a Shore A scale durometer.
Alternate multi-part club head 200 further demonstrates the diverse range of shapes and sizes possible within preferred designs of club head 106. Most preferred design, however, generally conform to a common set of design criteria. When club head 106 is in its normal address position (as generally depicted in FIG. 1), the distance from the heel to the toe is greater than or equal to the distance from strike face 116 to the rear-most portion of club head 106, the distance D from toe portion 110 to heel portion 112 is less than or equal to about seven inches (about 178 millimeters), and the distance E from the base of sole portion 166 to the top of the head is less than or equal to about 2½ inches (about 63.5 millimeters).
FIG. 14 shows a diagram illustrating a series of modular components usable to produce one or more user-customized embodiments of the present invention. As described above, each customizable golf putter 102 of golf putter system 100 preferably comprise a user-selectable club shaft 104 adjustably coupled to a modular/multi-part club head 106. Preferred embodiments of golf putter system 100 preferably allow a user to fine-tune his or her game by optimizing the physical configuration of the club to best fit the specific preferences of the individual. Preferably, a user may assemble golf putter 102 by selecting from groups of modular subcomponent sets of the system. The user may preferably test and re-select subcomponents until a suitable combination is achieved.
Preferably, golf putter system 100 comprise at least one first component set 300 containing at least two face portions 114, each face portion 114 of first component set 300 preferably comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of first component set 300. The distinct physical characteristics of each face portion 114 within first component set 300 may preferably be selected from a broad range of potential features. Such features may preferably comprise distinct shapes, distinct sizes, distinct face textures, distinct face materials with distinct mechanical characteristics, distinct markings, etc. One distinct physical characteristic preferably selected for face portions 114 of first component set 300 is weight. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, each face portion 114 of the set preferably comprises a weight distinct from each other member of the set.
In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present system, each face portion 114 of first component set 300 preferably comprises a strike face 116 having a strike face-geometry distinct from each other member of first component set 300. This may preferably include differing face sizes, differing surface patterns, differing insert materials/geometries, etc.
Similarly, golf putter system 100 further comprise at least one second component set 302 preferably containing at least two back portions 120, with each back portion 120 of second component set 302 preferably comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of second component set 302. As with the face portions, the distinct physical characteristics of each back portion 120 within second component set 302 may preferably be selected from a broad range of potential features. Such features may preferably comprise distinct shapes, distinct sizes, distinct materials with distinct mechanical characteristics, distinct markings, etc. One distinct physical characteristic preferably selected for back portion 120 of second component set 302 is again component weight. In one preferred embodiment of the present system, each back portion 120 of the set preferably comprises a weight distinct from each other member of the set.
Golf putter system 100 further comprise at least one third component set 304 preferably containing at least two distinct club shafts 104, with each club shaft 104 of third component set 304 preferably comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of third component set 304.
As with the prior sets, the distinct physical characteristics of each club shaft 104 within third component set 304 may preferably be selected from a wide range of potential shaft features. Such features may preferably include distinct shaft lengths, distinct grips, distinct materials with distinct mechanical characteristics, etc. One distinct physical characteristic preferably selected for club shafts 104 of third component set 304 is shaft offset 306 at the lower distal shaft end 115, as shown. More specifically, each club shaft 104 of third component set 304 is preferably arranged to, when assembled, offset club head 106 from principal shaft axis 121, as shown. It should be noted that a club shaft 104 of third component set 304 my preferably comprise an offset distance of zero (0), a shown. Preferably, each club shaft 104 of the set comprises at least one shaft offset 306 distinct from each other member of third component set 304, as shown.
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes modifications such as diverse shapes, sizes, and materials. Such scope is limited only by the below claims as read in connection with the above specification. Further, many other advantages of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising:

a) at least one club head structured and arranged to strike the golf ball, said at least one club head comprising at least one toe portion and at least one heel portion;

b) at least one club shaft, couplable to said at least one club head, structured and arranged to assist hand manipulation of said at least one club head while a user stands in a generally upright position adjacent the golf ball;

c) at least one adjustable coupler structured and arranged to adjustably couple said at least one club head with said at least one club shaft; and

d) at least one releasable lock structured and arranged to releseably lock said at least one club shaft in a user-selected position relative to said at least one club head;

e) wherein said at least one club shaft, when adjustably coupled with said at least one club head, comprises

i) at least one first continuous freedom of movement, relative to said at least one club head, along at least one defined path extending continuously between said at least one toe portion and said at least one heel portion of said at least one club head, and

ii) at least one second continuous freedom of movement, relative to said at least one club head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one portion of said at least one club head;

iii) wherein said at least one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to contemporaneously lock said at least one club shaft to prevent both said at least one first continuous freedom of movement and said at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to said at least one club head.

2) The system, according to claim 1, wherein:

a) said at least one club shaft comprises

i) at least one hand grippable shaft end, and

ii) at least one distal shaft end located generally opposite said at least one hand grippable shaft end; and

b) said at least one club head comprises

i) at least one face portion having at least one strike face structured and arranged to strike the golf ball during putting, and

ii) at least one shaft-end receiver structured and arranged to receive said at least one distal shaft end of said at least one club shaft.

3) The system, according to claim 2, wherein said at least one club head further comprises:

a) at least one back portion structured and arranged to be removably coupled with said at least one face portion; and

b) at least one back-portion coupler structured and arranged to couple said at least one back portion with said at least one face portion.

4) The system, according to claim 3, wherein said at least one releasable lock comprises:

a) at least one clamp assembly structured and arranged to firmly clamp said at least one club shaft between said at least one face portion and said at least one back portion;

b) wherein said at least one clamp assembly comprises at least one adjustable compressor structured and arranged to adjustably compress said at least one face portion and said at least one back portion against said at least one club shaft;

c) wherein such adjustable compression by said at least one clamp assembly contemporaneously locks said at least one club shaft to prevent both said at least one first continuous freedom of movement and said at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to said at least one club head.

5) The system, according to claim 4, wherein said at least one adjustable compressor comprises said at least one back-portion coupler.

6) The system, according to claim 4, wherein:

a) said at least one club head comprises at least one threaded receiver; and

b) said at least one back-portion coupler comprises at least one threaded fastener structured and arranged to engage said at least one threaded receiver of said at least one club head.

7) The system, according to claim 3, wherein said at least one face portion comprises at least one first component set containing at least two said at least one face portions, each said at least one face portion of said at least one first component set comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of said at least one first component set.

8) The system, according to claim 6, wherein such at least one particular physical characteristic of said at least one face portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other member of said at least one first component set.

9) The system, according to claim 6, wherein such at least one particular physical characteristic of said at least one face portion comprises said at least one strike face having a strike face-geometry distinct from each other member of said at least one first component set.

10) The system, according to claim 6, wherein said at least one back portion comprise at least one second component set containing at least two said at least one back portions, each said at least one back portion of said at least one second component set comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of said at least one second component set.

11) The system, according to claim 9, wherein such at least one particular physical characteristic of said at least one back portion comprises at least one weight distinct from each other member of said at least one second component set.

12) The system, according to claim 6, wherein said at least one club shaft comprise at least one third component set containing at least two said at least one club shafts, each said at least one club shaft of said at least one third component set comprising at least one particular physical characteristic distinct from each other member of said at least one third component set.

13) The system, according to claim 11, wherein:

a) said at least one distal shaft end comprises at least one shaft offset structured and arranged to offset said at least one club head from at least one principal axis of said at least one club shaft;

b) such at least one particular physical characteristic of said at least one club shaft comprises said at least one shaft offset; and

c) each said at least one club shaft comprises at least one said at least one shaft offset distinct from each other member of said at least one third component set.

14) The system, according to claim 1, wherein:

a) such at least one continuous defined path comprises at least one linear slot; and

b) said at least one distal shaft end comprises at least one projecting engager structured and arranged to movably engage said at least one linear slot.

15) The system, according to claim 1, further comprising guide indicia structured and arranged to assist in visually guiding user operation during putting.

16) The system, according to claim 1, wherein said at least one face portion comprise at least one sole portion at least partially extending under said at least one back portion during use.

17) The system, according to claim 16, wherein said at least one sole portion is shaped to form identifying indicia.

18) A system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising:

a) at least one club head and at least one club shaft, said at least one club shaft structured and arranged to be adjustably joined with said at least one club head;

b) wherein said at least one club shaft comprises

i) at least one hand-grippable portion, and

ii) at least one hosel end structured and arranged to be engagable with said at least one club head;

c) wherein said at least one club head comprises

i) at least one face portion having at least one strike face structured and arranged to strike the golf ball,

ii) at least one shaft-end receiver structured and arranged to receive said at least one hosel end of said at least one club shaft, and

iii) at least one releasable lock structured and arranged to releseably lock said at least one club shaft relative to said at least one club head;

d) wherein said at least one club shaft, when adjustably joined with said at least one club head, comprises

i) at least one continuous translational movement, relative to said at least one club head, along at least one linear axis extending between at least one toe portion and at least one heel portion of said at least one club head, and

ii) at least one continuous rotational movement, relative to said at least one club head, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one portion of said at least one club head; and

e) wherein said at least one releasable lock is further structured and arranged to contemporaneously lock said at least one club shaft to prevent both said continuous translational movement and said at least one continuous rotational movement relative to said at least one club head.

19) A system relating to user-customizable golf putters comprising:

a) ball striker means for striking the golf ball, said ball striker means comprising at least one toe portion and at least one heel portion;

b) hand manipulator means for assisting hand manipulation of said ball striker means while a user stands adjacent the golf ball in a generally upright position;

c) adjustable joiner means for adjustably joining said ball striker means with said hand manipulator means;

d) releasable locker means for releseably locking said hand manipulator means in a user-selected position relative to said ball striker means;

e) wherein said hand manipulator means, when adjustably joined with said ball striker means, comprises

i) at least one first continuous freedom of movement, relative to said ball striker means, along at least one defined path extending continuously between said at least one toe portion and said at least one heel portion of said ball striker means, and

ii) at least one second continuous freedom of movement, relative to said ball striker means, about at least one pivot axis intersecting at least one portion of said ball striker means; and

iii) wherein said releasable locker means contemporaneously locks said hand manipulator means to prevent both said at least one first continuous freedom of movement and said at least one second continuous freedom of movement relative to said ball striker means.

20) Each and every novel feature, element, combination, step and/or method disclosed or suggested by this patent application.