WO2011043708A1

WO2011043708A1 - A golf putter

Info

Publication number: WO2011043708A1
Application number: PCT/SE2010/000238
Authority: WO
Inventors: Lars Malmborg
Original assignee: Lars Malmborg
Priority date: 2009-10-05
Filing date: 2010-10-05
Publication date: 2011-04-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to a putter head having a front side, a rear side, a lower side and an upper side. The putter head comprises a ball striking surface at the front side and a hosel arrangement. The putter head is modularly configured and comprises at least three pieces: a front piece with the ball striking surface, a rear piece, and a central piece with the hosel arrangement. The at least three pieces are configured to form the putter head when attached to each other, and wherein the rear piece and/or the central piece comprises cavities configured to adjust the total weight of the putter head and/or a centre of gravity (CG) of the putter head by inserting a weight in at least one of the cavities.

Description

A GOLF PUTTER

Technical field

The present invention relates to a golf putter as defined in the preamble of claim 1. Background

In a set of golf clubs, the most used golf club is the putter. Normally 50 % of all golf strokes during a round of golf are made by the putter, and in order to improve the score it is essential to reduce the number of strokes made by the putter on the green. One way of reducing the number of strokes is to improve the alignments sight attached to the putter to enhance the ability to correctly aim the putter before hitting the ball.

An improved alignment sight has been disclosed in the Swedish design 75336 (application number 02-0181), illustrating a putter head with an alignment sight. The putter head is provided with a ball striking surface, a hosel for attaching the shaft, and a step-like structure opposite the ball striking surface. The alignment sight is distributed across the step-like structure.

Another way of reducing the number of strokes is to custom-fit the putter to the golfer using adaptation structures, e.g. by adjusting the weight and materials in the putter head before the putter is manufactured. Several patents have been issued which relates to custom-fitting, such as

US 7,001,284 and US 7, 163,465. Alternatively, a putter with an

interchangeable faceplate, as disclosed in US 7,416,494, may be

contemplated to adapt the putter characteristics to the current conditions of the greens, since the speed (which may be measured by a stimpmeter) depends on weather conditions, type of grass, height of grass, etc.

Although the suggested adaptation structures provide improved ability to control the speed and aim of the putter, further improvement is desired. Summary of the invention

An object with the present invention is to provide a golf putter being provided with an improved alignment sight compared to prior art putters.

This object is achieved by a putter as defined in the characterizing portion of claim 1.

An advantage with the present invention is that the golfer easily may position the head in a correct position to perform the golf stroke.

A further object with a preferred embodiment is to provide a golf putter having a modular design and being provided with an improved adaptation structure compared to prior art putters.

An advantage with the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that modification of the weight distribution in the putter head may be performed as well as the material of ball striking surface may be changed to better be adapted to the condition of the greens compared to prior art putters.

Further objects and advantages may be found by a skilled person in the art from the detailed description.

Brief description of drawings

The invention will be described in connection with the following drawings that are provided as non-limited examples, in which:

Figs, la- Id show a first embodiment of a golf putter head according to the invention.

Figs. 2a-2d show a second embodiment of a golf putter according to the invention.

Figs 3a-3d show a first embodiment of a rear piece according to the invention. Figs. 4a and 4b show a first embodiment of a central piece according to the invention.

Figs. 5a and 5b show a second embodiment of a central piece according to the invention. Figs. 6a-6d show a front piece without an insert according to the invention.

Figs. 7a-7d show an insert according to the invention.

Figs. 8a-8d show a second embodiment of a rear piece according to the invention.

Figs. 9a-9b show a third embodiment of a rear piece according to the invention.

Figs. 9c-9d show a third embodiment of a central piece according to the invention.

Detailed description

Figures la- Id show different views of a first embodiment of a golf putter head 10 according to the invention. Figure la shows a top view of the putter head, figure lb shows a front view of the putter head, figure lc shows a side view of the putter head and figure Id shows a rear view of the putter head.

The putter head comprises a ball striking surface 1 1 on the front side of the putter head, preferably provided with an insert 12, a hosel 13 arranged to an upper side of the putter head configured to attach a shaft 14 (indicated with broken lines in figure lb and Id since the shaft is not a part of the putter head), and an elevated structure 16 having an upper surface 17. The putter head also comprises an alignment sight 15 mainly arranged on the upper side of the putter head. The alignment sight 15 is divided into several parts and a first part 15a of the alignment sight is arranged on the upper surface 17 of the elevated structure 16. At the rear side of the putter head, a step-like structure is arranged with three different levels 18a, 18b and 18c facing the upper side. A second part 15b of the alignment sight is distributed across the surface of these different levels and an optional third part 15c of the alignment sight is arranged on the upper side close to the front side of the putter head. All parts of the alignment sight 15 will form a continuous pattern, e.g. an arrow, when seen from a direction perpendicular to the upper side as clearly indicated in figure la.

The putter head 10 is in this embodiment manufactured as a single piece, but it is naturally possible to construct the putter head 10 in a modular fashion, as further described below, by dividing the putter head 10 into several pieces, e.g. a front piece, a central piece and a rear piece, as indicated by the dashed lines 5 and 6. The pieces are preferably fastened to each other using dovetails 7 and screws 4. Figures 2a-2d show different views of a second embodiment of a golf putter head 20 according to the invention. Figure 2a shows a top view of the putter head, figure 2b shows a front view of the putter head, figure 2c shows a side view of the putter head and figure 2d shows a rear view of the putter head.

The putter head comprises in this embodiment of three pieces, a front piece 1, a central piece 2 and a rear piece 3. The front piece 1 is provided with a ball striking surface 21 having an insert 22 with desired characteristics. The insert may be an integral part of the front piece 1 or interchangeable as described in connection with figures 6a-6d and 7a-7d. In alternative embodiment, the complete front side of the front piece 1 has the desired characteristics of the insert.

The central piece 2 comprises a main body having an upper side to which an elevated structure 26 with an upper surface 27 is attached. A hosel 23, configured to be attached to a shaft 24 (as indicated with broken lines in figures 2b and 2d since the shaft is not a part of the putter head) is attached to the upper surface of the elevated structure 26, thus the hosel is arranged to the upper side of the main body via the elevated structure 26.

The rear piece 3 is mainly constructed to provide a step-like structure with at least three different levels 28a, 28b and 28c facing an upper side of the rear piece 3. An alignment sight 25 is arranged across the upper side of the rear piece, the central piece and the front piece as shown in figures 2a-2d. The upper side of the main body of the central piece 2 is preferably arranged at the same level as the upper side of the front piece 1 and the upper side rear piece 3 as indicated in figure 2c after assembly. The attachment of the three pieces is preferably done using dovetails (e.g. see figures 3a, 4b and 6c) and screws 4.

The upper side of the putter head 20 is shown in figure 2a. The alignment sight 25 is into several parts, wherein a first part 25a is arranged on the upper surface 27 of the elevated structure 26 of the central piece 2. A second part 25b of the alignment sight is distributed across the surface of the different levels of the rear piece 3 and an optional third part 25c of the alignment sight is arranged on the upper side of the front piece 1. All parts of the alignment sight 25 will form a continuous pattern, e.g. an arrow, when seen from a direction perpendicular to the upper side as clearly indicated in figure 2a.

The upper surface 17, 27 of the elevated structure 16, 26 described above is preferably parallel, or at least substantially parallel, with the surfaces of the different levels in the step-like structure

The essential part of the alignment sight to establish a height difference between the first part and the second part of the alignment sight. The third part arranged close to the front side of the putter is preferably included to further increase the ability to align the putter head correctly.

The putter head has been exemplified to comprise a single piece (figures la- Id) or multiple pieces (indicated by dashed lines in figures la- Id and figures 2a-2d). The putter head comprising multiple pieces has further advantages compared to the single piece putter head which as described below.

Figures 3a-3d show different views of a first embodiment of a rear piece 3 configured to be attached to a central piece and a front piece to form a putter head 20 as shown in figures 2a-2d, or to form a putter head as shown in figures la- Id (provided a modular construction is selected as indicated by the dashed lines 5 and 6). Figure 3a shows a top view of the rear piece, figure 3b shows a front view of the rear piece, figure 3c shows a side view of the rear piece and figure 3d shows a rear view of the rear piece. The rear piece 3 has a connecting side 30 which is configured to be attached to a central piece using a dovetail joint 31. The second part 32 of the alignment sight, indicated by 15b and 25b in the previous figures, is distributed across the upper side 33 of the rear piece 3 over the step-like structure 34 as previously described. Furthermore, rear cavities 35 are provided in the rear piece with the cavity openings accessible from the connecting side 30. Threaded holes 36 are also provided to secure the central piece to the rear piece in addition to the dovetail joint 31. The rear cavities may be used for changing weight and/or weight distribution of the rear piece by inserting weights into one or more of the rear cavities, as illustrated by 99. When the central piece is attached to the rear piece, these weights 99 will not be accessible from the outside, and thus may not easily be manipulated during normal use of the putter head. However, it should be noted that a skilled person, such as a clubmaker, still may be able to adjust the weight and weight distribution by disassembly the putter head to get access to the inserted weights 99.

Figures 4a and 4b show a first embodiment of a central piece 2 according to the invention. Figure 4a shows a top view and figure 4b shows a front view of the central piece 2 previously described in connection with figures 2a-2d. The central piece comprises a main body 40, an elevated structure 26 with an upper surface 27 to which a hosel 23 is attached. The first part 25a of the alignment sight is arranged on the upper surface 27 of the elevated structure 26. Furthermore, an optional fourth part 41 of the alignment sight may be arranged on the upper side of the main body 40 directly underneath the first part 25a of the alignment sight. Dovetail joints 42 (indicated in figure 4a by hidden lines) are provided on each connecting side 43 and 44 of the main body 40 for attaching the rear piece 3 and a front piece. Central cavities 45 are provided in the main body, configured to receive weights in order to change the weight and/ or weight distribution of the central piece 2, as illustrated by 99, and thus the resulting putter head. The central cavities 45 may comprise threaded through-holes and the weights 99 are in that case preferably configured as screws with a corresponding thread. The main body 40 is also provided with holes 46 to receive screws for securing the rear piece 3 and the front piece.

Figures 5a and 5b show a second embodiment of a central piece 8 according to the invention. Figure 5a shows a top view and figure 5b shows a front view of the central piece 8 previously described as an alternative embodiment in connection with figures la- Id. The central piece 8 comprises a main body 50, an elevated structure 16 with an upper surface 17 and a hosel 13 directly attached to an upper side of the main body 50. The first part 15a of the alignment sight is arranged on the upper surface 17 of the elevated structure 16. A part 51 of the optional third part 15c of the alignment sight may be arranged on the upper side of the main body 50.

Dovetail joints 52 are provided on each connecting side 53 and 54 of the main body 50 for attaching the rear piece 3 and a front piece. Central cavities 55 are provided in the main body, configured to receive weights as illustrated by 99 in order to change the weight and/ or weight distribution of the central piece 8, and thus the resulting putter head. The central cavities 55 may comprise threaded through-holes and the weights 99 are in that case preferably configured as screws with a corresponding thread. The main body 50 is also provided with holes 56 to receive screws for securing the rear piece 3 and the front piece.

Figures 6a-6d show a front piece 60 without an insert according to the invention. The front piece comprises an opening 61 and a dovetail 62 on a connecting side 66 for attaching the front piece 60 to a central piece as described in connection with figures 4a-5b and 5a-5b. The opening is configured to receive an insert as described in connection with figures 7a-7d. The front piece is further provided with holes 63 to secure the front piece 60 to a central piece using screws. The holes are preferably countersinked bore holes (as indicated in figure 6b) to prevent the screws from extending from the front side of the putter head when all pieces are assembled. A part 64 of the optional alignment sight is arranged at the upper side of the front piece 60. A recess 65 is also provided around the opening 61 on the connecting side 66 to prevent the insert loosening from the front piece 60 when secured to the central piece.

Figures 7a-7d show an insert 70 configured to be arranged in the front side described in connection with figures 6a-6d. The insert 70 comprises a ball striking surface 71, having desired characteristics, and a dovetail 72 arranged on an opposite connecting side 73. The dovetail 72 of the insert and the dovetail 62 of the front piece 60 are configured to fit the dovetail joint 42, 52 of the central piece.

Figures 8a-8d show different views of a second embodiment of a rear piece 9 configured to be attached to a central piece and a front piece to form an alternative shaped putter head. Figure 8a shows a top view of the rear piece, figure 8b shows a front view of the rear piece, figure 8c shows a side view of the rear piece and figure 8d shows a rear view of the rear piece.

The rear piece 9 has a connecting side 80, similarly shaped with a dovetail joint 81 as described in connection with figures 3a-3d. The second part 82 of the alignment sight is distributed across the upper side 83 of the rear piece 9 over a step-like structure 84 comprising only two different level.

Furthermore, rear cavities 85 are provided in the rear piece with the cavity openings accessible from the connecting side 80. Threaded holes 86 are also provided to secure the central piece to the rear piece in addition to the dovetail joint 81. The purpose and function has previously been described in connection with figures 3a-3d.

Figures 9a-9b show different views of a third embodiment of a rear piece 90 according to the invention. The rear piece 90 is similar to the rear piece described in connection with figures 8a-8d and is configured to be attached to a central piece and a front piece to form the putter head. Figure 9a shows a top view of the rear piece and figure 9b shows a front view of the rear piece.

The main difference between the rear piece described in connection with figures 8a-8d and the present embodiment is the shape and location of the rear cavities 91. In this embodiment, the shape and location correspond to the shape and location of the central cavities of the central piece as

described in connection with figures 4b and 5b. The rear cavities 91 may comprise threaded holes and weights 99 (arranged to be used to change the weight and weight distribution of the rear piece) are in that case preferably configured as screws with a corresponding thread. The rear piece 90 is preferably, but not necessarily, joined with a central piece without any cavities as shown in figures 9c and 9d.

Figures 9c-9d show different views of a third embodiment of a central piece 92 according to the invention. The central piece 92 is similar to the central piece described in connection with figures 5a-5b and is configured to be attached to a rear piece with cavities and a front piece to form the putter head. Figure 9c shows a top view and figure 9d shows a front view of the central piece 92. The central piece 92 comprises a main body 93, and a hosel 13 directly attached to an upper side of the main body 93. A first part 97 of the alignment sight is arranged on the upper side of the main body 93. Dovetail joints 94 are provided on each connecting side 95 and 96 of the main body 93 for attaching a rear piece and a front piece. No central cavities are provided in the main body 93 and in order to be able to adjust the total weight of the putter head and/ or a centre of gravity (CG) of the putter head, it is essential that the central piece 92 is combined with a rear piece having rear cavities, such as disclosed in connection with figures 9a and 9b. The main body 93 is also provided with holes 56 to receive screws for securing the rear piece and the front piece as previously described.

Claims

1. A putter head having a front side, a rear side, a lower side and an upper side, said putter head comprising a ball striking surface at the front side and a hosel arrangement, c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n that said putter head is modularly configured and comprises at least three pieces:

a front piece with the ball striking surface,

a rear piece, and

a central piece with the hosel arrangement,

said at least three pieces are configured to form the putter head when attached to each other, and wherein said rear piece and/ or said central piece comprises cavities configured to adjust the total weight of the putter head and/ or a centre of gravity (CG) of the putter head by inserting a weight in at least one of said cavities.

2. The putter head according to claim 1, wherein said cavities comprise central cavities arranged in said central piece.

3. The putter head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said cavities comprise rear cavities arranged in said rear piece.

4. The putter head according to any of claims 1-3 further comprising an alignment sight arranged to the upper side and a step-like structure at the rear side with at least two different levels facing the upper side, wherein said putter head further comprises an elevated structure arranged to the upper side, said alignment sight being divided into at least two parts, a first part being arranged on an upper surface of the elevated structure and a second part being arranged on a surface of the at least two different levels facing the upper side of the putter head, whereby the parts of the alignment sight forms a continuous pattern when seen from a direction perpendicular to the upper side.

5. The putter head according to claim 4, wherein said upper surface of the elevated structure is substantially parallel with the surface of the at least two different levels facing the upper side of the putter head.

6. The putter head according to any of claims 4 or 5, wherein said hosel is arranged to the upper side via said elevated structure.

7. The putter head according to any of claims 4 or 5, wherein said hosel is attached directly to the upper side of the putter head.

8. The putter head according to any of claims 4-7, wherein said alignment sight further comprises a third part being arranged on the upper side of the putter head adjacent to the front side.

9. The putter head according to any of claims 1-8, wherein said front piece comprises a removable insert, whereby the characteristics of the ball striking surface may be changed when a first insert is replaced with a second insert.

10. The putter head according to claim 9, wherein the second insert has a weight that differs from the weight of the first insert, and the putter head is configured to maintain the total weight when the second insert replaces the first insert by adjusting the weights inserted in the cavities.

1 1. A putter comprising a grip, a shaft and a putter head according to any of claims 1- 10.