Title:

Golf club head

Document Type and Number:

United States Patent Application 20040029647

Kind Code:

Abstract:

Current golf club putters are not adequately designed for controlled putting according to the skill of the player. They are of primitive design and create aggravating and agonizing challenges to the serious player. The player must putt like a zombie, hoping that he will not make a false motion that will divert the putt. These putters are unstable and wobble with their torque, creating unnecessary and unreasonable problems to make a good putt. This invention tries to solve these problems by providing a new concept in a putter head construction. The invention presents a putter head which embodies weights added to its front face surface and which extend forward. Briefly, this concept creates a stable back swing and a stable down swing with a leading momentum in line and pulling the ball through at impact with a smooth roll. This gives the player better control of his putting and creates a gratifying feel. This invention also provides a club face with a rearward angle which provides more latitude in judging the required force at impact. Further, the invention claims applicable principles of the invention, and in particular, the addition of weights to the front face, to all types of golf club heads.

Representative Image:

Inventors:

Bennett, John Emmanuel (Altadena, CA, US)

Plaque It!

Application Number:

10/213827

Publication Date:

02/12/2004

Filing Date:

08/08/2002

View Patent Images:

Images are available in PDF form when logged in. To view PDFs, Login or Create Account (Free!)

Export Citation:

Click for automatic bibliography generation

Primary Class:

473/334

Other Classes:

473/340, 473/341, 473/313

International Classes:

(IPC1-7): A63B053/06

Attorney, Agent or Firm:

John, Bennett E. (1570 Homewood Dr, Altadena, CA, 91001, US)

Claims:

What is claimed is:

1. A unique and novel putter club head for golf putter clubs, comprising: a shaft attached to the club head; a hosel. a putter club head having a top and bottom surface, a front surface along its length facing forward, being adapted to strike a golf ball, and a rear portion; weights added to the front surface of the club head and which weights extend forward from the face of the club head; weights added to the back surface of the club head; weights added to the front surface and the back surface of the club head; a single concentrated weight added to the center back portion of the club head; weight mounted on each, outer end of the club head and which weights extend forward and backward therefrom-and further, embodying weights on the back surface of the club head; a front surface face, set at a specific angle between 0° and 60° along its length, whereby the bottom edge of the club head is rearward of the top edge of the front surface of the club head, to form the specific angle from a perpendicular; a putter club head, embodying an angle on its front face, also embodies weights added to its front face and which weights extend forward from the face of the club head; a putter club head, embodying an angle on its front face, also embodies weights added to its front face and to it back surface; A club putter head, embodying an angle on its front face, embodies weights added only to its back face; a layer of material covering the front face surface of the club head; a layer of material covering the bottom surface of the club head; a layer of material covering the front surface and the bottom surface of the club head; layer of material recessed into the face of the club head.

2. A putter club head as recited in claim 1, embodying weights added to the front surface face and extending forward from the club face surface.

3. A putter club head face, as recited in claim 2, embodying a weight positioned along it length, on each side, ¾ or more inches from the center of the face of the club head.

4. A putter club head as recited in claim 3, embodying a weight, positioned, on each side, ¼ or more inches from the center on the rear portion of the club head.

5. A putter club head recited in claim 1, wherein a weight is attached on each outer end of the club head extending forward beyond the face of the club head and rearward beyond the rear surface.

6. A putter club head as recited in claim 1, embodying a front surface face,constructed at a specific angle between 0° and 60°, whereby the bottom edge of the club face is rearward of its top edge to form the specific angle.

7. A putter club head as recited in claim 6, embodying a weight, positioned along its length, on each side, ¾ or more inches from the center of the face of the club head.

8. A putter club head as recited in claim 4, embodying an inverted “U” frame, mounting the club head at its ends by means of screws, and further having a “hosel sleeve” extending upward from the top of the frame for mounting the club head to the club shaft.

9. A putter club head as recited in claim 8 wherein the club head can be rotated backward along its horizontal axis and set at a specific angle between 0° and 60°.

10. A putter club head as recited in claim 4, embodying a club shaft attached to the body of the club head at a rearward angle, so that when the shaft is held vertically to impact the ball, the face of the club head becomes tilted and downward, creating an angle when striking the ball.

11. A putter club head as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper half of its face is textured with dots, 0.0001″+0.10″ to −0.00001″, in diameter and depth and spaced apart, and further, the lower half of the club face embodies, horizontal, uniform, parallel lines of grooves, 0.0001″+0.10″ to −0.00001″ in depth and apart.

12. A putter club head as recited in claim 1, embodying layered cover material on its face surface and on its bottom surface.

13. A putter club head as recited in claim 12, wherein the layered material is that commonly used as the outer cover of the golf balls, such as surlyn, balata, zynthyne, elastomers, resins, plastics and other suitable material.

14. A putter club head as recited in claim 12, wherein the upper half of the front layered surface embodies “dots”, 0.0001″+0.10″ to −0.00001″ in diameter, depth, and space apart, while the lower half of the front layered cover surface embodies horizontal, uniform, parallel grooves, 0.0001″+0.10″ to −0.00001″ in depth and space apart.

15. A golf club comprising a golf club head and an intrinsically attached shaft.

16. A golf club head as recited in claim 15, embodying weights on its front surface face extending forward from the surface.

17. A golf club head as recited in claim 16, comprising a weight on its toe end,and on its heel end.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to an improved golf putter head, and more particularly to an unconventional, unique club head face, embodying a gross rearward angle at its bottom edge, and upon which face are added weights which extend forward from the face of the clubhead.

[0002] The reason for this novel concept is the need to improve on the current state-of-the-art putters which are unreliable and inadequate, to putt the golf ball under control of the player. Thus, putting is an uncertain, uncontrolled, and intimidating demand in the game of golf and the reward from putting is often inconsistent with the overall skill and effort of the player.

[0003] The common putters develop a torque during “swing” and have a wobble for which the player must compensate in all aspects of his swing. Thus the player is uncertain, while trying his best to maintain the club head perfectly square with the line of the ball target, and depends on luck to relieve the uncertainty of his efforts and the performance of the club head.

[0004] The invention presented herewith, attempts to provide a club head that is controllable and functions according to the skill of the player. Further, this invention claims the addition of weights to the front face of all types of golf clubs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] This present invention, solves much of the aforementioned problems of the prior art putters. This is accomplished by providing a novel and unique putter club head which embodies weights added to the face of the club head as well as to its rear portion. This distinguishing feature, stabilizes the swing by maintaining the club head in line. In the back swing, the weights in the front of the club head, pull in the reverse direction and in the down swing pull in the same downward direction which, altogether, maintains the club in line and prevents wobble of the club head in both directions of the swing.

[0006] On the down swing, the weights on the front of the club face, pull the club head downward creating a forward momentum. This momentum, in line, eases the effort of the player and creates a “good feel” and control of the swing and putt. Further, which is very novel and important, the momentum of these weights is in front of the ball at impact, which pulls the ball through in line, maintaining a true and square impact resulting in a more accurate putt. A strike behind the ball, as with current putters, has a distorting effect on the ball at impact and hence questionable results.

[0007] Further, this invention claims above applicable principles and in particular, the addition of weights, to the front face of all types of golf club heads.

[0008] There are two basic requirements for a successful putt one is to attain a true line to the target (the hole on the putting green) and the other is to apply an accurate force to the ball at impact, so that if the target is missed, the ball will stop near the target hole. This invention provides the technique for both of these requirements. The first is accomplished with the weights on front face of the club head.

[0009] The second requirement, that of accuracy of force for the correct distance to the target, is aided by means of a rearward angle on the club head face. That is, the bottom edge of the club head is rearward, at a specified angle, to the top edge of the club head. Current putter club heads have an opposite direction angle which creates a slight loft to the ball at impact. The force required to impact the ball is so delicate that there isn't much room or margin for misjudgement.

[0010] However, with the rearward angle, presented in this invention, more force is required to impact the ball downward and forward, thus the judgment, of the required impacting force, is less critical and more controllable.

[0011] These two principles of this invention creates an entirely new concept in putting and hopefully, provides the player to obtain results according to his skill and effort.

[0012] This invention presents, a club head with a rearward angle, embodying weight on this angle face which extend forward; this “angle club head” may have no weights on its front face; a club head, with a vertical face may have weights on its front face which extend forward. All these club heads also have weights on their back surfaces, which are common.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] (For convenience, please refer to the sheet listing the numerals pertaining to the drawings and figures.)

[0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective top angular view of one of the basic club heads. 9 is the body, 10 is the angular front surface, 1 is a weight added to the front face and projecting forward, 2 is a rear weight added to the back of the club head, 6 is a plate as part of the club head, and positioned back of the club head and which embodies, 7 , the stem of the hosel.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a top view of FIG. 1

[0016] FIG. 3 is the end view of the club head in FIG. 1 .

[0017] FIG. 4 is the rear view of the club head.

[0018] FIG. 5 is the front view of the club head, primarily indicating, 2 , the front weights, 10 , the front surface face of the club head.

[0019] This putter club head illustrates a perspective view of a club head constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a perspective top view similar to that of FIG. 1 , illustrating a second modified embodiment of a golf putter club head,constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein in this embodiment, the club head front surface is vertical.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a top view of club head, FIG. 6 .

[0022] FIG. 8 is the front view of FIG. 6

[0023] FIG. 9 is the back view of FIG. 6 . Item number 8 , is is the bottom “pan” shaped weight.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a third modified embodiment of a golf putter head constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein there are no added weight to the front angle face of the club head. 2 a is weight added to the back.

[0025] FIG. 11 is a top view of FIG. 10 club head.

[0026] FIG. 12 is an end view of FIG. 10 club head.

[0027] FIG. 13 is the back view of the FIG. 10 club head.

[0028] FIG. 14 is the front view of the FIG. 10 club head.

[0029] FIG. 15 is a fourth modified embodiment of the golf putter head constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention, wherein there is a single weight concentrated on the back center of the club head, number 13 .

[0030] FIG. 16 is a top view of the FIG. 15 club head.

[0031] FIG. 17 is an end view of FIG. 15 club head.

[0032] FIG. 18 is a front view of FIG. 15 club head.

[0033] FIG. 19 is a rear view of FIG. 15 club head.

[0034] FIG. 20 is a fifth modified embodiment of the golf putter head constructed in accordance with the principles of present invention, wherein weights are added and positioned at the outer ends of the club head, extending forward and rearward therefrom, 4 is the front surface face of the club head.

[0035] FIG. 21 is a rear view of the FIG. 20 club head.

[0036] FIG. 22 is an end view of the FIG. 20 club head.

[0037] FIGS. 23 - 27 , are modified views of front 4 of FIG. 20 club head. 14 is an end weight. Dark heavy black lines represent a layer of coating on the club head. 4 to 4 d are front views of the face of the putter head.

[0038] 4 is a surface with no cover layer.

[0039] 4 a is a front face with a cover layer from end to end.

[0040] 4 b is a front face with a cover layer only at the bottom of the club head.

[0041] 4 c is a front face with a cover layer as in 4 a with the modification of grooved lines on the lower half of the club face.

[0042] 4 d is a front face with a cover layer as in 4 c with the modification of added texture dots on the upper half of the club face and with a cover layer at its bottom surface.

[0043] Two arrows on top of FIGS. 24, 25 , 26 , 27 , represent a strip removed from the body, 3 , FIG. 20 , crossections of which are shown in FIGS. 24A, 25B , 26 C and 27 D.

[0044] FIG. 24 A, shown as A, embodies a layer on its putter club face indicated by 4 aa.

[0045] FIG. 25 B, shown as B, embodies a layer only at the bottom of the putter club face indicated by 4 bb.

[0046] FIG. 26 C, shown as C, embodies a layer 4 cc on its face which embodies grooved lines on the lower half of the club face.

[0047] FIG. 27 D, shown as D, embodies a layer 4 dd on the putter club face and at its bottom, and further, it embodies grooved lines on the lower half and texture dots on the upper half of the putter club head.

[0048] FIGS: 28 , 29 , 30 :

[0049] FIG. 28 is a sixth modified embodiment of the golf putter head constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention wherein the putter club head shown in FIGS. 6 and 29 , is mounted in frame 15 , FIG. 30 , by screws 16 , screwed into threaded holes 18 , at points 19 , FIG. 28 , so that the club head can be set at various desired angles. Further, the frame 15 embodies a hosel, 7 , which attaches the club head and frame to a putter club shaft.

[0050] FIGS: 31 , 32 , 33 :

[0051] FIG. 31 is a simple club head consisting of a body 3 , and a weight 13 , to which a putter shaft, 12 , is attached at a desired angle to produce an angle on the face when the shaft is held in a vertical position as shown in FIG. 32 . The same result can be accomplished by just placing a bend in the hosel frame or shaft to produce the desired angle, FIG. 33 . The shafts are bent in the opposite direction of the line to the target.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] This invention achieves a club head for a golf club putter providing the player a positive tool to impact the golf ball according to his skill, confidence and feelings. The player does not have complete control of his putt, and is uncertain of the ball's path and its destination. Thus the outcome of his skill is determined by the tool, the design of the putter club, the constitution of the grass and his estimation of the force used to impact the ball. The result of his skill is negated by influences beyond his control.

[0053] Because of the unique construction of the present invention, the player will be able to strike the ball more decisively with confidence so that the result of his putt will be more rewarding according to his skill.

[0054] The basic concept of this invention is a club head with a face at a rearward angle and on which face are weights extending forward. Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIGS. 1,2 , illustrate the embodiment of of the rearward angled club head face and weights placed on this face extending forward. The face of the club head may be at an angle ranging between 0° and 60° according to the desired result. The average use of the angle is a setting of 45°.

[0055] This basic concept is also utilized in the construction of a club head having a vertical face on which weights are positioned on this front face extending forward, FIGS. 6,7 , 15 , 16 , 29 , 30 .

[0056] Further, weights are placed on the back surface of the club head, positioned strategically to coordinate with the weights on the front surface of the club head. This applies to club heads having an angled face or vertical face FIGS. 1 , 2 , 6 , 7 .

[0057] Referring to both the angled and vertical faced club heads, when there are two weights placed on the club head face, each weight is positioned, ¾″ or more on each side, from the center of the club head and preferably at ¼″ on each side from center, making the weights 2½″, apart in between.

[0058] The center of the club head is the point, on the surface, nearest to the center of gravity of the club head.

[0059] Club heads having weights on their front face, embody two weights on the rear surface of the club head which are positioned in relation to the front two weights. The rear two weights at the rear, are aligned with the two weights on the front surface of the club head. The outer sides of the rear weights, are approximately in line with the inner sides of the front weights, FIGS. 1, 2 , 15 , 16

[0060] Another club head with two weights on the front face, FIGS. 15 ,16 , has only one weight on the rear surface being concentrated so that its center is in line with the center of the front face of the club head.

[0061] There is another club head with an angle face which has no weights on its front face, but has two weights, apart in the rear center of the club head and two weights at the ends, FIGS. 10, 11 .

[0062] The rearward angle is along the length of the front face of the club head and is 0° to 60° from a perpendicular and so that the bottom edge of the front face is rearward of the top of the club head's top edge.

[0063] Another club head, FIGS. 20, 21 , 22 , has weights attached on the ends of the club head instead of the face of the club head. These weights extend forward beyond the face of the club head and also rearward beyond the rear surface.

[0064] The club head shown if FIGS. 20, 21 , 22 , utilizes another concept of the invention, and that is, the application of a layer of material to the face and the bottom of club head. This modified embodiment is the addition of a layer of material to the front surface and the bottom surface, wherein the material is that or similar to that,commonly used as the outer cover on golf balls, such as surlyn, balata, zynthyne, elastomers, resins and other such material. FIGS. 24 - 27 and FIGS. 24 A- 27 D, indicate the edges of the layer of material by the heavy black lines. Further, 4 - 4 d represents the face of the club head and 14 represents the end view of the weights on the ends of the club head. FIGS. 24 A- 27 D represent the end view of a crossection of a section cut out of the club head indicated by the arrows, A, B, C, D. 4 is the original face of the club head, 4 a is a face with a layer, 4 b is a face with a layer on the bottom surface, 4 c is a layer with grooves on its lower half and 4 d is a club face with a layer embodying “dots” 0.0001″+0.10″ to −0.00001″ in diameter, depth and space apart, on the upper half of the face, while the lower half contains grooves 0.0001+0.10″ to −p.00001″ in depth and space apart and also containing a layer of material on the bottom surface.

[0065] Further, the FIGS. 28, 29 , 30 represents a club head that can be rotated backwards to set the face at a desired angle between 0° and 60°. This is accomplished by fastening the ends of the club head in FIG. 29 , to the prongs of the inverted “U” frame by means of bolt screws through the holes on the prongs of the frame and threading the screws into the threaded holes, 18 . The frame 15 embodies a sleeve on its top center to attach to a hosel containing a shaft. The club head 4 , swivels at points 19 , and is set at the desired degree by tightening the screws.

[0066] Further, an angle can be obtained on club face by setting the club shaft at an angle. FIG. 31 illustrates a shaft attached at an angle to the club head. FIG. 32 illustrates how an angle develops when the shaft is held vertically. FIG. 33 . illustrates how an angle is developed on the club head by putting a rearward bend on the shaft.

[0067] FIGS. 31, 32 , and 33 illustrates how a shaft is attached* to a club head. The shaft 12 is inserted and bonded into the hosel sleeve 11 which is attached to the hosel stem 7 and which stem 7 is part of the club head as shown in all club head drawings. The stem has a flange at its lower end which is made part of the rear of the club head so that the hosel is at the rear of the club head and not at its middle top. Attachment to the rear of the club head has a more direct impact effect on the ball. The hosel attachment stub is designated by 7 on drawings. In the making of a putter, it will have a complete hosel with a top sleeve to which a shaft is attached. All clubs when made, will embody a shaft inserted into a hosel sleeve completing the club. *Also see FIGS. 3, 12 , 17 , 22 .

[0068] In manufacturing the putters, the club heads with their hosels, can be made as a unit by the investment casting process. Or the heads can be machined and the hosel made separately and then fastened to the rear of the club head. Or the club heads can first be forged and finished by machining its surfaces as necessary. Steel cannot be injection molded because of its high melting point. However, a new alloy is being developed called, “Liquid Metal”, which may or not be able to be molded by injection molding. However, it can be cast in a much easier process than investment casting and astonishingly come out of the casting with a super fine finish, almost that of being polished, and the part made to very exacting tolerances requiring no extra machining or touch up. The metal becomes stronger than steel. It will weigh a little less than steel and have a much lower melting point,enabling the manufacture of intricate components at lower costs. The application of this alloy is out of the research stage and this alloy is now being used to make club heads in a small way. Thus the present invention of unique putter heads may be made from “Liquid Metal” as well as other methods of manufacture.

[0069] The principles of the present invention, wherein weights are placed on the front surface of a club head, also applies to club heads of other types of clubs as with putter club head revealed in this invention.

REFERENCED NUMERALS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0070] 1 -Weights located on the front face surface of the club head.

[0071] 2 -Weights located on the rear of the club head.

[0072] 2 a -Weights located on the rear and at sides of the club head.

[0073] 3 -Body of “vertical face” of the club head.

[0074] 4 -Face of club head with vertical front surface.

[0075] [ 4 a - 4 d , 4 aa - 4 dd , see FIGS. 24 - 27 , listed below after No. 14 ]

[0076] 5 -rear surface of club head.

[0077] 6 -Hosel flange, part of rear of club head-hosel.

[0078] 7 -Hosel stem.

[0079] 8 -Weight as bottom “pan”.

[0080] 10 -Face of club head with front surface at an angle.

[0081] 9 -Body of angular faced club head.

[0082] 11 -Hosel sleeve for mounting club shaft.

[0083] 12 -Club shaft.

[0084] 13 -A single, concentrated weight at rear center of club head.

[0085] 14 -weights located at outer ends of club head.

[0086] Numerals for FIGS. 23 - 27 and 24 A- 27 D Nos. 4 , 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d , represent various claims applicable to the face of the club head in FIG. 20 , regarding layers.

[0087] Nos. 4 aa , 4 bb , 4 cc , 4 dd , indicate the layer of material applied to claims related to Nos. 4 a , 4 b , 4 c , 4 d . 3 -represents the body of the club head. A, B, C, D, represent the crossection of a strip of the body 3 , as indicated by the arrows,to indicate the layer applied to the club head face. Dark heavy lines indicate the layer.

[0088] 15 -Swivel frame to mount the club head.

[0089] 16 -Screws to mount through the frame.

[0090] 17 -Hole in frame.

[0091] 18 -Threaded hole in body 3 for the mounting screws.

[0092] 19 -Swivel mounting points.

Previous Patent: Golf club grip with a hem structure

Next Patent: Multi-piece solid golf ball