US20100190566A1

US20100190566A1 - Golf putter

Info

Publication number: US20100190566A1
Application number: US12/362,008
Authority: US
Inventors: Scott G. Haack; Robert C. Koch
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-01-29
Filing date: 2009-01-29
Publication date: 2010-07-29

Abstract

A golf putter head having a body having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The putter head further has at least one weight member connectable to the body at a predetermined location on the body such that the golf putter head has a first center of gravity. The at least one weight member is repositionable with respect to and connectable to the body such that repositioning the weight member and connecting the weight member to the body at the predetermined location on the body causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf club, and more specifically to a golf putter.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Putting is often considered the most difficult part of the game of golf. When putting, the golf ball must be hit with a precise amount of force and in a precise direction. If not, the golf ball may fail to reach the cup (i.e. hole) or miss the cup on one side or the other. Various attempts have been made to design putters and in particular putter heads that facilitate imparting the precise amount of force and direction to a golf ball to successfully complete a putt.
Most putter head designs are variations of either a blade type putter head or a mallet type putter head; both these types of putter heads are affected by parameters which can cause mishit and misdirected putts. The mallet-style putter has a relatively large, solid head that usually is semi-circular in shape when viewed from above, while the blade-style putter has a relatively narrow or blade-like head. Each type of putter includes a generally flat strike face for hitting the golf ball, usually set at a loft of about 50 or less. Accuracy of the putt is dependent on where the strike face impacts the ball, as well as on the orientation of the strike face at impact. Among the parameters that can cause mishit puts are the width of the putter head face (FW), the “sweet spot” (SS) of the putter face (i.e., the area of the clubface where optimal ball-striking results are achieved), and the location of the putter head center of gravity (CG).
Pre-putt alignment normally is accomplished by determining a line of sight to the cup and then positioning the putter head behind the golf ball on that line of sight with the putter head face perpendicular to the line of sight. If the face of the putter head is not perpendicular to the line of sight when the putter head impacts the ball, misdirection of the putt will likely occur. As the length of the putt increases, smaller misalignments result in more missed putts. In addition, error in the form of weak and ineffectual putts is introduced when the golf ball does not impact the sweet spot, and this error becomes greater as the distance between the sweet spot and the point of impact increases. Accordingly, many putters are designed to maximize sweet spot size. Impacting the golf ball on the sweet spot of the putter face involves determining the location of this spot and then consistently hitting the ball there. The sweet spot on a typical putter is usually located such that a vertical middle plane will bisect the sweet spot, the putter head face, and pass through the putter head center of gravity. For example, the sweet spot on a blade type putter head face four and one half inches wide is typically centered on the putter strike face.
In recent years, golf club technology has evolved rapidly, with many different modifications having been made to the general structure of golf club heads, including putter heads. There is, however, a continued need in the art to improve functionality, look, and feel of putters.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed is a golf putter head having a body with a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion and a heel portion. The golf putter head also includes at least one weight member that is repositionable with respect to the body of the golf putter head such that when the weight member is repositioned the center of gravity of the golf putter head changes both horizontally and vertically.
In one embodiment, a golf putter head includes a body having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion. The golf putter head also includes at least one weight member comprising a post and a weight, the post being connectable to the body at a predetermined location on the body. The weight is positionable about an axis of rotation at the post to a first position connected to the body at the predetermined location on the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a first center of gravity location. In addition, the weight is further positionable about the axis of rotation to a second position connected to the body at the predetermined location on the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.
The golf putter head may include two weight members and two predetermined locations on the body. In addition, one of the predetermined locations on the body may be on the heel portion and be closer to the heel of the body than to the center of the body and the other of the predetermined locations on the body may be on the toe portion and be closer to the toe of the body than to the center of the body.
The weight of each of the two weight members may be positionable such that the two weights in combination have a first position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have the first center of gravity location, and may further be positionable such that the weights in combination have a second position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.
The golf putter head may also have a first sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a first position with respect to the body and a second sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a second position with respect to the body, such that the second sweet spot is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
The length of the post may be generally orthogonal to the striking face. Also, the weight member may include an arm connecting the weight and the post. The weight, post and arm may be integrally formed. The weight also may be movable with respect to the post.
In addition, the first position and second position may each correspond to one of a plurality of predefined weight positions, which may correspond to detents at the predetermined location on the body. Also, the at least one weight may be repositionable with respect to the body while the post is connected to the body.
The body and the head may be made from different materials. For example, the body may be made from a first material and the weight member may be made from a second material that has a higher density than the first material.
The golf putter head may also include at least one alignment aid, and the at least one of alignment aid may include a line generally perpendicular to the striking face.
Also, the at least one weight member may be positionable with respect to the body such that the at least one weight member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.
Also disclosed is a golf putter head including a body having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion; and at least one weight member connectable to the body at a predetermined location on the body such that the golf putter head has a first center of gravity. The at least one weight member may be repositionable with respect to and connectable to the body such that repositioning the weight member and connecting the weight member to the body at the predetermined location on the body causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity.
The golf putter head may include two weight members and two predetermined locations on the body. One of the predetermined locations on the body may be on the heel portion and is closer to the heel of the body than to the center of the body and the other of the predetermined locations on the body may be on the toe portion and is closer to the toe of the body than to the center of the body.
In addition, each of the two weight members may be positionable such that the two weight members in combination have a first position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have the first center of gravity location, and each of the two weight members may be further positionable such that the two weight members in combination have a second position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.
The golf putter head may also have a first sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a first position with respect to the body and a second sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a second position with respect to the body, and wherein the second sweet spot is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
In addition, the at least one weight member may be positionable with respect to the body the golf putter head such that the putter head comprises a center of gravity that is further from the ground than a center of gravity of a golf ball when the putter head and the golf ball are grounded.
Also, the at least one weight member may be positionable with respect to the body the golf putter head such that the bottom portion of the body is not in contact with the ground when the golf putter head is grounded.
Additionally, the at least one weight member may be repositionable with respect to the body such that the at least one weight member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.
Also disclosed is a golf putter head including a body having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion; and at least two weight members connectable to the body at predetermined locations on the body such that the golf putter head has a first sweet spot and first center of gravity. The at least two weight members may be repositionable with respect to and connectable to the body at the predetermined locations on the body such that repositioning the weight members and connecting the weight members to the body at the predetermined locations on the body causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that is different vertically from the first center of gravity and further causes the golf putter head to have a second sweet spot that is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
Further disclosed is a golf putter head including a body having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion; and at least one member repositionable with respect to the body and connectable to the body such that the at least one member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.
These and further features of the present invention will be apparent with reference to the following description and attached drawings. In the description and drawings, particular embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail as being indicative of some of the ways in which the principles of the invention may be employed, but it is understood that the invention is not limited correspondingly in scope. Rather, the invention includes all changes, modifications and equivalents coming within the spirit and terms of the claims appended hereto.
Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of a putter head of the present invention;

FIG. 1B is an assembled perspective view of the putter head of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of a putter head of the present invention;

FIG. 2B is an assembled perspective view of the putter head of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3A is a rear view of a body of a putter head of the present invention illustrating the locations where the body and weight members are connectable;

FIG. 3B is a rear view of a weight member of a putter head of the present invention;

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a weight member of FIG. 3B;

FIGS. 4A-13A are rear views of a putter head of the present invention having members oriented in various positions;

FIGS. 4B-13B are views of a golf ball illustrating the location of the center of gravity of a putter head of the present invention with the members oriented in the various positions of FIGS. 4A-13A; and

FIG. 14 is a golf putter head with a moveable member for adjusting lie angle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a golf putter head that includes at least one weight member that is connectable to the body of the golf putter head at a predetermined location on the body such that the golf putter head has a first center of gravity. The weight member is also repositionable with respect to the body of the golf putter head such that when the weight member is repositioned and connected to the body at the predetermined location on the body, the golf putter head has a second center of gravity that is different from the first center of gravity both horizontally and vertically. The invention also relates to a golf putter head that includes at least one weight member that is repositionable with respect to the body of the golf putter head such that when the weight member is repositioned the center of gravity of the golf putter head changes vertically and the size of a sweet spot of the golf putter head changes horizontally. The invention further relates to a golf putter head having a lie angle that can be changed by moving a repositionable member with respect to the body of the golf putter head so that the member contacts the ground when the putter head is grounded and prevents at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground when the putter head is grounded.
When members are described herein as being “repositionable” with respect to another element such as the body of a putter, it should be understood that the members are movable to a different position with respect to the element, either by disconnecting and reconnecting the members in a different position or by moving the members while the members are connected to the element.
Turning initially to FIGS. 1A-B, a golf putter head of the present invention is generally designated 10. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the dimensions and weight of the putter head 10 may vary. For example, while a mallet style putter is illustrated in FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B, the putter head could also be a blade style putter head. Preferably, however, the putter head 10 conforms to USGA rules and regulations with respect to both dimension and weight.
The golf putter head 10 includes a body 12, two weight members 24 a-b and two locking mechanisms 34 a-b. The body 10 includes a striking face 14, a top portion 16, a bottom portion 18, a toe portion 20 and a heel portion 22. The striking face 14 has a width, (i.e., a face width) FW. The body 12 may also include an alignment aid 36, which may include, for example, a line perpendicular to and extending rearward from the striking face 14. Extending rearward from the heel portion 22 and the toe portion 20 are arms 32 a and 32 b, respectively. The arms 32 a-b may each be configured to interact with a member, such as weight members 24 a-b. For example, the arm 32 a may be connectable to a weight member 24 a at a predetermined location 50 a (see FIG. 3A). Likewise, the arm 32 b may be connectable to a weight member 24 b at a predetermined location 50 b (see FIG. 3A).
At least one weight member, such as weight members 24 a-b, may be connectable to the body 12 at a predetermined location, such as the locations 50 a-b. In addition, the predetermined location may be closer to either the heel 22 or toe 20 of the body 12 than to the center of the body 12. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 1A-B and 3A, the arms 24 a-b may be connectable to the body 12 at predetermined locations 50 a-b, where the predetermined location 50 a is closer to the heel 22 of the body 12 than to the center of the body 12, and where the predetermined location 50 b is closer to the toe 20 of the body 12 than to the center of the body 12.
Each of the weight members 24 a-b may have a weight, such as weight 26 a-b, a post, such as post 30 a-b, and an arm, such as arm 28 a-b, connecting the weight to the post. When connected to the body 12, the post 30 a-b may be generally orthogonal to and extend rearward from the striking face 14 of the body 12. In addition, the weight 26 a-b, arm 28 a-b and post 30 a-b may be integrally formed. Thus, when the post 30 a-b is rotated, the weight 26 a-b may travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle is the arm 28 a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30 a-b (see FIGS. 3B-C). Alternatively, the weight 26 a-b may be movable with respect to the post 30 a-b. Thus, when the weight is rotated with respect to the post 30 a-b about an axis of rotation ARa-b, the weight 26 a-b may travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle is the arm 28 a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30 a-b.
In either case, the weight 26 a-b may be positionable to multiple positions with respect to the body 12 when the weight member 24 a-b is connected to the body 12, such as at a predetermined location on the body 12. In addition, placing the weight 26 a-b in a first position with respect to the body 12 may cause the putter head 10 to have a first center of gravity location, and placing the weight 26 a-b in a second position with respect to the body 12 may cause the putter head 10 to have a second center of gravity location that is different than the first center of gravity location. Moreover, the first center of gravity location and the second center of gravity location may be different both vertically (i.e., either closer to or farther from the top portion 16 or bottom portion 18 of the putter head) and horizontally (i.e., either closer to or farther from the heel portion 22 or toe portion 20 of the putter head).
The two weights 26 a-b also may be positionable such that the two weight members 26 a-b in combination have a first position with respect to the body 12, thereby causing the putter head 10 to have the first center of gravity location, and each of the two weight members 26 a-b may be further positionable such that the two weight members 26 a-b in combination have a second position with respect to the body 12, thereby causing the putter head 10 to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.
In addition, the golf putter head 10 may have a first sweet spot when the two weights 26 a-b in combination have a first position with respect to the body 12, and may also have a second sweet spot when the two weights 26 a-b in combination have a second position with respect to the body 12. The second sweet spot may be different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
The body 12 may be at least partially composed of a first material, such as a suitable metal. Suitable metals for the body 12 include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, carbon steel, bronze, and the like. The body 12 may be formed as a single structure or from multiple structures using known techniques. Such techniques may include investment casting, milling, welding forged or formed pieces, and the like. In addition, the body 12 may also be composed of any metal or metal alloy having a density greater than that of aluminum and less than that of steel.
At least part of the weight members 24 a-b may be at least partially composed of a second material that has a higher density than either the first material of which the body 12 is at least partially composed. Suitable materials for the weight members 24 a-b include brass, steel, tungsten, metal alloys, and the like.
Turning next to FIGS. 2A-B, another golf putter head of the present invention is generally designated 110. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that the dimensions and weight of the putter head 110 may vary. Like the golf putter head 10, the golf putter head 110 preferably conforms to USGA rules and regulations with respect to both dimension and weight.
The golf putter head 110 includes a body 112, two weight members 24 a-b and two locking mechanisms 34 a-b. The body 110 includes a striking face 114, a top portion 116, a bottom portion 118, a toe portion 120 and a heel portion 122. The striking face 14 has a width, (i.e., a face width) FW. Extending rearward from the heel portion 122 and the toe portion 120 are arms 132 a and 132 b, respectively. The arms 132 a-b may each be configured to interact with a member, such as weight members 24 a-b. For example, the arm 132 a may be connectable to a weight member 24 a at a predetermined location 50 a (see FIG. 3A). Likewise, the arm 132 b may be connectable to a weight member 24 b at a predetermined location 50 b (see FIG. 3A).
At least one weight member, such as weight members 24 a-b, may be connectable to the body 112 at a predetermined location, such as the locations 50 a-b. In addition, the predetermined location may be closer to either the heel 122 or toe 120 of the body 112 than to the center of the body 112. For example, and as shown in FIGS. 2A-B and 3A, the arms 24 a-b may be connectable to the body 112 at predetermined locations 50 a-b, where the predetermined location 50 a is closer to the heel 122 of the body 112 than to the center of the body 112, and where the predetermined location 50 b is closer to the toe 120 of the body 112 than to the center of the body 112.
Each of the weight members 24 a-b may have a weight, such as weight 26 a-b, a post, such as post 30 a-b, and an arm, such as arm 28 a-b, connecting the weight to the post. When connected to the body 112, the post 30 a-b may be generally orthogonal to and extend rearward from the striking face 114 of the body 112. In addition, the weight 26 a-b, arm 28 a-b and post 30 a-b may be integrally formed. Thus, when the post 30 a-b is rotated, the weight 26 a-b may travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle is the arm 28 a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30 a-b (see FIGS. 3B-C). Alternatively, the weight 26 a-b may be movable with respect to the post 30 a-b. Thus, when the weight is rotated with respect to the post 30 a-b about an axis of rotation ARa-b, the weight 26 a-b may travel in a generally circular path where the radius of the circle is the arm 28 a-b and the center of the circle is an axis of rotation ARa-b, which may be at the post 30 a-b.
In either case, the weight 26 a-b may be positionable to multiple positions with respect to the body 112 when the weight member 24 a-b is connected to the body 112, such as at a predetermined location on the body 112. In addition, placing the weight 26 a-b in a first position with respect to the body 112 may cause the putter head 110 to have a first center of gravity location, and placing the weight 26 a-b in a second position with respect to the body 112 may cause the putter head 110 to have a second center of gravity location that is different than the first center of gravity location. Moreover, the first center of gravity location and the second center of gravity location may be different both vertically (i.e., either closer to or farther from the top portion 116 or bottom portion 118 of the putter head 10) and horizontally (i.e., either closer to or farther from the heel portion 122 or toe portion 120 of the putter head 10).
The two weights 26 a-b also may be positionable such that the two weight members 26 a-b in combination have a first position with respect to the body 112, thereby causing the putter head 110 to have the first center of gravity location, and each of the two weight members 26 a-b may be further positionable such that the two weight members 26 a-b in combination have a second position with respect to the body 112, thereby causing the putter head 110 to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.
In addition, the golf putter head 110 may have a first sweet spot when the two weights 26 a-b in combination have a first position with respect to the body 112, and the golf putter 110 may have a second sweet spot when the two weights 26 a-b in combination have a second position with respect to the body 112. The second sweet spot may be different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.
The body 112 may be at least partially composed of a first material, such as a suitable metal. Suitable metals for the body 112 include aluminum, steel, stainless steel, titanium, titanium alloys, carbon steel, bronze, and the like. The body 112 may be formed as a single structure or from multiple structures using known techniques. Such techniques may include investment casting, milling, welding forged or formed pieces, and the like. In addition, the body 112 may also be composed of any metal or metal alloy having a density greater than that of aluminum and less than that of steel.
At least part of the weight members 24 a-b may be at least partially composed of a second material that has a higher density than either the first material of which the body 112 is at least partially composed. Suitable materials for the weight members 24 a-b include brass, steel, tungsten, metal alloys, and the like.
In addition, the putter head 110 of FIGS. 2A-B also includes an alignment aid having multiple components. The alignment aid includes a flange 138 and an alignment insert 146. The flange 138 is configured with two holes 142 a-b for attaching to two posts 140 a-b on the body 112. The flange also includes a slit 144 for receiving part of the alignment insert 146. The body 112, flange 138 and alignment insert 146 may each have a visual alignment aid 136, such as one or more lines, triangles, arrow heads, circles, and the like. As shown, the body 112, flange 138 and alignment insert 146 each have a line extending perpendicular and rearward from the strike face 114 of the body 112. Moreover, the alignment insert 146 may be reflective and include multiple pieces, one piece having a visual alignment aid and the other piece providing reflectivity of the alignment insert 146. For example, the alignment insert 146 may be reflective to assist a user in achieving proper head placement while addressing a ball.
Turning next to FIGS. 3A-C, one exemplary type of interaction of the weight members 24 and the body 12, 112 is illustrated in greater detail. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that while the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3A-C shows weight members 24 that are disconnected from the body 12, 112 for repositioning, the weight members 24 and body 12, 112 may also be designed such that the weight members 24 are repositionable with respect to the body 12, 112 while being connected to the body 12, 112, such as at a post 30 of a weight member 24.
As shown, the body 12, 112 has two predetermined locations 50 a-b, 150 a-b for engaging the weight members 24 a-b. In addition, the positions of each weight member 24 with respect to the body 12, 112 may correspond to one of a plurality of predefined weight member positions. Various types of engagement can be used to cause the weight members 24 a-b to engage the body 12, 112 at predefined positions. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the predetermined locations 50 a-b and 150 a-b include detents 52 a-b, 152 a-b corresponding to a plurality of predefined weight positions. The corresponding weight member 24 may include a plurality of raised sections 54 that mate with the plurality of detents 52 a-b, 152 a-b to hold the weight member 24 in a predefined weight position.
Turning next to FIGS. 4A-13A and 4B-13B. FIGS. 4A-13A illustrate the sweet spot of the golf putter head 10, 110 when the weight members 24 a-b are engaged at various positions with respect to the body 12, 112 and FIGS. 4B-13B illustrate the location of the center of gravity of the putter head 10, 110, both when grounded and at a typical strike point when the putter head 10, 110 is in use.
FIG. 4A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that weight 26 a is closest to weight 26 b. The corresponding sweet spot SS1 has a width W1. As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the center of gravity CG1 of the putter head 10, 110 when grounded is well below the center BC of a golf ball, as is the center of gravity CG1′ of the putter head 10, 110 at the strike point. Both CG1 and CG1′ are also well below the height of the top surface TS of the putter head 10, 110 when the putter head 10, 110 is grounded.
FIG. 5A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that the weights 26 a-b are higher off of the ground than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 4A. The corresponding sweet spot SS2 has a width W2 that is wider than width W1. In other words, W2 has a greater dimension horizontally than W1. As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the centers of gravity CG2 and CG2′ of the putter head 10, 110 are higher off of the ground than CG1 and CG1′.
Moving each of the weight members 24 a-b from the position of FIG. 4A to the position of FIG. 5A causes the center of gravity of the putter head 10, 110 to change both horizontally and vertically. Because both 24 a and 24 b are positioned the same distance horizontally from the center of gravity of the body 12, 112, however, the center of gravity of the putter 10, 110 changes only vertically. More specifically, the change in the center of gravity toward the heel 22, 122 resulting from movement of the weight member 24 a from the position in FIG. 4A is offset by the change in the center of gravity toward the toe 20, 120 resulting from movement of the weight member 24 b from the position in FIG. 4A, resulting in no net horizontal change to the center of gravity of the putter 10, 110 between the positions of the weight members 24 a-b of FIG. 4A and 5A.
FIG. 6A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that the weights 26 a-b are higher off of the ground than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 5A. The corresponding sweet spot SS3 has a width W3 that is wider than width W2. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the centers of gravity CG3 and CG3′ of the putter head 10, 110 are higher off of the ground than CG2 and CG2′.
FIG. 7A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that the weights 26 a-b are at the maximum distance from the ground. The corresponding sweet spot SS4 has a width W4 that is wider than width W3. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, the centers of gravity CG4 and CG4′ of the putter head 10, 110 are higher off of the ground than CG3 and CG3′. As shown, the center of gravity CG4 when the putter is grounded is further from the ground than the center BC of a golf ball and thus further from the ground than the center of gravity of a golf ball.
FIG. 8A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that the weights 26 a-b are closer the ground than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 7A, but farther from the center of the putter head 10, 110. The corresponding sweet spot SS5 has a width W5 that is wider than width W4. As illustrated in FIG. 8B, the centers of gravity CG5 and CG5′ of the putter head 10, 110 are closer to the ground than CG4 and CG4′.
FIG. 9A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that weights 26 a-b are closer to the ground than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 8A, but farther from the center of the putter head 10, 110. The corresponding sweet spot SS6 has a width W6 that is wider than width W5. As illustrated in FIG. 9B, the centers of gravity CG6 and CG6′ of the putter head 10,110 are closer to the ground than CG5 and CG5′.
FIG. 10A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that weight 26 a is farthest from weight 26 b. In addition, the weights 26 a-b are closer to the ground than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 9A, but farther from the center of the putter head 10, 110. The corresponding sweet spot SS7 has a width W7 that is wider than width W6. As illustrated in FIG. 10B, the centers of gravity CG7 and CG7′ of the putter head 10, 110 are closer to the ground than CG6 and CG6′.
FIG. 1 1A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that weights 26 a-b are closer to the ground and closer to the center of the putter head 10, 110 than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 10A. The corresponding sweet spot SS8 has a width W8 that is narrower than width W7. As illustrated in FIG. 11B, the center of gravity CG8 and of the putter head 10, 110 is closer to the ground than CG7, but the center of gravity CG8′ and of the putter head 10, 110 is farther from the ground than CG7′. This effect is due to the fact that the weights 26 a-b reside below the bottom of the body 18, 118, thus forcing the putter head 10, 110 off of the ground when the putter head is “grounded.” The element identified as CG8 in FIG. 11B is the center of gravity that the putter head 10, 110 would have if it were positioned such that the bottom portion 18, 118 of the body 12, 112 of the putter head 10, 110 was grounded, which would require the weights 26 a-b to be below the surface of the ground.
FIG. 12A illustrates the weight members 24 a-b positioned such that weights 26 a-b closer to the center of the putter head 10, 110 than the weights 26 a-b of FIG. 11A. The corresponding sweet spot SS9 has a width W9 that is narrower than width W8. FIG. 12B illustrates the positions of CG9 and CG9′.
FIG. 13A illustrates how the weight members 24 a-b could be positioned to shift the sweet spot SS10 from the center of the putter head 10, 110 to one side. As shown, the sweet spot SS10 is shifted toward the heel 22, 122 of the body 12, 112 of the putter head 10, 110. The corresponding sweet spot SS10 has a width W10. FIG. 13B illustrates the vertical positions of CG10 and CG10′.
Turning next to FIG. 14, a golf putter head with a moveable member for adjusting lie angle L is illustrated. The golf putter head 210 may be similar or identical to either of the golf putter heads 10 or 110. Alternatively, only the body 212 may be similar or identical to the body 12 or 112. In addition, the golf putter head 210 may be very different in design than the golf putter heads 10 and 110. The golf putter head includes a body 212 and at least one member 224 that is repositionable with respect to the body 212 and connectable to the body 212 such that the member 224 contacts the ground surface 226 when the putter head 210 is grounded. Preferably, the member 224 prevents at least part of the bottom portion 218 of the body 212 from contacting the ground surface 226 when the putter head 210 is grounded. The member 224 may be a weight member, such as weight members 24 or 124. In addition, the member may be designed so that movement of the member has a minimal effect on the location of the sweet spot and center of gravity of the putter head 210. Accordingly, the member may be composed at least in part of a less dense material than the body 212 of the golf putter head 210. For example, the member may be composed of carbon fiber, plastics, composite plastic, Kevlar™, fiberglass, or the like.
While the present invention has been described in association with several exemplary embodiments, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Such other features, aspects, variations, modifications, and substitution of equivalents may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this invention which is intended to be limited solely by the scope of the following claims. Also, it will be appreciated that features and parts illustrated in one embodiment may be used, or may be applicable, in the same or in a similar way in other embodiments.

Claims

1. A golf putter head comprising:

a body having a striking face, a top portion, a bottom portion, a toe portion, and a heel portion; and

at least one weight member comprising a post and a weight, the post being connectable to the body at a predetermined location on the body;

wherein the weight is positionable about an axis of rotation at the post to a first position connected to the body at the predetermined location on the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a first center of gravity location; and

wherein the weight is further positionable about the axis of rotation to a second position connected to the body at the predetermined location on the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.

2. The golf putter head of claim 1 comprising two weight members and two predetermined locations on the body.

3. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein one of the predetermined locations on the body is on the heel portion and is closer to the heel of the body than to the center of the body and the other of the predetermined locations on the body is on the toe portion and is closer to the toe of the body than to the center of the body.

4. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the weight of each of the two weight members is positionable such that the two weights in combination have a first position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have the first center of gravity location, and wherein each of the two weights is positionable such that the weights in combination have a second position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.

5. The golf putter head of claim 2 wherein the golf putter head has a first sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a first position with respect to the body and a second sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a second position with respect to the body, and wherein the second sweet spot is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.

6. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the length of the post is generally orthogonal to and extends rearward from the striking face.

7. The golf putter head of claim 1 further comprising an arm connecting the weight and the post.

8. The golf putter head of claim 7 wherein the weight, arm and post are integrally formed.

9. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the first position and second position each correspond to one of a plurality of predefined weight positions.

10. The golf putter head of claim 9 wherein the predefined weight positions correspond to detents at the predetermined location on the body.

11. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the at least one weight is repositionable with respect to the body while the post connected to the body.

12. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the weight is movable with respect to the post.

13. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the body is at least partially composed of a first material and the weight member is at least partially composed of a second material that has a higher density than the first material.

14. The golf putter head of claim 1 further comprising at least one alignment aid.

15. The golf putter head of claim 14 wherein the at least one of alignment aid comprises a line generally perpendicular to the striking face.

16. The golf putter head of claim 1 wherein the at least one weight member is positionable with respect to the body such that the at least one weight member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.

17. A golf putter head comprising:

at least one weight member connectable to the body at a predetermined location on the body such that the golf putter head has a first center of gravity;

wherein the at least one weight member is repositionable with respect to and connectable to the body such that repositioning the weight member and connecting the weight member to the body at the predetermined location on the body causes the golf putter head to have second center of gravity that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity.

18. The golf putter head of claim 17 comprising two weight members and two predetermined locations on the body.

19. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein one of the predetermined locations on the body is on the heel portion and is closer to the heel of the body than to the center of the body and the other of the predetermined locations on the body is on the toe portion and is closer to the toe of the body than to the center of the body.

20. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein each of the two weight members is positionable such that the two weight members in combination have a first position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have the first center of gravity location, and wherein each of the two weight members is positionable such that the two weight members in combination have a second position with respect to the body, thereby causing the putter head to have a second center of gravity location that is different both horizontally and vertically from the first center of gravity location.

21. The golf putter head of claim 18 wherein the golf putter head has a first sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a first position with respect to the body and a second sweet spot when the two weights in combination have a second position with respect to the body, and wherein the second sweet spot is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.

22. The golf putter head of claim 17 wherein the at least one weight member is positionable with respect to the body the golf putter head such that the putter head comprises a center of gravity that is further from the ground than a center of gravity of a golf ball when the putter head and the golf ball are grounded.

23. The golf putter head of claim 17 wherein the at least one weight member is positionable with respect to the body the golf putter head such that the bottom portion of the body is not in contact with the ground when the golf putter head is grounded.

24. The golf putter head of claim 17 wherein the at least one weight member is repositionable with respect to the body such that the at least one weight member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.

25. A golf putter head comprising:

at least two weight members connectable to the body at predetermined locations on the body such that the golf putter head has a first sweet spot and a first center of gravity;

wherein the at least two weight members are repositionable with respect to and connectable to the body at the predetermined locations on the body such that repositioning the weight members and connecting the weight members to the body at the predetermined locations on the body causes the golf putter head to have a second center of gravity that is different vertically from the first center of gravity and further causes the golf putter head to have a second sweet spot that is different in dimension horizontally from the first sweet spot.

26. A golf putter head comprising:

at least one member repositionable with respect to the body and connectable to the body such that the at least one member contacts a ground surface when the putter head is grounded, thereby changing a lie angle of the putter head by preventing at least part of the bottom portion of the body from contacting the ground surface when the putter head is grounded.