WO2008040048A1

WO2008040048A1 - Golf putter alignment system

Info

Publication number: WO2008040048A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000922
Authority: WO
Inventors: Christopher Campbell
Original assignee: Christopher Campbell
Priority date: 2006-10-05
Filing date: 2007-07-03
Publication date: 2008-04-10

Abstract

A golf club with a pair of alignment indicators designed to act in a vertical parallax manor to assist alignment of the golf club. Upon correct alignment the pair of indicators will appear to the user to be one. Upon incorrect alignment the pair of indicators will not act as one therefore making the user aware of improper alignment. Four method of applying the alignment indicators are 1) Upper and lower bars, 2) Upper bar and lower paint line, 3) A Wedge, 4) Upper cut and lower paint line.

Description

Description GOLF PUTTER ALIGNMENT SYSTEM

[I] Field of the Invention The present invention relates to improvements in an alignment system for a golf putter.

[2] Background of the Invention Present putter alignment systems utilise side-by-side lines or a top notch/bottom line system where the user attempts to orient the putter by generally matching the lines. An example of the side-by-side lines system is disclosed in WO 01/17621. An example of the top notch/bottom line system is disclosed in WO 00/43081. These systems do not always result in the putter achieving the optimal alignment for the user. Accordingly, there exists a need to provide an improved vertical alignment system that permits more optimal alignment with a reduced risk of pushed and pulled putts.

[3] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the referenced prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

[4] Summary The present invention in one preferred aspect provides for an alignment system utilising an upper indicator area such as a slot or painted white line that when optimal putter orientation is achieved, lies directly over a lower indicator line of similar dimension therefore forming parallax alignment. In another aspect, the invention provides for an alignment system utilising a wedge wall having a white indicator line on top and coloured sidewalls so that when optimal putter orientation is achieved, only the white line is visible. In another preferred aspect, the present invention provides a method for adjusting the angle of a putter to provide the optimal position for putting a golf ball. Description Of Drawings

[5] Brief Description of the Figures

[6] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[7] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[8] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 adapted for use with an answer-type putter.

[9] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[10] Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[II] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [12] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [13] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a golf putter head having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [14] Fig. 9A is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 when the heel of the putter is tilted upwards. [15] Fig. 9B is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 when the putter is optimally oriented. [16] Fig. 9C is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 when the toe of the putter is tilted upwards. [17] Fig. 1OA is a rear elevation view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 when the heel of the putter is tilted upwards. [18] Fig. 1OB is a rear elevation view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 when the putter is optimally oriented. [19] Fig. 1OC is a rear elevation view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 1 when the toe of the putter is tilted upwards. [20] Fig. 1 IA is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 5 when the toe of the putter is tilted upwards. [21] Fig. 1 IB is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 5 when the toe of the putter is tilted slightly upwards. [22] Fig. 11C is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 5 when the putter is optimally oriented. [23] Fig. 1 ID is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 5 when the heel of the putter is tilted slightly upwards. [24] Fig. 1 IE is a top plan view of the vertical alignment system of Fig. 5 when the heel of the putter is tilted upwards. [25] Fig. 12A is a rear elevation view of the putter of Fig. 5 when the toe is tilted upwards. [26] Fig. 12B is a rear elevation view of the putter of Fig. 5 when the heel is tilted upwards.

[27] Detailed Description of the Drawings

[28] Alternative embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein.

It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by the claims which follow. Wherever possible, like numbers will refer to like parts. [29] Figs. 1 to 3 show a preferred embodiment of an alignment system for use with a golf club such as a putter. The alignment system shown in Figs. 1 to 3 preferably utilises a wedge wall having a white line on top and bold-coloured sides. When the putter is optimally oriented, the user should only be able to see the white line when viewed from above. If the putter is tilted on the toe or the heel, the user will notice the bold colour to one of the sides of the white line on top of the wedge wall when viewed from above. The preferred elements of the alignment system are described below.

[30] Fig. 1 shows a putter 10 including a putter head 100 and a shaft 102. Head 100 and shaft 102 may be formed integrally or detachable as desired. Head 100 has a forward wall 104 with a front face 106, a rear 108, a heel 110, a toe 112, a length from heel 110 to toe 112, a bottom 114 and a top 116. As shown in Fig. 1, rear 108 is preferably arcuate in the horizontal plane. Head 100 further preferably includes a floor 118 behind forward wall 104 and a vertical alignment system that includes a generally rectangular wedge wall 120.

[31] As shown in Fig. 1, wedge wall 120 preferably extends perpendicularly from forward wall 104 and floor 118. Wedge wall 120 preferably includes a top portion 122, a leading end 124, a trailing end 126, a first side 128 (shown in Fig. 10B) and a second side 130. Top portion 122 preferably includes an indicator area 132 having a length and a width. The indicator area in the embodiment of Fig. 1 is preferably a white line across top portion 122 of wedge wall 120. First and second sides 128, 130 of wedge wall 120 each preferably have a bold colour to contrast with the colour of the indicator area. A variety of colours and shades may be used without departing form the scope of the present invention. Preferably the colours are chosen to contrast with the natural colour of the putter head, usually metallic, and the colour of the indicator area.

[32] As shown in Fig. 1, wedge wall 120 preferably has a length extending the entire distance between forward wall 104 to rear 108, and a height that is preferably greater than a majority of the height of the putter head and more preferably, equal to the height of the putter head.

[33] Referring to Figs. 9A to 9C and 1OA to 1OC, in use a golfer orients the putter head relative to a golf ball. By visually observing the putter head from above, the golfer is able to determine the correct orientation of the putter relative to the golf ball. For example, if the heel is tilted upwards relative to the ground as shown in Fig. 1OA, the bold colour of first side 128 will appear to the left of the white line of indicator area 132 when viewed from above as shown in Fig. 9 A, alerting the golfer that he or she may wish to adjust the angle of the putter toward themselves to achieve a more suitable putter orientation. Adjusting the angle of the putter head until the colour of sides 128, 130 no longer show when viewed from above signals the golfer that he or she has achieved the optimal angular orientation, shown for example in Fig. 9B. If the toe is tilted upwards relative to the ground as shown in Fig. 1OC, the bold colour of second side 130 will appear to the right of the white line of indicator area 132 when viewed from above, such as shown in Fig. 9C, alerting the golfer that he or she may wish to adjust the angle of the putter away from themselves to achieve a more suitable putter orientation.

[34] References to 'left,' 'right' and 'centre' are for illustrative convenience only as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.

[35] Referring now to Fig. 2, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 20. Putter 20 is similar to putter 10 except that the wedge wall is generally triangular-shaped with a top portion 222 that is angled relative to floor 218. Preferably, wedge wall 220 has an included angle A between top portion 222 and floor 218 in the range of 15 to 75 degrees, more preferably 30 to 60 degrees. The ranges described above may include a subset of ranges therein without departing from the scope of the present invention. The slope of top portion 222 may be varied as desired. The method of using putter 20 is similar to that described relative to putter 10.

[36] Referring now to Fig. 3, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 30. Putter 30 is similar to putter 10 except that putter head 300 is formed as an answer-type head, i.e., having a generally linear rear 308. The method of using putter 30 is similar to that described relative to putter 10.

[37] Referring now to Fig. 4, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 40. Putter 40 is similar to putter 20 shown in Fig. 2 except that instead of a wedge wall, an elongated band 434 extends between forward wall 404 and rear 408. Band 434 includes a top portion 422 having an indicator area 432 formed as a slot 436 having a length and a width. Floor 418 preferably includes an indicator line 438 preferably having the same width as slot 436 and generally lying in the same vertical plane as slot 436. The method of using putter 40 is similar to that of using putter 50 and will be described below.

[38] Referring now to Fig. 5, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 50. Putter 50 is similar to putter 40 shown in Fig. 4 except that putter head 500 is a two-ball putter head (so-named for the outline of two circular discs on top 516). Forward disc 540 preferably includes a slot 542 generally perpendicular to forward wall 504 and extending across the diameter of the disc. Floor 518 preferably includes an indicator line 544 having the same width as slot 542 and generally lying in the same vertical plane as slot 542. The length of indicator line 544 is preferably the same as the length of slot 542. [39] If desired, head 500 may include a second slot 546 (shown in outline) across the diameter of rearward disc 548. Floor 518 may include a second indicator line to correspond to second slot 546. If desired, slots 542 and 546 may be formed as a single slot. Indicator line 542 may have a length equal to or greater than the length of first and second slots 542 and 546. The slot and indicator line configuration may be applied to a three-ball putter if desired.

[40] Referring to Figs. 1 IA to 1 IE and Figs. 12A and 12B, the method of using a putter such as described above relative to putters 40 and 50 is similar to the method of using a putter such as described relative to putters 10, 20 and 30, except that the user utilises the indicator line relative to the slot. For example, with reference to Figs. 5, 1 IA and 12A, if toe 512 is tilted upwardly relative to the ground as shown in Fig. 12A, the white indicator line 544 will not be visible through slot 542 when viewed from above as shown in Fig. 1 IA, or only partially visible as shown in Fig. 1 IB, alerting the golfer that he or she may wish to adjust the angle of the putter away from themselves to achieve a more suitable putter orientation. Adjusting the angle of the putter head until the width of indicator line 544 is fully visible through slot 542 when viewed from above signals the golfer that he or she has achieved the optimal angular orientation as shown for example in Fig. 11C. If heel 510 is tilted upwardly relative to the ground as shown in Fig. 12B, the white indicator line 544 will only be partially visible through slot 542 as shown in Fig. 1 ID, or not visible at all through slot 542 when viewed from above as shown in Fig. 1 IE, alerting the golfer that he or she may wish to adjust the angle of the putter toward themselves to achieve a more suitable putter orientation.

[41] Referring now to Fig. 6, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 60. Putter 60 includes a putter head 600 preferably formed as a triangular-type head, i.e., having a generally triangular perimeter when viewed from above. Putter 60 includes elements of the vertical alignment systems of putters 10 and 50. Putter head 600 preferably includes a bar 650 having an indicator area 652 along the top thereof. Indicator area 652 preferably forms a white indicator line along the entire width and length of the bar. Head 600 further preferably includes a partial floor portion 654 that includes an indicator line 656 along the length thereof. As shown in Fig. 6, head 600 preferably includes top left and right cut-out portions 658, 660, respectively, to either side of bar 650, and bottom left and right cut-out portions 662, 664, respectively, to either side of partial floor portion 654. Partial floor portion 654 preferably has a width greater than the width of bar 650. In use, adjusting the angle of the putter head until indicator line 656 on partial floor portion 654 is no longer visible when viewed from above signals the golfer that he or she has achieved the optimal angular orientation of the putter head relative to the ground. [42] Referring now to Fig. 7, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 70. Putter 70 is similar to putter 60 except that instead of a partial floor portion, head 700 includes a second bar 766 having an indicator line 768 along the top thereof. Second bar 766 is preferably parallel to bar 750 and preferably has the same length and width. The method of using putter 70 is similar to that described relative to putter 60, except that the two bars are being aligned to indicate when the putter head is suitably oriented relative to the ground when viewed from above.

[43] Referring now to Fig. 8, a putter having an alignment system in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown and referred to by the reference number 80. Putter 80 is similar to putter 60 except that it preferably includes the alignment system of putter 10. Putter 80 includes a wedge wall 820 having a top portion 822 with an indicator area 832. The first side (not shown) and second side 830 of wedge wall 820 each preferably have a bold colour to contrast with the colour of the indicator area. The method of using putter 80 is similar to that described relative to putter 10.

[44] The foregoing description is by way of example only, and may be varied considerably without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example only, the alignment system may include one or more cut-outs in place of or in addition to an indicator line. The triangular-type putter such as shown in Figs. 6 to 8 may have upper and lower cut-out portions of equal horizontal cross sectional dimension so that the upper and lower cut-out portions are aligned to indicate when the putter head is optimally oriented relative to the ground when viewed from above. The shape, placement and number of cut-out portions may be varied without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[45] The putter head is preferably constructed from a metallic material such as stainless steel, aluminium, or an alloy thereof. Other materials such as wood, graphite, perspex or plastic may be used as desired. The putter head may be detachable or integral with the shaft.

[46] Where the vertical alignment system includes one or more indicator lines and/or coloured sidewalls, the indicator lines are preferably white and the coloured walls are preferably non- white. Other colours may be used for the indicator lines and/or sidewalls such as black, any of the primary or secondary colours, neon and fluorescent without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[47] Where the alignment system includes an indicator area such as a slot, a top of a bar or wedge wall, the indicator area may be non-linear if desired. For example, the indicator area may form a shape such as a semi-circle having the forward wall as a base. The vertical alignment system may include more than one indicator area. For example, the putters shown in Figs. 1 to 3 may include two or more wedge walls that may be linear or non-linear, or a combination of linear and non-linear walls. The wedge walls may be at an angle relative to one another, for example, form an arrow having the vertex at the forward wall, or parallel to one another similar to the teeth of a comb.

[48] The vertical alignment system may be applied to a variety of putter head configurations as well as other golf clubs as desired.

[49] The features described with respect to one embodiment may be applied to or interchanged with the features other embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[50] The present invention in a preferred form provides the advantages of permitting a more optimal alignment of the putter, thereby improving the accuracy of the golfer.

[51] It will of course be realised that the above has been given only by way of illustrative example of the invention and that all such modifications and variations thereto as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Claims

[1] The claims defining the invention are as follows:

A golf club head including: a toe, a heel opposite said toe, a forward wall having a front face adapted to strike a golf ball, a rearward side, a top and a bottom; a vertical alignment means for permitting a user to orient the club relative to a golf ball and the ground, said alignment means including a bar extending from said forward wall, said alignment means having an upper surface and a floor having an upper surface, said upper surface of said floor having a marked area corresponding to the area of said upper surface of said bar so that said bar completely covers said marked area of said upper surface of said floor when said head is flat on the ground.

[2] The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said floor is a second bar.

[3] The golf club head of claim 1, wherein said marked area of said floor is a coloured line.

[4] A golf club head including: a toe, a heel opposite said toe, a forward wall having a front face adapted to strike a golf ball, a rearward side, a top, a bottom, and a floor extending from said forward wall to at least a portion of said rearward side; a vertical alignment means for permitting a user to orient the club relative to a golf ball and the ground, said alignment means including a vertical wall rising from said floor, said vertical wall having a top and opposed first and second sides, said floor and said top of said vertical wall including a colour, said first and second sides including a colour different from the colour of said top of said vertical wall and said floor.

[5] The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the colour of said top of said vertical wall is different than the colour of said floor.

[6] The golf club head of either claim 4 or 5, wherein said floor has a metallic colour.

[7] The golf club head of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein said top of said vertical wall is angled relative to said floor.

[8] The golf club head of any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein said vertical wall is perpendicular to said front face.

[9] A golf club head including: a toe, a heel opposite said toe, a forward wall having a front face adapted to strike a golf ball, a rearward side, a top, a bottom, and a floor extending from said forward wall to at least a portion of said rearward side; a vertical alignment means for permitting a user to orient the club relative to a golf ball and the ground, said alignment means including an upper surface having a slot therein, said floor having a marked area adapted to fit within the boundary of said slot when said marked area and said slot are vertically aligned.

[10] The golf club head of claim 9, wherein said slot is perpendicular to said front face.

[11] The golf club head of either claim 9 or 10, wherein said slot has a length greater than one-half the width of said golf club head.

[12] The golf club head of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein said upper surface is angled relative to said floor.

[13] The golf club head of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein said marked area is a coloured line having the same dimensions as said slot in a vertical plane of said golf club head.

[14] A method of positioning a golf putter, including : positioning a golf putter head proximate a golf ball, the putter head having an alignment means with an upper portion with a length and a width, and a lower portion having a length and a width spaced apart from the upper portion; placing the bottom of the putter head at or near the ground; adjusting the angle of the putter between the toe and the heel of the putter head so that the width of the lower portion of the alignment means fits within the width of the upper portion of the alignment means in a vertical plane.

[15] The method of claim 14, wherein the upper portion of the alignment means is a slot, the step of adjusting including adjusting the angle so that the lower portion of the alignment means is visible through the slot.

[16] The method of claim 14, wherein the upper portion of the alignment means is a bar, the step of adjusting including adjusting the angle so that the lower portion of the alignment means is covered by the bar in the vertical plane.