STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not applicable.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The subject matter of this specification is in the field of a golf putter apparatus and related methods.
2. Background of the Invention
Golf is a popular sport played worldwide by men and women of all ages. Golfers constantly strive to improve and lower their scores through practice and changes in equipment. Also, golfers have their own unique swing that feels comfortable to them, so many golfers will choose equipment that suits their swing the best in an effort to optimize their performance. Different types of equipment are made with different types of specifications, such as irons, woods, putters, and balls, to complement each player. Currently, woods have become an area where equipment can be adjusted fairly quickly with a simple tool to help players achieve a desired shape or trajectory of a shot.
With that said, though driving the ball is important, whether dealing with a beginner, an amateur, or a pro, one of the most important aspects of the game is putting because it typically takes up more strokes over the course of a round than those used with any other club. That is, a golfer typically uses his or her putter on a course more than any other club in his or her bag. Therefore, one of the first areas golfers can look to when trying to improve their scores is their putting. However, no single putter or putting technique is suitable for every player. Golfers have different physical characteristics, such as height and arm length, which require different equipment specifications to ensure that the putter is in the best position to give the golfer an optimal chance to hit the ball with success. Additionally, golfers have their own preference when it comes to the type of putter they prefer and each golfer has a style or technique of putting that may be better suited with the specifications of one putter over another. Thus, one method of improvement is for a player to use equipment that is best suited to personal needs, whether that be because of the size, feel, design, lie, weight, offset, or loft of the club.
Currently, there exists some golf equipment that allows for club adjustment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,623,372 by Beebe et al. (hereinafter “Beebe”) discloses a putter with an adjustable shaft and an adjustable hosel; however, Beebe's hosel can only be adjusted in one plane, whereas the current invention can be adjustable to any position within the upper socket opening. U.S. Pat. No. 8,419,564 by Solheim et al. (hereinafter “Solheim”) discloses adjustable length golf clubs; however, Solheim's clubs, and specifically the putter, cannot be adjusted at the hosel or on the putter's club head to create alternative shaft angles in relation to the putter head.
Therefore, no apparatus exists that allows a golfer to choose among a variety of positions and control the club head lie, loft, hand position, and axial rotation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable putter that allows a golfer to manipulate the lie and angle of the shaft in relation to the putter's club head.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable putter that allows a golfer to manipulate the shaft within the upper socket opening while controlling the grips relationship with the putter's alignment.
Generally, disclosed is an adjustable putter that allows a golfer to adjust the shaft and choose the optimal position for his or her own putting technique.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
The manner in which these objectives and other desirable characteristics can be obtained is explained in the following description and attached figures in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a golf putter of prior art.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable golf putter.
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4A is a close-up view of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4B is a side view of the shaft cap of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4C is a bottom view of the shaft cap of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4D is a perspective view of the shaft cap of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5A is a bottom view of a female connection of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5B is a perspective view of a female connection of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 5C is a side view of a female connection of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 6 is a close-up view of the torque tube of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7A is a top view of the set pin of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7B is a side view of the set pin of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the set pin of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 8A is a top view of a tube spacer of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a tube spacer of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 8C is a side view of a tube spacer of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 9 is an exploded view of the putter head and sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 12A is a side view of the upper and lower sockets of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the upper and lower sockets of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the shaft tip of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 13B is a side view of the shaft tip of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 13C is a bottom view of the shaft tip of the torque tube assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 14A is a top view of the sphere cap of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 14B is a side view of the sphere cap of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 14C is a bottom view of the sphere cap of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 14D is a perspective view of the sphere cap of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the sphere segments of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 15B is a top view of the sphere segments of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 15C is a side view of the sphere segments of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 15D is a top view of a segment of the sphere segments of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 15E is a side view of a segment of the sphere segments of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 16A is a top view of an anti-rotational peg of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an anti-rotational peg of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 16C is a side view of an anti-rotational peg of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 17A is a top view of the upper socket of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 17B is a side view of the upper socket of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 18A is a top view of the lower socket of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 18B is a cross-sectional side view of the lower socket of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the lower socket of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 2.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the golf putter.
FIG. 20 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 21 is an enlarged and exploded view of the sphere assembly and putter head of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 23A is a top view of the set pin of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the set pin of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 23C is a perspective view of the set pin of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 23D is a bottom view of the set pin of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 24A is a top view of the side shaft tip of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 24B is a side view of the side shaft tip of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional side view of the side shaft tip of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 19.
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the sphere assembly and putter head of an alternative embodiment of a golf putter with a center shaft configuration.
FIG. 26A is a side view of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 25.
FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional side view of the sphere assembly of one embodiment of the golf putter of FIG. 25.
FIG. 27A is a top view of a putter head of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 27B is a front view of a putter head of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 27C is a bottom view of a putter head of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view of a putter head of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 28B is a top view of a putter head of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 28C is a bottom view of a putter head of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 29B is a perspective view of a loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 29C is a perspective view of a loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 29D is a top view of a loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 29E is a bottom view of a loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 30A is a side view of a 6 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 30B is a side view of a 3 degree loft plat of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 31A is an exploded view of a putter head with a 3 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 31B is a side view of a putter head with a 3 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 31C is a bottom view of a 3 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 31D is a side view of a 3 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 32A is an exploded view of a putter head with a 6 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 32B is a side view of a putter with a 6 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 32C is a bottom view of a 6 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 32D is a side view of a 6 degree loft plate of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 33A is an illustration of the shaft range of motion of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 33B is a top view of the upper socket opening of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 34A is an illustration of the shaft range of motion of one embodiment of a golf putter.
FIG. 34B is a top view of the upper socket opening of one embodiment of a golf putter.
It is to be noted, however, that the appended figures illustrate only typical embodiments of the disclosed assemblies, and therefore, are not to be considered limiting in their scope, for the disclosed assemblies may admit to other equally effective embodiments that will be appreciated by those reasonably skilled in the relevant arts. Also, figures are not necessarily made to scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Generally, disclosed is an adjustable putter with a ball and socket joint that allows a golfer to adjust the shaft of a putter to find the best position for each individual putting stroke.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a putter of prior art, which shows a grip 1, a putter shaft 2, a hosel 3, and a putter head 4.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adjustable putter, which depicts a male tool 5, which may be inserted into the top of the putter shaft 2 through the top of the putter grip 1.
FIG. 3 an exploded view of the adjustable putter of FIG. 2. The adjustable putter is comprised of a torque tube assembly 6 within a shaft 2 (not pictured), a sphere assembly 7, a hosel 3, a putter head assembly 8, a sphere cap 20, and a male tool 5, which may be used to manipulate a female connection 9 (see FIG. 4). Referring to FIG. 3, a torque tube assembly 6 with a first end and a second is disposed within a shaft 2. The first end of the torque tube 11 is defined by a receptacle opening 15a (see FIG. 6) that accepts a female connection 9 via a receptacle insert 13a, which may feature a female hex connection 14 (see FIG. 5B). The second end of the torque tube 11 has a receptacle opening 15b, which accepts the set pin 12 (see FIG. 7) via a receptacle insert 13b. The set pin 12 (not shown) interacts with the sphere assembly 7 to allow for adjustability and securing the putter to a specified adjustment. The sphere assembly 7 may be found in the hosel 3 of the putter head assembly 8.
FIG. 4A is a close-up view of the torque tube assembly 6. Referring to FIG. 4A, in one embodiment, the torque tube assembly 6 is comprised of a torque tube 11, a female connection 9 on the first end of the torque tube 11, tube spacers 10 distributed along the torque tube 11, and a receptacle opening 15b on the second end of the torque tube 11.
FIGS. 4B-D are various views of a shaft cap 50. FIG. 4B is a side view of a shaft cap 50. FIG. 4C is a bottom view of a shaft cap 50. FIG. 4D is a perspective view of a shaft cap 50. The shaft cap 50 can be epoxied to the top of the putter shaft 2 and helps guide the male tool 5 into the female connection 9. The shaft cap 50 also abuts the tube spacer 10 to prevent the torque tube from unthreading out of the shaft tip 19. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft cap 50 may feature a magnet that is attached or embedded within the shaft cap 50 to act as a fastener for a putter sensor that helps golfers measure data during a putting stroke. The putter sensor may also feature a magnet and the magnetic attraction between the shaft cap 50 and putter sensor may act as a fastener to hold a putter sensor to the end of the grip 1.
FIGS. 5A-C are close-up views of one embodiment of the female connection 9. FIG. 5A is a top view of the female connection 9. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the female connection 9. FIG. 5C is a side view of the female connection 9. In a preferred embodiment, the female connection 9 may feature a female hex connection 14 and also feature a stopper 51 and a receptacle insert 13a. The receptacle insert 13a may be inserted into the first end of the torque tube 11 (see FIG. 6), the stopper 51, in absence of a tube spacer 10, can also serve to stop the torque rod assembly 6 from unthreading by abutting the bottom of the shaft cap 50.
FIG. 6 is a close up view of the torque tube 11 and the first receptacle opening 15a at the first end of the torque tube 11 and the second receptacle opening 15b at the second end of the torque tube 11. The first receptacle opening 15a receives the receptacle insert 13a of the female connection 9. The second receptacle opening 15b receives the receptacle insert 13b of the set pin (see FIG. 7B).
FIGS. 7A-C are close-up views of one embodiment of the set pin 12. FIG. 7A is a top view of the set pin 12. FIG. 7B is a side view of the set pin 12. FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the set pin 12. In a preferred embodiment, the set pin 12 also features a set pen receptacle connector 13b, threads 16, and a tapered tip 17. In one embodiment, the set pin 12 may feature a female connection 18 at the tip of the set pin receptacle insert 13b. The female connection 18 may serve as an adjustment means if a torque tube assembly 6 is not installed in a putter shaft. Thus, in an alternative embodiment, a shaft may feature a side entry in the shaft for a player to insert a male tool 5 into the female connection 18 to adjust the putter (see FIG. 19). Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the second receptacle opening 15b of the torque tube 11 receives the set pin receptacle insert 13b.
FIGS. 8A-C are close-up views of one embodiment of tube spacers 10. FIG. 8A is a top view of a tube spacer 10. FIG. 8B is a perspective view of a tube spacer 10. FIG. 10C is a side view of a tube spacer 10. In a preferred embodiment, distributed along the torque tube 11 is at least one tube spacer 10, which provides stability throughout the length of the torque tube 11 and helps minimize vibrations in a shaft 2 during contact with a ball. The tube spacer 10 is a cylinder that has a bore through the length of the torque tube 11. The tube spacer 10 adheres to either the inner diameter of the putter shaft 2 (See FIG. 2) via an adhesive, such as epoxy or to the outer diameter of the torque tube assembly. In another embodiment, a tube spacer 10 may be positioned to abut the shaft cap 50, which prevents the torque tube 11 and shaft tip 19 from unthreading out of the sphere assembly 7.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the golf putter. Referring to FIG. 9, illustrated is the sphere assembly 7, which may be inserted into the hosel 3 of a putter head 4.
FIG. 10 is another perspective view of one embodiment of the golf putter, with the sphere assembly 7 inserted into the hosel 3 of a putter head 4.
FIG. 11 is a close-up cross-sectional view of the sphere assembly 7 (see FIG. 10). Referring to FIG. 11, in one embodiment, the shaft tip 19 of the sphere assembly 7 features threads 27 for the threads 16 of the set pin 12 to rotationally secure the set pin 12 in the shaft tip 19 of the sphere assembly 7. The shaft tip 19 is also defined by an outer surface 29 that may adhere to the inside of a shaft 2 via epoxy. Still referring to FIG. 11, the sphere assembly 7 may also be defined by sphere cap threads 28, an upper socket 21 and a lower socket 25. In one embodiment, the upper socket 21 may have a lip 37. Residing in half of the upper socket 21 and in half of the lower socket 25 are two anti-rotation peg tracks 22 that are configured opposite of each other. The sphere assembly 7 may also be comprised of sphere segments 24 that are positioned substantially in the lower socket 25, a sphere cap 20 that is positioned substantially in the upper socket 21, and anti-rotation pegs 23 (ARP), which are positioned opposite each other and aligned with the ARP tracks 22. The sphere assembly 7 may also feature a female connection 26 on the bottom of the lower socket 25 to aid in assembly. The outer diameter of the sphere segments 26 collectively form the lower portion of the sphere structure and the internal structure of the sphere segments 26 collectively are configured to create an expansion chamber 36 and receive the tapered tip 17 of the set pin 12. Therefore, after expansion (i.e., when the tapered tip 17 completely enters the expansion chamber 36), the sphere segments 26 will contour to the inner surface of the upper and lower socket to form a friction fit and lock the putter shaft 2 in place. Additionally, as the set in 12 advances into the expansion chamber 36, an opposing force pulls the sphere cap 20 up and back out, where it will come into contact with, and compress against, the inner walls of the upper socket. Still referring to FIG. 11, the sphere cap 20 and the sphere segments 26 are individual parts that are not connected in any manner, but they may come into contact with each other when the tapered tip 17 of the set pin 12 does not occupy the expansion chamber 36.
FIG. 12A is a close-up view of the upper socket 21 and the lower socket 25. Referring to FIG. 12A, in one embodiment, the upper socket 21 may feature a lip 37, which is compatible with a blade style hosel of a putter. FIG. 12B is a close-up cross-sectional view of the upper socket 21 and the lower socket 25. Referring to FIG. 12B, the upper socket 21 and lower socket 25 are connected to each other via an interlocking mechanism 39. Still referring to FIG. 12B, at the center of the sphere's center of rotation are at least one ARP tracks 22, wherein half of an ARP track 22 lies within the upper socket 21 and the other half of an ARP track 22 lies within the lower socket 25. In a preferred embodiment, the upper and lower socket are adhered to the inner surface of a hosel 3 via an adhering substance, such as epoxy. In an alternative embodiment, the upper and lower socket may be threaded into a hosel 3.
FIG. 13A is a cross-sectional view of the shaft tip 19, which features set pin connection threads 27 and sphere cap connection threads 28b. FIG. 13B is a close-up view of the shaft tip 19 with an outer surface 29 of the shaft tip 19 that can be adhered to the shaft 2 via epoxy. FIG. 13C is a top view of the shaft tip 19, which features a set pin bore 30 for the set pin 12 to enter.
FIGS. 14A-14D are various views of the sphere cap 20 of the sphere assembly 7. FIG. 14A is a top view of the sphere cap 20 and the set pin bore 30. FIG. 14B is a side view of the sphere cap 20, which may feature sphere cap threads 28b that may be secured to the sphere cap connection threads 28a of the shaft tip 19. The sphere cap 20 may also be defined by at least one ARP holder(s) 31, which are configured opposite each other and house the ARP(s) 23. FIG. 14C is a bottom view of the sphere cap 20 with a set pin bore 30 and a sphere cap flat face 33. The sphere cap flat face 33 will abut and push against the top of the sphere segments 24 during adjustment of the shaft of the putter. The set pin bore 30 is a centrally located bore that receives the tapered tip 17 and the set pin 12. FIG. 14D is a perspective view of the sphere cap 20 with the ARP bore 32, wherein an ARP 23 is press fit into position. In another embodiment, the ARP 23 may be integrated as part of the sphere cap 20. In another embodiment, the ARP 23 may be separate from the sphere cap 20 and threaded into position. In an alternative embodiment the ARP 23 may be separate and press-fit or epoxied into position.
FIGS. 15A-15E are various views of the sphere segments 24. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the sphere segment 24. In one embodiment, there may be four sphere segments 24, however various other numbers of sphere segments 24 may be employed. The sphere segments 24 may be further defined by a sphere segment flat face 35 and a sphere cap ARP cut out 34 configured opposite of another sphere cap ARP cut out 34. The sphere segments' flat face 35 abut the bottom of the sphere cap 20 and is able to slide along the sphere cap flat face 33 (see FIGS. 14A-D). FIG. 15B is a top view of the sphere segments 24, which may feature an expansion chamber 36. The set pin bore 30 and the internal configurations of the sphere segments 23 collectively form an internal expansion chamber. FIG. 15C is a side view of the sphere segments 24. FIG. 15D is a top view of one segment 15 of the sphere segments 24. FIG. 15E is a side view of one segment 15 of the sphere segments 24. Referring to FIGS. 15B-15E, the expansion chamber 36 is tapered to receive the tapered tip 17 of the set pin 12. When the tapered tip 17 enters the expansion chamber and contacts the sphere segments 24, the sphere segments 24 will be pushed out and into the walls of the lower socket. In one embodiment, if the shaft is articulated enough to contact its boundary, the upper socket 21, the sphere segments 24 could be tilted enough to be in partial contact with the upper socket 21 as well as the lower socket 25 to form a friction fit and secure the shaft in place of the desired adjustment.
Referring to FIGS. 3-18, disposed within the putter shaft 2 is a torque tube 11 that extends from the top of the shaft 2 down to the hosel 3 of the adjustable putter. The first end of the torque tube 11 may feature a female connection 9 (See FIG. 4), such as a female hex connection, which receives a male connection tool 5, such as a male hex tool. The second end of the torque tube 11 may feature a receptacle opening 15, which receives the receptacle connector 13b of the set pin 12. The threads 16 on the set pin 12 allows the torque tube assembly 6 to move up and down in a screw like trajectory within the putter shaft 2, to either insert, or remove the tapered tip 17 from the expansion chamber 36, thereby unlocking or locking the sphere assembly, which in turn adjusts the putter shaft in the players preferred position. In a preferred embodiment, when the grip 1 is installed over the putter shaft 2, there will be an opening at the tip of the grip 1. The opening allows a male connection tool 5 to be inserted into the tip of the grip 1 and putter shaft 2, and into the female connection 9. Placed over and around the female connection 9 is a shaft cap 50, which helps guide the male connection tool 5 that is inserted into female connection 9. This configuration allows a player to stand in a putting posture and adjust the putter while in a position that provides the player with an optimal point of view to observe the relationship of the putter head 4 and putter shaft 2 during adjustment. Once the male connection tool 5 is inserted, a user may turn the male connection tool 5 to rotate the torque rod 10 clockwise or counter clockwise, thereby locking or unlocking the putter shaft 2 into place. The first end of the torque tube 11 also features a tube spacer 10 located below the shaft cap 50. This tube spacer 10 located below the shaft cap 50, acts as a thread stop and prevents the torque tube assembly 6 and the set pin 12 from unthreading out of the shaft tip 19 because the tube spacer 10 will abut the bottom of the shaft cap 50 before the set pin 12 can unthread from the shaft tip 19.
FIGS. 16A-16C are various views of the ARP(s) 23. FIG. 16A is a side view of an ARP 23, which is cylindrical in a preferred embodiment. FIG. 16B is a perspective view of an ARP 23. FIG. 16C is a top view of an ARP peg 23. Referring to FIGS. 16A-16C, in a preferred embodiment, the ARP peg(s) 23 are press fit into the ARP bores 32 of the sphere cap (see FIG. 14D). The ARP pegs 23 a preferably positioned at the sphere's center of rotation, so that they do not interfere with the shaft movements during adjustment. In one embodiment, the ARP(s) 23 do not allow any axial rotation of the putter shaft because there is no space for side-to-side movement of the ARP(s) 23 within the ARP track(s) 22. In another embodiment, a small degree of axial rotation is possible because the ARP(s) have some space for side-to-side movement within the ARP track(s). In an alternative embodiment, complete 360 degree axial rotation is possible because the ARP(s) 23 are absent.
FIGS. 17A-17C are various views of the upper socket 21. FIG. 17A is a top view of the upper socket 21 and the surface of the lip 37. FIG. 17B is a side view of the upper socket 21, which may feature a lip 37. Referring to FIG. 17B, the upper socket 21 has an interlocking mechanism 39 to mate with the lower socket 25. The lip 37 is important for a blade putter hosel because it pushes rising epoxy during insertion away from the sphere cap bore 40. FIG. 17C is a cross-sectional view of the upper socket 21, which depicts the location of the lip 37, the interlocking mechanism 39, and half of an ARP track(s) 22.
FIGS. 18A-18C are various views of the lower socket 25. FIG. 18A is a top view of the lower socket 25. Within the lower socket 25 are two halves of an ARP track 22 located opposite of each other. FIG. 18B is a cross sectional view of the lower socket 25 with an interlocking mechanism 39 and two halves of an ARP track 22 located opposite of each other. FIG. 18C is a perspective view of the lower socket 25 with a female connection 26.
In use, one embodiment allows the ARPs 23 to slide and rotate within the ARP tracks 22 and control the rotation of the putter shaft. This is important because the grip 1 may have a flat front face that is perpendicular to the putter head's 4 face or parallel to the putter head's 4 alignment line. (See FIG. 2). Additionally, the flat front face of the grip 1 may provide a golfer with a tactile feel for alignment, so a golfer can feel where the putter is aimed by the feel of the grip's 1 flat front face. Therefore, the shaft 2 must be prevented from rotating so that the grip's 1 flat front face is always in alignment with the putter face. In another embodiment, a golfer may want to slightly rotate the grip to a different position after moving the shaft.
Note that another embodiment of this side entry is one that may have a shortened torque tube assembly, perhaps only extending to the bottom of the grip, where a side entry opening can allow the tool access to this shortened torque tube assembly for adjustments. In an alternative embodiment, the shaft 2 may feature a side entry 49 for a tool 5 to adjust the putter shaft. FIGS. 19-24 are various views of this embodiment of an adjustable putter with a side entry 49. FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the alternative embodiment and referring to FIG. 19, the torque rod assembly 6 is not present in the shaft 2. FIG. 20 is an exploded view of one embodiment of the adjustable putter with a sphere assembly 7 and an adjustable putter head 8. FIG. 21 is an exploded view of the adjustable putter. Referring to FIG. 21, since this embodiment does not have a torque tube assembly, the shaft tip 19 has an opening for a male tool to access the set pin 12. In this alternative embodiment, the shaft tip 19 and set pin 12 are constructed differently from the shaft tip 19 and set pin 12 of the embodiment of the adjustable golf putter featuring a torque tube assembly. FIG. 22 is a cross sectional view of the putter of FIG. 19.
FIGS. 23A-23D are various views of the side entry set pin 12. FIG. 23A is a top view of the set pin 12. Referring to FIG. 23A, the set pin 12 features a female connection 18, which may receive a male tool 5 through the side entry 49. In one embodiment, the female connection 18 may be a hex connection. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the set pin 12 with a tapered tip 17 and threads 16. FIG. 23C is another perspective view of the set pin 12. FIG. 23D is a bottom view of the set pin 12 with the tapered tip 17.
FIGS. 24A-24C are various views of the side shaft tip 19 of the putter of FIG. 19. FIG. 24A is a top view of the shaft tip 19 with a bore 30. FIG. 24B is a side view of the shaft tip 19 with the side hole entry 49. FIG. 24C is a cross-sectional view of the shaft tip 19 with shaft tip threads 27 are operationally configured to mate with the set pin threads 16. The shaft tip threads 28 are operationally configured to mate with the sphere cap threads 28. In one embodiment, the shaft tip 19 is adhered to the inside of the shaft 2 via epoxy.
FIGS. 25-26 are various views of one embodiment of the adjustable putter configured for a center shafted putter. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the center shafted embodiment of the adjustable putter. The center shafted embodiment may have a torque tube assembly 6 (not shown), a sphere assembly 7, a hosel 3, a putter head 4, a putter head assembly 8, and a tool opening 42 to access the hosel 3. FIG. 26A is a close-up side view of the upper and lower sockets 21,25 of a center shafted putter embodiment, wherein the upper socket 21 may feature no lip as opposed to other embodiments that may feature a lip 39 (see FIG. 11). Referring to FIG. 26A, the absence of a lip allows for the sphere assembly 7 to be installed in center shafted putters. FIG. 26B is a cross-sectional view of the upper and lower sockets 21,25 of a center shafted putter embodiment. As with a standard hosel putter, the center shafted putter embodiment features ARP tracks 22, an interlocking mechanism 39 and a female connection 26 at the bottom of the lower socket 25.
FIG. 27A-27C are various views of the putter head 8. In one embodiment, the putter head 8 may feature a tool hole 42 for access to the hosel 3. FIG. 27A is a top view of the putter head 8. FIG. 27B is a front view of the adjustable putter head 8. FIG. 27C is a bottom view of the adjustable putter head 8. Referring to FIG. 27C, the putter head 8 may feature a loft plate 46. In a preferred embodiment, a loft plate 46 may be interchanged with other loft plates of varying thicknesses to adjust the loft of the putter relative to the ground.
FIG. 28A-28C are various views of the putter head of a center shafted putter embodiment. FIG. 28A is a cross-sectional view of a center chafted putter head with the hosel 3 in the center of the putter face, which feature a tool hole 42 at the bottom of the putter head. FIG. 28B is a top view of the center shafted putter head. FIG. 28C is a bottom view of the center shafted putter head with a loft plate 46.
FIGS. 29A-29E are various views of the loft plate 46. FIG. 29A is a perspective view of a loft plate 46 with a loft 48 and securing hole 47 to allow for removal and attachment of different loft plates 46. FIGS. 29B and 29C are perspective views of loft plates 46 with various lofts. FIGS. 29D and 29E are bottom views of a loft plate 46.
FIG. 30A is a side view of one embodiment of the adjustable putter with a loft plate 46 and a loft feature 48, which affects the putter's loft with reference to the ground. Referring to FIG. 30A, in one embedment, the loft feature 48 has a 0.23 mm thickness and causes the putter face to have six (6) degrees of loft relative to the ground. FIG. 30B is an alternative embodiment of the loft plate 46 with a loft feature 48 that has a 0.30 mm thickness, which causes the putter face to have three (3) degrees of loft relative to the ground. Accordingly, different thicknesses of loft features 48 allow for different lofts for the putter face relative to the ground.
FIGS. 31A-31D are various views of the putter head assembly with loft plates 8. FIG. 31A is an exploded view of a putter head assembly with loft plate magnet 43, magnet(s) 44, loft plate securing holes 47, loft plate fasteners 45, and loft plate 46. Referring to FIG. 31A, the adjustable putter 8 may have a loft plate cavity, where a loft plate 46 may be inserted. FIG. 31B is a side view of the adjustable putter 8. Referring to FIG. 31B, the loft feature 48 determines the thickness of the back end of the loft plate 46 in ensure the putter face is at a desired loft. FIG. 31C is a bottom view of the loft plate 46. In one embodiment, the loft plate 46 is secured to the bottom of the putter head assembly by aligning the securing holes 47 of the loft plate with the holes in the bottom of the putter head and inserting and securing a fastener 45, such as a screw. FIG. 31D is a side view of a loft plate 46.
FIGS. 32A-32D are various views of the putter head. FIG. 32A is an exploded view of the putter head assembly. In one embodiment, the magnet(s) 44 allow a player to insert different loft plates 46 with different loft wedge 48 and find a loft of their preference without having to fasten and unfasten the loft plates 46. Therefore, once a player finds his or her desired loft, the user can then insert the fasteners 45 and secure the loft plate 46 to the bottom of the adjustable putter. FIG. 32B is a side view of the adjustable putter head with six (6) degrees of loft due to the loft feature 48. FIG. 32C is a bottom view of one embodiment of a loft plate 46 with a loft feature 48. FIG. 32D is a side view of one embodiment of a loft plate 46 with a loft feature 48. Referring to FIG. 32A-D, the loft plates 46 may have soft curves and adhere to the geometry of the bottom of the putter head 4. The loft plate 46 may also feature a loft wedge 48, which may protrude at the back of the putter head 4 to position the putter at a desired loft angle. In one embodiment, the loft plate 46 and loft wedge 48 may be comprised of foam or other material that helps reduce vibrations and acoustics during impact with a ball.
FIG. 33A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable putter illustrating the shaft's range of motion. In use, as the shaft articulates, it may reach a boundary when the shaft tip 19 impinges on the upper socket 21. FIG. 33B is a top view of the upper opening of the upper socket 21. Referring to FIG. 33B, in one embodiment, when the opening is rectangular, there may only be a heel to toe shaft range of motion 40, which is also known as lie adjustment.
FIG. 34A is a perspective view of one embodiment of the adjustable putter illustrating the shaft's range of motion. Referring to FIGS. 34A and 34B, in another embodiment, if the upper socket 21 opening is circular, then there is a conical range of shaft motion 41 as illustrated in FIG. 34A. Thus, depending on the shape and size of the upper socket 21 opening, shaft range of motion can be restricted by an upper socket 21 opening that has no space for the shaft tip to articulate within the upper socket 21 opening, or limitless as the shaft tip 19 has space to articulate within the upper socket 21 opening. Referring to FIG. 34A, the putter shaft 2 may articulate forward, backward, side-to-side, and anywhere within a cone.
In use, in one embodiment, if a golfer wants to change the position of the putter shaft 2 from a locked position, the golfer may place a male connection tool 5 into the end of the grip 1 and into the female connection 9 on the first end of the torque tube 11. The golfer then rotates the male connection 5 tool counter-clockwise, thereby unthreading the set pin 12 from the shaft tip 19, which moves the tapered tip 17 out of the expansion chamber 36. As the tapered tip 17 is being pulled out of the expansion chamber 36, the sphere segments 24 and sphere cap 20 move away from the walls of the upper and lower socket 21,25, thereby loosening the friction fit and allowing the shaft 2 to be articulated. Once the golfer articulates the putter shaft 2 to a desired position within the upper socket opening, the golfer may re-insert the male connection tool 5 into the female connection 9 at the end of the grip 1 and rotate the male connection tool 5 clockwise to thread set pin 12 into the shaft tip 19, wherein the tapered tip 17 will enter the expansion chamber 36. As the tapered tip 17 enters the expansion chamber 36, the sphere segments 24 expand and push up against the inner walls of the upper and lower socket 21,25, and the sphere cap 20 is pulled up against the walls of the upper socket 21 to create a friction fit. Once the tapered tip 17 is completely in the expansion chamber 36, the putter adjustment is complete and the putter shaft 2 is once again locked in the players preferred position.
In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable putter's ball and socket joint may be comprised of a six (6) elements: (1) a set pin; (2) a shaft tip; (3) a sphere cap; (4) ARP(s); (5) sphere segment(s); and (6) upper and lower sockets. In an alternative embodiment, the adjustable putter's ball and socket joint may be comprised of five (5) elements: (1) a set pin; (2) a shaft tip; (3) a one piece design (sphere cap and segments are not individual pieces); (4) ARP(s); and (5) upper and lower sockets.
In an alternative embodiment, the sphere assembly may be a one-piece design, wherein a single structure is separated by vertical expansion slots. The top of the sphere structure is connected to the shaft tip by a thin section of metal or other rigid material and the outer diameter of each sphere segment forms a sphere. The internal structure of each sphere segment creates an expansion chamber that accommodates the set pin 12 through a centralized set pin bore. Anti-rotation pegs are positioned at the sphere's center of rotation and they are positioned between the sphere segments within the vertical expansion slots.
In an alternative embodiment, the sphere segment may have anti-rotation pegs that reside in the socket and align with the sphere's center of rotation. The expansion slots of the sphere act as tracks for the anti-rotation pegs to ride within.
In one embodiment, foam sheets, tubing, or spray may also be used to fill the space between the torque tube assembly 6 and the inner diameter of the putter shaft 2 for vibration reduction purposes. In this embodiment, the torque tube assembly may or may not have tube spacers 10 and the rest of the torque tube assembly 6 may remain the same.
In an alternative embodiment, the torque tube assembly 6 may be completely removed. In this embodiment, a set pin with a female hex connection may be threaded into the shaft tip and a long removable torque wrench may be inserted down the shaft to access and turn the set pin for adjustments.
Other features will be understood with reference to the drawings. While various embodiments of the method and apparatus have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams might depict an example of an architectural or other configuration for the disclosed method and apparatus, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that might be included in the method and apparatus. The disclosed method and apparatus is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features might be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations might be implemented to implement the desired features of the disclosed method and apparatus. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein might be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.
Although the method and apparatus is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead might be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the disclosed method and apparatus, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus the breadth and scope of the claimed invention should not be limited by any of the above-described embodiments.
Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open-ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like, the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof, the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more,” or the like, and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encomoass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that might be available or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.
The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases might be absent. The use of the term “module” does not imply that the components or functionality described or claimed as part of the module are all configured in a common package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of a module, whether control logic or other components, might be combined in a single package or separately maintained and might further be distributed across multiple locations.
Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become aoparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives might be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.
The claims filed herewith are incorporated by reference in their entirety into the specification as if fully set forth herein
Patent Application
20160184661
