Adjustable Weight Putter

Abstract

An adjustable weighting system for a golf club head is provided. The weighting system allows for a user to control weight and weight balance on a golf club head such as a putter. The weights are removable via a tool to allow for convenient club customization. In addition to the customization, the weighting system includes features that may allow it to be used at a professional level.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to golf clubs. More particularly the present disclosure relates to a putter which has removable and replaceable weights to adjust the weight and weight balance of the putter.

Putting, the act of hitting the golf ball into the cup on the green, is a critical part of the golf game. It requires great finesse, skill, and patience. While practice and skill improve one's putting game, high quality equipment is also very important for consistent, quality putting. A good putter improves distance control, “touch”, and can also compensate for off-center ball strikes. When striking a ball with a putter, if the contact is off the center of mass, it can cause a twisting of the putter and in turn a ball direction that is different than intended. To compensate, a putter manufacturer may provide a high moment of inertia to the putter, i.e. weights at the toe and heel of the putter. Increased moment of inertia makes the putter more stable and causes it to twist less when the ball is struck off-center. However, too much weight makes the putter difficult to control, thus decreasing the distance control, feedback felt when striking the ball, and touch/finesse. Unsurprisingly, the ideal balance of weight on the toe and heel to control moment of inertia while still providing appropriate “feel” of the putter varies from player to player. This makes it nearly impossible to make an ideal putter for all players, and or even all players at a particular skill level. The same considerations apply to other golf clubs as well, though in many cases is most amplified in putting, which typically requires more fine-tuned variables.

Therefore, what is needed is a putter which allows for adjustable weighting to provide a customizable operation to the putter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article.

In one aspect, a golf club is provided. The golf club has a golf club head which defines an opening on a bottom, or “sole” of the club into which a weight can be removably secured. A weight is secured to the golf club head in the opening. This weight is removable from the golf club by insertion of a tool into a tool opening on a cover of the weight. Upon a pushing of the tool against a spring-loaded surface, the weight can be unlocked and removed.

In another aspect, a golf club weight system is provided. The system involves a golf club head which defines an opening on a bottom or “sole” of the golf club. The system further has a weight that is securable to the golf club head and positioned in this opening. The weight is removable from the golf club head by inserting a tool into a tool opening in a cover of the weight and pushing against a spring-loaded surface. This tool has a handle, a tool head, and a notched protrusion on the tool head, the notched protrusion sized to fit into the tool opening and configured to engage with a bottom surface of a cover of the weight.

In yet another aspect, a method of operation of the golf club weight system is provided. The method involves pushing a tool head of the tool into the tool opening of the weight. Once pushed, a user may twist or slide the tool head to engage a notched protrusion of the tool with an underside of the cover of the weight. The weight may be removed from the golf club head by pulling a handle of the tool which in turn pulls the weight that the tool is connected to away from the golf club head.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 provides a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a cross sectional view of another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 provides an elevation view of an embodiment of the weighting system installed on a putter.

FIG. 4A provides a bottom perspective view of a weight of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4B provides a top perspective view of a weight of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 provides a side cutaway view of the weighting system installed on a putter.

FIG. 6A provides a side cutaway view of a process of weight removal.

FIG. 6B provides a side cutaway view of a process of weight removal.

FIG. 6C provides a side cutaway view of a process of weight removal.

FIG. 7A provides a side view of an embodiment of a tool of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7B provides a bottom view of an embodiment of a tool of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8A provides a side cutaway view of a process of weight removal.

FIG. 8B provides a side cutaway view of a process of weight removal.

FIG. 8C provides a side cutaway view of a process of weight removal.

FIG. 9A provides a side view of an embodiment of a tool of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9B provides a bottom view of an embodiment of a tool of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9C provides a perspective view of an embodiment of the tool, showing an undercut or “notch” on the tooth which can engage the weight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently preferred embodiments of the invention and does not represent the only forms in which the present disclosure may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments.

Generally, the present disclosure concerns an adjustable weight system for a golf club with removable and adjustable weights. The weights may be removed by a simple tool which allows for quick and easy removal or addition of a weight to the golf club. Typically, the club discussed herein is a putter, though in other embodiments, the same structure and system may be used with any other golf club without straying from the scope of this invention.

Different weight and balance of a golf club, including a putter, allows a player to customize the feel and operation of the club to optimize performance, leading to improved accuracy and distance control. As noted above, adding weight at the front and rear of a club increases the moment of inertia as well as the overall weight of the club head. In varying embodiments, the club head may have one, two, or more spaces in which to add a weight. Weight need not be symmetrical about the head of the club, though in many instances it will be. Further still, the unique elements of the present disclosure promotes inclusivity and accessibility in the sport of golf by making it easier for individuals with physical limitations to play golf comfortably and to adjust the weights of the present disclosure comfortably and easily. Thus the presently disclosed weighting system for the golf club removes barriers to playing and encourages more people to try the sport.

In one embodiment of the golf club weight system, a plurality of weights are provided with a tool for removal and in some cases insertion of a particular weight into a club having an opening to receive the weight. To modify the weight of the club, a user will use the tool to remove one weight and then can replace it with a different weight of a different mass.

Professional associations such as the US Golf Association (USGA) have specific requirements for golfing equipment when playing at a professional level or tournament level. Therefore, it is important for the present weight system to meet these requirements. One such requirement is that a golf club is not to be modified in the middle of a round of golf. As such, the present weighting system seeks a balance of ease of use in removing and replacing a weight in the club on one hand, while not making it excessively easy to do so to encourage modification mid-round. In other words, to make a professional quality golf club such as a putter, one must create a weight system that allows an average player to modify the club weight by substituting one weight in the club for another, without making it too easy to do so. To solve this problem, the present weight system utilizes a tool to disengage a locking mechanism holding the weight to the club head. The tool is pressed into the weight to unlock it, and is also able to pull on the weight to draw it away from the club. In preferred embodiments, the tool is required to insert the weight as well, though in other embodiments, the weight may be pushed in using a user's fingers, and then can only be removed with the tool. In a further embodiment, the weight may be insertable and also removable using only the user's fingers. In the embodiments disclosed herein, the tool or its equivalent provides the primary if not only way to remove the weight from the golf club head without damaging the weight/golf club head and without excessive prying (which typically causes damage).

Specifically, the USGA has a section on Conformance of Clubs, part 2 section B with particular requirements of clubs. In this section, the club requirements for weight adjustment include: (i) the adjustment cannot be readily made; (ii) all adjustable parts are firmly fixed and there is no reasonable likelihood of them working loose during a round. The present disclosure solves for these requirements in a number of ways. For example, in preferred embodiments, the weight and opening in the club have minuscule size tolerances, such that removal with another object other than the provided tool would be very difficult and likely would damage components. Also, the locking mechanism of preferred embodiments of this disclosure uses a strong ball-bearing based locking mechanism which cannot “wiggle” or turn loose, unlike threaded fasteners. As noted, in preferred embodiments, the weight cannot be removed or installed by hand or without the use of the specially designed tool. Further still, an O-ring or rings on the sidewall provide vibration dampening, and also slow the removal process to keep it from being “readily made.” The O-ring or rings create suction and drag as the weights are being removed. Further, in most embodiments the weight must be precisely oriented before it can be fully installed. Importantly, while the installation and removal of the weight is not “readily” made, it is possible for most players to use the tool and manipulate the weight system. Conformance with these USGA requirements is necessary for a club to be usable at a professional level.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the weight is shown in a locked position. The weight is formed of a cover 3 and sidewall 13. Cover 3 defines a tool opening 10 which can receive a tool (not shown) to depress the spring-loaded plunger 5 surface, release balls 6 from post 7 and in turn allow the weight to be pulled from the club. Internal components are held within the structure defined by the cover 3 and sidewall 13 by a retaining clip 8 which engages with a slot in the inner sidewall 13. Tension provided by the material of the clip urges the clip into the slot and holds it in place. In this view, the sidewall 14 defines a plurality of channels 14 into which O-rings 1 are seated. In other embodiments, only a single O-ring 1 may be used, or another gasket configuration may be used, or no gasket may be used. In the view shown, the O-rings 1 improve the seal between side wall 13 and the opening in the golf club (not shown) which prevents infiltration of fluid and also helps to anchor the weight in place in the club due to friction as well as suction and making it difficult for air to enter the golf club opening.

A ball housing 2, balls 6 such as ball bearings, and plunger 5 operate together with spring 9 to lock and unlock the weight to post 7, and in turn lock the weight to the golf club to which post 7 is attached. Post 7 is anchored to the golf club head with a screw 4 through a central aperture. The post has a flared out distal end which allows it to engage and lock balls 6 against it. In some embodiments, the screw is secured to the golf club head using a thread locker such as Loctite® to ensure it is permanently in place and cannot come free. As shown in FIG. 1, in the locked position the balls 6 are urged into a seat defined by the ball housing 2 against the post 7 flared portion by the plunger 5 which is urged to the top of the weight by spring 9 which applies a force between the ball housing 2 and plunger 5, urging the plunger 5 away from ball housing 2. A finger defined by the plunger 5 pushes the balls into the seats in the ball housing 2 and holds them in place, thereby preventing the weight from sliding past the post and coming out of the golf club head. The plunger 5 also defines a wider ball space 11 that the balls 6 can fit into which allows the post 7 to pass through a space 12 defined in the weight by the ball housing 2 and plunger 5, as discussed below with respect to FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 shows another embodiment of a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the weight shown receiving a tool to unlock the weight from the golf club. The embodiment of FIG. 1 can be seen in this view in the process of being unlocked and pulled away from the post of the club with a tool 20 which is specifically designed for unlocking and removing the weight from the golf club. The tool 20 has tooth 21 (better shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B), which can fit into the tool opening 10 of the cover. The tooth 21 pushes plunger 5 down against the spring 9 and allows balls 6 to move outwards into the ball space 11 defined by the plunger 5. This moves the balls 6 away from the post 7, particularly the post 7 flared end, and allows the post 7 to slide through space 12 of the weight. The tooth 21 of tool 20 also is shaped so as to engage with the underside of cover 3 such that a user can pull a handle (See FIGS. 7A and B) and in turn pull the weight by pulling the underside of the cover 3.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the weight system attached to a putter. The weights 35 are connected to openings 33 in the putter 30 sole close to the heel 31 and toe 32 of the putter. In this embodiment, the weights 35 have a notch or protrusion, or other structure to key with a corresponding structure in the openings 33 of the putter 30 to ensure that the weight 35 can only be connected to the putter in a particular orientation. A user may match the arrows 34 on weight 35 and putter sole to easily orient the weight properly. While two weights are shown in this view, it should be understood that any number of weights may be used without straying from the scope of the invention. Two weights has been found to be a balance of convenience and effectiveness but this may vary. As seen in this view, the tool opening 10 in the cover has a “c” shape which allows a tool to be placed in and slid or twisted, or otherwise engaged with a bottom of the weight 35 cover 3. Of course, in other embodiments, differently shaped openings 10 may be used.

FIGS. 4A and 4B show a top and bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a weight of the present system. The weight 35 has a top cover 3 which defines tool opening 10 and notch 34. O-ring 1 extends around the perimeter of side wall 13. On the underside, the retaining clip 8 is engaged with a slot in the side wall inner diameter. Ball housing 2 defines a central opening space 12 into which the post 7 of the golf club head can fit and be locked into by balls 6. Also in this view, the sidewall of the weight 35 defines a flat face 40 which acts as a key to engage with a corresponding flat face within the opening 33 in the golf club head. This ensures that the weight 35 can only be installed in single orientation and prevents rotation of the weight 35 when installed. The system contemplated herein may include a plurality of weights that weigh a different amount. All of the weights of the system are sized to closely fit into the openings of the golf club head. Therefore, differences in weight can be achieved by using a different material (aluminum vs stainless steel, for example, as well as polymers, composite materials, and the like). In addition and/or alternatively, portions of the weight may be removed, to reduce it's mass. This may be done by differently molded shapes, and/or by drilling or otherwise removing portions of the weight material so as to make it lighter. Of course, other solutions may be used to modify weight without straying from the scope of this invention.

In one embodiment, the weight system may have a plurality of different weights, including but not limited to 5 grams (“g”), 10 g, 15 g, 20 g, and 25 g. In certain embodiments, a different cover material may be used to achieve a desired weight, while leaving the remainder of the weight body and components the same. For example, in one embodiment, the 5 g weight may have an aluminum cover, a 25 g weight may have a copper or tungsten cover. In other embodiments, differing holes and hole sizes may control weight. Or a combination of material variation and holes may be used. Other weight ranges may also be used without straying from the scope of this invention.

FIG. 5 provides a side cutaway view of a golf club having two weights installed. The cutaway view of a putter 30 shows the openings 33 formed in the putter sole, as well as slots 51 and 52 formed to receive the screw 4 and post 7 respectively. The putter 30 is formed to define the slot 33 to receive a weight, and at the bottom of the slot 33 is a first recess 52 which is wide enough to receive a portion of the post 7, and at a bottom of the first recess 52 is a more narrow and deeper recess 51, in this embodiment a threaded recess, to receive screw 4. The putter 30 in this view has a shape such that the weighs 35 are angled upward.

FIGS. 6 A-C and FIGS. 7A-B show one embodiment of a tool using a “push and slide” configuration. FIGS. 6 A-C show cutaway views of tool 20 and weight 35 in different stages of locked and unlocked. The tool 20 has a handle 62, and shaft 61 extending therefrom. A tool head 60 attaches to shaft 61 and uses a notched protrusion, herein called a “tooth” 20 which can both push the plunger inward against the spring force, allowing the tool to pass through the tool opening 10, and then can shift laterally to allow the notch of the tooth to engage with a bottom surface of the weight cover 3. In operation, a user will align the tool 20 so that teeth 21 align with tool opening 10, as in FIG. 6A. Then, the user pushes down to urge plunger 5 away from the cover 3 against a spring or other force, as in FIG. 6B. The tool is designed so that the flat face of the tool head 60 abuts the top surface of the cover 3 when the plunger 5 has been adequately depressed to allow removal of the weight. This downward pushing unlocks the balls 6 from the post 7, as discussed above. Then a user may slide or twist the tool 20 such that tooth 21 engages under the cover 3, as in FIG. 6C. The user can the pull on the tool and in turn pull on the cover 3 to remove the weight from the golf club head. As seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the teeth 21 are arranged in a pattern to allow a user to fit the tool into a C-shaped tool opening 10. However, for another shaped opening, the teeth 21 are arranged to correspond to that shape, whatever it may be.

FIGS. 8 A-C and FIGS. 9A-C show another embodiment of a tool using a “push and twist” configuration. FIGS. 8 A-C show cutaway views of tool 20 and weight 35 in different stages of locked and unlocked. The tool 20 has a handle 62, and shaft 61 extending therefrom. A tool head 60 attaches to shaft 61 and uses a notched protrusion, herein called a “tooth” 63 which can both push the plunger inward against the spring force, allowing the tool to pass through the tool opening 10, and then can shift laterally via a twisting motion to allow the notch of the tooth to engage with a bottom surface of the weight cover 3. The notched protrusion, in this twisting embodiment, may be on either an outside or an inside of the tooth, or both sides, depending on the desired twisting direction. In operation, a user will align the tool 20 so that tooth 63 aligns with tool opening 10, as in FIG. 8A. Then, the user pushes down to urge plunger 5 away from the cover 3 against a spring or other force, as in FIG. 8B. The tool is designed so that the flat face of the tool head 60 abuts the top surface of the cover 3 when the plunger 5 has been adequately depressed to allow removal of the weight. This downward pushing unlocks the balls 6 from the post 7, as discussed above. Then a user may twist the tool 20 such that tooth 63 engages under the cover 3, as in FIG. 8C. In the view of FIG. 8C, the tooth 63 is shaped as an “L” shaped protrusion and has a notch on the outer edge of the protrusion. FIG. 8C shows a bottom view of the weight to illustrate how the tooth 63 engages under the cover 3. Upon a twisting of the handle 62, the tooth engages under the cover, and as such, the user can then twist and pull on the tool and in turn pull on the cover 3 to remove the weight from the golf club head. As seen in FIGS. 9A-C, the tooth 63 has an L-shape with a notch on its outer edge to allow a user to fit the tool into a C-shaped tool opening 10. However, for another shaped opening, the tooth 63 may be arranged to correspond to that shape, whatever it may be.

In one embodiment of weight removal, a user may insert the tool into the opening, for example the recessed C-shaped cutout shown in the figures on top of the weight. The user applies downward pressure to the handle of the tool, and then slides or twists the tool relative to the weight until it stops to engage the teeth of the tool under the cover of the weight. Pressure applied against the tool by the plunger will then hold the tool in place. During this twisting/sliding operation, a user must maintain enough pressure to allow the teeth to remain under the cover. A user then pulls outward on the tool to remove the weight from the golf club head such as a putter head. In one embodiment of installation, the user inserts the tool into the weight to be installed by, for example, the push and slide or push and twist discussed above. The user then aligns the weight properly, which in many cases involves aligning an arrow or marker on the weight with a marker or arrow on the golf club head. The user may then slowly press the weight into the club until the cover appears to be flush with the sole of the club. Next, the user may slide or twist the tool to release it and leave the weight securely locked into place.

As can be imagined, locking mechanisms may vary in exact approach. Important elements of the locking system include that a specific tool must be used, and that the weight can “pop” free rather than having to be, for example, twisted against threads, pried, or forced out against friction sufficient to hold it in place. Typically, this involves a depressing of spring loaded surfaces which are locking mechanism which utilizes a ball, pin, pawl, or the like by a tool. Other embodiments of using a tool to release a locking structure and using the tool to pull or otherwise remove the weight from the golf club head may be used without straying from the scope of this invention.

While several variations of the present disclosure have been illustrated by way of example in preferred or particular embodiments, it is apparent that further embodiments could be developed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, or the inventive concept thereof. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and are inclusive, but not limited to the following appended claims as set forth.

Claims

1. A golf club comprising: a golf club head, the golf club head defining an opening on a sole of the golf club;a weight secured to the golf club head and positioned in the opening;wherein the weight is removable from the golf club head by inserting a tool into a tool opening in a cover of the weight and pushing against a spring-loaded surface.

2. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the golf club head is a putter head.

3. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the spring-loaded surface is a plunger, and wherein the tool can depress a plunger to release a locking ball to allow removal of the weight.

4. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the weight further comprises a sidewall, and comprising an O-ring in a seat defined by the sidewall.

5. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the golf club head defines a plurality of openings on the sole of the golf club, and having a plurality of weights, one weight in each of the plurality of openings.

6. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the opening further comprises a post within the opening extending into the opening at a center of the opening.

7. The golf club of claim 6 wherein the weight is secured to the post within the opening.

8. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the weight comprises a ball bearing, the spring-loaded surface being a plunger having a finger to urge the ball bearing into a locking position against a portion of the golf club head in a locked position, and when the plunger is moved by the tool, the ball bearing moves into a recess space, unlocking it from the portion of the golf club head and allowing removal of the weight from the golf club head.

9. The golf club of claim 8 wherein the opening of the golf club head further comprises a post within the opening extending into the opening at a center of the opening; and wherein the weight defines a central space into which the post can fit, the ball bearing engageable with the post via a seat in a ball housing of the weight.

10. The golf club of claim 9 wherein the post has a flanged distal end.

11. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the golf club head is a putter head, and wherein the putter head defines two openings, one at a heel of the putter head and one at a toe of the putter head, and comprising the weight attached in one of the two openings, and a second weight in the other of the two openings, the two weights controlling a moment of inertia of the putter head.

12. The golf club of claim 11 wherein the weight is the same as the second weight.

13. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the tool opening is C-shaped.

14. A golf club weight system comprising: a golf club head, the golf club head defining an opening on a sole of the golf club;a weight securable to the golf club head and positioned in the opening;wherein the weight is removable from the golf club head by inserting a tool into a tool opening in a cover of the weight and pushing against a spring-loaded surface; andthe tool comprising a handle, a tool head, and a notched protrusion on the tool head, the notched protrusion sized to fit into the tool opening and configured to engage with a bottom surface of a cover of the weight.

15. The golf club weight system of claim 14 wherein the tool comprises a plurality of notched protrusions on the tool head.

16. The golf club weight system of claim 14 wherein the tool slides within the tool opening to engage with the bottom surface of the cover of the weight.

17. The golf club weight system of claim 14 wherein the tool twists within the tool opening to engage with the bottom surface of the cover of the weight.

18. The golf club of claim 14 wherein the golf club head is a putter head.

19. The golf club of claim 14 wherein the weight comprises a ball bearing, the spring-loaded surface being a plunger having a finger to urge the ball bearing into a locking position against a portion of the golf club head in a locked position, and when the plunger is moved by the tool, the ball bearing moves into a recess space, unlocking it from the portion of the golf club head and allowing removal of the weight from the golf club head; wherein the opening of the golf club head further comprises a post having a flared distal end within the opening extending into the opening at a center of the opening; andwherein the weight defines a central space into which the post can fit, the ball bearing engageable with the post via a seat in a ball housing of the weight.

20. A method of removing the weight from the golf club head of claim 1 comprising the steps of: pushing a tool head of the tool into the tool opening of the weight;twisting or sliding the tool head to engage a notched protrusion with an underside of the cover of the weight; andremoving the weight from the golf club head by pulling a handle of the tool and in turn pulling the weight away from the golf club head.