Patent Application
20100255922
N/A
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights rights whatsoever.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the sport of golf, and more particularly to a golf putter having an adjustable weighting system and further adapted for use with a swing analysis system for analyzing the movement of a golf club.
2. Description of Related Art
The sport of golf is one of the most popular and fastest growing sports in the world. Unfortunately, for both beginners and veterans of the game, it is one of the most difficult games to master. The key to the success of top golfers is that they have tremendous hand-eye coordination and the innate ability to swing a golf club in a way to maximize the ability to hit the golf ball with both power and accuracy,
Since most golfers are not born with such a talent, the only way to improve their swing is to practice individually or with professional help. The majority of players learn the game from a friend and develop their swing by trial and error on the golf course and at the driving range. However, learning the game in this manner can inhibit how good the player's swing can become.
The player needs a way to analyze his or her swing after the swing has been made.
One golf club, however, has been the subject of more innovative efforts than the others, that golf club is the putter. Perhaps one reason why the putter has been the subject of so much innovation efforts is that its use accounts for half of the strokes allotted for a regulation round at par, namely two putts for every hole . . . not to mention the fact that golfer's routinely exceed two putts per hole.
A number of advancements in the golf putter art tend to relate to weight distribution and weight adjustability. For example, some golfers prefer a heavy putter, while others prefer a lighter putter. In addition, some golfers desire to adjust the weight of the putter depending on the conditions of the green, such as type of grass, condition of the green, undulation of the green, speed of the green, etc. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,487, issued to Hamburger, discloses an adjustably weighted putter wherein the body has a plurality of cavities formed therein for receiving weights to alter the weight characteristic of the club head upon removal of threaded fasteners. U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,625, issued to Grace, discloses a golf putter head incorporating removable weights such that the putter may be adapted between low swing weight, standard swing weight, and high swing weight configurations. Removal and replacement of the weights requires a specialized tool. U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,014, issued to Chiu, discloses a golf putter head and weight adjustable arrangement wherein the putter head body has a plurality of holes for receiving weights fastened by rubber retaining rings.
Other advancements in putter design involve advancements directed to improving the feel of the putter. Those attempts are primarily directed to the use of face inserts formed of various metal and non-metal materials. Such attempts, however, primarily focus on altering the materials forming the putter face, i.e. that portion of the putter that contacts the golf ball. While such attempts have proven somewhat successful in improving the feel of the putter, there exists a need for an improved putter design that further improves the feel of the putter by maximizing vibration isolation and the transmission of vibration from impact to the golfer's hands. The disclosures found in the prior art fail to either teach or suggest a golf putter with adjustable weight system wherein the weights may be easily adjusted by removal and replacement of weights in many areas of the putter head as well as within the main body of the putter. Further, the prior art fails to disclose a golf putter that is both suitable for play while being adapted for use with an attachable swing analyzer. Accordingly there exists a need for an improved golf club, particularly a putter, adapted with an improved adjustable weight system and further adapted for optional use of attachable swing analyzer module.
The present invention overcomes the limitations and shortcomings in the art by providing an improved golf putter incorporating a weight management system that allows for comprehensive adjustment of a golf club head weighting by incorporating an adjustable weight system wherein weights may be removed and replaced quickly and easily. Adjustable weight ports are provided in the heel and toe portions of the putter head, and the putter head defines a cavity adapted for receiving either an adjustable weighting module or an electronic swing analysis module. The putter head is designed such that mass has been removed from the lower/sole portion of the putter head to the upper or top portion thereby raising the center of mass, preferably to a point at or above the equator of the golf ball to reduce or eliminate back spin imparted to the golf ball upon contact. The putter head further includes apertures, preferably disposed in connection with the face portion to provide for the transmission of impact sounds to the electronic swing analysis module to monitor on-center and off-center impact. In one or more alternate embodiments, a putter shaft terminates in a hosel that is affixed to the putter head using vibration isolating mounting configuration thereby providing an improved feel. The hosel is preferably shaped as an elongated rectangular cross-section for insertion within a corresponding elongated hosel receiving slot formed in the putter head such that the shaft is automatically installed in aligned relation with the face of the putter. A resilient bushing is disposed in surrounding relation with the hosel and provides a vibration isolating interface between the hosel and the putter head to further dampen the energy transmitted through the bushing. The putter head may be adapted with one or more face inserts to allow for customization. While the preferred golf club embodiment disclosed is a putter, the present invention contemplates incorporating any of the features and/or advancements disclosed herein into any golf club.
In addition, the present invention further includes novel aspects relating to overall design, including mass distribution and a rearwardly projecting portion having an upwardly sloped sole that prevents the club from snagging the turf. Furthermore a hollowed out area formed within the rearwardly projecting portion is sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped sensing module adapted to measure club head movement and wirelessly transmit data to a remote graphical user interface.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved golf swing analysis system.
Another object of the present invention is to provide such a system wherein specially designed golf clubs are provided, each having an area adapted for removably receiving a module containing accelerometers and a wireless transmitter.
In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
With reference now to the drawings,
Face portion 12 is preferably a milled planar surface within tight manufacturing tolerance, and may include horizontal grooves in accordance with the Rules of Golf as set forth by the United States Golf Association (USGA). In addition, face 12 may include an insert, such as SANTOPRENE® a material known for use with putters. SANTOPRENE® is a registered trademark of Advanced Elastomer Systems, LP, Akron, Ohio. In accordance with this embodiment, face 12 may include an insert that is flat or ribbed or with an overall convex curvature from top to bottom. In a preferred embodiment, face 12 has a slight loft as is typical with putters.
Face portion 12 defines weight-receiving ports in the toe and heel areas, namely a toe weight port 22 and a heel weight port 24. In a preferred embodiment, the toe and heel weight ports are offset to the upper half of the club (e.g. above a horizontal centerline). The positioning of the weight ports on the upper half of the club face allows the user to make weighting adjustments that effectively raise the center of gravity. This design feature is in contrast with conventional putter design norms wherein mass is distributed lower.
In addition, a rear club head portion, generally referenced as 30, projects rearwardly from said main body. Rear portion 30 includes a top 32, a sole 34, and defines an opening 36. In addition, a shaft-receiving aperture 19 is formed in a suitable location on top portion 18 for mounting golf putter head 10 to a suitable shaft, or hozzle structure for connection to a shaft.
The exact location of shaft-receiving aperture 19 may very to suit a particular golfer, such that the putter may be center shafted, conventionally heel shafted, or in any other suitable shaft configuration. Golf putter head 10 may be fabricated from steel, titanium, or any other suitable material, or combination of materials or alloys. Golf putter 10 may be fabricated by forging or casting process, and may be formed as a single unit or from individual components joined into a unitary club head.
As discussed above, a significant aspect of the present invention relates to providing a golf putter adapted with an adjustable weight management system. In a preferred embodiment, weights (not shown) are removably received within weight ports 22 and 24 and are each similarly maintained securely affixed within the club head body by plugs 40, shown in
In addition, mass has been removed from the lower portion of the heel & toe to raise the center of gravity and also the moment of inertia. More particularly, a significant aspect of the present invention includes distributing the mass (e.g. weight) of the club head higher and forward. For example, the sole as seen at the bottom edge of face 12 is convexly shaped. The convex shape functions to move mass upward at the heel and toe thereby raising the center of mass. The removal of material from the heel portion 14 and the toe portion 16 also give the golfer the opportunity to rock the club towards or away from himself without raising the “sweet spot” thus giving the golfer a greater chance of contacting the sweet spot over other putter designs & making it more adaptable to different putting styles. Similarly, the convex sole 34 also functions to displace mass upward. The removal of material also helps prevent the club head from snagging the green surface (very short grass) on the backswing, and also helps to prevent grass (taller rough or first cut) from grabbing the club when on the fringe of the green up against the rough, in both the backswing and the downswing. Avoiding such contact with the grass along the fringe of a green is the reason many golfers attempt to contact the ball with the sole of the wedge in order to prevent the grass from grabbing and twisting the clubface.
With weights removed from the heel and toe weight ports 22 and 24 the putter becomes more of a center weighted putter. Additional contemplated embodiments include a center weight system in the very back on the bottom side to enhance the center weighted effect of the putter and to alter the moment of inertia (“MOI”). As should be apparent, however, adding heavier weights to weight ports 22 and 24 causes the putter to becomes more of a heel-toe weighted putter. This makes the putter more adapable to different styles of putting (almost universal), therefore more people can use the benefits of the swing trainer/analyzer and still use this as their prefered putter for actual play.
Still another novel aspect of the present invention includes providing a hollowed out area formed within the rearwardly projecting portion is sized and shaped to receive a correspondingly sized and shaped electronic sensing module adapted to measure club head movement and wirelessly transmit data to a remote graphical user interface.
Sensing module 50 thus also provides an improved low cost golf swing analyzer adapted for measuring club acceleration and swing path and transmitting data to a graphical user interface, such as wrist module 60, using IEEE802.15.4 ISM band wireless transmission. A suitable battery power supply (not shown) provides electrical power for operation. In the preferred embodiment, the putter head is adapted to include a cavity specifically sized and shaped for receiving an accelerometer containing housing securely, yet removably, mounted therein such that the outer dimensions and appearance of the club are not altered. Accordingly, sensing module 50 is preferably adapted with projecting levers 52 that function to engage the club head and secure the sensing module by press fit. The visual characteristics are very important for a golfer, and being able to use the swing analyzer without seeing it is a significant aspect of the present invention. In an alternate embodiment, the accelerometers and wireless transmitters are permanently incorporated into the clubs upon manufacture. By providing such a specially designed set of clubs, the present invention thus provides a swing analysis system that allows the user to obtain swing path and tempo information for each club in the bag.
Sensing module 50 includes a housing having outer dimensions corresponding to the cavities formed in the various clubs to allow substantially the entire module to be received within the club head whereby the module is substantially concealed. Concealing the sensing module within the club head eliminates the possibility that the golfer's swing will be affected by changes in the appearance of the club. The housing is adapted for removable replacement, preferably by a snap-fit or press fit connection within the club head cavity as discussed above. Sensing module 50 houses all of the components necessary to analyze the swing including, a battery, processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, radio transceiver, voice recognition, and microphones therein.
Sensing module 50 includes at least one 3-axis accelerometer and a gyroscope or electronic compass. An accelerometer is a device that measures its own motion, in contrast to a measuring motion by remote sensing. Providing a 3-axis accelerometer allows movement of the club to be measured in each of the three dimensions, namely X, Y, and Z. When combined with data obtained by the gyroscope, sensing module 50 generates a three dimensional model of club movement in terms of direction, acceleration, and velocity. The sensing module further includes a wireless transmitter for transmitting data obtained from the accelerometer and gyroscope to a processor. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless transmitter transmits data using the IEEE 802.15.4 ISM radio bands. The IEEE 802.15.4 wireless transmission system is significant as it provides a means for transmitting data at low power consumption thereby prolonging battery life, while further providing a transmitter of very low complexity and high reliability. The system is further capable of operating on any of 16 channels in the 2.4. GHz ISM band, 10 channels in the 915 MHz band, and one channel in the 868 MHz band. In addition, the present invention contemplates wireless communication using the 802.15.1 band, commonly identified with BLUETOOTH® technology. BLUETOOTH® is a registered trademark of BlueTooth Sig, Inc. Bellevue, Wash.
Data transmitted by the wireless transmission system is received by a graphical user interface 60. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the graphical user interface is comprises a wrist mounted electronic device that receives and processes the data to provide virtually instantaneous feedback. The feedback may result in the generation of graphical output on a display, or may result in the generation of audible output. In an alternate embodiment, the graphical user interface may be adapted to be worn on the body of user by a clip, belt, holster, or any other suitable means of attachment. The graphical user interface may be provided in various levels of integration. For example, a base unit may be provided with a black and white display, while more advanced units may be provided with a color display. Even more advanced units may be adapted with GPS, course layout, score card, the Rules of Golf, tips, and competitive and betting game management features. In addition, the graphical user interface may include a touch screen and be adapted to communicate in a wireless environment to enable communication between the user and the golf course management system to allow the user to order food and beverages, obtain weather warnings, post scores in real time for tournament and handicap purposes.
In accordance with another embodiment, the graphical user interface may be adapted to allow for the transfer of information to a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), laptop computer, tablet, or any other suitable electronic device. This embodiment achieves a number of enhanced uses for the data. For example, transferring the data to a computer allows for the data to be analyzed, manipulated, displayed, and shared. The data may also be electronically transmitted over the Internet to a third party for analysis. In addition, a golf instructor will be able to receive data for a number of students simultaneously.
Rear club head portion, generally referenced as 120, projects rearwardly from main body 101. Rear portion 120 includes a top 122 that projects rearwardly from the main body 101 and terminates in a generally J-shaped rear end 124. A module 130 is removably received within the otherwise open area defined rearward of main body 101 and below top 122 of rear portion 120. Module 130 includes an upwardly swept or tapered bottom surface 131. As best illustrated in
As discussed above, module 130 may be configured with electronic components to function as a swing sensing module with the features disclosed with sensing module 50 herein above. The housing is adapted for removable replacement, preferably by a snap-fit or press fit connection within the club head cavity as discussed above. A significant aspect of the present alternate embodiment includes adapting the putter with a sensing module capable of detecting on-center contact (i.e. on the center of the face, when measured from heel 104 to toe 106) versus off-center contact, as well as on-center contact (i.e. on the center of the face, when measured from top to bottom/sole). To accomplish this function, this embodiment relies on adapting swing analysis module 130 with at least one pair of microphones, namely a first microphone mounted toward the heel portion and a second microphone mounted toward the toe portion. In an alternate embodiment, the present invention may be adapted with additional microphones, mounted both toward the top and toward the bottom further enhance impact detection. The microphones are mounted with sensing module 130, preferably on the front end thereof above projecting key structure 136. In addition, putter head 100 is adapted with sound transmitting through bores or holes, referenced as 126, formed along axes that are generally perpendicular to face 102 of putter head 100 and spaced on either side of the heel/toe centerline or center of the putter face 102 and/or insert 103. Additional sound transmitting through bores or holes 127 may also be formed in face 102 and disposed below holes 126. The combination of sound transmitting holes 126 and/or 127 with microphones mounted within module 130 functions to allow the system to identify whether contact with a golf ball was on-center, or off-center toward the toe, or off-center toward the heel by analyzing the relative sound transmitted from the face through holes 126 (and/or 127) as detected by microphones in module 130. In addition, the combination of sound transmitting holes 126 and/or 127 with microphones mounted within module 130 functions to allow the system to identify whether contact with a golf ball was on-center, or off-center toward top of the face, or off-center toward the bottom of the face by analyzing the relative sound transmitted from the face through holes 126 (and/or 127) as detected by microphones in module 130.
A sound barrier insert 128 is preferably inserted between apertures 126 and 127 to provide two distinct sound chambers separated by sound barrier 128. Providing two distinct sound chambers enhances sensitivity of the generated impact.
As should be apparent, the heel side forms a first or left channel and the toe side forms a second or right channel. Main body 101 and insert 103 and/or 103A forms two sound chambers immediately behind the striking surface (created by the indentations on the back side of the face insert 103A). Each chamber (103B and 103C) is sized differently (e.g. one larger than the other) to create a different frequency of sound. Also the through bore sound ports (126 and 127) are offset from the center of the respective chambers on purpose, for time & amplitude measurement. They are also different diameters to allow different frequencies to pass through them to the analyzing unit. In a preferred embodiment, through bores 126 have a larger diameter than through bores 127. As a result, the left channel functions when the ball is struck on the heel end, or left of center, to analyze the sound that comes from each chamber on the left or heel side. The outermost chamber from the center line of the face, namely the chamber in communication with through bores 126, forms a larger chamber and sound port to create a lower frequency transmission that is allowed to pass back to the microphone vs. the innermost chamber which will perform the same function at a slightly higher frequency. There is also a greater distance for the sound to travel from the outermost chamber (corresponding to through bores 126 and recessed portions 103C) vs. the innermost chamber (corresponding to through bores 127 and recessed portions 10313). The frequency and amplitude of the sound generated by each chamber and the time it takes the sound to travel will be used to triangulate where the ball hit.
For example if the ball impacts hits over the outer chamber, corresponding to through bores 125 and near the top part of the face, i.e. furthest from the club face center line, which is over the sound port of that chamber, that sound will be louder and get to the microphone faster than if it hit anywhere else over that chamber i.e. like in the lower, closer to the center of the clubface, part of the same chamber. The frequency will be the same but the time and amplitude will be different. If the ball hits hits over the lower part of the closest chamber, corresponding to through bores 127, in relation to the center line of the club face, that higher frequency will be louder and faster to the microphone versus hitting it in any other area over that chamber. It is expected that the closer the ball strikes to the wall separating the two chambers will result in feedback from both chambers. While feedback from all 4 chambers may be transmitted to both microphones, the present invention is capable of discriminating and determining the stronger feedback from the chamber that's closest to the strike area, and the least from the furthest.
Furthermore, the accelerometer allow the system to identify when the ball was struck for determining the time of the sound travel. So measuring time, frequency and amplitude by each microphone, then processing that information with an algorithm in the processor software will determine and tell you where the ball contacted the face i.e. heel/toe, high/low etc. High vs. low is also an important measurement since most of the mass is above the equator, and more momentum and roll will be created on balls struck above the putter equator.
A significant aspect of the present invention involves providing a swing sending and analysis module capable of providing audible feedback to the user. Accordingly, the present invention is adapted to provide feedback for all of the swing analysis functions as well as system operation. More particularly the combination of accelerometers, gyroscope, microphones, processor, etc. function to allow the system to sense and determine the motion of the club head. Accordingly, the swing analysis module is capable of detecting and determining various stroke parameters, including club head acceleration and speed, whether the face is open, square, or closed in relation to the target line at impact, indicating stoke path in relation to the target line (i.e. on-line, outside-to-inside, or inside-to-outside, or arc-shaped), the effective loft of the club face at impact,
A further significant aspect of the present invention involves providing audible feedback of the swing motion as sensed by the swing sensing and analysis module. Such feedback may comprise a synthesized or pre-recorded voice indicating any of the detected and determined swing characteristics capable of being sensed and/or determined by the swing sensing and analysis module. Accordingly, the feedback may comprise an electronically generated voice stating “face open” to indicate that the face was open at impact, or “outside-in” to indicate that the swing path traveled across the target line from the outside to the inside. In the alternative, the audible feedback may comprise a series of beeps. For example, the system may be configured to provide feedback regarding acceleration or deceleration at time of impact by generating consecutive beeps that get louder or faster as the head increases speed, while getting quieter or slower for decreasing speed during the whole stroke. In addition, the system may be configured to provide a series of timed beeps, similar to the sounds generated by a metronome, to assist the golfer in developing timing and rhythm.
Rear club head portion, generally referenced as 220, projects rearwardly from main body 201. Rear portion 220 includes a top 222 that projects horizontally rearwardly from the main body 201 and terminates at a rear end 224. Rear portion 220 includes a bottom or sole 226 that projects rearwardly from the sole 210 of main body 201 and curves upward to join rear end 224 of top 222. A replaceable weight 230 is remvovably affixed to the sole 226 of rear portion 220 preferably generally adjacent to rear end 224 so as to provide an adjustable weight element positioned relatively high on the putter thereby further enhancing the high moment of intertia.
Removable weights 312 are received within weight-receiving ports in the toe and heel portions 304 and 306. In a preferred embodiment, the toe and heel weight ports are offset to the upper half of the club (e.g. above a horizontal centerline). The positioning of the weight ports on the upper half of the club face allows the user to make weighting adjustments that effectively raise the center of gravity thereby providing the putter head with a high moment of inertia. This design feature is in contrast with conventional putter design norms wherein mass is distributed lower. A shaft 309 is connected to face insert 305 and isolated from the remainder of the putter body 301 and 320 via a resilient band 313. Shaft 309 may be connected to golf putter 300 at any suitable location. Additional inserts 315 are provided for removable insertion into a cavity formed in the rear portion 320 of putter head 300. By using a variety of optional inserts 315 of varying mass, the weight of the putter head may be adjusted.
The adjustable weighting aspects disclosed herein provide a number of advantages. First, providing removable and replaceable weights allows the user to change the total overall weight of the head. Second, adjustable weighting as disclosed herein allows the user to change the mass properties of the weight above the equator of the ball so as to affect the rate of topspin generated when contacting the ball. Top spin is desirable as it tends to keep the ball rolling on the intended line. In contrast, back spin causes the ball to skip and skid thereby causing the ball to deviate from the intended line. Third, since the heel weight could differ from the toe weight in terms of weight (they don't have to be the same) this will affect the feel and performance of how the putter head moves during the swing, helping to correct the users tendencies to either have the face open or closed at impact during the swing. Finally the more weight that is distributed to the extremities the higher the MOI (more resistance to twisting if the ball if contacted off center).
The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/031,932, filed on Feb. 15, 2008, which claims the benefit of provisional U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 60/901,783, filed on Feb. 15, 2007.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60901783 | Feb 2007 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12031932 | Feb 2008 | US |
| Child | 12754032 | US |
