Golf putters

Abstract

A fitting or coaching device (100) for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device having a head (102) with a striking face (120) and a shaft (131) slideably mounted to the head (102). The slideable mounting of the shaft (131) enables adjustment of its position to vary its offset distance from the striking face (120). The device (100) preferably includes an offset scale (141d). In preferred embodiments, the slideable mounting is in the form of a screw adjustment or a rack and pinion arrangement. In a less preferred embodiment, the slideable mounting is provided by an engaging portion (140) slideably receivable within a guide (141b) and securable thereto by a fastener or clamp (145), wherein the engaging portion (140) has a complementary shape to the guide (141b). In preferred embodiments, the position of the shaft (131) is movable between a first position behind the striking face (120) and a second position is in front of the striking face (120).

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 991,549, which is a national stage application of international Patent Application No. PCT / GB2009 / 001133, which claims priority both from UK Patent Application Serial No. 0808268.7 and UK Patent Application No. 1009392.0.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to golf putters, and particularly an alignment aid in the custom fitting of golf putters to the requirements of individual users, where either left or right handed, and as a teaching tool.[0004]2. Description of the Background[0005]This invention relates generally to fitting and / or coaching devices for golf clubs for facilitating customised fitting of a golf club and / or for assisting golf trainers. More specifically, although not exclusively, this invention relates to a fitting device for a golf putter. It is well known that golf clubs must b...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]Applicants have found that the device of WO2005120654 provides excellent results. However, the present invention was conceived when the inventor realised that golfer performance could be further improved by experimenting with a further dimension. Accordingly, a first aspect of the invention provides a fitting and / or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs and / or assisting golf trainers, the device comprising a head with a striking face and a shaft releasably securable to the head at one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face.

[0011]Upon further analysis, the inventor has found that the importance of the offset is determined by each individual player's personal physique and in particular with the relationship of the hands and arms to the sternum. It has been observed that some players will have their hands set forward of the sternum and in this position, if you were to have no offset, i.e. a putter that is for example a centre shafted putter where the shaft is located just behind the putter face, from this position the putter face will now be de-lofted and the ball from this position on impact will not roll properly and will jump out of the turf as it trapped between the putter face and the putting green surface. It also has an effect on the aim of the putter and in this position when the hands are set forward with no off-set the putter becomes closed and aiming left of target. If a player has his hands set back from the sternum, this has the opposite effect of opening the putter face at impact and adding excessive loft to the putter face therefore creating back-spin on the ball as the putter contacts the ball below the circumference and effectively chips the ball into the air. For this type of player with the hands back behind the sternum, a putter with offset, i.e. the shaft in front of the face, the putter would add even more loft to the putter face from this position. This type of player set-up requires a centre shafted type putter whereby the shaft is mounted behind the putter face which improves loft on the putter face at impact.

Problems solved by technology

If a player has his hands set back from the sternum, this has the opposite effect of opening the putter face at impact and adding excessive loft to the putter face therefore creating back-spin on the ball as the putter contacts the ball below the circumference and effectively chips the ball into the air.

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