An adjustable putter for playing golf

Abstract

The invention is concerned with implements for playing golf. Specifically, the invention concerns putters. Embodiments of the invention provide arrangements allowing adjustment of the lie angle of the putter as well as allowing change of the putter from left-handed to right-handed setup by attaching the shaft 5 to a rotatable weight 50 within the putter head 10. Further, embodiments of the invention provide adjustable distribution of mass within the putter head as well as an interchangeable faceplate 70.

Description

[0001] An adjustable putter for playing golf

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention is concerned with implements for playing golf. Specifically, the invention concerns putters.

[0004] DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

[0005] A golf putter is a type of club used in the game of golf, primarily designed for making short, accurate strokes on the green to roll the ball into the hole. It is the most specialized club in a golfer's bag, as it is specifically engineered for precise control over the trajectory and distance of the ball in short-range situations.

[0006] A golf putter has several different parts, each of which provide a number of parameters affecting the play.

[0007] The putter head is the part of the putter that strikes the golf ball. Putters come in various shapes, sizes, and weights, but the head is typically flat to facilitate better contact with the ball. There are several types of putter heads, including blade, mallet, and peripheral-weighted designs, each offering different performance features.

[0008] The putter face is the front part of the putter head that makes contact with the ball. The design of the face influences how the ball rolls. Some faces have grooves or other patterns to help achieve a smoother roll, and some have inserts made of materials like polymer or aluminum to enhance feel and performance.

[0009] A putter has a number of parameters which affect the stroke. One is the loft angle, which is the angle between the putter's face and the ground when the club is in a neutral position. This angle plays a crucial role in determining how the ball reacts upon impact. The loft helps lift the ball off the ground, allowing it to roll smoothlyalong the green rather than bouncing or skidding. Another key parameter is the lie angle of a putter, which is the angle between the shaft of the putter and the ground when the club is in its standard playing position. Specifically, it is the angle formed between the shaft and the sole of the putter head when the head is resting flat on the ground. This angle influences how the putter sits on the ground and how the putter face is aligned at impact.

[0010] The neck, also known as the hosel, is the part that connects the putter head to the shaft. The neck can have different configurations, such as heel-shafted, center-shafted, or offset, which can affect the alignment and feel of the putter.

[0011] Further, shafts can be made from various materials, including steel, graphite, or a composite blend. The length of the shaft varies based on the golfer's preference and posture. The grip is the part of the putter that the golfer holds. Grips come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, designed for comfort and control. The choice of grip can help a golfer maintain a steady and consistent hold during putting strokes.

[0012] Each part of the putter contributes to its overall performance, with factors like weight distribution, shaft length, and grip style playing a key role in the golfer's ability to make accurate putts. Different designs cater to various putting styles, so golfers often choose a putter that feels most comfortable and effective for their game.

[0013] Currently, there is a huge number of different putters on the market aiming to satisfy majority of the different individual needs. However, one big challenge is that majority of the putters are provided as static configurations, i.e. as a traditional non-adjustable club. This means that if the golfer likes the putter otherwise, liking its look and feel or other parameters, there may not be a putter available that would satisfy all the individual preferences the golfer may have related to e.g. the lie and loft angles and other parameters of a putter.

[0014] Some manufacturers and vendors offer a custom fitting process to evaluate the individual variables suitable for a golfer and to provide a custom-made putter according to the evaluation results. However, even a custom-fitted putter may not bea good solution for an average golf player. For most players, the movements of a putter swing by the player stay rarely so consistent that fitting a putter on one day would guarantee the same configuration works optimally later on.

[0015] Purchasing a new putter always when the player manages to develop his playing and his old putter turns non-optimal becomes quite costly quickly, as golf clubs can be quite expensive to purchase.

[0016] Adjustable putters have been developed as a response to these concerns. For example, putters having a plurality of small weights that can be removed and / or inserted have been developed. Further, patent application US20240278088 describes an adjustable putter assembly featuring an adjustable insert allowing the player to adjust the lie angle and shaft offset.

[0017] These adjustable solutions are still rather limited regarding adjustments provided and the ranges of the adjustments. Better adjustable putters are needed, putters providing a wider selection of adjustments, but which are still easy and simple enough for an average player to adjust with simple tools quickly.

[0018] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The invention solves the problems of prior art by providing a putter as defined in the characterising part of the independent claim directed to a putter.

[0020] In an embodiment of the invention the putter head comprises a weight which can be rotated in relation to the putter head, and the shaft of the putter is attached to said weight, whereby rotating the weight changes the lie angle. Further, the putter head also comprises a locking arrangement for locking the rotation angle of the weight relative to the putter head. This weight is called the center weight in the rest of this specification.

[0021] The locking arrangement is in an embodiment implemented using one or more screws which are screwed through one or more slots in the putter head to the centerweight, whereby tightening the one or more screws will lock the rotation angle of the center weight and thus the lie angle. Such an embodiment allows the player to easily and quickly change the lie angle of the putter.

[0022] In a further embodiment of the invention, said one or more slots are dimensioned so as to limit the lie angle to a range of angles which are allowed by regulations of global golf organisations. Such an embodiment ensures that even a novice player cannot adjust the putter to have a lie angle which is not allowed by the regulations.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head further comprises a first arrangement for adjusting the weight distribution of the putter head, which arrangement allows moving a weight closer or further away from the putter face along a line, the line having a nonzero angle in relation to the putter face and a nonzero angle in relation to a line perpendicular to the putter face. Such an embodiment allows easy adjustment of weight distribution of the putter head.

[0024] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head comprises two of such first arrangements, each arranged on either side of a normal of the putter face.

[0025] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head further comprises a second arrangement for adjusting the weight distribution of the putter head, which arrangement allows moving a weight along a line parallel to the putter face. Such an embodiment allows easy adjustment of weight distribution of the putter head.

[0026] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head comprises two of such second arrangements, one near a first end of the putter face, and another near the second end of the putter face.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head comprises a detachable faceplate. Such a detachable faceplate allows easy changing of the loft angle.

[0028] Further, such a detachable faceplate can be arranged to provide cover for the locking arrangement of the central weight, thus protecting the locking arrangement from sand and dirt while allowing easy and quick access for the player.The above summary relates to only one of the many embodiments of the invention disclosed herein and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the claims herein. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the invention and in conjunction with the following figures.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Various embodiments of the invention will be described in detail below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which

[0031] Figures 1 A and 1 B illustrate a putter head according to an embodiment of the invention,

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having a first arrangement for adjusting the weight distribution of the putter head,

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having a second arrangement for adjusting the weight distribution of the putter head,

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates a removable faceplate according to an embodiment of the invention, and

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention with a center weight, second weights, third weights, and a removable faceplate.

[0036] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" embodiment(s), this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to asingle embodiment. Features of different embodiments may be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0038] In the following, features of the invention will be described with a simple example of a putter head with which various embodiments of the invention may be implemented. Only elements relevant for illustrating the embodiments are described in detail. Details that are generally known to a person skilled in the art may not be specifically described herein.

[0039] Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the lie angle of the putter can be adjusted by rotating a center weight within the putter head relative to the putter head, and by locking the weight to a desired rotation angle. In this embodiment the shaft of the putter is attached to the center weight, whereby changing the rotation angle of the weight changes the lie angle.

[0040] Figure 1A illustrates the putter head 10 viewed from the direction of the putter face. The putter head also comprises a center weight 50, to which the shaft 5 of the putter is attached. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape on a plane parallel to the putter face is a circle, allowing free rotation of the center weight around a rotation axis which is perpendicular to the putter face.

[0041] Figure 1A illustrates an embodiment in which the putter head comprises a removable faceplate. Figure 1A shows the putter head with the removable faceplate removed. The surface 12 facing the viewer of figure 1 A is therefore a front surface 12 of the putter head normally hidden behind the faceplate. In the embodiment illustrated in figure 1A, the locking mechanism of the center weight is implemented using one or more screws 22 reaching the center weight 50 through a hole 20 or a slot 20 in the front surface 12 of the putter head. Tightening the screws 22 locks the weight to the putter head, locking the lie angle.

[0042] Figure 1 B shows a top view of the putter head of figure 1 A. Figure 1 B shows the putter head 10, center weight 50 and a faceplate 70 attached to the putter head 10.The removable faceplate 70 has in this embodiment the advantage, that it protects the slots 20 and screws 22 from accumulating dirt, i.e. provides a convenient cover for the locking mechanism. Embodiments having a removable faceplate are discussed in further detail later in this specification.

[0043] In this embodiment, the shape of the slot 20 can be used to restrict the range of lie angles that can be set using the locking mechanism. This is a very simple and easy way to allow step-free adjustment of the lie angle by the player, while ensuring that the lie angle remains within the range of angles allowed by the regulations and cannot be set to a non-allowed angle.

[0044] A further benefit of the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 A is that the embodiment allows changing the putter between right-handed and left-handed setups. Figure 1A shows two screws 22 placed in threaded holes in the weight 50 so that the shaft 5 leans to the right i.e. is positioned for right-handed use. Figure 1 A shows two further threaded holes 24 in the center weight 50 which allow left-handed use. By removing the two screws 22, rotating the weight so that holes 24 align with the slots 20, and inserting the two screws into holes 24, the player can change the putter to lefthanded use.

[0045] While figures 1 A and 1 B illustrate a rather convenient and simple mechanism for locking the center weight 50, other embodiments of the invention may have different mechanisms for locking the center weight. For example, in an embodiment of the invention the center weight can be locked to a desired rotation angle with a screw through the top side of the putter head. In a further embodiment of the invention, a spring-loaded mechanism attached to the top side of the putter head pushes a pin towards the center weight which has a number of indentations for receiving the pin on its top surface corresponding to a number of lie angles, whereby the pin when pushed in a particular indentation locks the rotation angle of the center weight. A man skilled in the art can devise many other ways to lock the rotation angle of the center weight, whereby the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiment of figures 1A and 1B.In an embodiment of the invention the mechanism for locking the center weight 50 limits the lie angle to one continuous range of lie angles. In another embodiment of the invention the mechanism for locking the center weight 50 limits the lie angle to two continuous ranges of lie angles, thereby allowing both left- and right-handed use.

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention the center weight 50 is removable and can be replaced by another center weight having a different mass. Such an embodiment provides an easy way for the player to change the mass of the putter head. A different mass can be provided for example using a different material or material composition for manufacturing the center weight, arranging a hole or hollow in a center weight, or having center weight of different lengths or sizes. In a further embodiment of the invention, the mass of the center weight 50 can be adjusted by adding additional weights or parts to the center weight. Figure 1 B illustrates additional parts 50a and 50b of the center weight 50. The additional parts can be attached to the center weight in many different ways, such as with screws, magnets or other well-known attachment means.

[0047] Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of the invention comprising a first arrangement for adjusting the weight distribution of the putter head. This first arrangement comprises a second weight 52 that is movable along a line C closer or farther from the front face 13 of the putter head 10. This line C has a nonzero angle between line C and a line A parallel to the front face 13 of the putter head 10, as well as a nonzero angle between line C and a line B perpendicular to the front face 13 of the putter head 10. Such an embodiment allows easy adjustment of weight distribution of the putter head. In this embodiment, the second weight 52 is housed in an extension 10a of the putter head 10. The weight 52 in this first arrangement can be provided with different size or material or material composition or combination of multiple weight blocks with similar characteristics only limited by the space in the weight housing extension 10a of the putter head 10.

[0048] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head comprises two of such first arrangements, each arranged on either side of a normal of the putter face. An example of such an embodiment is illustrated in figure 2. In the example of figure 2,the extensions 10a and the second weights 52 are arranged symmetrically in relation to a normal B of the putter face. However, the invention is not limited to symmetrical arrangement of second weights 52, as in further embodiments of the invention the directions of movement of the second weights can have non-symmetric angles in relation to the normal B of the putter face 13. Further, a player may, if he so wishes, to arrange the weights 52 non-symmetrically by arranging them at different distances from the putter face or using weights of different masses.

[0049] In an embodiment of the invention the weight 52 or weights 52 are arranged to be replaceable, whereby the player can choose heavier or lighter weights 52 according to his preference.

[0050] The mechanism allowing the movement or rearrangement of the second weight 52 can be arranged in different ways in different embodiments of the invention.

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, the weight 52 (or weights 52) is arranged in a threaded hole and the weight 52 has matching threads on it, whereby turning the weights 52 moves the weights closer or farther away from putter face 13.

[0052] In another embodiment of the invention, the weights 52 are arranged in a hole having a slot reaching the top or bottom surface of the putter head, whereby the weights 52 can be locked to a particular position along the hole by a screw through the slot.

[0053] In a further embodiment of the invention, the weight 52 can be arranged in a module which is removable from the putter head 10.

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, the weight can be moved or rearranged by removing the module, moving or rearranging the weight within the module, and then placing the module back in the putter head 10. However, in a further embodiment of the invention, the module can be arranged so as to allow moving the weight while the module is in place in the putter head.An advantage of an embodiment of the invention having the movable weight in a detachable module is that the adjustment mechanism for the movable weight can be fully enclosed in the module, whereby any mechanical complexity of the adjustment mechanism will not complicate removing and replacing the weight by removing and replacing the module. Further, removing a module does not affect the adjustment mechanism, whereby the location of the weight within the module is retained even when the module is removed. This, in turn, allows the player to later return to a previous weight with a previous setting after a change of modules.

[0055] An embodiment of the invention having one or more movable or rearrangeable weights 52 allows customizing of the swing weight as well as influencing momentum balance around the shaft mounting point. Changing the momentum balance can be used to compensate natural tendencies of the golfer to push or pull strokes.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of the invention the putter head further comprises a second arrangement for adjusting the weight distribution of the putter head, which arrangement allows moving a third weight 54 closer or along a line A parallel to the putter face 13. Such an embodiment allows easy adjustment of weight distribution of the putter head. The weight 54 in this second arrangement can be provided with different size or material or material composition or combination of multiple weight blocks with similar characteristics.

[0057] In a further embodiment of the invention the putter head comprises two of such second arrangements, one near a first end of the putter face 13, and another near the second end of the putter face. Such an embodiment is illustrated in figure 3.

[0058] In an embodiment of the invention the weight 54 or weights 54 are arranged to be replaceable, whereby the player can choose heavier or lighter weights 54 according to his preference.

[0059] The mechanism allowing the movement of the second weight 54 can be arranged in different ways in different embodiments of the invention.In an embodiment of the invention, the weight 54 (or weights 54) is arranged in a threaded hole and the weight 52 has matching threads on it, whereby turning the weights 54 moves the weights along a line A parallel to the putter face 13.

[0060] In another embodiment of the invention, the weights 54 are arranged in a hole having a slot reaching the top or bottom surface of the putter head, whereby the weights 54 can be locked to a particular position along the hole by a screw through the slot.

[0061] In a further embodiment of the invention, the weight 54 can be arranged in a module which is removable from the putter head 10. In such an embodiment, the weight can be moved or rearranged within the module and then placed back in the putter head 10. However, in a further embodiment of the invention, the module can be arranged so as to allow moving the weight while the module is in place in the putter head.

[0062] An advantage of an embodiment of the invention having the movable weight in a detachable module is that the adjustment mechanism for the movable weight can be fully enclosed in the module, whereby any mechanical complexity of the adjustment mechanism will not complicate removing and replacing the weight by removing and replacing the module. Further, removing a module does not affect the adjustment mechanism, whereby the location of the weight within the module is retained even when the module is removed. This, in turn, allows the player to later return to a previous weight with a previous setting after a change of modules.

[0063] If a player wishes the putter to have a non-symmetric distribution of weight, he can arrange the weights 54 to be at different distances from the ends of the putter face, and / or use weights of different masses and their combinations.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of the invention having a removable faceplate 70 which is attached removably to the putter head 10.

[0065] A removable faceplate 70 allows provision of different loft angles, as a player can change the loft angle of the putter by changing the faceplate to another having adifferent loft angle. Figure 4 shows a faceplate having a loft angle, as the faceplate 70 in figure 4 is thicker at its bottom edge than at its top edge.

[0066] Further, a removable faceplate protects the locking arrangement of the central weight, such as the screws and slots of the front of the putter head, from dirt and impacts.

[0067] In a further embodiment of the invention a faceplate can comprise one or more sensors and / or other electronics for measurement and provision of information relating to the swing of the putter and / or hitting of the golf ball.

[0068] In a further embodiment, removable and / or interchangeable faceplates are used to provide a selection of surface materials to the front face of the putter. For example, different materials can provide different degrees of hardness, elasticity, and friction. Having a number of faceplates with different materials available allows a player to adjust the material of the front face of the putter. Depending on the faceplate material density, the structure of the back side of the faceplate can be adjusted in combination of the center weight to ensure that the putter weight balance remains the same despite of the materials being used.

[0069] In a further embodiment of the invention, the removable faceplates are used to provide an opportunity for changing the look of the putter. For example, faceplates with logos of a golf club, a company, or other entity could be used, or faceplates of different colors.

[0070] The arrangement for attaching the faceplate 70 removably to the putter head 10 can be different in different embodiments of the invention. For example, in various embodiments the faceplate can be attached to the putter head with screws, with magnets, or for example with a latching arrangement. A man skilled in the art can device many different ways of attaching a faceplate removably to the putter head.

[0071] An embodiment of the invention with a removable faceplate provides many different possible configurations for a player to choose from, without increasing the costs ofmanufacturing of the putter very much, increasing the feasibility to provide a large variety of configurations for the manufacturer.

[0072] The embodiments described in this specification can be combined in any different combinations and permutations. For example, figure 5 illustrates an embodiment of the invention in which the putter head 10 is arranged with a rotatable center weight 50 and its locking mechanism 22, second weights 52, third weights 54, and a faceplate 70. However, in various embodiments of the invention a putter with any one of these features or any combination of them can be provided.

[0073] The invention has a number of benefits. The putting style of a player may vary over time, which happens for a majority of golfers as their skills develop. The golfer may develop his skills during a playing season, his muscles can develop in different ways, whereby the putting swing of the golfer may change. The invention provides the possibility to adjust the putter to any variations or developments of the putting style and skills of the golfer, allowing the golfer to adjust the putter to his preferences.

[0074] For example, an embodiment of the invention provides a way to change the lie angle, while ensuring that the lie angle remains within angles allowed by the regulations. Further, an embodiment provides a way to change the putter from lefthanded to right-handed setup and vice versa, allowing the manufacturer to provide a single putter arrangement that can be used by both left- and right-handed golfers.

[0075] Various embodiments of the invention in combination, such as the second weights 52 and third weights 54 provide in combination a large space for adjusting the weight parameters of the putter head, allowing large adjustments to the stability of the putter head.

[0076] While the foregoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and withoutdeparting from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

Claims

Claims1. A putter for playing golf, having a putter head (10) and a shaft (5), characterised in that the putter head comprisesa first weight (50) arranged to be rotatable relative to the putter head (10), wherein the first weight (50) comprises an adjustable mass, anda locking mechanism (22) arranged to lock said first weight (50) to a desired rotational position relative to the putter head;and in that, that the shaft (5) of the putter is attached to said first weight (50),whereby changing the rotation angle of said first weight relative to the putter head changes the angle between the shaft and the putter head.

2. A putter according to claim 1 , characterised in that said locking mechanism (22) is arranged to limit the rotation angle of said first weight (50) to a range of angles.

3. A putter according to claim 1 , characterised in that the putter head further comprisesat least one second weight (52),said at least one second weight being movable or rearrangeable along a line (C) having a nonzero angle in relation to the front face of the putter head (13) and to a normal (B) of the front face of the putter head.

4. A putter according to claim 1 , characterised in that the putter head further comprises at least one third weight (54), said at least one third weight being movable or rearrangeable along a line (A) parallel with the front face (13) of the putter head (10).

5. A putter according to claim 1 , characterised in that the putter head further comprises at least a removable and / or interchangeable faceplate (70).

6. A putter according to claim 5, wherein the removable and / or interchangeable faceplate (70) configures the putter with one or more of the following group: a loft angle; a material with different hardness, density, elasticity, surface structure / texture and friction; a sensor and / or other electronics for measurement and provision of information relating to the swing of the putter and / or hitting of the golf ball; and a color.

7. A putter according to claim 5, wherein the removable faceplate (70) is configured to provide cover for the locking mechanism (22).

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