PENDULUM GOLF PUTTER
United States Patent 3874668
A golf putter adapted for pendulum type swinging movement by use of one hand of the golfer for putting a golf ball and which is comprised generally of a rectangular mallet type putter club head with a vertical shaft extending upward from the geometrical center of the club head with the top end of the shaft having affixed thereto a semi-circular C-shaped band projecting perpendicular to the axis of the shaft and adapted to support the shaft about the upper portion of an individual's arm, the shaft being bent intermediate the club head and top end into a general horizontally disposed V-shape with the top leg of the V defining a handle or gripping area adapted to be gripped by the individual's hand such that the putter can be actuated by the individual in a pendulum type movement.
US Patent References:
Golf club
Strasser - June 1940 - 2204974
Golf instruction device
Norwood - February 1942 - 2273416
Golfer's putter
Ruemelin - June 1943 - 2321773
Shaft weighted golf club including offset shaft portions
Brill - September 1967 - 3341203
GOLF CLUB HAVING MEANS OF ALIGNING RELATIVE TO A USER
Pelz - August 1969 - 3462155
Golf club
Strasser - June 1940 - 2204974
Golf instruction device
Norwood - February 1942 - 2273416
Golfer's putter
Ruemelin - June 1943 - 2321773
Shaft weighted golf club including offset shaft portions
Brill - September 1967 - 3341203
GOLF CLUB HAVING MEANS OF ALIGNING RELATIVE TO A USER
Pelz - August 1969 - 3462155
Application Number:
05/434086
Publication Date:
04/01/1975
Filing Date:
01/17/1974
View Patent Images:
Export Citation:
Assignee:
Flege, John H. (Covington, KY)
Primary Class:
International Classes:
A63B69/36; A63B53/14
Field of Search:
273/77R,8C,81.3,162R,165,166,167R,167G,168-175,188-194,67R,67C,83
US Patent References:
Primary Examiner:
Apley, Richard J.
Claims:
Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is
1. A golf putter club comprising:
2. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle member further comprises a grip portion formed thereabout and adapted to assist an individual in firmly gripping the golf club at this position thereon.
3. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 2 wherein said top leg portion of said V-shaped portion extends from the apex to said upright shaft portion a length greater than the length of said first leg portion to overlie the axis of said main shaft portion adjacent said club head, the upright shaft portion adjacent said second leg portion being out of alignment with said main shaft portion adjacent said club head and with said upright shaft portion disposed rearwardly of said main shaft portion.
4. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 3 wherein said club head is of an elongated rectangular configuration generally of the mallet type.
5. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first leg portion extends at an angle to said main shaft portion of from 90° to 120° in a direction forwardly of said club; and wherein said second leg portion extends at an angle relative to said upright shaft portion of from about 90° to about 120° in a direction forwardly of said club.
1. A golf putter club comprising:
2. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 1 wherein said handle member further comprises a grip portion formed thereabout and adapted to assist an individual in firmly gripping the golf club at this position thereon.
3. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 2 wherein said top leg portion of said V-shaped portion extends from the apex to said upright shaft portion a length greater than the length of said first leg portion to overlie the axis of said main shaft portion adjacent said club head, the upright shaft portion adjacent said second leg portion being out of alignment with said main shaft portion adjacent said club head and with said upright shaft portion disposed rearwardly of said main shaft portion.
4. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 3 wherein said club head is of an elongated rectangular configuration generally of the mallet type.
5. The golf putter club as set forth in claim 4 wherein said first leg portion extends at an angle to said main shaft portion of from 90° to 120° in a direction forwardly of said club; and wherein said second leg portion extends at an angle relative to said upright shaft portion of from about 90° to about 120° in a direction forwardly of said club.
Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to golf clubs and more particularly to a new and novel golf putter adapted for one hand putting of a golf ball.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The sport of golf is of an ever increasing popularity due to the fact that persons of virtually any age, regardless of lack of athletic prowess or most physical handicaps, may participate in the game. In the play of the game of golf it has been determined that the putter club is the single most important club used in the play of the game. Putters come in many different types of designs, with it being found that the most accurate type of putter is that of the croquet type or pendulum type with the putting being accomplished by the pendulum type movement of the club between an individual's legs with the individual facing the direction in which the ball is to be putted. However, this style of putting between an individual's legs was ruled illegal by golf societies with it being required that a golfer putt from the side of the ball.
In addition, while special clubs have been designed for use by handicapped persons who may only have one arm, such clubs are difficult for the person to use during putting in order to obtain any accuracy such that the handicapped person is provided with still a greater handicap due to lack of appropriately designed putting clubs permitting efficient putting by such handicapped persons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes the deficiencies and disadvantages of presently available conventional type golf putters, as well as recognizing the disadvantage of one armed handicapped golf players, and provides a novel solution to both problems in the form of a pendulum type golf putter adapted for putting a golf ball with the use of only a single hand and which is adapted for use with the individual putting from the side of the ball as called for by conventional golfing rules, with the putter providing a smooth pendulum motion in a general croquet style for the accurate and efficient putting of the golf ball in the desired direction and with the desired velocity.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a pendulum golf putter providing for the accurate and efficient one hand putting of a golf ball.
A further feature of the present invention provides a pendulum golf putter adapted for use by handicapped persons having only a single hand and which provides for the accurate putting by such handicapped persons.
Among the further features and advantages of the present invention is the provision of a pendulum type golf putter which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and by simple manufacturing methods; one which is devoid of moving parts and which therefore is unlikely to get out of order; one which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand many years of intended usage; one which is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; one which is easy to use and reliable and efficient in operation; one which can be retailed at a sufficiently low price to encourage its widespread use; and one which is otherwise well adapted to perform the services required of it.
Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an individual using the golf putter of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the golf putter of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the golf putter of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along Line 4--4 of FIG. 2 and generally illustrating the handle or gripping portion of the golf putter of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings in detail there is illustrated a preferred form of a golf putter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 and which, as seen in FIG. 1, is adapted for accurate putting using one hand 11 and the associated arm 12 of an individual 13 who is standing on one side of a golf ball 14 in position to putt the golf ball from the side thereof as called for by conventional rules.
The golf putter 10 is comprised of an elongated rectangular mallet type club head 21 having a striking front face 22 and with a vertical shaft 25 affixed to the club head through the top surface 26 thereof at the geometrical center of the club head, the shaft extending upright therefrom to a point 26 where it is bent in the direction of the club head face 22 at an angle of from 90° to 120° to form shaft portion 27 which extends to point 28 from whence it is bent back onto itself at an angle of from 120° to 180° to define shaft portion 29 which extends to point 30 from whence the shaft is bent into a vertical direction parallel to the axis of shaft portion 25 and generally designated by reference numeral 31 from whence the shaft extends upright and terminates at top end 32. The portions of the shaft defined by reference numeral 26-30 define a general V-shape with the apex of the V pointing in a direction forwardly of the club.
The shaft portion 29 defines a handle member with a grip portion 33 wrapped thereabout to provide a firm gripping surface for the individual's hand 11, the grip being manufactured of leather, cork, plastic, rubber, or any other suitable satisfactory material with the preferred material being molded rubber such as butyl or neoprene.
Affixed to top end 32 by rivets 35 is the bight portion of a C-shaped or semi-circular band 36 which extends perpendicular to the axis of shaft portion 31 in a direction forwardly of the club so as to lie substantially parallel to the club head 21. The band 36 defines a notch like opening between the legs 37 and bight portion 38 thereof adapted to engage the arm portion 12 of the individual user 13.
In operation, an individual stands by the side of the golf ball 14 and then grips the gripping portion 33 in one hand 11 with the band 36 engaged about the individual's forearm, the individual then swinging the golf putter 10 in pendulum arcuate manner to strike the golf ball 14 with the club head face 22 in a manner to propell the golf ball in the desired direction at the desired velocity and in an accurate manner.
The shaft of the golf putter as designated by reference numerals 25-32 may be manufactured out of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, steel, or any other suitable satisfactory material with the preferred embodiment being manufactured of a steel shaft, either of a solid configuration or tubular hollow configuration, which is preferably chrome plated for purposes of appearance and protection against rust and corrosion. The club head 21 may be manufactured out of aluminum, brass, or any other suitable satisfactory material with the preferred embodiment being manufactured out of cast aluminum or cast brass and appropriately chrome plated for purposes of appearance and protection against rust and corrosion and the like.
As seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, handle portion 29 extends downwardly and outwardly from shaft portion 31 at an angle of about 120°, with it being understood that this angle may be varied by the manufacturer to that of from 90° to 120°.
It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to golf clubs and more particularly to a new and novel golf putter adapted for one hand putting of a golf ball.
2. Description of the Prior Art
The sport of golf is of an ever increasing popularity due to the fact that persons of virtually any age, regardless of lack of athletic prowess or most physical handicaps, may participate in the game. In the play of the game of golf it has been determined that the putter club is the single most important club used in the play of the game. Putters come in many different types of designs, with it being found that the most accurate type of putter is that of the croquet type or pendulum type with the putting being accomplished by the pendulum type movement of the club between an individual's legs with the individual facing the direction in which the ball is to be putted. However, this style of putting between an individual's legs was ruled illegal by golf societies with it being required that a golfer putt from the side of the ball.
In addition, while special clubs have been designed for use by handicapped persons who may only have one arm, such clubs are difficult for the person to use during putting in order to obtain any accuracy such that the handicapped person is provided with still a greater handicap due to lack of appropriately designed putting clubs permitting efficient putting by such handicapped persons.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention recognizes the deficiencies and disadvantages of presently available conventional type golf putters, as well as recognizing the disadvantage of one armed handicapped golf players, and provides a novel solution to both problems in the form of a pendulum type golf putter adapted for putting a golf ball with the use of only a single hand and which is adapted for use with the individual putting from the side of the ball as called for by conventional golfing rules, with the putter providing a smooth pendulum motion in a general croquet style for the accurate and efficient putting of the golf ball in the desired direction and with the desired velocity.
It is a feature of the present invention to provide a pendulum golf putter providing for the accurate and efficient one hand putting of a golf ball.
A further feature of the present invention provides a pendulum golf putter adapted for use by handicapped persons having only a single hand and which provides for the accurate putting by such handicapped persons.
Among the further features and advantages of the present invention is the provision of a pendulum type golf putter which is relatively simple in its construction and which therefore may be readily manufactured at a relatively low cost and by simple manufacturing methods; one which is devoid of moving parts and which therefore is unlikely to get out of order; one which is rugged and durable and which therefore may be guaranteed by the manufacturer to withstand many years of intended usage; one which is aesthetically pleasing and refined in appearance; one which is easy to use and reliable and efficient in operation; one which can be retailed at a sufficiently low price to encourage its widespread use; and one which is otherwise well adapted to perform the services required of it.
Other features and advantages of this invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this specification, and in which like reference characters are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of an individual using the golf putter of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the golf putter of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the golf putter of the present invention; and
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along Line 4--4 of FIG. 2 and generally illustrating the handle or gripping portion of the golf putter of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring now to the drawings in detail there is illustrated a preferred form of a golf putter constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and designated generally in its entirety by the reference numeral 10 and which, as seen in FIG. 1, is adapted for accurate putting using one hand 11 and the associated arm 12 of an individual 13 who is standing on one side of a golf ball 14 in position to putt the golf ball from the side thereof as called for by conventional rules.
The golf putter 10 is comprised of an elongated rectangular mallet type club head 21 having a striking front face 22 and with a vertical shaft 25 affixed to the club head through the top surface 26 thereof at the geometrical center of the club head, the shaft extending upright therefrom to a point 26 where it is bent in the direction of the club head face 22 at an angle of from 90° to 120° to form shaft portion 27 which extends to point 28 from whence it is bent back onto itself at an angle of from 120° to 180° to define shaft portion 29 which extends to point 30 from whence the shaft is bent into a vertical direction parallel to the axis of shaft portion 25 and generally designated by reference numeral 31 from whence the shaft extends upright and terminates at top end 32. The portions of the shaft defined by reference numeral 26-30 define a general V-shape with the apex of the V pointing in a direction forwardly of the club.
The shaft portion 29 defines a handle member with a grip portion 33 wrapped thereabout to provide a firm gripping surface for the individual's hand 11, the grip being manufactured of leather, cork, plastic, rubber, or any other suitable satisfactory material with the preferred material being molded rubber such as butyl or neoprene.
Affixed to top end 32 by rivets 35 is the bight portion of a C-shaped or semi-circular band 36 which extends perpendicular to the axis of shaft portion 31 in a direction forwardly of the club so as to lie substantially parallel to the club head 21. The band 36 defines a notch like opening between the legs 37 and bight portion 38 thereof adapted to engage the arm portion 12 of the individual user 13.
In operation, an individual stands by the side of the golf ball 14 and then grips the gripping portion 33 in one hand 11 with the band 36 engaged about the individual's forearm, the individual then swinging the golf putter 10 in pendulum arcuate manner to strike the golf ball 14 with the club head face 22 in a manner to propell the golf ball in the desired direction at the desired velocity and in an accurate manner.
The shaft of the golf putter as designated by reference numerals 25-32 may be manufactured out of wood, aluminum, fiberglass, steel, or any other suitable satisfactory material with the preferred embodiment being manufactured of a steel shaft, either of a solid configuration or tubular hollow configuration, which is preferably chrome plated for purposes of appearance and protection against rust and corrosion. The club head 21 may be manufactured out of aluminum, brass, or any other suitable satisfactory material with the preferred embodiment being manufactured out of cast aluminum or cast brass and appropriately chrome plated for purposes of appearance and protection against rust and corrosion and the like.
As seen in FIG. 2 of the drawings, handle portion 29 extends downwardly and outwardly from shaft portion 31 at an angle of about 120°, with it being understood that this angle may be varied by the manufacturer to that of from 90° to 120°.
It is to be understood that the form of this invention herewith shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and that this invention is not to be limited to the exact arrangement of parts shown in the accompanying drawings or described in this specification as various changes in the details of construction as to shape, size, and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, the scope of the novel concepts thereof, or the scope of the sub-joined claims.