DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0077] It has been found from hundreds of custom fittings of putters that the actual aim of the ball-striking face portion of a putter's head by the overwhelming majority of golfers is not such that a golf ball will move directly along the target line or the straight imaginary line drawn between the golf ball and the hole. This inability to accurately position the ball-striking face of a golf club to make contact with a stationary golf ball to cause the golf ball to travel along the target line is due, in part, to the visual component of a golfer's eye-hand coordination. The visual component of a golfer's eye-hand coordination results from a combination of far/near sightedness and left/right eye domination. Thus, while the golfer's hands will properly respond to what the golfer's eyes see, this response will be improper because the golfer's eyes are not seeing the hole in its true position on the golf course. As a result, the individual golfer either: (a) consistently misses puts to the right or to the left according to their individual vision, or (b) develops a compensating movement in their aim or in their putting stroke which actually directs the golf ball toward the actual target—which is away from the target perceived by the golfer's eyes.

[0078] Consistently missing putts to the right or to the left is the most common problem of infrequent golfers. Unfortunately, infrequent golfers do not get enough playing time to see the development of a consistent miss pattern. Those who play golf on a more regular schedule either consciously misaim the golf ball or subconsciously adjust their putting stroke to correct for their visual misperception of the true location of the hole on a golf course. Even in putts as short as 10 feet, the effect of far/near sightedness and left/right eye dominance becomes readily apparent.

[0079] In general, a left aiming golfer perceives the hole left of its true location. The spatial and geometric adjustment of the alignment of the putter's head to the putter's shaft to correct for this vision characteristic is greater offset distance and greater loft angle. By increasing the offset distance and the loft angle of the ball striking face portion of a putter's head, the golfer perceives that the ball striking face of the putter is closed or aimed in a direction between the target line and the golfer. The golfer's subconscious will make the appropriate correction and aim the striking face portion of the putter's head on the target line. The degree of directional alignment correction is determined by the size of the offset distance and the loft angle added to the striking face portion of the club head.

[0080] In general, a right aiming golfer perceives the hole farther away than it actually is and right of its actual location. The correction for this vision characteristic can be achieved by the reducing both the offset distance and the loft angle. By reducing both the offset distance (and in extreme cases creating onset) and the loft angle of the ball-striking face portion of the putter's head, it creates the optical illusion for the golfer that the putter face is open or aiming away from the target line. The golfer's subconscious mind will make the appropriate corrections and aim the putter on the target line. The degree of the correction is determined by the degree of the reduction of offset distance and loft angle.

Putter Fitting Method

[0081] The putter fitting method of the present invention is described according to its use for custom fitting a putter to an individual golfer.

[0082] Step 1: Observation of the Individual Golfer's Position, Aim and Stroke

[0083] Observe the individual golfer make several putts with his/her putter or a putter with standard specifications. The following specific putting stroke characteristics are to be specifically noted.

[0084] A. Aim—using an alignment aid such as the laser sighting device described below, determine where the individual golfer is directionally (left or right) aiming the golf ball with respect to the target line. In most cases, an imaginary straight line drawn perpendicular to the ball-striking face of the putter's head as positioned by an individual golfer will fall either to the left or to the right of the true target line to the hole, even if the golfer is only 10 feet away from the hole. This directional deviation away from the target line is caused by the natural tendency of human beings to be either left eye or right eye dominant.

[0085] B. Stroke—observe the shape of the stroke and the travel path of the putter's head with respect to the target line between the hole and the golf ball. One of three basic strokes paths may be observed because of the natural tendency of human beings to move the head portion of a putter club along a large arcuate path.

[0086] 1. Beginning at a position outside an extension of the target line behind the golf ball and ending at a position inside the target line in front of the golf ball.

[0087] 2. Beginning at a position behind the golf ball inside the target line and ending at a position outside the target line in front of the golf ball.

[0088] 3. Beginning at a position inside the target line behind the golf ball coming to a position which is square with the golf ball at the point of impact and ending at a position inside the target line.

[0089] C. Ball Position—Observe the distance of the golf ball with respect to the individual golfer's toe line while the golfer is setting up for the putt.

[0090] Step 2: Static Fit the Putter

[0091] A. Choose a putter head design. Though model selection is very personal, there are certain characteristics to each model which may compliment an individual golfer's style. The objective is to offer a variety of designs which are classified into one of the three basic styles to compliment an individuals' golfers style and a preference. A blade style putter head has a very sold feel, a simple traditional look and toe balance.

[0092] A perimeter or heel-toe weighted putter head typically includes added weights on the heel and the toe portions of the putter's head which gives it a unique look and a very solid feel.

[0093] A mallet head offers a very unique feel, a large visible alignment aid and a larger mass.

[0094] B. Choose a putter head material. Putter heads are manufactured from various materials such as steel, copper, aluminum, brass, bronze, and polymers. Each material provides its own unique feel, look, and sound when the ball-striking face portion of the putter's head hits the stationary golf ball. For many golfers this unique feel will determine the material to be used in the putter's head. The objective is to select a material which responds best with an individual's senses of feel, look, and sound.

[0095] C. Select a grip type and size. The golfer's hands contact the putter at the grip. Golfers with small hands may prefer a small diameter grip. The opposite may be true for golfers with larger hands. Some like a smooth gripping surface. Still others prefer a roughened gripping surface. Most grips include a flat surface to assist the golfer with aligning the ball-striking face in a plane perpendicular to the target line. Some golfers prefer this flat surface on the grip to be located on the top of the putter's shaft while still others prefer it along the side. Finally, some golfers hold the grip at the top, other hold it in the middle, and still others like to “choke up” and grab the grip at its bottom.

[0096] D. Measure the shaft length and lie angle. Using an adjustable fitting putter 300 as shown in FIG. 8, the individual golfer should comfortably position his/her body with respect to the golf ball. The shaft length and the lie angle between the fitting putter's head and the fitting putter's shaft is measured by locking in the settings on the adjustable fitting putter 300. More details concerning the use of the adjustable fitting putter 300 appear in the following paragraph.

[0097] Once a proper stance and position with respect to the golf ball have been achieved for an individual golfer, the best shaft length for the individual golfer and the best lie angle between the fitting putter's head 306 and the fitting putter's shaft 318 for the individual golfer are measured by locking in settings on an adjustable fitting putter 300. Lie angle and shaft length are interdependent. By using the adjustable fitting putter 300, it is easy to determine the best length of the putter's shaft 318 for an individual golfer. For example, some golfers want to have their arms fully extended and eyes over the golf ball. Others may want their arms bent and their eyes slightly in front of the golf ball. Still other golfers may assume a special stance to protect a bad back, a bad shoulder, or correct for some other physiological condition. Once the best length of the golf club shaft 318 has been determined, the bottom of the golf club head 304 is moved so that it is horizontally flat. This sets the lie angle between the fitting putter's shaft 318 and the fitting putter's head 304. By using a fitting putter 300 with an adjustable telescoping section 390 and an adjustable lie angle section 395, it is possible to obtain measurements of what geometry of a putter best suits an individual golfer.

[0098] Once the foregoing observations and measurements have been made, it is now possible to construct a custom made putter for an individual golfer using the portable putter customizing system described below.

The Portable Putter Customizing System—In General

[0099] A better general understanding of the putter fitting method of the present invention may be had by first referencing FIGS. 1A and 1B. Therein it may be seen that the golf club customizing system 10 which is used to create custom made putters includes a portable rollable cart 200 in which a variety of combinations putter heads, hosels and shafts 202 are contained in storage sleeves 201. Additionally, there is a place 204 for storing various types of grips 206. On top of the cart 200 is a vise 11 for bending the hosel portion 102 of the putter 100 and a system 800 for holding the shaft of the putter while it is cut to length. On the opposite end of the cart 200 is a small tool tray 208 in which the various tools needed for operation of the system 10 may be located. Also included in the system 10 is a fitting putter 300 (FIG. 8) which is used for obtaining the starting measurements necessary to custom fit a putter 100 to a particular golfer.

Construction of the Bending Vice

[0100] Shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of the golf club hosel bending vise 11. Note that the hosel bending vise 11 is built above a base plate 12. The base plate 12 provides the mounting for the two sliding block assemblies 30, 50 which impart the offset distance bend and the lie angle bend into the hosel 102 of the golf club 100.

[0101] Formed just above the base plate 12, in front of the bending systems 30, 50 is the mounting space portion 16 of the clamping system 20 in which the putter's head 106 is securely positioned to enable the accurate bending of the hosel 102. To assure proper positioning of the putter's head 106 in the mounting space 16, an abutment plate 21 is provided. The toe 118 of the putter's head 106 is placed in contact with the abutment plate 21. The ball-striking face 104 portion of the putter's head 106 engages an angled face 22. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of this surface is 3½° which matches the angle of the ball-striking surface 104 of the putter's head 106.

[0102] After the toe 118 of the putter's head 106 engages the abutment plate and the ball-striking face 104 portion of the putter's head 106 is in contact with the angled surface 22 a chucking block 23, as shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 B and 7 C is placed against the rear surface 120 of the putter's head 106. The chucking blocks 23, 23′ and 23″ includes a specially designed recess 24, 24′ and 24″ to accommodate corresponding types of putter heads. On the back of the clucking block 23, 23′ and 23″ is a circular bore 25, 25′ and 25″ which is sized to engage the end 26 of a threaded rod 27.

[0103] Once a chucking block 23, 23′ and 23″ has been placed behind the putter's head 106 the end 26 of the threaded rod 27 is moved into contact with the back of the chucking block 23, 23′ and 23″ by turning it through internally threaded stationary block 29. The hosel portion 102 of the putter 106 is now in a position where it can be accurately bent to custom fit a golf club to an individual golfer.

[0104] Recall that offset distance is the result of a bend in the hosel 102 which places an extension of the long axis 110 of the putter's shaft 118 a short distance in front of the plane of the ball-striking surface 104 portion of the putter's head 106. The offset bend sliding block assembly 30 is slidably mounted on the base plate 12. The offset bend sliding block assembly 30 is positioned by reference to a scale 48 formed on a base block 49 which is mounted on the base plate 12. The scale 48 provides the ability to measure the putter's hosel bending vice 11 for various offset bend angles. A recording of the offset distance bend angle settings for an individual golfer or any of the other measurements described herein will enable the duplication of any putter when the customized putter has been lost or damaged.

[0105] The sliding block portion 34 of the offset bend sliding block assembly 30 is moved along path 32 by turning a knob 44 which is attached to a threaded rod 42. The threaded rod 42 passes through a threaded hole in a stationary block 46 which is affixed to the base block 49. The sliding block portion 34 is then locked in position by tightening a cap screw 40 which threadably engages the base block 49. Tightening of the cap screw 40 assures that the sliding block portion 34 of the offset bend sliding block portion 34 is a first pin 38. It is the first pin 38 which provides the surface against which the hosel 102 of the putter 100 is bent to place an offset distance in the putter 100 between the long axis 110 of the shaft 118 and the striking face 104 portion of the putter head 106. If a short hosel 102 is used the pin 38 is placed in a lower pinhole 37.

[0106] By turning a knob 64, a threaded rod is caused to pass through an internally threaded hole in a stationary block 63. The stationary block 63 is affixed to the base block 49. The turning of the knob 64 causes the lie angle bend sliding block 54 to move along a path 52 over the base block 49. Positioning of the lie angle sliding block 54 is accomplished by reference to a scale 68 formed on the base block 49. A bending surface is provided by a second pin 58 which passes through a pinhole 56 in the lie angle sliding block 54. For short hosels 102 a lower pinhole 57 is also provided. A cap screw 60 is used to hold the lie angle sliding block 54 against the base block 49.

[0107] An extended angular gauge bar 70 projects upwardly from the lie angle sliding block 54. The extended angular gauge bar 70 is used to measure the proper bending of the putter's hosel 102 to the predetermined lie angle bend. At the bottom of the angular gauge bar 70 is a pointer 72 which is positioned near an arcuate scale 74. The angular gauge bar 70 is locked in position by tightening a threaded fastener 76 which passes through a hole formed in the angular gauge bar 70 and an ear 78 which extends upwardly from the lie angle sliding block 54.

[0108] The actual manufacture of a custom made putter is described in the paragraphs which follow.

[0109] Based upon the measured directional aiming tendency (either to the right or to the left) of the individual golfer determined by using a laser sighting device such as the one described below, the putter's hosel is bent for the appropriate offset distance and loft angle. Offset distance and loft angle are added for left aim tendencies, offset distance and loft angle are reduced for right aim tendencies. The exact size of the lie angle is determined by placing the fitting putter 300 in the bending vice 11 as shown in FIG. 9. By placing the toe 318 of the fitting putter's head 306 against the abutment plate 21, the angular gauge bar 70 can be moved so that it is parallel with the shaft 318 of the fitting putter 300. The position of the pointer 72 at the end of the angular gauge bar 70 against the arcuate scale 74 provides a reading of the size of the lie angle. The difference of the measured lie angle from the standard 72° is used to enter the chart 700 shown in FIG. 10 whose use will be explained below.

[0110] Next, the adjustment for the proper balance of the putter's head is determined. Specifically, some golfers may want the head 106 of their putter 100 to be face balanced, toe balanced or heel balanced. Most golfers prefer a face balanced putter head. With a face balanced putter head, there is equal distribution of weight on either side of the sweet spot. Because of the complex inter-relationships of putter head balance and loft angle, the face balance chart 700 shown in FIG. 10 is used. To determine a setting for the lie angle sliding block 54 against the scale 63, the lie angle determined from the reading on the arcuate scale 74, as previously explained, and the type of putter head and hosel combination are used to enter the face balance chart 700 shown in FIG. 10. The number extracted from the fact balance chart 700 is set on the bending vise II by moving the lie angle sliding block 54.

[0111] The shaft length for the putter to be customized is determined by matching up the length of the uncut shaft to the length of the shaft measured by the fitting putter. The shaft of the golf club being customized is marked so that it may be cut to the proper length using the length sizing equipment 800 on top of the cart 200.

[0112] The golfer's preferred grip is then affixed to the end of the putter's shaft. The type, size, and orientation of the grip should be determined by whatever provides the most comfortable feel to the golfer and the least amount of tension in the muscles of the golfer's hand and forearms.

[0113] The following detailed operational steps will provide a still better understanding of how the custom made putter may be customized using the portable putter customizing system.

[0114] First, the cap screw 40 is loosened. By turning the adjustment knob 44, the offset bend sliding block 34 is moved to impart the necessary bend in the hosel 102 to obtain the desired offset distance. The standard offset distance is indicated on scale 48 as 0. The preferred offset distance is the top edge of the putter's head 106 aligning with the long axis of 110 of the shaft 118. Each mark on the scale 48 represents a {fraction (1/16)}th inch change in offset distance. A total offset distance of ½ inch can be obtained. Once the desired setting of the sliding block 34 is made with respect to the scale 48, the cap screw 40 is tightened.

[0115] The next step involves assuring that the lie angle gauge bar 70 is at the desired angle. A standard lie angle is 72°. This standard lie angle is indicated on the arcuate guide scale 74 as 0. All other lie angle settings are represented as being degrees away from the standard 72° angle.

[0116] The third step is to loosen the cap screw 60 which holds the lie angle sliding block 54 in place. Using the putter head balance chart 700, it is then possible to determine the setting required to obtain the type of club head balance preferred by a particular golfer. By using the chart 700 shown in FIG. 10, a gauge 68 setting is found for a face balanced putter head. If the golfer desires a heel heavy putter head, the chart value is increased. By turning the adjustment knob 64, the lie angle sliding block 54 is moved to the desired setting against gauge 68 and then tightened in position by turning the cap screw 60.

[0117] In the fourth step, the bending pins 38, 58 are inserted into the appropriate pin holes. It may be seen that there are two pin holes for each of the two bending pins 38, 58. The top pin holes 36, 56 are for long hosels. The bottom pinholes 37, 57 are for short hosels.

[0118] The fifth step is to insert the putter head 106 into the bending vise 11. It is important that the ball-striking face 104 portion of the putter head 106 fits flush against the angle plate 22. The toe of the putter head 106 should contact the abutment plate 21.

[0119] The sixth step is to select the appropriate chucking block 23, 23′, 23″ to place against the rear surface 120 of the putter head 106. As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7 B and 7 C the shape of the chucking block 23, 23 and 23″ is dependent on the style of the putter head 106. By rotating the handle 28 the end of the threaded rod 27 is moved into the bore 25, 25′, 25″ on the back of the chucking block 23, 23′, 23″. The club to be customized is now in position for the bends to be made in the hosel 102. Proper placement of the putter head 106 in the vise 11 is shown in FIG. 11.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 12A, the seventh step involves attaching a bending tool 600 to the bottom of the shaft 118 and securing the bending tool 600 to the putter's shaft 118. As shown in FIG. 13, the end of the bending tool 600 includes a first recessed plate 602 and a keeper plate 604. A threaded rod 606 turned by a knob 608 into an internally threaded hole 610 in the first plate 602. The handle 614 which extends from the first plate 602 is used to impart force on the putter's shaft 118.

[0121] The recess 612 generally will fit loosely over the putter's shaft 118. To avoid possible damage to the putter's shaft 118, the bending tool 600 must be secured at the bottom of the putter's shaft 118, into which a solid insert from the hosel extends, as each bend is made. To understand why the location of the bending tool 600 on the putter's shaft 118 is important, reference is made to FIGS. 14A and 14B. In FIG. 14A a short hosel 102′ is shown extending upwardly from a putter's head 106. The upper portion 103′ of the hosel 102 extends into and is tightly fit into the interior of the putter's shaft 118. In FIG. 14B a long hosel 102 is shown. To minimize the weight of the hosel 102, its upper portion 103 is shorter. An extension 105, formed of a lightweight metal, mates with the upper portion 103. When the bending tool 600 is in place on the putter's shaft 118 it is important that the bending tool 60 surround the upper portion of the hosel 103, 103′. Otherwise, when force is placed on the handle 614, the putter's shaft 118 will crimp and the putter's shaft 118 will be ruined.

[0122] Referring back to FIG. 12A, a clearance bend is now made in the hosel by exerting force on the handle 614 which extends from the bending tool 600. This clearance bend is necessary so that the bending pins 38, 58 may be pushed through the pinholes 37, 57 until their ends touch. This is shown in FIG. 12B.

[0123] The ninth step involves imparting the offset bend into the hosel 102. This is accomplished by bending the hosel 102 with the bending tool 600 until the putter's shaft 118 is in a substantially vertical plane which is parallel to the vertical plane of the angular gauge bar 70. The beginning of the offset bend is shown in FIG. 15. A completed offset bend is shown in FIG. 12B.

[0124] The tenth step is to impart the lie angle bend into the hosel 102. This is done by rotating the bending tool 600 on the bottom of the putter's shaft 118 so that the hosel 102 may be bent to an angle so that the angle of the putter's shaft 118 matches the angle of the angular gauge bar 70. This is shown in FIG. 16.

[0125] If a loft adjustment is needed, the hosel 102 is bent as shown in FIG. 17. Specifically, the putter's shaft 118 is bent slightly forward or slightly backward to change the loft on the ball-striking face 104 portion of the putter's head 106.

[0126] The customized golf club is now removed from the vise 11 and provided to the golfer. Adjustments may be made by reinserting the putter's head 106 back into the hosel bending vice 11.

[0127] In the final steps, the shaft of the putter is cut to the desired length. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 the club head 106 is placed against a stop 502 on the top surface of the cart 200. The face 104 of the club head is aligned by comparison with vertical lines 504 marked on the stop 502. The shaft engagement vise 800 is used to secure the shaft 118 in position to be cut to length.

[0128] The construction of the shaft engagement vise 800 is shown in FIG. 20. A base plate 802 is secured to the top of the cart 200 by threaded fasteners 804. A pin 806 holds an eccentric cam 808 against the base plate 802. When the handle 810 causes the eccentric cam 808 to rotate, a first movable block 812 is moved toward a second stationary block 814. This compresses a flexible cradle 816 which may be made from rubber or plastic. The flexible cradle 816 is attached to the base plate 802 by threaded fasteners 818.

[0129] While the shaft 118 is secured in the shaft engagement vise 800 the shaft 118 is cut to length using a commonly available tubing cutting tool 400 as shown in FIG. 19. Next the grip 206 selected by the golfer is removed from the selection of grips in the tray 204 and attached to the end of the shaft 108. This is accomplished by applying double sided tape 402 to the end of the putter's shaft 118 as shown in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 21B the grip 206 is then slid over the double sided tape 402 by using an evaporative solvent. When the solvent has evaporated, the grip 206 will be securely attached to the putter's shaft 118.

[0130] Once the custom made club has been made to accommodate the observations and measurements of the individual golfer, the custom made club may be further “fine tuned” according to the following two steps:

[0131] A. Observe the golfer make several putts with the newly made custom putter. Once again, use the laser sighting device (described below) to determine the accuracy of the golfer's aim. Only small fine tuning adjustments should be necessary to place the golfer's aim squarely on the target line.

[0132] B. Observe the path of the golfer's putting stroke. Adjust the distance between the toe line of the golfer's front foot and the golf ball so that the putting stroke begins inside the target line, meets the golf ball perpendicular to the target line and ends inside the target line.

Laser Sighting Device

[0133] The laser sighting device 2000 depicted in FIGS. 22A, 22B, and 22C provides a precise method of determining an individual's putter aim by projecting a laser light beam perpendicular to the ball-striking face portion of the putter's head. A perfectly aimed putter would cause the laser light beam to fall squarely on the target line or the imaginary line between the golf ball and the hole.

[0134] The laser sighting device 2000 of the present invention includes two parts.

[0135] The first part is a precisely milled body 2001 which can be placed flush against the ball-striking face portion of the putter's head. The second part is a laser light assembly 2002 which projects a laser beam perpendicular to the ball-striking face portion of the putter's head. The laser light assembly 2002 is calibrated for alignment with respect to the milled body 2001 using both horizontal and vertical adjustment screws 2028.

[0136] The laser sighting device 2000 has a pointed end 2004 and a straight end 2006. Connecting the pointed end 2004 to the straight end 2006 is a body portion 2001 which has a top surface 2002 and a bottom surface 2018. Formed near the straight end 2006 of the body portion 2001 are two optional cutouts 2005 for ease of handling of the laser sighting device 2000. Along the top surface 2002 is a score mark 2008 which runs from the pointed end 2004 to the straight end 2006. Perpendicular to the top surface 2002 of the laser sighting device 2000, at the straight end 2006, is a ball-striking face mating surface 2010 which is constructed and arranged to be perpendicular to the score mark 2008 which is on the top surface 2002 of the laser sighting device. Supporting the body portion 2001 is a rear leg 2012 and two middle legs 2014, 2016. The three legs 2012, 2014, 2016 provide a space between the bottom surface 2018 of the laser sighting device 2000 and the surface upon which the laser sighting device 2000 rests. In this space, a laser light assembly 2022 is mounted. The laser light assembly 2022 is attached to the bottom of the laser sighting device 2000 by engagement of a laser mounting bracket 2024 at the rear of the laser light assembly 2022 with a laser mounting block 2020. The laser light assembly 2022 features an on/off switch 2026 and adjustments 2028 for aiming the laser beam as it passes through aperture 2030 at the end of the laser light assembly 2022 directed toward the pointed end 2004 of the laser sighting device 2000.

[0137] Once the laser sighting device 2000 has been placed against the ball striking surface of the putter's head, the laser assembly 2022 is turned on by engagement of the on/off switch 2026. The laser light beam passing through the aperture 2030 will follow a path parallel to the score mark 2008 on the top surface 2002 of the laser sighting device 2000 and provide an indication to the golfer where a line projected perpendicularly from the ball-striking face portion of the club head will lie relative to a target such as a hole or a simulated hole. By using the laser sighting device 2000, the golfer or teaching professional will be able to determine how much the ability of the golfer to aim a golf ball along the target line is affected by the golfer's right eye or left eye dominance.

[0138] The following steps are used to determine the accuracy of a golfer's aim using the laser sighting device 2000. 1

[0139] Accordingly, the present invention provides easy to use method by which the measurements for a custom made putter may be determined and a custom made putter may be manufactured and “fine tuned” to the special needs of an individual golfer without having to rely on the capabilities of a special factory. Thus, a better fit of a custom made putter to the physiological needs of an individual golfer has been achieved and all waiting time for a custom made putter has been virtually eliminated.

[0140] While the fitting method of the present invention has been described according to its preferred and alternate embodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other embodiments of the method of the present invention have now been enabled. Such other embodiments shall fall within the scope of the appended claims.