ADJUSTABLE LENGTH PUTTER HAVING A RELEASABLE CLAMP, AND A PUTTER FITTING KIT

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claims the benefit of U.S Provisional Application No. 63/724, 198, filed Nov. 22, 2024, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/568,392, filed Mar. 21, 2024, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to putter-type golf clubs and, more particularly, relates to adjustable length putters and putter fitting kits.

BACKGROUND

Putter-type golf clubs (hereinafter “putters”) are provided in a variety of different head styles, shaft lengths, and grip styles. A player's height, arm length, and other factors may dictate which type of head style, shaft length, and grip style is more comfortable or suitable for a particular player. During a fitting session, it is common to have the player try several different putter grip styles, putter head styles, and putter lengths to find the best fit. To provide a full array of putter options, however, would require having multiple different putters on hand, each having a pre-selected combination of the various grip styles, head styles, and shaft lengths. While some putters are known to have adjustable lengths, those conventional devices are difficult to manipulate between lengths, are overly bulky, and can obscure the players sightline along the putter shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 is a putter having an adjustable clamp, according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of an adjustable clamp that may be provided on the golf club of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, in cross-section, of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a sleeve that forms part of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view, in cross-section, of a compression collar that forms part of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a compression collar that can be used with the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2

FIG. 7 is an enlarged perspective view of a lever usable in the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a receiver pin usable in the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of a screw usable in the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2 in an open configuration.

FIG. 11 illustrates a perspective view of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 2 in a closed configuration.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternative sleeve for another embodiment of an adjustable clamp according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view, in cross-section, of a compression collar usable with in the adjustable clamp of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of an adjustable clamp according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of the adjustable putter clamp of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sleeve of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a compression collar of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 14.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view, in cross-section, of the compression collar of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the compression collar of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a lever of the adjustable clamp of FIG. 14.

FIG. 21A is an enlarged perspective view, in cross-section, of a grip portion of the putter of FIG. 1.

FIG. 21B is an enlarged side elevation view, in cross-section, of the grip portion of the putter of FIG. 21A.

FIG. 22 is a top plan view of still another embodiment of an adjustable clamp in a closed configuration.

FIG. 23 is a top plan view along a shaft showing the adjustable clamp of FIG. 22 coupled to a putter.

FIG. 24 is a top plan view of yet another embodiment of an adjustable clamp in a closed configuration.

FIG. 25 is a fitting kit comprising a putter type club with a series of interchangeable putter grips each comprising an adjustable clamp.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

DEFINITIONS

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting, directly or indirectly, two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise.

The term “putter,” can, in some embodiments, refer to a putter-type club head having a loft angle less than 10 degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter can be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 6 degrees, between 0 and 7 degrees, or between 0 and 8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of the club head can be less than 10 degrees, less than 9 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or less than 5 degrees. For further example, the loft angle of the club head can be 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees. The putter-type golf club head can be a blade type putter, a mid-mallet type putter, a mallet type putter.

DESCRIPTION

Putter-type golf clubs are described herein having adjustable clamps that facilitate quickly and easily changing effective shaft length while having low outer profiles that do not obscure a sightline along the shaft. Additionally, putter fitting kits, using one or more such adjustable clamps, are disclosed herein that permit different combinations of grip styles, head styles, and shaft lengths to be assembled.

More specifically, a putter 50 having an adjustable clamp 100 is illustrated in FIG. 1. The putter 50 includes a head 52 having a toe 54 and a heel 56. The head 52 may be any known type of putter head style, including a blade, a mallet, or a mid-mallet style head.

A shaft 58 is coupled to the head 52 and includes a shaft lower section 58a, defining a shaft lower end 60 coupled to the head 52, and a shaft upper section 58b, provided separate from the shaft lower section 58a and extending along a shaft upper section axis 65. The shaft lower end 60 may be coupled to the head 52 either directly or via an optional hosel 67 provided with the head 52. The shaft lower section 58a has a toe-ward side 64, oriented toward the toc 54 of the head 52, and a heel-ward side 66, oriented toward the heel 56 of the head 52. The shaft upper section 58b is sized to telescopically receive at least a portion of the shaft lower section 58a, and further defines a shaft upper end 68 opposite the shaft lower end 60.

A grip 70 is coupled to and moves with the shaft upper end 62. The grip has a grip outer surface 72 defining a grip cross-sectional profile 74 perpendicular to the shaft upper section axis 65, as best shown in FIG. 23.

An embodiment of an adjustable clamp 100 for coupling to the shaft 58 is illustrated in FIGS. 2-11, 21A, and 21B. The adjustable clamp 100 is configured to selectively allow the shaft upper section 58b to translate along the shaft upper section axis 65 relative to the shaft lower section 58a, thereby adjusting an effective length of the shaft 58. The adjustable clamp 100 generally includes a sleeve 101, a lever 102, and a compression collar 104 that cooperate to frictionally engage and disengage the shaft lower section 58a, as described in greater detail below. The adjustable clamp 100 applies force sufficient to allow regular use of the golf club.

The sleeve 101 couples the adjustable clamp 100 to the shaft upper section 58b while permitting the shaft lower section 58a to slide therethrough. More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 2-5, the sleeve 101 includes a sleeve top section 106 coupled to and surrounding a bottom end of the shaft upper section 58b. The sleeve top section 106 may be relatively permanently fixed to the shaft upper section 58b using epoxy or adhesive. The sleeve top section 106 defines a sleeve top section outer surface 150, having a sleeve top section outer diameter D1, and a sleeve top section inner surface 152, defining a sleeve top section receptacle 154 and having a sleeve top section inner surface diameter D2 sized to receive at least a portion of the shaft upper section 58b. The sleeve 101 further includes a sleeve bottom section 107, defining a sleeve bottom section outer surface 156 having a sleeve bottom section outer diameter D3 that is smaller than the sleeve top section outer diameter D1, and a sleeve bottom section inner surface 158, defining a sleeve bottom section receptacle 160 having a sleeve bottom section inner diameter D4.

The sleeve bottom section 107 deflects to selectively engage or disengage the shaft lower section 58a. More specifically, the sleeve bottom section 107 may be weakened, such as by forming grooves 109 in the sleeve bottom section 107 to promote deflection. The grooves 109 can comprise circular, square, rectangular, oval, or any other shape. As shown in FIG. 4, the sleeve bottom section 107 comprises two grooves 109 with mirrored geometry. The grooves 109 facilitate deflection of the sleeve bottom section 107 between a sleeve bottom open state, in which the sleeve bottom section inner diameter D4 is sized to receive at least a portion of the shaft lower section 58a, and a sleeve bottom closed state, in which the sleeve bottom section inner diameter D4 is reduced to frictionally engage the shaft lower section 58a. Furthermore, the sleeve top section receptacle 154 fluidly communicates with the sleeve bottom section receptacle 160 to permit at least a portion of the shaft lower section 58a to slide through the sleeve 101 and to telescope within the shaft upper section 58b.

The compression collar 104 of the adjustable clamp 100 surrounds the sleeve bottom section 107 and may be manipulated to selectively apply a compression force radially inwardly on the sleeve bottom section 107, thereby moving the sleeve bottom section 107 from the sleeve bottom open state to the sleeve bottom closed state. More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the compression collar 104 includes a collar body 170 extending from a collar first end 171 to a collar second end 172 and surrounding most of the sleeve bottom section 107. The collar body 170 defines a collar body inner surface 173 and a collar body outer surface 174. A first tab 115 extends outwardly from the collar first end 171 and defines a first tab aperture 117. The first tab 115 further includes a first tab free end 175 defining a first tab cross-sectional profile 176 perpendicular to the shaft upper section axis 65. A second tab 116 extends outwardly from the collar second end 172 and is circumferentially spaced from the first tab 115. The second tab 116 defines a second tab aperture 118 that is axially aligned with the first tab aperture 117. The second tab 116 includes a second tab free end 177 defining a second tab cross-sectional profile 178 perpendicular to the shaft upper section axis 65.

Applying force to move the first tab 115 toward the second tab 116 deflects the compression collar from a released state to a compressed state. More specifically, in the released state, the first tab 115 is spaced from the second tab 116 by a first tab distance TD1, and the collar body inner surface 173 has a first collar diameter CD1. In the compressed state, the first tab 115 is spaced from the second tab 116 by a second tab distance TD2 that is less than the first tab distance TD1, and the body collar inner surface 173 has a second collar diameter CD2 that is less than the first collar diameter CD2. Accordingly, in the compressed state, the collar body 170 compresses the sleeve bottom section 107 to the sleeve bottom closed state.

The lever 102 is operatively coupled to the compression collar 104 to move the compression collar 104 between the released and compressed states. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 7, the lever 102 includes a cam section 180 positioned adjacent to the second tab 116 of the compression collar 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the cam section 180 includes two cam lobes 180a, 180b separated by a gap. The cam section 180 defines an inner cam surface 181 movable between a disengaged state, in which the inner cam surface 181 is in an initial position relative to the second tab 116 of the compression collar 104 that permits the compression collar 104 to assume the released state, and an engaged state, in which the inner cam surface 181 moves the second tab 116 toward the first tab 115 to place the compression collar 104 in the compressed state.

The lever 102 further includes a clasp section 182 that allows a user to grasp and manipulate the lever 102 between the disengaged and engaged states. The clasp section 182 includes a clasp base 183, extending relatively linearly from the cam section 180, and clasp free end 184, extending relatively accurately from the clasp base 183. The clasp section 182 defines a clasp section inner surface 185 that closely overlies the collar body outer surface 174 when in the engaged state. The clasp section 182 further defines a clasp section outer surface 186 having a clasp cross-sectional profile 187 perpendicular to the shaft upper section axis 65. The clasp section 182 of the lever 102 may be grasped and manually rotated to move the inner cam surface 181 between the disengaged state and engaged state.

The adjustable clamp 100 can further comprise a receiver pin 103 (FIG. 8) about which the lever 102 rotates and which can be used to couple the lever 102 to the compression collar 104, as best shown in FIG. 8. The receiver pin 103 can comprise a cylindrical shape that is received in a transverse aperture 190 formed through the cam section 180 of the lever 102. The receiver pin 103 further can comprise a receiver pin threaded aperture 127 for receiving a screw 105 (FIG. 9). The screw 105 securely couples the lever 102 to the compression collar 104.

A rotational stop prevents the compression collar 104 from rotating around the sleeve bottom section 107. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the rotational stop includes a detent 108 extending radially outwardly from a top edge of the sleeve bottom section outer surface 156 and a complementary notch 110 formed in a top edge of the collar body inner surface 173. While a single detent 108 and notch 110 are shown, more than one detent and associated notch may be provided. An alternative rotational stop is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13, in which first and second bayonet mounts 112, 113 project from the sleeve bottom section outer surface 156, and a receptacle 114 is formed in the collar body inner surface 173 and sized to permit translation and rotation of the bayonet mounts 112, 113.

An axial stop prevents the compression collar 104 from migrating axially along the sleeve bottom section 107. As best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the axial stop includes a flange 125 extending radially outwardly and circumferentially around a bottom end of the sleeve bottom section outer surface 156, and a complementary channel 111 recessed into and extending circumferentially around a bottom end of the collar body inner surface 173.

The compression collar 104 can further comprise alignment indicia located on an external front surface to facilitate proper rotational placement of the shaft upper section 58b relative to the shaft lower section 58a. The alignment indicia can comprise an engraved vertical line on the external front surface of the compression collar 104. The alignment indicia can allow for the proper alignment between the grip and the putter shaft 129 when the length adjustment of the putter shaft 129 is being performed. The alignment indicia can be engraved on the clamp utilizing laser engraving, rotary engraving, chemical etching, electrochemical etching, hand engraving, paint, or any other desired manufacturing methods.

Additionally, or alternatively, an adjustable clamp may also be provided to connect the shaft lower end to the hosel. In these embodiments, the adjustable clamp can be epoxied onto an exposed portion of the hosel. The sleeve bottom section can slide over the bottom end of the shaft. The sleeve top section can be epoxied onto exposed portion of the hosel. This configuration facilitates changing putter heads. In some further embodiments, a first adjustable clamp 100 is provided between the shaft lower and upper sections and a second adjustable clamp is provided between the shaft lower end and the hosel.

A tightening tool may be used to permanently secure the adjustable clamp 100 to the putter. In some embodiments, the tightening tool can comprise a wrench that applies sufficient torque to the screw 105 to prevent the lever 102 from opening. Locking the lever 102 in the closed position impedes any further adjustment of the adjustable clamp 100, making it a fixed component on the putter, thereby allowing the putter to be used during a golf round. The adjustable clamp 100 applies sufficient torque to prevent the shaft upper section from disengaging from the shaft lower section.

The shaft upper section 58b has a shaft upper section length 123 measured from the bottom-most part of the shaft upper section 58b to the upper-most part of the shaft upper section 58b. The shaft upper section length 123 can range from 0.500 inches to 1.600 inches. In some embodiments, the shaft upper section length 123 can range between 0.500 and 0.600 inches, 0.700 and 0.800 inches, 0.800 and 0.900 inches, 0.900 and 1.000 inches, 1.000 and 1.100 inches, 1.100 and 1.200 inches, 1.200 and 1.300 inches, 1.300 and 1.400 inches, 1.400 and 1.500 inches, or between 1.500 and 1.600 inches. The shaft lower section 58a comprises a shaft lower section length 124 measured from the bottom-most part of the shaft lower section 58a to the upper-most part of the shaft lower section 58a. The shaft lower section length 124 can range from 0.350 inches to 1.250 inches. In some embodiments, the shaft lower section length 124 can range between 0.350 and 0.450 inches, 0.450 and 0.550 inches, 0.550 and 0.650 inches, 0.650 and 0.750 inches, 0.750 and 0.850 inches, 0.850 and 0.950 inches, 0.950 and 1.050 inches, 1.050 and 1.150 inches, or between 1.150 and 1.250 inches.

Various materials can be used to form the components of the adjustable clamps 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein. For example, each of the sleeve, compression collar, and lever can be formed from an aluminum or aluminum alloy. In some embodiments, the sleeve, compression collar, and lever can be formed from nylon, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). In some embodiments, sleeve upper section can be formed from an aluminum material, and the sleeve bottom section can be formed from a plastic material. In some embodiments, the sleeve upper section can be formed from a plastic material, and the sleeve bottom section can be formed from an aluminum material. The receiver pin can be made from an aluminum, an aluminum alloy, a steel, or a steel alloy. Further, the screw can have a metalwood torx head formed out of a titanium, a titanium alloy, a steel, or a steel alloy. An adhesive film can be applied to the exterior surface of the screw to enhance locking and sealing properties. The adhesive film can increase the surface friction between the screw and the receiver pin, creating a more secure connection while still being removable. The adhesive film can comprise a microencapsulated epoxy, such as 3M 2353 blue fastener adhesive, or ND Microspheres 583S.

An adjustable clamp 200 having a reduced profile lever is illustrated in FIGS. 14-20. The adjustable clamp 200 is similar to the adjustable clamp 100 described above, and like reference numerals are used for similar components. The primary differences in the adjustable clamp 200 are in a compression collar 204 and a lever 202. More specifically, a collar body outer surface 274 includes first and second indents 279 for receiving an inner cam surface 281 of the lever 202. The inner cam surface 281 includes a more prominent cam projection 290 and an adjacent cam recess 291 to accommodate the indents 279 and avoid interfering with the collar body outer surface 274 as the lever 202 rotates.

An adjustable clamp 300 having a lever 302 that facilitates manual manipulation is illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. The adjustable clamp 300 is similar to the adjustable clamps 100, 200 described above, and like reference numerals are used for similar components. The primary differences in the adjustable clamp 300 reside in the lever 302. More specifically, a clasp free end 384 of the lever 302 includes a finger tab 395 that angles radially outwardly to create a finger tip gap 396 between the clasp free end 384 and a collar body outer surface 374. The finger tip gap 396 better enables a user to grasp and rotate the lever 302.

As best shown in FIG. 23, the adjustable clamp 300 is positioned and sized reduce interruption of a sightline along the shaft as a player executes a putt. More specifically, the shaft upper section 58b is oriented relative to the shaft lower section 58a so that the clasp section outer surface 386 is oriented toward the toe-ward side 64 of the shaft lower section 58a. Accordingly, the first and second tabs 315, 316 of the compression collar 304, which are located opposite the clasp section 382 of the lever 302, are oriented towards the heel-ward side 66 of the shaft lower section 58a. The first and second tabs 315, 316 generally extend radially outwardly a greater distance than the clasp section outer surface 386, and therefore are obscured by the grip and shaft. Furthermore, the clasp section 382 of the lever 302 and/or the first and second tabs 315, 316 of the compression collar 104 are sized so that a grip cross-sectional profile 74 obscures most of the clasp cross-sectional profile 387, first tab cross-sectional profile 376, and second tab cross-sectional profile 378. In some embodiments, the clasp section 372 of the lever 302 is sized so that the grip cross-sectional profile 74 obscures an entirety of the clasp cross-sectional profile 387.

An adjustable clamp 400 having a lever 402 with a reduced profile is illustrated in FIG. 24. The adjustable clamp 400 is similar to the adjustable clamps 100, 200, 300 described above, and like reference numerals are used for similar components. The primary differences in the adjustable clamp 400 reside in the lever 402. More specifically, the lever 402 has a tapered clasp free end 484 to more closely conform to the collar body outer surface 474, thereby to further reduce a clasp cross-sectional profile 487.

According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, a putter fitting kit 500 is provided that facilitates quick and easy putter fitting. As best shown in FIG. 25, the putter fitting kit 500 described herein can comprise one or more putter heads 501, one or more putter shafts 502, and one or more putter grips 503 that can be used together to increase the available combinations during a fitting, while mitigating the number of parts on hand. The one or more putter heads 501 can comprise a blade style putter head, a mid-mallet style putter head, and/or a mallet style putter head. Each putter grip 503 may be coupled to the putter shaft 502 by an adjustable clamp 505, which may be any of the embodiments of adjustable clamps 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein. Furthermore, each putter head 501 may be attached to a bottom end of the shaft 502 either directly or via another adjustable clamps 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein.

The one or more putter grips 503 can vary in size and shape. The grip profile shape can be defined as the cross-sectional shape of the grip when viewed from above. The grip profile shapes can include a circle, an oval, a flat oval, a pistol, a flat wide, or a mod pistol. The one or more putter grips can also comprise a plurality of sizes measured circumferentially around the grip. The plurality of sizes can range from an undersize grip, a midsize grip, a standard size grip, an oversize grip, or a jumbo size grip.

To utilize the adjustable clamp, a desired putter grip is selected from the series of grips. Once the putter grip type is selected, the adjustable clamp can be provided at the bottom end of the grip. To insert attach the grip to the shaft and head, the lever is rotated to an open configuration. In the open configuration, the sleeve bottom section has sufficient clearance to receive the putter shaft. The putter shaft can then be inserted through the adjustable clamp until the desired effective putter length is obtained. The lever in then placed into a closed configuration to secure the putter shaft in place. In some embodiments, where the adjustable clamp is located at the bottom end of the putter shaft, a similar process can be followed to change the putter head.

Further, the putter shaft can comprise a plurality of length markings engraved on an exterior surface of the shaft, preferably a front exterior surface of the shaft. The plurality of length markings can aid the fitter, or a person using the adjustable clamp to accommodate the putter to the desired length without the need of a ruler or measuring tape. The plurality of length markings makes the process of adjusting the adjustable clamp easier and more efficient. The plurality of length markings can be engraved utilizing laser engraving, rotary engraving, chemical etching, electrochemical etching, hand engraving, or any other desired manufacturing methods. The plurality of length markings can be engraved using vertical and/or horizontal lines that can also further aid in ensuring the grip is placed straight with respects to the putter head. In one exemplary example, the first horizontal line can comprise a 31 inch marking, followed by a second horizontal line representing a 31.5 inch marking, followed by a third horizontal line comprising a 32 inch marking, followed by a fourth horizontal line representing a 32.5 inch marking. In some embodiments, the plurality of length markings can range from 31 inches to 39 inches. In other embodiments, the plurality of length marking can range from 25 inches to 32 inches.

The fitter can determine the type of hosel that can be beneficial for a player by analyzing their typical swing path. In one example, a double bend hosel can be beneficial for a player whose swing path is straight. This hosel provides the player with face-balancing and minimal rotation during the putting stroke. In another exemplary example, a short hosel can be beneficial for a player whose swing path leans towards an arc shape as this hosel provides a toe hang. The fitter can use the adjustable clamp to interchange putter heads. Fitters can then observe how the player adapts to each hosel and head construction to make recommendations and adjustments.

Varying putter grip shape and size helps coordinate the players stroke movement with the putter. In one example, an oval shape type of grip can be beneficial for players that keep hands close together for a stable and solid grip. In another exemplary example, a pistol shape type of grip can be beneficial for players who prefer their hands in an extended position that feels more comfortable and natural. A fitter can recommend a player to focus on the feel of the grip and how it affects their swing. The adjustable clamp can make this possible by allowing the player to test grips with different sizes and shapes to feel the difference with each putting stroke.

The adjustable clamp can provide a variety of benefits during a fitting session. The adjustable clamp allows the fitter to adjust, in real time, the effective putter length while performing a fitting session. This allows the fitter to accommodate players of different heights, or putting postures. The adjustable clamp can be actively adjusted during a fitting session and allows the fitter to quickly analyze the players performance with different putter configurations.

More specifically, the adjustable clamp can allow the fitter to actively change between hosels, putter heads, and grips. The ability to make these changes quickly and efficiently can allow the player to actively give feedback to the fitter with every putting stroke. This allows the fitter to not only look at the measurable stroke metrics, but receive immediate and direct feedback from the player on comfort and feel. With this feedback, the fitter can modify the putter with different components more suited to the player's preferences.

EXAMPLES

I. Example 1: Adjustable Clamp Survey

To evaluate the efficiency and usability of the adjustable putter clamp, a survey was conducted with the assistance of two golf fitters. The golf fitters were presented with a series of questions designed to gain deeper insights into how the adjustable putter clamp enhances the fitting process, as well as how it is perceived by golfers undergoing a fitting. Three questions were asked to analyze the need for an adjustable putter. They were as follows: Does the adjustable putter clamp improve the putter fitting process compared to traditional methods? Do golfers typically respond positively to changes in putter height or grip? Have you found that beginner golfers benefit more from length and/or grip changes over experienced golfers?

Based on the first three questions presented to the participants, it was unanimously found that the adjustable putter clamp did improve the putter fitting process when compared to traditional methods. The participants also noticed that the golfers undergoing the fitting responded positively to the changes in both putter height and grip. Furthermore, the participants also found that beginner golfers more often benefited from the lengths and/or grip changes when compared to experienced golfers.

Further in the survey, the participants were asked to rate on a scale from 1 to 5 how much performance improvements were noticed in the respective categories after using the adjustable putter clamp as a fitting method. For the consistency category, both participants rated the method as a 4, which demonstrated significant improvement. For the distance control, both participants rated the method as a 1, which demonstrated no noticeable improvement. For the accuracy category, both participants rated the method as a 4, which demonstrated significant improvement. Finally, for the stability of the shaft category, both participants rated the method as a 1, which demonstrated that the shaft had no movement after being adjusted with the putter clamp.

Ultimately, the participants were asked to rate on a scale from 1 to 10 (1 being extremely hard, and 10 being extremely easy) what they would quality the case of use of the adjustable putter clamp as. Both participants rated the adjustable putter clamp system at an 8 out of 10. The results of the survey align with the theory that the adjustable putter clamp system improves case of use and variability.

II. Example 2: Standard Putter Versus Adjusted Putter

To evaluate the impact of adjustable parameters influenced by putter length, a test was conducted to gather and compare data between a standard putter head (SPH) and an adjusted putter head (APH) that utilized the adjustable putter clamp system. Three test subjects participated in the study to ensure a diverse data set. The first subject was a female with a height of 5′1″ and a wrist-to-floor length of 30.5 inches (hereafter “Subject #1”). The second subject was a male with a height of 6′4″ and a wrist-to-floor-length of 38 inches (hereafter “Subject #2”). The third subject was a female with a height of 5′4″ and a wrist-to-floor-length of 31.5 (hereafter “Subject #3”). Each test subject performed 5 putts with each putter, a first standard putter with a length of 35 inches, and an adjusted putter with an adjusted length of what the test subjects currently play with. Subject #1 putter was adjusted to 32 inches, Subject #2 putter was adjusted to 36 inches, and Subject #3 putter was adjusted to 33 inches.

The fitting software utilized in this study systematically collects various putting parameters based on the unique putting strokes of each subject. These parameters are typically analyzed during a fitting session to determine the most suitable putter head that aligns with the subject's individual stroke mechanics and overall performance needs. In addition to evaluating these parameters, the software compiles the collected data to generate a predicted putting handicap, providing a quantifiable measure of the subject's putting proficiency. This predictive capability aids fitters in selecting the most appropriate putter head while allowing for adjustments to specific stroke-related parameters, ensuring an optimal match tailored to the golfer's technique and performance objectives.

Table 1 shows the most important parameters obtained from the fitting software that are considered during a putting fitting to properly fit a putter. Impact and setup loft angles, as well as impact and setup lie angles are key variables that have a major impact on putter distance and control. Subjects #1 and #3 had the greatest differences in both impact loft angle and setup loft angle, with an over 3 degree difference. This key variable significantly influences the launch angle of the golf ball off the clubface, aiding in lifting the ball out of the slight depression formed when it comes to rest on the green. Additionally, the loft of a putter should be properly aligned with a golfer's hand position at impact to ensure a smooth and consistent roll.

Subjects #1 and #3 exhibited the most significant variation in both impact and setup lie angles, with a difference of approximately 1.5 to 2 degrees. Lie angle directly influences the extent to which a golfer may deviate from the center of the putter face during a stroke. Additionally, it determines whether the toe or heel of the putter is elevated at impact, which can cause the putter face to deviate from the intended target line.

Being fitted for an incorrect putter length, as previously discussed, can impact all of these parameters, ultimately influencing a golfer's performance. The combined effect of these factors can have a direct impact on the putter stroke mechanics, creating directional inconsistencies and challenges in speed control while putting. Furthermore, these parameters also affect how the putter head rests at address, potentially making the putter visually unappealing to the golfer and creating discomfort during setup.

Overall, it was observed that Subjects #1 and #3 experienced significant improvements in their putting handicap when using a properly fitted putter length compared to the standard 35-inch putter commonly used in putter fittings. Their results indicated that even a 2- to 3-inch variation in putter length had a substantial impact on their overall performance. This improvement can be attributed to the fact that both subjects #1 and #3 were shorter individuals, for whom a longer putter poses challenges related to posture, setup, and stroke consistency.

Additionally, a longer putter can hinder a golfer's ability to position their eyes correctly over or just inside the ball, which helps aim and alignment. This misalignment can lead to inconsistencies in stroke execution and reduced accuracy. These findings highlight the importance of incorporating an adjustable putter clamp in order to manipulate putter length, putter head design, and grip options during a fitting session to identify the best length to give the golfer greater repeatability of the stroke. By allowing golfers to test different configurations without compromising their natural stroke mechanics, a more precise and effective putter fitting process can be achieved, ultimately enhancing performance on the greens.

Conversely, Subject #2 exhibited a lower putting handicap when using the standard-length putter rather than the adjusted putter head, which deviates from the typical expected outcome. This finding suggests that an adjustable putter head may offer advantages when fitting taller individuals, as it allows for greater customization beyond height alone. In the case of Subject #2, his improved putting performance with a shorter putter-despite initially being fitted for a longer one-indicates that solely relying on height as the primary determinant for putter length may not always yield optimal results. Instead, the results suggest that a more comprehensive approach, incorporating multiple putting parameters such as posture, stroke mechanics, and eye position, can lead to a more effective putter fit. The adjustable putting system also contemplates changing out putter heads, hosels, grips, which may affect posture, stroke mechanism, and eye positioning. By considering these factors collectively, Subject #2 was able to achieve better alignment, control, and consistency with a shorter putter, highlighting the importance of a data-driven fitting process tailored to the individual golfer's needs.

These findings indicate that the integration of an adjustable putter clamp, which allows for modifications to the putter head, putter length, and putter grip during a fitting session in order to give the golfer greater repeatability of the stroke. This adaptable approach enhances the fitting process by enabling fitters to precisely determine the optimal putter specifications tailored to the golfer's unique stroke mechanics and preferences. Additionally, it provides the golfer with the opportunity to test and experience the exact putter configuration that will ultimately be used in actual play, ensuring a seamless transition from fitting to on-course performance. This level of customization can lead to improved consistency, accuracy, and overall putting proficiency.

Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to ocm3ur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.