GOLF PUTTER WEIGHTING SYSTEM

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to golf clubs and more specifically to golf putters having an alignment and weighting system.

BACKGROUND

Golf is a popular recreational activity in which players use various clubs to hit a ball into a series of holes on a golf course. The objective of the game is to complete the course in as few strokes as possible. Putting is an especially important aspect of the game in which the golfer utilizes a putter to strike the ball, causing the ball to roll towards and into the hole.

Many configurations and styles of putters are currently available including blade-style putters, mallet-style putters, and wing-style putters. It is important for golfers to experiment with the variables associated with each putter style. This can include experimenting with the overall weight or swing weight of the putter. In some instances, it is known for manufacturers to integrate weights within or on the body the putter as a design, aesthetic and functional feature. This is a permanent feature of the putter which cannot be changed or must be altered using specific components design and provided by the manufacture, thus not allowing for easy modification by the golfer. Golfers have also been known to apply lead tape to the putter head to increase the weight. While effective and more modular, the lead tape is unsightly and visible when using the putter.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This summary is provided to introduce a variety of concepts in a simplified form that is further disclosed in the detailed description of the embodiments. This summary is not intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

A golf putter weighting system is disclosed, including at least one weight strip. An adhesive is applied to a first side and a second side of the at least one weight strip to adhere the at least one weight strip to a cavity on a rear side of a putter head. The at least one weight strip is adhered in at least partial alignment with a central axis of the putter head to increase the moment of inertia of the putter head.

The weighting system is utilized to increase the moment of inertia of the putter head by aligning the weights near the central axis of the putter head. In such, the weighting system may enhance the “feel” of the putter and reduce the likelihood of a miss-hit by improving the margin for error when striking the golf ball. The weighting system provides a means of adjusting the weight of the putter and providing a modular system, wherein the user can easily add or remove weights as necessary.

In some aspects, the at least one weight strip is constructed of Tungsten.

In some aspects, wherein the at least one weight strip includes a first weight strip, a second weight strip, and a third weight strip.

In some aspects, the first weight strip is 5 grams, the second weight strip is 10 grams, and the third weight strip is 15 grams.

In some aspects, the user selectively adheres the first weight strip, the second weight strip, and the third weight strip to the rear side of the putter head. The user may not necessarily utilize all three weight strips but may select to use one or more of the weight strips based on user preferences and the desired swing weight they prefer.

In some aspects, the golf putter weighting system is provided as a kit, the kit including an epoxy to permanently affix the at least one weight strip to the rear side of the putter head. The epoxy may be applied by the golfer or may be taken to a golf professional for application.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A complete understanding of the present embodiments and the advantages and features thereof will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1A illustrates a front elevation view of the front side of the putter weight, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 1B illustrates a rear elevation view of the back side of the putter weight, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2A illustrate a perspective view of a putter having a single weight attached thereto, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2B illustrate a perspective view of a putter having two weights attached thereto, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 2C illustrate a perspective view of a putter having three weights attached thereto, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates a method for increasing the moment of inertia of a putter head using the putter weighting system, according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of the front and back sides of the first weight according to some embodiments;

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of the front and back sides of the second weight according to some embodiments; and

FIG. 4C illustrates a perspective view of the front and back sides of the third weight according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments described herein are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation(s) or inference(s) are to be understood or imputed therefrom.

Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to particular devices and systems. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

In general, the embodiments described herein relate to a golf putter weighting system which is provided as a set of weights which can be selectively applied to the putter head. The weights are applied to increase the moment of inertia of the putter head, thus increasing ball-striking and reducing the effects of a mis-hit while putting. The golf putter weighting system is designed to be easily and efficiently applied to the back of the putter. The weighting system is provided as a set or a kit which can include a plurality of weights each having an adhesive applied to their back side. Each weight can have a unique weight associated with it (e.g., a first weight being 5 grams, a second weight being 10 grams, and a third weight being 15 grams). The golfer (i.e., the user) may then select a single weight or multiple weights in any combination which are then adhered or otherwise attached to the back side of the putter head. This enables the golfer to customize the weight of the putter head to their desired preference.

It is to be understood that while the exemplary weights of 5 grams, 10 grams, and 15 grams are utilized herein, the weights may be increased or decreased without deterring from the embodiments described herein.

In some embodiments, each weight includes a decorative coating or other decorative element applied to and visible from the front side of the weight strip. In such, the weight strip may include a logo, branding, decorative color, decorative texture, or other design element which remains visible once the weight is adhered to the putter head.

In some embodiments, the decorative element may be utilized to properly align each weight when the weight(s) is/are applied to the putter head. For example, the decorative element may align with a central axis of the weight, thus indicating a location where each weight should be attached in reference to the putter head and/or in reference to the additional weights.

In some embodiments, each weight is constructed of Tungsten. It is to be understood that the exemplary material, Tungsten, is used by way of example and that other materials are contemplated which can include other metals, metal alloys, etc.

It is to be understood that whole the illustrated examples show a blade-style putter head, the weighting system can be applied to various other styles of putters such as a mallet-style putter, wing-style putter, etc.

The embodiments described herein provide a particular embodiment wherein the first weight is 5 grams, the second weight is 10 grams, and the third weight is 15 grams. It is to be understand that the first weight may not necessarily be positioned nearmost the putter head (as shown in FIGS. 2A-2C) but may instead be positioned in the middle or as the outermost weight. In such, the position of each of the first weight, second weight, and third weight may be changed based on the user's personal preference. Further, any combination of weights may be used. For example, the user may select to only adhere the third weight, adhere the second and third weights, and any other combination of weights.

FIG. 1A illustrates the front side 100 of the putter weight 101. The exemplary putter weight illustrated in FIGS. 1B and 1B can be used to illustrate any of the first weight, second weight, third weight, etc. as each weight can be constructed having a similar size and shape, while differing in weight. In such, the description of FIGS. 1A and 1B should be applied to each of the first weight, second weight, and third weight described herein. The front side of the putter weight 101 may include a decorative element such as a logo or other decoration, color, design elements, etc. The putter weight 101 is designed such that it fits within a recess of the back of the putter head, thus being at least partially hidden from view when looking down at the putter during its use. In such, the perimeter 103 (defined by the edge 105) of the putter weight 101 is less than the perimeter of the recess on the putter head.

In some embodiments, the putter weight(s) 101 may be adhered to a putter head which does not have a recess. In this case, the putter weight(s) 101 are applied to the rear surface of the putter head.

In some embodiments, the front side 100 of the weight 101 may include a logo 111 which may be used for branding purposes, as an advertisement, or other aesthetic purpose. The logo 111 may be used to properly align the weight 101 with the putter head during the weight application process. The logo 111 may be printed, etched, engraved, or otherwise displayed on the front side 100.

FIG. 1B illustrates the back side 107 of the putter weight 101. An adhesive 109 is applied to the back side 107 of the putter weight 101 which enables its adhesion to the putter head or to the front side of another putter weight in the instance wherein multiple weights are used.

In some embodiments, a protective cover may be applied to the back side to protect the adhesive prior to use. In such, prior to applying the weight to the putter head or other weight, the user will remove the protective cover to expose the adhesive then promptly apply the weight to an appropriate location over the other weight or within the recess of the putter head.

FIGS. 2A-2C illustrate a putter head 200 having one weight (see FIG. 2A), two weights (see FIG. 2B) and three weights (see FIG. 2C) applied thereto. FIG. 2A illustrates an embodiment wherein a first weight 201 is applied to the rear surface 203 of the putter head 200. In the illustrated example, the rear surface 203 of the putter head 200 includes a recess 205 within which the first weight 201 is adhered. The recess 205 provides a surface wherein the putter weight(s) may be at least partially concealed and hidden from view when using the putter, thus not altering the aesthetic appearance of the putter head 200 during its use. FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiments wherein a first weight 201 and a second weight 207 are adhered to the putter head 200. In this case, the first weight 201 is adhered to the rear surface 203 of the putter head 200 and the back side 107 of the second weight 207 is adhered to the front side 100 of the first weight 201. FIG. 2C illustrates an embodiment wherein a first weight 201, a second weight 207, and a third weight 209 are each adhered to the putter head 200. In this case, the, the first weight 201 is adhered to the rear surface 203 of the putter head 200 and the back side of the second weight 207 is adhered to the front side 100 of the first weight 201. The back side of the third weight 209 is then adhered to the front side 100 of the second weight 207.

In some embodiments, and in reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the first weight 201 includes a first main body 211 having a first side 202 and a second side 204, the second weight 207 includes a second main body 213, and the third weight 209 includes a third main body 215. The second weight 207 includes a third side 217 and a fourth side 219, while the third weight 209 includes a fifth side 221 and a sixth side 223.

In some embodiments, the adhesive 109 may be a strip of two-sided tape. The tape may be beneficial for enabling the user to easily switch out the weights as needed. This may be especially beneficial while testing the weight system, enabling the user to add and remove weights until the desired weight configuration is selected.

In some embodiments, the weights may be adhered to the putter head using a glue, such as an epoxy. This may provide a more permanent means of securing the weight(s) to the putter head.

FIG. 3 illustrates a flowchart of a method for increasing the moment inertia of a putter head utilize the putter weighting system described herein. In step 300, the user selects at least one of the first weight, the second weight, and the third weight. In step 310, the selected weights are aligned near the central axis of the putter head such that the moment of inertia of the putter head is increased. In step 320, each weight is then adhered to the rear surface of the putter head and may be optionally adhered using an epoxy or other glue.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law and regulations. The systems and methods described herein may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Any headings utilized within the description are for convenience only and have no legal or limiting effect.

Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and subcombination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing embodiments of this disclosure. Modifications and adaptations to these embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of this disclosure.

As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

It should be noted that all features, elements, components, functions, and steps described with respect to any embodiment provided herein are intended to be freely combinable and substitutable with those from any other embodiment. If a certain feature, element, component, function, or step is described with respect to only one embodiment, then it should be understood that that feature, element, component, function, or step can be used with every other embodiment described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. This paragraph therefore serves as antecedent basis and written support for the introduction of claims, at any time, that combine features, elements, components, functions, and steps from different embodiments, or that substitute features, elements, components, functions, and steps from one embodiment with those of another, even if the description does not explicitly state, in a particular instance, that such combinations or substitutions are possible. It is explicitly acknowledged that express recitation of every possible combination and substitution is overly burdensome, especially given that the permissibility of each and every such combination and substitution will be readily recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art.

In many instances entities are described herein as being coupled to other entities. It should be understood that the terms “coupled” and “connected” (or any of their forms) are used interchangeably herein and, in both cases, are generic to the direct coupling of two entities (without any non-negligible (e.g., parasitic intervening entities) and the indirect coupling of two entities (with one or more non-negligible intervening entities). Where entities are shown as being directly coupled together or described as coupled together without description of any intervening entity, it should be understood that those entities can be indirectly coupled together as well unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

While the embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that these embodiments are not to be limited to the particular form disclosed, but to the contrary, these embodiments are to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit of the disclosure. Furthermore, any features, functions, steps, or elements of the embodiments may be recited in or added to the claims, as well as negative limitations that define the inventive scope of the claims by features, functions, steps, or elements that are not within that scope.

An equivalent substitution of two or more elements can be made for any one of the elements in the claims below or that a single element can be substituted for two or more elements in a claim. Although elements can be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, it is to be expressly understood that one or more elements from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination and that the claimed combination can be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. A variety of modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings without departing from the following claims.