Abstract:
A telescopic putter mounted to a headband is a novelty game that mimics the game of golf. It is played indoors with a lightweight plastic ball and a cup resting on the floor. The game follows the general rules of putt-putt golf, except for the rule that the player must not touch the club with their hands when swinging. Instead the club is attached to the player&#39;s head with the use of a headband. Thus, the player must bend over the ball, place their hands on their knees and swing the club by turning their head from side to side. The club has an adjustable length shaft that telescopes in and out to accommodate players of varying heights.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS AND DISCLOSURES 
   This application is a divisional of prior U.S. application Ser. No. 10/456,257, filed on Jun. 09, 2003. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates generally to golf, and more particularly to a telescopically adjustable golfing putter mounted to a headband for use in a golfing game. 
   2. Description of the Related Art 
   Golf is a sport growing in popularity. Everyone, from the very young who play putt-putt, to young adults and seniors, hit the links whenever there is free time available. However, the sport is primarily a warm weather activity played outdoors. This limits playing time to only a few months of the year in many locations. Also, there are many people, due to age or physical limitations, that are unable to get out and play golf, but still enjoy putting. Finally, the skill levels in a group of people of assorted ages, such as a family, varies widely, and causes those with less skills to have less of a good time. Accordingly, there is a need for a means by which not only the game of golf can be played indoors or outdoors, but can be played in a manner that levels the playing field for everyone, no matter age, size or skill. 
   A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,874,668, issued in the name of Flege, discloses a pendulum golf putter having a V-shaped handle at an intermediate position along the shaft and a C-shaped band for attachment to the upper arm of a user, wherein the pendulum golf putter is a one-arm putting device; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,963,244, issued in the name of Mierzejewski, discloses a pendulum golf putter comprising a pair of linearly elongated shafts coupled about a pivotal shank portion, wherein one shaft is secured to a putting surface and the other shaft (the putter) is used to strike a golf ball on the putting surface, pivotally rotating about the shank portion for the pendulum motion; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,298,201, issued in the name of Palinkas, discloses a golf alignment device for properly aligning a golfer&#39;s body and club along the correct or intended swing path, the device comprising a clip for attachment to a hat, a bar member and a linkage means connecting the clip to the bar member, with the bar member having a plurality of graduation marks for aligning the golfer properly; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,306,721, issued in the name of Doyle, discloses a golf putter with sighting device, wherein the sighting device is a wire pointer (directional arrow head) that is radially rotatable about the shaft of the putter; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,656, issued in the name of Tiller, discloses a training device for putting comprising a bar affixed to the putter shaft and having a free end connected a resilient tubing, wherein the resilient tubing resists putting motions inconsistent with a perpendicular path along the intended putting line; 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,551,695, issued in the name of Wolk, discloses an apparatus for putter training comprising two elongated telescoping guides removably affixed to the head portion of a putter that induce striking of a golf ball therebetween; and 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,283,874, issued in the name of Studebaker, discloses a golf putter comprising a first and second shaft connecting together, wherein the second shaft has a bend in the top to provide stabilization while a user putts. 
   Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an improved golf putter that is fun to use and incorporated within a game. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a telescopically adjustable putter mounted to a headband for use in a putting game. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a putter that is telescopically adjustable at various points along its shaft(s). 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable headband receiving and impinging the putter for use in a putting game. 
   Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a telescopic putter mounted to a headband is a novelty game that mimics the game of golf. It is played indoors with a lightweight plastic ball and a cup resting on the floor. The game follows the general rules of putt-putt golf, except for the rule that the player must not touch the club with their hands when swinging. Instead the club is attached to the player&#39;s head with the use of a headband. Thus, the player must bend over the ball, place their hands on their knees and swing the club by turning their head from side to side. The club has an adjustable length shaft that telescopes in and out to accommodate players of varying heights. The headband is provided with a hook and loop fastener, such as VELCRO®, to accommodate the various head sizes of players of all ages. 
   An advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus and game provides a fun alternative to the standard putting games that can be played by golf enthusiasts, and the game does not require a vast amount of space for competition. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is perspective view of a user with a telescopically adjustable putter mounted to a head, wherein the user is aligned with a golf ball and a cup; 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the putter with a plurality of shaft sections telescopically adjustable; 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the putter telescopically shortened in length; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view of the headband; 
       FIG. 5  is a top view of the headband; 
       FIG. 6  is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the headband; 
       FIG. 7  is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the headband; 
       FIG. 8  is a plan view of a cup and a ball entering the cup; 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a cup; and 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of the alternative cup of FIG.  9 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 through 10 . 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   Referring now to FIG.  1  through  FIG. 5 , a telescopic putter mounted to a headband apparatus  10  is shown in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus  10  comprises a linearly elongated, telescopically adjustable putter  12  removably affixed to a headband  14 . The apparatus  10  is used in combination with a ball  16  and a cup  18 , the rules of play further described below. 
   The putter  12  comprises a plurality of shaft sections  20 ,  22  and  24  (although more or less than three shaft sections are envisioned as providing the same or similar functionality) telescopically adjustable about one another. Each shaft section  20 ,  22  or  24  comprises a first end  26 ,  30  and  34 , respectively, and a second end  28 ,  32  and  36 , respectively. The first end  26  is insertably removable into the headband  14 , and is further described below. The second end  28  is diametrically larger than the first end  30 , thereby permitting telescopic adjustment of shaft sections  20  and  22 . Likewise, the second end  32  is diametrically larger than the first end  34 , also permitting telescopic adjustment of shaft sections  22  and  24 . The telescopic ability of the shaft sections  20 ,  22  and  24  allow linear adjustment of the putter  12  over a length between a length just greater than the shaft section  20  to a length maximized by telescopic extension of all shaft sections  20 ,  22  and  24 . The diametrical differences between second ends  28  and  32 , respectively, in relation to the correspondingly insertable first ends  30  and  34 , respectively, is only a slight difference and sized so that a shaft section  22  or  24  is frictionally impinged along the entire length of the shaft section  22  or  24 , and telescopic adjustment requires more than a mere modicum of force in either direction, but instead requires sufficient force to overcome the frictionally impingement between shaft sections  20  and  22 , and shaft sections  22  and  24 , respectively. Alternatively, the shaft sections  20 ,  22  and  24  may be equipped with apertures and spring-biased snap fasteners for particularized telescopic adjustment and impingement of the shaft sections  20 ,  22  and  24 . The second end  36  is coupled to a putter head  38 , which may have a variety of configurations, including the blade-style depicted in the figures, cavity back or mallet (known in the art), and may also include offset or center mounted insertion of the second end  36  into the putter head  38 . The putter head  38  is disposed at the lowest portion of the putter  12  as is standard with most putters  12 . 
   As seen in FIG.  4  and  FIG. 5 , the headband  14  comprises an elongated band  40 , having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and further having a pair of apertures  42  and  44  and a retention housing  46 . Each one of the pair of apertures  42  and  44  are formed substantially adjacent to the lateral margins of the elongated band  40 . The apertures  42  and  44  receive a strap  48  for tightly and comfortably securing the headband  14  about the user&#39;s head. The strap  48  may have a variety of attachment means, including hook and loop material (VELCRO®), buttons, snaps or other similar items. The strap  48  is adjustable for accommodating small or large heads. The retention housing  46  is integral to the headband  14 , arranged substantially at a mid-point between the lateral margins and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the headband  14  about the anterior surface. The retention housing  46  may be supported by a beveled collar or other bracing, thereby providing structural rigidity and support to the housing  46  during operation. The retention housing  46  receives the first end  26  of shaft section  20  through slidable forcible impingement. The retention housing  46  may have an orifice  50  alignable with a corresponding orifice  52  on shaft section  20 , through which a snap pin or other impingement mechanism may be inserted to frictionally and forcefully impinge the putter  12  within the headband  14 . It is envisioned that a spring-urged snap fastener may be integrally provided along the body of shaft section  20  so as to correspond with the orifice  50 , thereby permitting spring-urged snap impingement of shaft section  20  to the retention housing  46 . Other similar devices and fasteners may be employed for impinging shaft section  20  to the retention housing  46  without departing from the spirit of the invention. A pad  54  may be permanently adhered or removably affixed to the posterior surface of the headband  14  so as to provide a more comfortable fit and reduce the risk of skin irritation or injury. 
   Referring now to FIG.  6  and  FIG. 7 , an alternative embodiment of the headband  14 ′ is shown. The alternative headband  14 ′ comprises two bodies  56  and  58  fittingly coupled. Body  56  is an elongated band  60  having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and comprising a pair of apertures  62  and  64  formed substantially adjacent to the lateral margins of the elongated band  60 . The apertures  62  and  64  receive a strap (similar to strap  48 ) for tightly and comfortably securing the headband  14 ′ about the user&#39;s head. The band  60  further includes a pair of posts  68  and  70  for attachment to body  58 , the posts  68  and  70  projecting from the anterior surface of body  56 . Body  58  is an elongated body coextensive with body  56 , also having an anterior surface and a posterior surface, and comprises a retention housing  72  (similar to retention housing  46  in form and function, the description of which is hereby incorporated by reference) arranged substantially at a mid-point between the lateral margins and substantially perpendicular to the plane of the headband  14 ′ about the anterior surface. The retention housing  72  receives the first end  26  of shaft section  20 . Body  58  further includes a pair of caps  74  and  76  projecting from the posterior surface of body  58  and forcibly coupled with posts  68  and  70 , respectively, so as to couple body  56  to body  58 . It is further envisioned that coupling of posts  68  and  70  with caps  74  and  76  may be accomplished through other coupling mechanisms, including integral threads, insertable screws, snap fasteners or other similar items. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 8 , the ball  16  is envisioned to be of similar dimensions to a standard golf ball, or approximately 1.68 inches, or 4.27 centimeters, according to United States Golf Association (USGA) guidelines. As such, the diameter of the ball is envisioned to fall within the diametrical range of one (1) to two (2) inches (2.54 centimeters to 5.08 centimeters). The ball  16  may be manufactured from a number of materials, including natural or synthetic rubbers of a hardened quality, soft, thermoplastic polymers (including SURLYN® or balata-based), polybutadiene, or other similar compounds and substances used in standard golf ball manufacturing. Furthermore, the ball  16  may be manufactured as a plastic ball with or without dimples, wherein the plastic used is similar to that used in WIFFLE® balls, having a hollow center. 
   The cup  18  is envisioned to be between four (4) and five (5) inches wide (10.2 centimeters and 12.7 centimeters) and between four (4) and six (6) inches deep (10.2 centimeters and 15.2 centimeters). The cup  18  may have a variety of overall configurations, including the key-shape depicted in the figures, having a linear front and curvilinear sides (orthogonal configurations are also envisioned). To add to the degree of difficulty, and requiring greater or advanced skill, the cup  18  may include an inclined surface terminating with an indentation or opening for simulating a standard golf cup and requiring repository of the ball  16  for successfully completing the challenge. 
   Referring now to FIG.  9  and  FIG. 10 , an alternative embodiment of the cup  18 ′ is shown. The alternative cup  18 ′ comprises a four-sided orthogonal perimeter  80 ,  82 ,  84  and  86 , wherein each of the four sides  80 ,  82 ,  84  and  86  includes a corresponding inclined surface (ramp)  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94 . Each surface (ramp)  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94  is adjacently disposed to a declined platform  96 , each surface (ramp)  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94  accessing a different side of the platform  96 . Centrally integral to the platform  96  is a recessed opening  98  for receiving a golf ball, wherein the slightly declined platform  96  permits a struck golf ball to continue toward the opening  98 . In the embodiment depicted in FIG.  9  and  FIG. 10 , the platform  96  is substantially orthogonal, and the opening  98  is cylindrical in shape. However, the platform  96  and the opening  98  is envisioned to be available in a variety of shapes and forms. Each of the four sides  80 ,  82 ,  84  and  86  is separated from the adjacent sides by a wing  100 ,  102 ,  104  and  106 . Each respective wing  100 ,  102 ,  104  and  106  is positioned to align between the corners of the four-sided orthogonal perimeter  80 ,  82 ,  84  and  86  linearly along the inclined surfaces (ramps)  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94  and the corners of the platform  96 . The wings  100 ,  102 ,  104  and  106  are included so as to provide a guide along the surfaces (ramps)  88 ,  90 ,  92  and  94  for putts that are not directly on line to the opening  98 . The cups  18  and/or  18 ′ may be manufactured from a variety of durable substances that permit repeated insertion and extraction of golf balls of a variety of compositions. Included among the materials ideal for the cups  18  and/or  18 ′ is plastic, hardened rubber, metal or other similar materials. 
   The rules of the putting game incorporating the apparatus  10  previously described include the following steps:
         a. Determining a starting position at which all challengers will hit their first putt from;   b. Placing the cup a specified distance from the starting position;   c. Attaching headband to user&#39;s head;   d. Placing ball at starting position;   e. Attaching putter to headband;   f. Adjusting length of putter shaft;   g. Aligning putter with ball along a specified target path;   h. Placing user&#39;s hands on knees;   i. Rotating head to generate pendulum motion of putter stroke;   j. Striking ball toward cup;   k. Repeating (a) through (j) until ball is secured within cup; and   l. Repeating (a) through (k) until specified number of holes is completed.       

   The winner of the challenge is the user that finishes the specified number of holes in the least amount of strokes. 
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   A user will attach the headband  14  to the user&#39;s head and adjust the diameter of the headband  14  according to the user&#39;s head size and using the strap  48  and adjustment mechanisms provided. After placement of ball  16 , the user will align the still detached putter  12  and telescopically adjust the length of the shafts  20 ,  22  and  24  accordingly. After determining the appropriate length of the shafts  20 ,  22  and  24 , the putter  12  may be inserted into the retention housing  46  for secured impingement therein. The user may then rotate the user&#39;s head so as to create a pendulum motion for striking the ball  16  toward a target, such as a cup  18 . 
   Therefore, the foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. As one can envision, an individual skilled in the relevant art, in conjunction with the present teachings, would be capable of incorporating many minor modifications that are anticipated within this disclosure. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be broadly limited only by the following claims.