GOLF CLUB HEAD

Abstract: A golf club (110) has a head (111) with a curved reflective surface (128) for visually aligning a shot. The club head is counterbalanced above the plane of the ball (120) and has balance weights (116, 118) which may be selected to accommodate the style and preference of the user. The striking surface may be of a different material than the surrounding club head to dampen vibration on the stroke and may be of a material tailored to the user's preference. The other parts of the club may also be composites of several materials to assist in dampening vibration. An alternative aligning structure uses lenticular lens (142, 144, 146) to provide guiding images to the user.

Description: GOLF CLUB HEAD This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application serial No. 60/130,965, filed April 26, 1999. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 . Field of the Invention The invention relates to the field of sports equipment and in particular to golf clubs. The invention is especially related to clubs for use in putting and to improvements in such clubs, but may be used on other clubs as well. 2. Brief Description of the Prior Art Golf enthusiasts and equipment manufacturers have continually sought to improve golf clubs, including putters, for many years. These efforts have included the addition of structures to improve the play of the clubs and structures designed as teaching aids to assist in instruction in the use of particular clubs. For example, elements have been developed to assist in teaching effective putting technique. Club improvements, of both types, include elements designating the center of mass of the club head or the effective contact area of the club head, i.e., the "sweet spot." Modifications have also been added to assist the user in properly aligning the club head with the ball and the desired path of the ball to achieve a true hit and an accurate shot. The following U.S. Patents are incorporated by reference herein: 1 ,975,341 3,921 ,984 4,844,468 5,052,690 5,351 ,962 5,417,429 5,620,379 5,640,777 5,709,612 5,776,016 5,896,230 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a golf club head having several novel features in a variety of combinations. The club head can include aligning means, such as reflective lenses or a reflective surface, as described herein. The club may also have a counterbalance above the plane of the ball and an arrow shape, as more particularly described below. The club may also be constructed of a plurality of materials, as described herein. The various materials of construction preferably are of differing densities and thus have different vibrational modes. The different vibrational modes and densities act to cancel out the vibration produced on striking the ball and assist in providing a true hit of the ball. The club head, such as a putter head, will preferably have the mass of the club distributed in the horizontal plane, rather than being concentrated at the center of mass. This distribution increases the moment of inertia of the club in the horizontal plane and increases the effective size of the "sweet spot" on the club face. The club is thus more effective at delivering a true hit, even if contact with the ball is off of the location of the center of mass of the club head. It is an object of this invention to provide a golf club head, such as a putter head, which incorporates a vibration dampening structure. It is an object of this invention to provide a golf club head, such as a putter head, which includes an optical aligning feature. It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf putter head which has a curved reflective surface to aid in aligning a putt. It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf putter which may accommodate a selectively installed striking surface. It is a further object of this invention to provide a golf putter which has an improved sweet spot to create a true hit on contact with the ball. An object of the present invention is to provide a golf club head with one or any combination of said features. The invention summarized above comprises the constructions hereinafter described, the scope of the invention being indicated by the subjoined claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, corresponding reference characters refer to corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a front, exploded, perspective view of a golf putter head in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a front perspective view of a modified assembled golf putter head, similar to that shown in Fig. 1 , but with a different aligning means; Fig. 3 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head shown in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the golf putter head shown in Fig. 1 , with alternative aligning means shown in phantom; Fig. 5 is a side elevational view of the golf putter head shown addressing a golf ball; and, Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the golf putter head reflecting the golf ball and a golf hole or pin. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring particularly to Figs. 1 and 3, a golf putter head or club head 1 10 in accordance with the present invention has a club head body 1 1 1 which is preferably constructed from a low density material, for example a plastic such as a high density polypropylene or similar material. The club head 1 10 may be fastened to a shaft 1 1 2 mounted in shaft hole 1 14, as known in the art. The club head may be provided with specific inserts 1 1 5, 1 1 6, and 1 1 8 of higher density material, such as lead, aluminum, brass or stainless steel. The particular materials may be chosen to suit the preference of the individual golfer. A harder material for insert 1 15 will impart a sharper impact to the ball, on contact. A softer material will impart a softer impact to the ball, on contact. It will be understood, however, that club head 1 10 and club head body 1 1 1 may be produced out of a higher density material, such as stainless steel, aluminum or brass. The club head 1 10 may also us a lower density insert 1 1 5 in the front cavity 1 19, for example, a plastic material such as high density polypropylene or equivalent. Higher density inserts 1 1 5, 1 1 6, and 1 18 are located to provide and enhance specific club head functions. For example, insert 1 1 5 in the front face of the club head 1 10 functions as the primary striking surface. Insert 1 1 5 provides a small concentrated area of weight and mass in the vertical plane. The vertical dimension of insert 1 1 5 preferably is smaller than the diameter of a golf ball 120. This focuses more of the force of impact into the ball and results in a more straight and true putt with less of a club stroke. The horizontal dimension of insert 1 1 5 is extended to increase the moment of inertia of the club head 1 10 in the horizontal plane; this extends the "sweet spot" of the club head and assists in providing a true hit when the ball is struck off center. Insert 1 1 5 also preferably is formed of material having a specific "coefficient of restitution." This material may be tailored to the preference of the user. A particular user may be comfortable with a very hard insert 1 1 5, which provides a sharp impact on contact with the ball. Another user may be comfortable with a soft insert 1 1 5, which provides a soft impact on contact with the ball. The features preferred by the user can assist in providing consistent straight and true putts. Front insert 1 1 5 is sized and located to work with other inserts 1 1 6 and 1 18 in producing a specifically located center of gravity that ensures a more straight and true putt. Specific inserts 1 1 6 and 1 1 8 are also located from the rear of club head 1 10 in sockets 1 1 7. For example, these inserts are located to work with front insert 1 1 5 and produce a specific center of gravity. Inserts 1 1 6 and 1 18 are located at the top of a vertically rising structure 1 22 starting directly above the small contact area of the club face, and gradually expanding in width as it rises and curves back along a geometric path. Inserts 1 16 and 1 1 8 are located at the top of the vertically rising structure 122. Inserts 1 1 6 and 1 1 8 provide a counterbalancing effect for the club. Since they are located wider and higher than golf ball 120, the force of impact between club head 1 10 and golf ball 1 20 is better distributed. This permits the club head 1 10 to swing through more smoothly and increases the opportunity for a straight and true putt. Vertically rising structure 122 is preferably made of a lower density material, and thus is flexible. With inserts 1 1 6 and 1 18 at its top, the vertically rising structure flexes like a spring, absorbing the golf ball impact. The system behaves like a "spring/damper," increasing the chance of an uninterrupted smooth swing and increasing the opportunity for a straight and true putt. Vertically rising structure 1 22 gradually expands in width as it rises and curves back along a geometric path. When vertically rising structure 1 22 is viewed from above as seen in Fig. 6, it takes the shape of an arrowhead 1 24. This results in a dramatically improved way of aligning club head 1 10 along a prescribed path towards a hole or pin 1 26; the construction of club head 1 10, using vertically rising structure 1 22 is especially useful as a training device and as a practice tool to develop a good putting stroke. More particularly, vertically rising structure 1 22 allows the golfer to match the rear curve of arrowhead 1 24 with the rear curve of body 1 1 1 for perfect alignment of club head 1 10 with ball 1 20. A front surface 1 28 of vertically rising structure 1 22 has a tapered center reflective surface, for example formed of sputter coated aluminum, that allows the golfer to visually align golf ball 1 20, with a reflection 130 of the golf ball and a reflection 132 of hole or pin 126 as shown in Fig. 5. Front surface 128 of vertically rising structure 122 can be flat or preferably slightly curved in its third dimension, as shown. As club head 1 10 is stroked, reflections 130, 132 should stay along the visual centerline of tapered mirror surface 128, and within the diverging curved boundary lines 129, shown in Fig. 1 ; if they do not, then the golfer is not stroking along the correct path towards the hole. Correction is made by changing the stance and club alignment to correctly position the image of reflections 130, 132 on mirror surface 128. When club head 1 10 is made out of a low density material, such as injection moldable plastic, it has the enhanced ability to have "snap fit" details molded into its shape. For example, there can be "snap" details on the rear of vertically protruding vertically rising structure 122 that can hold certain golf accessories. These can include golf tees, golf divot repair tools and golf ball markers, not shown. If club head 1 10 is produced out of a higher density material, using a lower density insert 1 15 in the front cavity, the club head still has the advantages of the vertically rising structure 122 and inserts 1 16 and 1 18 above the plane of the ball. As shown in Fig. 3, vertically rising structure 122 may be provided with strengthening webs 134 and 136 to increase the strength of this element without increasing its weight. Strengthening webs 134 and 136 form cavities 152 and 154 on the back side of vertically rising structure 122, as shown. Cavities 152 and 154 can receive "snap fit" structures for golf accessories, as previously described. Cavities 152 and 154 can also receive additional inserts, not shown, to adjust the weight and balance of the club head 1 10 to suit the style and preference of the club user. Also as shown in Fig. 3, insert 1 15 may be held in cavity 1 19 by fasteners 138 and 140. Fasteners 138 and 140 may be conventional elements, such as machine screws, as shown. It will be appreciated that the various elements described herein, such as inserts 1 15, 1 16, 1 18, and the structure receiving these elements may be formed to be interchangeable by the use of "snap fit" mating elements, such detent and socket features, not shown, and by the use of removable fasteners such as machine screws 138 and 140. Thermoplastic adhesives and equivalent materials may also be used to provide further reliability to the constructed club head 1 10 and still permit the elements of club head 1 10 to be interchanged to suit the preferences of the user. For example, insert 1 1 5 may be replaced by the user to compensate for wear or breakage or to interchange hard or soft striking surfaces, i.e., brass, lead or plastic. The construction of club head 1 10 may also be made substantially permanent, if desired. For example, a substantially permanent adhesive, such as a catalytic epoxy or equivalent, may be used to join the elements of club head 1 10. Referring to Fig. 2, an alternative embodiment is shown which has a further alternative aligning guide means. In this construction, alignment is provided by reference to a set of reflective elements or lens, 142, 144 and 146 which are mounted on the upper surface of club head 1 10, as shown, for example by an adhesive, as known in the art. Preferably elements 142, 144 and 146 are lenticular lens, for example, of the type commonly used to decorate credit cards with multiple images. Suitable structures are also described in U.S. Patent 5,896,230. The lens 142, 144 and 146 are aimed to provide an image to the user when the head of the user is positioned directly over the club head 1 10, the proper position for putting. When the user looks down at the club head 1 10 the three images from lenses 142, 144 and 146 are in view. As the club is stroked, all three images remain in view if the club is stroked along the proper path through the ball. The image viewed by the golfer, when in position, can be color or other indicia such as parallel arrows indicating the direction of the club stroke. If the golfer's head is improperly positioned other images are seen by the golfer, indicating an error in the address of the ball and suggesting correction. For example, a different color is seen or a different set of arrows is seen suggesting repositioning of the stance forward or backward. It will be appreciated that combinations of indicia may also be used, such as color and shapes. In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims: WHAT IS CLAIMED: 1 . A golf club having a club head including a club head body and a striking surface, the club head body having an insert located therein and the striking surface being located on the insert, the insert being of a different material than the club head body and being fastened to the club head body, the insert and the club head body being substantially elongated in the transverse horizontal direction and the insert being of reduced length in the vertical direction and the longitudinal horizontal direction, parallel to a club stroke, to increase the rotational inertia of the club in the horizontal plane, the club head further having a visual aligning guide to indicate the proper path of a stroke of the club. 2. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert is of denser material than the material of the club head body. 3. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert is of harder material than the material of the club head body. 4. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert is of softer material than the material of the club head body. 5. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert material is selected from the group consisting of steel, aluminum, brass, lead and plastic. 6. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert is removably fastened to the club head body. 7. The golf club of claim 6 wherein the insert is selectively replaceable. 8. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert is fastened to the club head body by an adhesive. 9. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the insert is fastened to the club head body by threaded fasteners. 10. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the visual aligning guide includes a light reflective surface to reflect an image of a golf ball to the user. 1 1 . The golf club of claim 10 wherein the light reflective surface curves upward from the golf club head and to the rear of the golf club head, the curvature being in both the vertical and horizontal planes. 1 2. The golf club of claim 1 1 wherein the reflective surface includes a plurality of reference elements, the reference elements diverging in an upward and rearward direction from the golf club head, the portion of the reflective surface between the diverging reference elements providing means for visually indicating the location of a golf ball, the proper stance of a user and alignment of a stroke of the club. 13. The golf club of claim 1 1 wherein a rear curve of the reflective surface is matched with a rear curve of the club head body for perfect alignment with a golf ball. 14. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the visual aligning guide includes an image producing element on the club head body. 1 5. The golf club of claim 14 wherein the image producing element includes a reflective lens attached to the club head body. 1 6. The golf club of claim 1 5 wherein the image producing element includes an image producing lenticular lens. 1 7. The golf club of claim 1 5 wherein the image producing element includes an array of lenticular lens, the lenticular lens projecting an image providing means for visually indicating the proper stance of a user and alignment of a stroke of the club. 1 8. The golf club of claim 1 5 wherein the image producing element includes an array of lenticular lens, the lenticular lens projecting an image providing means for indicating an improper stance of a user and misalignment of a stroke of the club. 19. The golf club of claim 1 8 wherein the visual indicating means includes means for indicating the change for obtaining proper alignment. 20. The golf club of claim 1 wherein the golf club includes means for dampening vibrations generated on striking a golf ball. 21 . The golf club of claim 20 wherein the means for dampening vibrations includes forming the golf club head of a plurality of materials having differing vibrational modes whereby the induced vibrations interact to provide dampening of the vibrations.

Inventors: GREEN TIMOTHY M, GREEN, TIMOTHY, M.
Applicants: GREEN TIMOTHY M, GREEN, TIMOTHY, M.
Application year: 2000
Main classification: A63B53
IPC codes: A63B53, A63B69