Abstract:
An extender sleeve is provided for elongating and converting the shaft of a conventional golf putter wherein to enable the upper end of the converted putter shaft to be anchored against a portion of the golfer&#39;s body, such as the neck or belly, or gripped by one of the golfer&#39;s hand&#39;s, whereby to improve the swing of the golfer when putting a golf ball. The extender sleeve may be separately attached and removed from the putter shaft as desired or extended and retracted into the shaft for storage when not in use.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This is a completion Patent Application of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/654,053, filed Feb. 17, 2005, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention generally pertains to golf putters, and more particularly, to apparatus and method for converting the length of a conventional or standard putter into a mid-length or belly putter, or a long length putter, or a neck putter. 
   2. Description of the Prior Art 
   A conventional short putter  10 , shown in  FIGS. 1 and 5 , comprises a shaft  12 , a putter head  14  at the bottom end of the shaft, and a single grip  16  that extends along the top end portion  18  of the shaft  12 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a golfer grasps the single grip  16  with both hands when preparing to putt the ball. The top end  20  of the shaft is spaced from the golfer&#39;s body. A common problem that golfer&#39;s experience when putting is excessive wrist flexure, or hinging of the wrists, when swinging their putter, which flexure contributes to inconsistency of both direction and distance control. 
   An extreme form of poor putting is a condition known as the yips, whereby the golfer has greatly excessive wrist flexure in his stroke, sometimes accompanied by excessive body movement as well. Unwanted wrist action leads to a loss of control of the putter head before impact with the golf ball. 
   To improve short putting some golfers are no longer using the conventional or standard putter, which is about 34-36 inches in length, and are switching to a putter that engages a portion of the body to control the swing of the putter. Generally, these putters are termed a mid-length or “belly-putter”  10 A, which is about 38-46 inches in length, a long putter  10 B, which is about 48-52 inches in length, or a neck putter  10 C, which is about 48-68 inches in length. 
   As these names suggest, a specific portion of the body is used to bring stability to the putt by creating a third point of contact, in addition to the golfer&#39;s two hands. The goal in these approaches is the same: to have one fixed center and one source of power. 
   The various forms of putters and position when used by a golfer are shown in  FIGS. 1-4 . As shown in  FIG. 1 , a golfer is using a standard or conventional putter  10 . The hands grasp the grip and the golfer&#39;s body is spaced from the top end of the putter shaft. 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , when using a belly-putter  10 A, the top end  20 A of the shaft  12 A is anchored against the golfer&#39;s stomach (e.g., within the belly button), which serves as a fulcrum for making the stroke. A grip  16 A is disposed between the opposite ends of the shaft  12 A and, as with the standard putter  10 , both hands of the golfer engage the grip  16 A. That is, the posture of the golfer is not changed. The wrist action is easier to control as the dynamic of the swinging motion is altered by the length of the putter. 
   As shown in  FIG. 3 , when using the long putter  10 B, the upper end  20 B of the putter shaft  12 B is designed to be anchored against the sternum of the golfer. Here, however, the golfer holds the upper end portion  18 B of the putter shaft with the left hand and forces the top end  20 B against the sternum and grasps a grip  16 B at a medial location of the putter shaft with the right hand in the manner shown when using the conventional putter  10 . In completing the putting stroke, the golfer either provides a bending and straightening of the right arm or the rocking of the shoulders. The main objective is to keep the body steady so that the chest acts as a fulcrum of a pendulum and produces a smooth pendulum like stroke. 
   As shown in  FIG. 4 , when using the neck putter  10 C, the upper end  20 C of the putter shaft  12 C remains gently pressed against the neck of the golfer throughout the putting stroke to control the swing of the putter. The neck putter prevents the golfer&#39;s wrists from breaking down. Such a putter turns the putting stroke into a true pendulum swing that eliminates wrist hinge. 
   Examples of a golf putter and method of putting are disclosed in Hakas et al US 2003/0195057 A1, published Oct. 16, 2003, and Moore U.S. Pat. No. 6,213,891, issued Apr. 10, 2001. 
   Because golf equipment is expensive, the ability to convert a standard putter, such as into a belly-putter, long putter, and/or neck putter, would be desirable. 
   Typically, the standard putter shaft  10  is comprised of a long thin-walled hollow tube formed of a premium super-high modulus, graphite fiber material, possibly externally plated with chrome or stainless steel. The thin-walled structure places a limit on possible reconstructions. For example, internally threading the interior wall of the bore may weaken the tube. 
   Further, any redesign must not only meet and conform to USGA Rules, but also must be aesthetically pleasing to the golfer and be inexpensive. 
   As can be appreciated, there is an ongoing need for improvements in the field of golf equipment, such as putters. 
   An object of this invention is the provision of apparatus that is attachable to a standard or conventional golf putter whereby to convert the standard putter into a belly, long, or neck putter, depending on the needs and/or desires of different golfers. 
   Another object of this invention is the provision of apparatus, which minimizes the role of the wrist in the putting stroke by anchoring the putter to a fixed center, such as provided by the belly, sternum, or neck of the golfer, which apparatus is added to and extends the length of the commonly available standard putter. 
   Yet another object of this invention is an inexpensive method and apparatus for converting a standard golf putter. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention is directed to apparatus for elongating and converting a conventional golf putter into a putter adapted to be anchored against a portion of the golfer&#39;s body whereby to improve the swing of golfer when putting a golf ball. 
   According to this invention, there is provided an improvement in a golf putter of the type including an elongated putter sleeve having cylindrical upper and lower end portions and a putter head secured to the lower end portion, the upper end portion being hollow and including an inner wall extending coaxially inwardly from the upper end thereof, the improvement comprising: 
   an elongated cylindrical extender sleeve, said extender sleeve having coaxial upper and lower end portions with the lower end of the extender sleeve being adapted to be connected to the upper end portion of the putter sleeve, 
   a first lock member fixedly connected to the lower end portion of the extender sleeve for connecting the lower end portion of said extender sleeve to the upper end of said putter sleeve, said lock member including a V-shaped nose that projects from the lower end of the extender sleeve for fitment within the upper end portion of said putter sleeve, 
   an axially elongated threaded rod, said rod supported for rotation in said extender sleeve, passing through said lock member, and having a forward end portion adapted to be fitted into the upper end portion of putter shaft, and 
   a second lock member for frictional locking engagement with the inner wall of the putter sleeve, said second lock member being threadably connected to the threaded rod for relative movement therealong upon rotation of the rod and having a pair of elongated resiliently deflectable cantilever beams, the beams forming a V-shaped throat into which the V-shaped nose is interfitted, 
   wherein following insertion of the interfitted nose and throat portions of the lock members into the putter sleeve and rotation of the rod, the second lock member is axially driven towards the first lock member, the nose is driven into the throat and against the beams, and the beams are deflected radially outwardly and into gripping engagement with the inner wall of the putter sleeve. 
   Preferably, the putter sleeve and extender sleeve each have a cylindrical exterior surface, which combine to form a smooth generally continuous cylindrical surface when the end face of the putter sleeve is abutted against the end face of the extender sleeve. 
   According to an embodiment herein, the improvement further comprises means for stiffening the interconnection between the putter sleeve and the extender sleeve and resisting bending forces operating between the two sleeves. 
   The means for stiffening comprises the first lock member being formed to include an axially elongated cylindrical body including a rearward end portion having an outer cylindrical surface and a length extending several diameters inwardly of the extender sleeve from the end face thereof, and a forward portion having an outer cylindrical surface and a length extending several diameters inwardly of the putter sleeve from the end face thereof and terminating in the V-shaped nose, the outer cylindrical surfaces of the cylindrical body forming a clearance fit engagement with the cylindrical inner walls of the respective sleeves into which inserted. 
   The second lock member further comprises an axial slot, the slot being generally parallel to a plane passing through the geometrical central axis of the lock member and extending axially rearwardly of the root of the V-shaped throat to increase the flexibility and ability of the cantilever beams to deflect radially outwardly upon their engagement by the V-shaped nose. 
   The V-shaped nose and throat are disposed in centered relation with the central geometrical axis interfitted in nested relation, and relatively movable towards one another and between an unlocked position (or inoperable relation) and a locked position (or frictionally engaged relation) with the puffer shaft. Each V-shape forms an acute angle the vertex of which is centered on the axis. The acute angle may be referred to as “double included” in that the acute angle is bisected by the axis with half of the acute angle being above and below the axis. Preferably, the acute or “double included” angle of the V-shaped nose is less than the acute or “double included” angle of the V-shaped throat. That is depending on the application, the double included angle of the V-shaped nose may be greater than or less than the double included angle of the V-shaped throat. What is important is that the V-shaped nose (nested in the throat) push against the beams that form the throat and deflect the beams radially outwardly and into wedged frictional engagement with the inner surface of the puffer shaft. 
   In a particular application and putter sleeve, the double included angle determines the length of the cantilever beam and exterior surface thereof that is available for deflection into gripping engagement with the interior wall of the putter sleeve. For example, a small double included angle enables the cantilever beam length and the exterior cylindrical surface area thereof that can be deflected into gripping engagement with the interior wall of the putter sleeve. Conversely, a large double included angle decreases the beam length possible for a given putter sleeve. 
   According to this invention, the double included acute angle of the V-shaped nose is between about 35° and 70° and the double included angle of the throat is between about 30° and 40°. In one preferred embodiment, the double included angle of the nose is about 52° and the double included angle of the throat is about 35°. 
   Preferably, the improvement includes means at one end of the rod for rotating the rod. In this regard, the means for rotating comprises terminating the upper end of the rod with a nut, such as adapted to be engaged and rotated externally by an Allen wrench. 
   Preferably, the improvement includes the lock members being formed from a suitably machinable material, such as a polymer (e.g., ABS, an acetal, a homopolymer, Nylon and the like). 
   The first lock member is preferably comprised of a polymeric material, provided with a through bore, a counterbore at the rearward end face thereof, and provided with a thread engaging nut in the counterbore, for engaging the threaded rod. 
   Further, and according to another preferred embodiment, there is provided a combination comprising elongated first and second shafts, each said shaft being hollow in part and having an inner wall and said shafts having respective end faces in abutted relation, an elongated threaded rod disposed in said shafts, bearing means for supporting said rod in said second shaft at longitudinally spaced points, first and second lock members disposed in said first shaft and in interfitted relation with one another, said first lock member being threadably connected to said rod and including a pair of resilient radially expansible cantilever arms, said arms forming a V-shaped throat and each arm having a deflectable end, said second lock member including a rearward end portion fixedly secured to the inner wall of said second shaft and a forward end portion in the form of a V-shaped nose, said second lock member being movable towards and away from said first lock member upon rotation of said rod whereby the nose is driven tightly within said throat and the deflectable ends are driven outwardly and into forcible holding retaining engagement with the inner wall of the first shaft. 
   According to this latter embodiment, the forward end portion of the second lock member, in part, is fixedly secured to the inner wall of the first shaft. 
   Further and according to another embodiment of this invention there is provided a method for mounting a cylindrical extender sleeve to the upper end of a hollow cylindrical putter shaft, the steps comprising 
   providing an extender sleeve of predetermined length and having a forward end, the extender sleeve including a threaded rod journalled for rotation, first and second lock members dimensioned for sliding clearance fitment within the upper end of the putter shaft and having, respectively, rearward and forward end portions, wherein the rearward end portions of said first and second lock members are, respectively, non-rotatably affixed to the sleeve and threadably engaged with the rod and movable therealong, and the forward end portions of one and the other of said lock members are V-shaped and form a nose that is interfitted within a throat, the throat formed by a pair of resilient cantilever arms which are deflected outwardly by the nose, 
   inserting the nose and throat into the putter shaft, and 
   rotating the rod relative to the extender sleeve to simultaneously pull the extender sleeve and nose towards the putter shaft and the nose into the throat, continued rotation driving the nose against the cantilever arms and driving the arms radially outwardly and into frictional holding retaining engagement with the inner wall of the putter shaft. 
   According to one preferred embodiment, a bearing mount is provided at the upper end portion of the extender sleeve. In connection therewith, the upper end of the threaded rod is provided with an engageable nut, which is supported on the bearing mount. The nut is engageable by a wrench and provides means for rotating the rod. 
   According to an important aspect of this invention, the outer circumference of the adapter is configured to be clearance fit within the standard putter. So inserted, the lock member may be positioned at a location that is remote to the top end face of the standard putter and the locking arms driven outwardly and into locked gripping engagement with the sleeve. So positioned, adapter and the putter sleeve are then be locked in place. Importantly, the adapter will serve to convert the standard putter into a putter of any desired length. Also, the adapter can be retracted into the putter for storage, or removed entirely. 
   According to another important embodiment, the forward end portion of the putter shaft is slitted and externally roughened and inserted within the extender sleeve, causing the lock members of the extender sleeve to be disposed within the putter shaft, with rotation of one lock member towards the other lock member forcing the slitted tubular wall of the putter shaft into frictional locking engagement with the inner wall of the extender sleeve. 
   The present invention will be more clearly understood with reference to the accompanying drawings and to the following Detailed Description, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts and where: 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view showing a conventional short putter with a short grip and a method of use wherein the golfer grasps the single grip with both hands. 
       FIG. 2  is a perspective view showing a mid-length or belly putter and a method of use wherein the golfer grasps a single grip with both hands and the upper end of the putter is positioned in the belly of the golfer. 
       FIG. 3  is a perspective view showing a long putter and a method of use wherein the upper end portion of the putter shaft is positioned against the golfer&#39;s chest. 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view showing a neck putter and a method of use wherein the golfer grasps the putter shaft at a midpoint of the shaft and positions the upper end portion of the putter shaft against the golfer&#39;s neck. 
       FIG. 5  is an assembly view wherein an adapter according to this invention is positioned for fitment into the upper end portion of the sleeve of the standard golf putter of  FIG. 1  whereby to convert the standard golf putter into one of the golf putters shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . 
       FIG. 6  is a side view in cross-section of the lower end portion of the adapter and interlockable lock members thereat in nested relation with one another and positioned for fitment into the upper end portion of the putter sleeve of the standard golf putter. 
       FIG. 7  is a side view in cross section wherein the lower end of the adapter is abutted against the upper end of the putter sleeve and the lock members are positioned within the upper end portion of the putter sleeve. 
       FIG. 8  is a side view in cross-section of a final assembly wherein the lock members are driven together and a pair of beams of one of the lock members are deflected radially outwardly and driven into gripping relation against the inner wall of the putter sleeve. 
       FIGS. 9 and 10  are front end views of one and the other of the lock members provided at the lower end of the adapter. 
       FIG. 11  is a cross-section assembly view of another embodiment of a putter assembly and conversion according to this invention. 
       FIG. 12  is a cross-section assembly view of yet another embodiment of a putter assembly and conversion according to this invention. 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  are exploded and cross-section assembly views of yet another embodiment of a putter assembly and conversion according to this invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Turning now to the drawings,  FIG. 5  illustrates an adapter  22  positioned for attachment to the top end of the standard golf putter  10  whereby to extend the length of the golf putter by an amount sufficient to engage a portion of the golfer&#39;s body and stabilize the resulting golf putter. The adapter  22  is of a length “L”, attaches to an approved putter  10 , and extends the length of a standard putter in a manner to meet the requirements of the USGA Rules as regards the putters  10 A,  10 B, or  10 C described hereinabove. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6 , the upper end portion  18  of the putter shaft or sleeve  12  is elongated, hollow, and formed with generally cylindrical inner and outer walls  24  and  26 . The walls  24  and  26  are generally concentric with one another and coaxial with a central geometric axis “A” through the putter shaft  12 . The inner wall  24  extends coaxially inwardly from the top end  20  of the putter shaft and forms a central chamber or hollow  28  in the interior of the putter shaft  12 . 
   The adapter  22  comprises an elongated, hollow, generally cylindrical extender sleeve  30 , first and second lock members  32  and  34 , and an elongated externally threaded drive rod  58  interconnecting and mounting the lock members in close nested facing relation with one another. The lock members are adapted to be inserted into the chamber  28  formed at the upper end of the putter shaft  12 . 
   The extender sleeve  30  has upper and lower end portions  36  and  38  and respective ends  40  and  42 , and cylindrical interior and exterior walls  44  and  46 . The walls  44  and  46  of the extender sleeve  30  are generally concentric with one another and coaxial with a central geometric axis extending through the sleeve. The inner wall  44  extends between the upper and lower ends  40  and  42  and forms an interior chamber  48  therebetween. 
   In general, the extender sleeve  30  may be of any material, either desired by the user, or dictated by Rules of the Professional Golf Association. According to this invention, the sleeve  30  is complementary to, and possibly the same as, the lightweight carbon fiber material oftentimes used in constructing the sleeve  12  of the PGA approved golf putter  10 . Further, when the extender sleeve  22  and the putter sleeve  12  are joined together, the exterior surfaces of the walls  26  and  46  form a smooth transition surface and the axes of the two sleeves  12  and  30  are aligned on the same geometrical axis “A”. 
   The first lock member  32  has a generally cylindrical rearward end portion  50 , a forward end portion in the form of a truncated V-shaped nose  52 , and a central bore  54  extending coaxially between the opposite ends of the lock member. The rearward end portion  50  is clearance fit into the chamber  48  formed in the lower end portion  38  of the extender sleeve  30  and is fixedly secured to the interior wall  44  thereof. In such securement, the lock member  32  is prevented from rotating relative to the extender sleeve  30  and the central bore  54  is coaxially disposed with the geometric axis of the extender sleeve. The nose  52  projects outwardly and away from the lower end  42  of the extender sleeve and terminates in a forward transverse end face  56 . 
   According to this invention, the lock member  32  is secured to the extender sleeve  30  by a suitable adhesive or epoxy “E”, such as known by those skilled in the art. 
   The axial rod  58  is elongated, externally threaded, and dimensioned to extend through the interior chamber  48  and between the opposite ends  40  and  42  of the sleeve  30  and includes an end portion that extends outwardly and away from the lower end  42  of the extender sleeve  30  by an amount sufficient to mount the lock member  34  in nested relation with the lock member  32  and position the lock members within the chamber  28  provided at the upper end of the putter sleeve  12 . The rod  58  has an upper end  58   a  journalled for rotation in the upper end portion  36  of the extender sleeve  30 , a medial portion  58   b  disposed for rotation in the central bore  54  of the lock member  32 , a lower end portion  58   c  projecting from the end face  42  of the extender sleeve and threadably engaged with the lock member  34 , and a lower end  58   d.  The lower end portions  58   b  and  58   c  project, at least in part, outwardly and away from the lower end  42  of the extender sleeve  30  by an amount sufficient to mount the lock member  34  for positioning insertion into the chamber  28  of the putter sleeve  12 . 
   The upper end  58   a  of the rod  58  is terminated by or provided with a screw head  60 . According to an embodiment of this invention, the screw head  60  is provided with a socket “S”, which is adapted to receive and be turned by an Allen wrench (such as illustrated in phantom in  FIG. 7 ). As such, the rod  58  may be externally adjusted as needed. 
   A cylindrical bearing head  62  is provided interiorly of the chamber  48  at the upper end portion  36  of the extender sleeve  30  to position and support the screw head  60  for rotation of the threaded rod  58 . The bearing head  62  has an outer circumferential wall  64  fixedly secured to the interior wall  44  of the sleeve  30  and a bore  66  extending through the center of the head  62  for axially aligning and passing the threaded rod  58 . Preferably, the circumferential wall  64  is fixedly secured by a suitable adhesive or epoxy “E”. 
   In the embodiment shown, a washer  68  of a suitable steel is provided between the screw head  60  and the bearing head  62  to support and resist wear caused by rotation of the screw head  60  relative to the bearing head  62 . 
   Further, the bearing head  62  is preferably comprised of a suitable polymeric material, such as Nylon or Delrin, or other suitable machinable polymeric material. 
   The second lock member  34  is threadably attached to the lower end portion  58   c  of the threaded rod  58  and axially positionable therealong, between the lower end  58   d  of the rod  58  and the end  42  of the sleeve  30  and axially movable towards and away from the end face  56  of the truncated V-shaped nose of the lock member  32 . The second lock member  34  comprises a generally cylindrical body  70  of flexible material and includes forward and rearward end portions  72  and  74 , and a threaded bore  76  that extends through the center of the body  70 . The forward end portion  72  terminates in an end face  72   a  proximate to the end portion  58   d  of the rod  58 . Further, the end face  72   a  is counterbored and fitted with an internally threaded nut  78 , which nut is fixedly secured and threadably engaged with the external thread formed on the lower end portion  58   c  of the rod  58 . The nut  78  enables the lock member  34  to be moved along the end portion  58   c  of the rod  58  as a result of rotation of the rod relative to the sleeve  30 , in a manner to be described herein below. 
   The lock member  34  is configured to be slidably fit or coaxially inserted into the chamber  28  formed in the upper end portion  18  of the putter shaft  12 . So inserted, the cylindrical body  70  is centered with and encircled by the interior wall  24  of the putter sleeve  12 . Further, the axis of the rod  58  and lock members  32  and  34  are coaxially aligned with the central geometrical axis “A” of the putter sleeve  12 . 
   The rearward end portion  74  of the lock member  34  is disposed in confronting juxtaposed facing relation with the V-shaped nose  52  of the first lock member  32  and forms a truncated V-shaped throat or opening  80  for receiving the nose  52 . The truncated V-shaped throat  80  includes a pair of like shaped cantilever arms, beams, or wings  82  and  84  that form a V-shaped nest or throat sized to receive the truncated V-shaped nose  52 . The V-shape nose  52  is blunt and adapted to engage and laterally deflect the beams  82  and  84  radially outwardly from the geometrical axis and into engagement with the inner wall  24  of the sleeve  12 . 
   The cantilever arm  82  and  84 , respectively, is defined by a semi-cylindrical exterior surface  82   a  and  84   a , a transverse end face  82   b  and  84   b , a flat engagement surface  82   c  and  84   c , and a planar wall or face  82   d  and  84   d . The exterior surface  82   a  and  84   a  and flat end face  82   d  and  84   d  a deflectable end tip of the beam. The beam and exterior surface  82   a  and  84   b , proximate to the tip, is adapted to be deflected radially outwardly and into frictional engagement with the inner wall of the sleeve. 
   The planar walls  82   d  and  84   d  are in parallel spaced relation to one another and with a horizontal plane disposed on the center axis of the bore  76  passing through the body  70  of the lock member  34 . The walls  82   d  and  84   d  form an axial slot  86  at the apex of the V-shaped throat  80 . 
   The flat engagement surfaces  82   c  and  84   c  are at an acute angle to the geometrical axis through the center of the body  70  and cooperate to form, in part, the truncated V-shaped throat or opening  80 , the apex of which is generally centered on the center axis of the bore. The axial slot  86  symmetrically aligned with the double included angle of the throat  80  and forms the root of the V-shaped opening  80 . The flat faces  82   c  and  82   d , and  84   c  and  84   d , respectively, are continuations of one another and cooperate to define the transverse axial slot  86  that separates the two beams  82  and  84 . 
   Importantly, the axial slot  86  enhances the ability of the beams  82  and  84  to deflect laterally and radially away from one another relative to the central axis “A”. 
   Importantly, and according to this invention, the V-shaped nose  52  is received in the throat  80  and the angled faces thereof driven into engagement with the angled surfaces  82   c  and  84   c  of the cantilever beams  82  and  84 , whereupon the exterior semi-cylindrical surfaces  82   a  and  84   a  thereof are deflected radially outwardly and the ends of the beams  82  and  84  driven into locking gripping engagement against the interior wall  24  of the putter sleeve  12 . 
   Critical to this invention is that the second lock member  34  be comprised of a flexible material, such as Nylon. Further, the double included angle  88  of the blunt V-shaped nose  52  is preferably greater than the double included angle  90  of the V-shaped throat  80 . As such, when the lock members  32  and  34  and the V-shaped portions  52  and  80  thereof are driven towards one another, the blunt nose  52  is driven deeply into the throat  80 , towards the slot  86 , and towards the rearward end  58   d  of the threaded rod  58 . Further movement causes the forward end  56  of the nose  52  to be driven into engagement with the flat faces  82   c  and  84   c  of the cantilever beams or arms  82  and  84 , whereupon the beams are progressively substantially simultaneously deflected radially outwardly and the respective end tips of the beams driven into engagement with the inner wall of the putter sleeve  12 . 
   Preferably and according to this invention, the double included angle  88  of the nose  52  is between about 35° and 70° and the double included angle  90  of the throat  86  is between about 30° and 40°. In one embodiment, the double included angle  88  of the nose  52  is about 52° and the double included angle  90  of the throat  80  is about 35°. 
   The double included angles  88  and  90 , the apices of which are centered on the geometrical axis and symmetrically disposed relative to one another, will to some degree determine the length of the cantilevered arms  82  and  84  needed, such as the deflectable free ends and outer exterior surfaces  82   a  and  84   a  that are deflected outwardly. A double included angle  88  that is smaller than about 35° will tend to increase the length of the beams  82  and  84  needed to deflect outwardly, thus increasing the amount and cost of materials needed. Conversely, a double included angle  88  that is greater than about 35° will tend to decrease the length of the beams  82  and  84  needed to deflect and complete a locking frictional engagement. In general, a “blunt” nose  52  will result in shorter beams. 
   However, the dimensions of the locking members required to lock with the putter shaft will change, depending on the application, such as whether the extender sleeve and putter shaft are abutted (e.g.,  FIGS. 6-8 ), or the extender sleeve is inserted into the putter shaft (e.g.,  FIG. 12 ), or the putter shaft is inserted into the extender sleeve (e.g.,  FIGS. 13 and 14 ). That is, the cantilever beams may be longer or shorter depending on the engagement needed or amount of rotation need to drive the nose and throat together. 
   Further, the length of the axial slot  86  determines to a degree the ability of the arms to deflect upon contact when the nose  52  is received in the throat  80 . 
   Preferably, in one embodiment, the first and second locking member  32  and  34  were about ⅝ inch diameter. The body  70  of the second locking member  34  was about 1⅜ inches long, end to end, the axial slot  86  was about 9/16 inches long, the axial distance from the front face  82   b  and  84   b  to the axial slot was about ½ inch, and the axial distance from the axial slot  86  (or root of the throat  80 ) to the rear face was about ½ inch. The body of the first lock member  32  was about 2 inches long, the distance from the rearward end face to the nose  52  was about 1 7/16 inches, and the nose  52  had a depth of about ½ inch from the transverse front end face  42  rearwardly. 
   Desirably, the radially expanded arms  82  and  84  provide threadless means for releasably securing the extender sleeve to the conventional putter. 
   Preferably, the first and second lock members are comprised of a material having the characteristics of being durable, resistant to chemicals and wear, having high strength, and low coefficient of friction. Desirably, the material will provide high strength and stiffness along with increased dimensional stability and ease of machining. Additionally, due to the fact that the golf putter is exposed to rain and other outside environmental conditions, the material should have a low moisture absorption. 
   According to this invention, the bearing and the lock members are comprised of a thermoplastic, such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), a homopolymer, acetal and acetal copolymers (e.g., Delrin®), Nylon, vinyl polymers (e.g., Teflon® and PTFE), HDPE, LDPE, and a polyetherimide (e.g., Ultem®), 
   In use, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the extender sleeve  30  of the adapter  22  is coaxially aligned with the putter shaft  12 , with the top end face  20  of the shaft  12  facing the lower end face  42  of the extender sleeve  30 . The length “L” of the sleeve  30  and of the threaded shaft  58  are determined in advance, depending on the conversion desired. 
   The nose  52  is interfitted within the throat  80 . The nose  52  is slightly backed off from engagement with the cantilever beams  82  and  84 . In such interfitment, rotation of the nose causes rotation of the lock member  34  into which the nose is interfitted. 
   If desired, adhesive is provided between the outer surface of the nose  52  or the interior surface of the wall  12 . Upon drying, relative rotation between the sleeves is prevented. 
   The adapter  22  is moved towards the putter causing the first and second lock members  32  and  34  to be inserted into the chamber  28  of the putter sleeve  12 . The end face  42  of the extender sleeve  30  is brought into abutment with the end face  20  of the putter shaft or sleeve  12 . The adhesive is allowed to dry, bonding the exterior surface of the first lock member to the interior wall of the putter shaft. 
   An Allen wrench (as shown in  FIG. 7 ) is inserted into the socket of the fastener head  62  and rotated, causing the threaded rod  58  to rotate. This rotation of the rod  58  relative to the lock member  34  operates on the nut  78  in the second lock member  34  and draws the second lock member  34  towards the first lock member  32 . Further rotation draws the nose  52  against the cantilever beams  82  and  84 , camming against the beams and causing the beams to deflect outwardly. Further camming pushes the outer semi-cylindrical surfaces  82   a  and  84   a  into gripping engagement with the interior wall of the putter. 
   According to another embodiment of this invention, as shown in  FIG. 11 , to improve the axial integrity of the interconnection, the first lock member  32  is axially elongated and provided with forward and rearward end portions  32 A and  32 B, the length of which portions is many diameters long. The extended length portions  32 A and  32 B of the lock member  32  are clearance fit within the mating end portions  38  and  26  of the extender and putter sleeves  30  and  12 , respectively. Such extended portions of the lock member  32  will increases the area of engagement of the lock member with the inner walls of the sleeves  30  and  12  when abutted and resist any tendency of the assembled product to sway (i.e., inhibit the two sleeves from flexing or bending from axial alignment relative to the central axis “A”). 
   In  FIG. 11 , the rearward end portion  32 A of the lock member  32  is shown adhesively secured to the inner wall of the extender sleeve  30 . In some applications, due to the extended length afforded by the end portions  32 A and  32 B of the first lock member  32 , the forward end portion or nose  52  of the first locking member  34  is not adhered to the inner wall of the sleeve  30 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 12 , an important aspect of this invention is the provision of an adapter  122 , which enables the standard putter  10  to be converted into a putter of any desired length, such as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 . In such conversion, the adapter  122  may be totally retracted within the chamber  28  formed in the putter sleeve  12 , partially withdrawn and locked in place wherein to provide the golfer with a belly putter  10 A, a long length putter  10 B, or a neck putter  10 C, or completely withdrawn. 
   The adapter  122  is similar to that described above and includes an extender sleeve  130 , a first lock member  132  with tapered nose  152 , a second lock member  134  with deflectable beams  182  and  184 , and a threaded rod  158  extending through the adapter. The extender sleeve  130  and sleeve  12  are dimensioned such that the extender sleeve  130  may slide in a clearance fit relative to the inner wall  24  of the putter sleeve  12 . The forward end portion or nose  152  is connected or fixed to the inside wall  144  of the extender sleeve  130  and the outer circumference of the lock member  134  forms a smooth transition with the outer surface  146  of the extender sleeve  130  to enhance slidable fitment of the nose portion  152  into the chamber  28  of the putter  10 . 
   So inserted, the extender sleeve  130  may slide axially back and forth relative to the inner chamber  28  of the putter sleeve  12 , as shown by the arrow “R”. When the adapter  122  is positioned where desired relative to the putter sleeve  12 , the threaded rod  158  is operated by the Allen wrench, in the manner described herein, whereupon the lock members  134  and  134  move towards one another and the nose  152  will drive the beams  182  and  184  outwardly and into gripping engagement with the inner wall  24  of the putter sleeve  12 . 
     FIGS. 13 and 14  illustrate another arrangement according to this invention for converting a golf putter. Referring to  FIG. 13 , a golf putter  310  is positioned for assembly to an extender sleeve  322 . In this arrangement, the golf putter includes a hollow tubular shaft  312  wherein the upper end portion  318  is elongated, hollow, and formed with generally cylindrical inner and outer walls  324  and  326 , which are generally concentric with one another and coaxial with the central axis through the putter shaft. The cylindrical walls  324  and  326  extend inwardly from the top end  320  of the shaft and rearwardly toward the putter head. 
   Importantly, an elongated slit  325  extends axially inward from the top end  320  of the shaft to weaken and make the upper end portion of the putter shaft wall capable of being deflected radially outwardly. In some applications, a second or third slit may be provided in the shaft wall, resulting in the end portion of the putter shaft wall being divided into separately deflectable arcuate beam sections. Further, and an important aspect of this invention, the outer surface of the outer wall  326  is slightly roughened at  327  to provide the surface with a frictional gripping capability. 
   The extender sleeve  322  is hollow, tubular, has upper and lower end portions  336  and  338  and respective ends  340  and  342 , and cylindrical inner and outer walls  344  and  346  extending coaxially between the ends of the sleeve. The extender sleeve  322  is dimensioned to telescopically slidably fit about and encircle the outer wall  326  of the putter shaft. So positioned, the inner wall  346  of the extender sleeve  322  encircles the roughened outer surface portion  327  of the putter shaft. 
   The extender sleeve  322  is provided with an elongated partially externally threaded actuator rod  358 , journalled for rotation within the sleeve in a manner described above, and a pair of lock members  332  and  334  disposed in nested confronting relation on the rod for insertion within the hollow of the putter shaft. The rod  358  and lock members  332  and  334  and their operation are as described herein above for the members  32 ,  34 , and  58 . 
   Further, as an aspect of this embodiment, a cylindrical spacer sleeve  333  having opposite ends  333   a  and  333   b  and a central bore  333   c  extending between the ends thereof is mounted to the actuator rod  358  and spaces the lock members  332  and  334  from the upper end  340  of the extender sleeve  322 . One or more keys and keyways  335   a  and  335   b  operate between the lock member  332  and the spacer sleeve  333  to align and position the lock members relative to the extender sleeve  322 . The lock member  332  and spacer sleeve  333  may in some applications be integrally formed. A separately provided spacer sleeve enables the user to customize the putter as desired. 
   As above described, the locke member  332  is preferably of Nylon or like flexible material, and the member  334  is of a more rigid material, such as Delrin. The spacer sleeve  333  enables the putter shaft to be extended, such as from 36 inches to 39 inches. 
     FIG. 14  illustrates an assembly wherein the extender sleeve  333  is connected to the upper end portion of the putter shaft. As shown, the upper end portion  318  of the putter shaft  310  is telescopically received within the hollow formed at the end  342  of the extender sleeve  333  and the lock members  332  and  334  are positioned inwardly of the forward end  320  of the putter shaft  310 . The lock member  334  is disposed at the forward end of the actuator rod  358  and faces rearwardly towards the lock member  332 . The V-shaped throat  380  of the lock member  334  opens rearwardly and receives the truncated V-shaped nose member  352  of the lock member  332 . 
   When the extender sleeve  333  and the putter shaft  310  are assembled together, the cantilever beams  382  and  384  of the lock member  334  are juxtaposed with the axial slit  325  of the putter shaft. In the manner described herein above, an Allen wrench is used to rotate the journalled end of the actuator rod  358 , causing the lock members  3324  and  334  to be driven together, whereupon the blunt nose  352  causes the beams  382  and  384  to be driven outwardly against the weakened tube section of the putter shaft and the roughened surface area  327  of the putter shaft to be driven into frictional gripping engagement with the inner wall of the extender sleeve. As before, the position of the lock members  332  and  334  may be reversed, such that the V-shaped nose  352  is at the forward end of the actuator rod and is directed rearwardly and the V-shaped throat of the lock member  334  faces forwardly. 
   While preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown and described, it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The invention is not intended to be limited by the foregoing disclosure, but only by the following appended claims.