US20050181889A1

Movatterモバイル変換

Info

Publication number: US20050181889A1
Application number: US11/059,731
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Green
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-02-17
Filing date: 2005-02-17
Publication date: 2005-08-18
Also published as: WO2005079455A2; WO2005079455A3

Abstract

A golf putter head generally includes a first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface, and indicators for indicating to a user when the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/544,961, filed Feb. 17, 2004, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly, to golf putter heads having three-dimensional alignment features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

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 and use of particular clubs. For example, elements have been developed to assist in teaching effective putting technique.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, a golf putter head generally includes a golf putter head generally includes a first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface, and indicators for indicating to a user when the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.

Further aspects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are front perspective views of a golf putter head according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are rear perspective views of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a left view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 1;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are front perspective views of a golf putter head according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are rear perspective views of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 12 is a top view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 9 and 10;

FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 13 and 14;

FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 16;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 16 and 17;

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of a golf putter head according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a rear perspective view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 19;

FIG. 21 is a top view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 19 and 20;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 19 through 21;

FIG. 23 is a top view of a golf putter head according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a top view of a golf putter head according to another embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 is a front view of the golf putter head shown inFIG. 25; and

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of the golf putter head shown inFIGS. 25 and 26.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding features throughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

The following description of exemplary embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its applications, or uses.

According to various aspects, the invention provides various golf putter heads having three-dimensional alignment features and other features for assisting golfers in putting a golf ball. As described herein, the alignment features can be provided in various ways.

Various embodiments can also include features that help a golfer putt more consistently and help the golfer in keeping the putting on line, and also putt the golf ball with less skidding or skipping of the golf ball with more immediate rolling to the golf ball. For example, one particular putter head embodiment generally includes a striking surface, a surface extending above the striking surface, and a surface extending rearward of the striking surface. In this particular embodiment, the golf putter head has a center-of-gravity higher than a golf ball's center-of-gravity and rearward of the striking surface. Accordingly, upon contact between the striking surface and a golf ball during putting, impact forces are transmitted above the center-of-gravity of the golf ball with a large “moment-arm” effect, causing the golf ball to begin rolling immediately with no (or at least very little) skipping or skidding. Advantageously, this results in the golf ball proceeding on its intended path with more surety.

Referring toFIGS. 1 through 8, there is shown a golf putter head, generally indicated byreference number110, according to one embodiment of the present invention. Thegolf putter head110 includes astriking surface112 and asurface114 which extends above thestriking surface112. In various embodiments, thesurface114 is reflective so as to reflect an image of agolf ball116 to a user when thestriking surface112 is positioned adjacent thegolf ball116. Alternatively, however, other embodiments include a non-reflective surface above the striking surface of the putter head.

Thegolf putter head110 further includes analignment surface118 extending rearwardly behind thestriking surface112. Thealignment surface118 includes anindicator120. As described herein, the

surfaces

114 and118 can be used by a golfer to statically and dynamically align theputter head110 with thegolf ball116. As used herein, the term “golf ball” generally refers to and includes golf balls approved by the United States Golf Association (USGA) and golf balls approved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.

As shown inFIG. 7, thealignment surface118 includes only onecircular indicator120. Thecircular indicator120 is sized such that its diameter is about equal, and preferably is equal, to the golf ball's diameter. In addition, the color of theindicator120 can be white or other suitable color (e.g., yellow, pink, orange, etc.) so as to even further resemble a golf ball. Alternatively, a wide range of other non-circular geometric shapes can be used for the indicator, including semicircular shapes, triangular shapes, rectangular shapes, etc. In addition, the size of theindicator120 can also vary.

In addition, the alignment surface may define any number of (i.e., one or more) indicators which can vary in size and have diameters larger, smaller, and/or about equal to a golf ball diameter. In various embodiments, the alignment surface and indicator(s) can have a monolithic construction and be integrally formed as a single component. Alternatively, the alignment surface and indicator(s) may comprise separate components in which case the indicator(s) can be attached to the alignment surface, for example, by welding, adhesives, and/or other suitable fastening methods.

With continued reference toFIG. 7, aguide line124 is defined by theindicator120. Theguide line124 is aligned with the center of thestriking surface112. Theguide line124 is generally perpendicular to thestriking surface112.

In various embodiments, theguide line124 comprises a groove inscribed in theindicator120. The groove is preferably highlighted or colored (e.g., with paint, etc.) so as to increase the contrast between theguide line124 and the surface of theindicator120, thus making theguide line124 more readily visible. Alternatively, the indicator and guide line can be separate components. For example, the guide line can be engaged to the indicator, for example, by welding, adhesive, and/or other suitable fastening methods. Still further embodiments include a golf putter head having an indicator that does include such a guide line.

Theputter head110 includessidewalls166 defining an opening orcavity168 behind thestriking surface112. Thecavity168 extends through aportion170 of thesurface114 providing thesurface114 with a generally U-shaped upper edge that is generally symmetrical about a centerline of theputter head110. Thecavity168 extends downwardly to thealignment surface118, with thecircular indicator120 forming a bottom surface of thecavity168. In the illustrated embodiment, thecavity168 is generally U-shaped when viewed from above. Alternatively, thecavity168 can be provided in various other shapes, such as cylinders, triangles, teardrops, among other suitable shapes. In various embodiments, thecavity168 can be configured for carrying a golf ball therein, for example, while practicing.

In the illustrated embodiment, aportion172 of thesidewalls166 defining thecavity168 is highlighted (e.g., colored differently, etc.) so as to make thatsidewall portion172 more readily visible. In the illustrated embodiment, theportion172 is colored with a bright readily visible color, such as red. The sidewalls166 (or at least the colored portion) are also inwardly tapered when viewed from above so that thecolored sidewall portion172 is not visible when the golfer is looking straight down into thecavity168. Accordingly, thecolored sidewall portion172 provides a strong negative visual indicator to the golfer when the golfer's head is not properly positioned relative to theputter head110.

The golfer can thus learn to get into proper putting position using theindicator120 for initial alignment of theputter head110 towards the hole. The golfer can then look into thecavity168 and adjustably position the putter head, e.g., front-to-rear and/or heel-to-toe, as needed until the golfer no longer sees thecolored sidewall portion172. In this manner, the golfer aligns the putter head towards the hole, and is guided by the three-dimensional alignment means to look directly down over the putter head, which is generally regarded as the proper head position for putting. Alternative embodiments, however, such as thegolf putter head210 shown inFIGS. 9 through 12 does not includecolored sidewalls266.

With further reference toFIGS. 1 through 8, in those embodiment in which thesurface114 is reflective, thereflective surface114 reflects an image of agolf ball116 to a user when thestriking surface112 is positioned adjacent thegolf ball116. Thereflective surface114 can be muted so to render theputter head110 in compliance with USGA rules. By way of example only, an exemplary embodiment includes areflective surface114 which has been roughened so as to mute the reflective properties of thesurface114. In another embodiment, a coating can be applied to the reflective surface with the coating decreasing the reflective nature of thesurface114.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 7, thereflective surface114 includes acenter guide line128 positioned between two diverging guide lines130. Thecenter guide line128 is positioned relative to theindicator guide line124 such that the two

lines

124 and128 appear as a single line to a golfer looking downward at theputter head110 when the golfer's head is directly over theputter head110, which is generally regarded as the proper head position for putting. In some embodiments, however, the reflective surface does not include a center guide line and/or diverging guide lines. For example, one exemplary golf putter head includes a reflective surface having a center guide line but not diverging guide lines.

Further, the entire surface extending above thestriking surface112 can be reflective. In other embodiments, however, the surface above the striking surface may only be reflective between diverging guide lines, with the portion outside the guide lines being non-reflective.

Referring now toFIGS. 3 and 4, thegolf putter head110 further includes aheel portion132, atoe portion134, and arear surface136 positioned opposite (i.e., on a backside of) thestriking surface112 and thereflective surface114.

In various embodiments, thesidewalls166 also function to distribute weight wider than the golf ball116 (FIG. 7). This, in turn, increases the effective contact area of thestriking surface112 with thegolf ball116. In other words, the relatively extreme heel and toe weighting due to thesidewalls166 extends or increases the “sweet spot” of thestriking surface112. Accordingly, thesidewalls166 thus allow theputter head110 to be more forgiving and more effective at delivering a truer hit to thegolf ball116 when the point of contact between thegolf ball116 and thestriking surface112 does not coincide with the location of the center of mass of theputter head110.

Further, thesidewalls166 also distribute weight above thestriking surface112, shown in phantom inFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS. 1 through 8, thesidewalls166 extend along both

sides

144 and146 of thegolf ball116 when thestriking surface112 is positioned adjacent thegolf ball116 on the puttingsurface148. As shown inFIGS. 3, 4 and7, thesidewalls166 also extends substantially from theheel portion132 to thetoe portion134.

Accordingly, thesidewalls166 distribute a substantial portion of the weight of theputter head110 higher and wider than thegolf ball116 so as to better distribute the impact force between thestriking surface112 and thegolf ball116. This, in turn, increases a golfer's opportunity at achieving a straighter and truer putt of thegolf ball116 with theputter head110.

Further, the various putter head features (e.g., thestriking surface112,reflective surface114,alignment surface118,sidewalls166, etc.) are designed (e.g., sized, positioned, material selections, etc.) to position the center of gravity154 (FIGS. 5 and 6) and for theputter head110 as desired horizontally and vertically. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the center ofgravity154 of theputter head110 is located above the golf ball's center ofgravity158. Indeed, various embodiments include a center ofgravity154 of theputter head110 which is located above thetop edge160 of thegolf ball116 as well when thegolf ball116 andputter head110 are both positioned on the puttingsurface148.

Positioning the putter head center ofgravity154 above the golf ball's center ofgravity158 enables theputter head110 to more readily impart topspin and rolling to thegolf ball116 instead of causing the ball to skip and/or skid as is the case for putter heads which have a center of gravity lower than a center of gravity of a golf ball.

With further reference toFIGS. 5 and 6, the golf ball's center ofgravity158 is about 0.84 inches (2.13 centimeters) above the puttingsurface148, whereas the golf ball'stop edge160 is about 1.68 inches (4.27 centimeters) above the puttingsurface148. The center ofgravity154 of theputter head110 is preferably located a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00 inch (2.54 centimeters) above a bottom surface of theputter head110. Stated differently, the center ofgravity154 of theputter head110 is preferably located a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00 inch (2.54 centimeters) above alevel putting surface148 when theputter head110 is resting on alevel putting surface148. Accordingly, the center ofgravity154 of theputter head110 is above the golf ball's center ofgravity158 when theputter head110 andgolf ball116 are both resting on alevel putting surface148.

In addition, thealignment surface118 is preferably designed along with other putter head features (e.g., sidewalls166, etc.) so as to move the putter head's center ofgravity154 further rearward from thestriking surface112. In the exemplary embodiment shown inFIGS. 5 and 6, the rearward location of the center ofgravity154 is rearward of ashaft hole162 and shaft164 (shown in phantom). Still referring to the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6, the center ofgravity154 of theputter head110 is preferably located behind the striking surface112 a distance equal to or greater than about 1.00 inch (2.54 centimeters).

By having a more rearward center ofgravity154 which is above the golf ball's center ofgravity158, theputter head110 is able to impart a greater moment arm and thus greater roll distance, and more immediate rolling, to thegolf ball116 with less stroke power, e.g., with a softer and slower stroke. Because a slower and softer putting stroke is usually more easily controlled, theputter head110 can improve a golfer's chances of maintaining a straight line during a putting stroke.

In various embodiments, the golf putter head can have a monolithic construction in which the golf putter head is integrally formed as a single component. Alternatively, the golf putter head may comprise two or more separate components that are secured to one another, for example, by welding, adhesives, and/or other suitable fastening methods.

By way of example only, thegolf putter head110 inFIGS. 1 through 8 includes monolithic reflective and

alignment surfaces

114 and118 which are integrally formed as a single component. Thestriking surface112, however, is defined by a front surface of an insert formed of a material different than the putter head body. In other embodiments, the striking surface (e.g.,312 inFIGS. 13 through 15) is integrally formed along with the putter head body as a single component.

Theputter head110 can be used as follows to statically align theputter head110 with thegolf ball116. At address, a golfer positions thestriking surface112 adjacent thegolf ball116 so as to align thegolf ball116 with an axis passing through a center of a reflected golf ball image on thereflective surface114 and to align theindicator guide line124 with the golf ball diameter perpendicular to thestriking surface112.

Further, the indicator'sguide line124 and reflective surface'scenter guide line128 can be used to indicate when the golfer's head is positioned directly over theputter head110, which is generally regarded as the proper head position for putting. More specifically, the

guide lines

124 and128 will appear as a single line and thecolored sidewall portions172 will not be visible to the downwardly looking golfer when the golfer's head is directly over theputter head110. Alternatively, however, other embodiments can include the

guide lines

124 and128 and thecolored sidewall portions172 being configured such that when the golfer's head is at a different predetermined position relative to the putter head (e.g., other than directly over the putter head), the

guide lines

124 and128 will appear as a single line and thecolored sidewall portions172 will not be visible to the golfer.

Dynamic alignment of theputter head110 with thegolf ball116 during a putting stroke can be maintained as follows. During the backswing, the reflected golf ball image visually travels up thereflective surface114. Conversely, the reflected golf ball image visually travels down thereflective surface114 during the forward swing.

Ideally, the golfer keeps the moving image of the golf ball centered on thereflective surface114, and thus centered relative to theputter head110, during both the backswing and forward swing. To assist the golfer with this feat, thereflective surface114 includes the

guide lines

128 and130. By keeping the moving reflected image of thegolf ball116 centered along thecenter guide line128 and/or between theguide lines130, the golfer is able to keep theputter head110 dynamically aligned with thegolf ball116.

In addition, theindicator guide line124 can further assist the golfer in maintaining the dynamic alignment of theputter head110 and thegolf ball116 during the putting stroke. The golfer can maintain the alignment by keeping theindicator guide line124 aligned with the axis passing through the center of the moving reflected image of thegolf ball116.

FIGS. 13 through 15 illustrate another embodiment of agolf putter head310. As shown, thegolf putter head310 includes astriking surface312 and asurface314 extending above thestriking surface312. In various embodiments, thesurface314 is reflective so as to reflect an image of a golf ball to a user when thestriking surface312 is positioned adjacent the golf ball. Alternative embodiments, however, include a non-reflective surface above the striking surface.

Thegolf putter head310 further includes analignment surface318 positioned behind thestriking surface312. Thealignment surface318 includes alower indicator320 having a predetermined color.

Thegolf putter head310 also includessidewalls366 defining an opening orcavity368 behind thestriking surface312. Thecavity368 extends through aportion370 of thesurface314 providing thesurface314 with a generally U-shaped upper edge that is generally symmetrical about the centerline of theputter head310. Thecavity368 extends downwardly to thealignment surface318, with thelower indicator320 forming a bottom surface of thecavity368. In the illustrated embodiment, thecavity368 is generally U-shaped when viewed from above. Alternatively, thecavity368 can be provided in various other shapes, such as cylinders, triangles, teardrops, among other suitable shapes. In various embodiments, thecavity368 can be configured for carrying a golf ball therein, for example, while practicing.

Thegolf putter head310 also includes anupper indicator320′ positioned at about the top of thesurface314 andcavity368. In various embodiment, theupper indicator320′ is light-transmissible or at least partially see-through (e.g., translucent, transparent, etc.). Theupper indicator320′ is color-coordinated with thelower indicator320. In one particular embodiment, the upper andlower indicators320′ and320 are respectively colored yellow and blue, and theupper indicator320′ is positioned above thelower indicator320 so that the golfer sees a single green-colored indicator when the

indicators

320 and320′ are aligned and the golfer is looking directly down over the putter head. The single green-colored indicator thus provides the golfer with a strong positive indicator that the putter head and the golfer's head are properly positioned relative to one another. Accordingly, the “mated”

indicators

320 and320′ force the golfer to look directly down over the putter head, which is generally considered the proper putting position. To align the

indicators

320 and320′ located on different vertical levels, the golfer may have to adjustably reposition the putter head front-to-rear and/or heel-to-toe.

In the illustrated embodiment, the

indicators

320 and320′ are sized and shaped to resemble a two-dimensional golf ball. Alternatively, the indicators can be provided in a wide range of other shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, ovular, rectangular, three-dimensional objects, etc.) and/or other sizes (e.g., larger or smaller than a golf ball).

FIGS. 16 through 18 illustrate another embodiment of agolf putter head410 in which thelower indicator420 is configured to resemble a three-dimensional object. As shown, thelower indicator420 resembles a three-dimensional golf ball. Anupper indicator420′ is positioned above thelower indicator420. Theupper indicator420′ comprises a translucent material that is color-coordinated with thelower indicator420. For example, theupper indicator420′ can be yellow, and thelower indicator420 can be blue, such that the golfer sees a single green-colored indicator when theputter head410 and the golfer's head are properly positioned relative to one another. In addition, the golfer can also align the golf-ball shapedindicator420 with the golf ball416 (FIG. 18) to thereby align thestriking surface412 with thegolf ball416. Alternatively, theindicator420 can be configured to resemble other three-dimensional objects. For example, another embodiment includes a lower indicator configured to resemble an upper hemispherical portion of a golf ball.

The upper and lower indicators can also be provided in various colors and color combinations, depending, for example, on user preferences. For example, another embodiment includes a red-colored lower indicator, and a blue-colored upper indicator. In which case, the golfer sees a single purple-colored indicator when the golfer is looking directly down over the putter head. Or, for example, either or both the upper and/or lower indicators can be colorless but still be relatively positioned so as to line-up when the golfer is looking directly down over the putter head.

In yet other embodiments, the upper indicator can also be configured to reflect an image of the golf ball to a user when the striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball. For example, the upper indicator may include a upwardly bent rear portion for reflecting the image of the golf ball. Or, for example, the upper indicator may be tilted or slanted relative to the striking surface such that its front portion is lower than its rear portion. In these embodiments, the reflected image of the golf ball (or portion thereof) on the upper indicator can indicate a proper putting position as well as the putter head alignment towards the hole.

As shown inFIGS. 25 and 26, respectively, theupper indicator720′ is configured such that it has a circular shape (FIG. 25) when viewed from above, but has an elliptical or ovular shape when viewed from the front (FIG. 26). Alternatively, the upper indicator can be configured in various other shapes, including triangular, rectangular, etc.

The

indicators

720 and720′ are relatively positioned such that the image of the golf ball (or portion thereof) that is reflected on theupper indicator720′ coincides or lines-up with thelower indicator720 as viewed through theupper indicator720, when thestriking surface712 is aligned with the golf ball and the user's head is at a predetermined position (e.g., positioned directly over, etc.) relative to thegolf putter head710.

FIGS. 19 through 22 illustrate agolf putter head510 having anupper indicator520′ that is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and positioned) so as to mesh with and form a generally smooth continuous juncture with thesurface514. Alternatively, theupper indicator520′ can be an integral part of thesurface514.

Thestriking surface512 of the golf putter head is defined by a front surface of an insert formed of a material different than the putter head body. Alternatively, thestriking surface512 can be integrally formed along with the putter head body as a single component.

As shown inFIG. 22, theupper indicator520′ comprises alens521, and thelower indicator520 defines an image, such as golf ball or other suitable image. The upper and lower indicators are configured such thatlens521 focuses the golf ball image (or other suitable image) defined by thelower indicator520 so that the golf ball image is only visible and in focus to the golfer when the golfer'seye523 is looking directly down at thelens521.

FIGS. 23 through 24 illustrate another exemplarygolf putter head610 having

indicators

620 and620′. The

indicators

620 and620′ include respective mating portions that cooperate to form an image of a golf ball (or other suitable image) when the

indicators

620 and620′ are properly aligned. In this particular embodiment, theupper indicator620′ is configured to resemble a first half of a golf ball, and thelower indicator620 is configured to resemble the other half of the golf ball. Alternatively, other embodiments can include the upper and lower indicators defining differently sized portions of an image. For example, another embodiment includes the upper indicator defining about one-third (⅓) of a golf ball image, while the lower indicator defines the other two-third (⅔) portion of the golf ball image.

As shown inFIG. 23, theupper indicator620′ is disposed at a top portion of thesurface614. In one embodiment, theupper indicator620′ is a separate component that is attached to thesurface614, for example, by adhesives, or other suitable fastening means. Theupper indicator620′ is configured (e.g., sized, shaped, and positioned) so as to mesh with and form a generally smooth continuous juncture with thesurface614. Alternatively, theupper indicator620′ can be integrally formed with thesurface614.

With further reference toFIGS. 23 and 24, theputter head610 can be used as follows to help a golfer with the difficulties associated with putting. At address, a golfer positions thestriking surface612 adjacent thegolf ball616 so as to align thegolf ball616 with an axis passing through a center of a reflected golf ball image on thereflective surface614 and to align theindicator guide line624 with the golf ball diameter perpendicular to thestriking surface612.

The golfer then adjusts theputter head610 and/or the golfer's head position until the image portions on the

indicators

620 and620′ are aligned to form a single golf ball image. To assist the golfer with this task, thearea674 under thesurface614 within a recessedcavity676 can be highlighted so that thearea674 is readily visible but only when the upper andlower indicators620′ and620 are not aligned correctly. In one embodiment, thearea674 is red-colored so as to provide a strong negative visual indicator to the golfer that the

indicators

620 and620′ are not aligned, and that the golfer should thus reposition the golfer's head and/or theputter head610. In addition, theupper indicator620′ can also reflect an image of the golf ball616 (or portion thereof) to the golfer. Alternatively, the upper indicator and/or thesurface614 can be non-reflective.

In various embodiments, the golf putter head (e.g.,110,210,310,410,510,610, etc.) can have a monolithic construction in which the golf putter head is integrally formed as a single component. Alternatively, two or more of the components of a golf putter head may comprise separate components that are secured to one another, for example, by welding, adhesives, and/or other suitable fastening methods. For example, upper and/or lower indicators of a putter head can be attached to a putter head via any suitable fastening means, including mechanical fasteners, adhesives, etc.

Various embodiments include interchangeable upper and/or lower indicators in different colors and that are removably attachable to the golf putter head. This allows a golfer to customize the putter head with a particular color or color combination. For example, the user may want to change from a blue-yellow combination to a red-blue combination, depending, for example, on user preferences, a user's color-blindness, and/or lighting conditions. In such embodiments, the interchangeable different colored indicators could, for example, be removably fastened to the putter head using one or more screws that are configured for use with a hex key or other exotic screwdriver-type end tool. In various embodiments, either or both of the upper and lower indicators are removably attached to the putter head in a manner that still complies with current USGA rules requiring that all components of a clubhead must not be easily adjustable during play.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses. Thus, variations that do not depart from the substance of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface, at least one sidewall extending upwardly from the third surface and defining a cavity behind the first striking surface, the sidewall including an indicator within the cavity that is not visible to a user when the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head, thereby indicating to the user when the user's head is at the predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.

2. The golf putter head ofclaim 1 wherein the second indicator comprises a portion of the sidewalls having a color different than adjacent portions of the sidewalls.

3. The golf putter head ofclaim 1 wherein the second indicator is not visible to the user when looking substantially straight down at the golf putter head.

4. The golf putter head ofclaim 1 wherein the third surface includes a second indicator for aligning the first striking surface with a golf ball.

5. The golf putter head ofclaim 1 wherein at least a portion of the second surface extending above the first striking surface is reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball.

6. The golf putter head ofclaim 1 wherein the cavity is generally U-shaped.

7. The golf putter head ofclaim 1 wherein the golf putter head includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.

8. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface and including a first indicator having a first primary color, and a second light-transmissible indicator disposed above the first indicator, the second indicator having a second primary color that when combined with the first primary color forms a secondary color, the first and second indicators cooperating with one another such that a user sees the first and second indicators as having the secondary color when the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head, thereby indicating to the user when the user's head is at the predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.

9. The golf putter head ofclaim 8 wherein the first and second indicators appear as a single indicator having the secondary color to the user when the user is looking substantially straight down at the golf putter head.

10. The golf putter head ofclaim 8, wherein the second indicator is translucent.

11. The golf putter head ofclaim 8 further comprising a plurality of interchangeable indicators each having a different color to thereby enable the user to customize the golf putter head with a particular color scheme.

12. The golf putter head ofclaim 8 wherein at least a portion of the second surface extending above the first striking surface is reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball.

13. The golf putter head ofclaim 8 wherein the golf putter head includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.

14. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface and including an image, and a lens disposed above the image such that the image viewed through the lens is only in focus when the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head, thereby indicating to the user when the user's head is at the predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.

15. The golf putter head ofclaim 14 wherein the image viewed through the lens is only in focus when the user is looking substantially straight down at the putter head.

16. The golf putter head ofclaim 14 wherein at least a portion of the second surface extending above the first striking surface is reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball.

17. The golf putter head ofclaim 14 wherein the golf putter head includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.

18. A golf putter head comprising a first striking surface, a second surface extending above the first striking surface, a third surface extending rearwardly behind the first striking surface, and first and second indicators including corresponding image portions which cooperate to form an image when a user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head, thereby indicating to the user when the user's head is at the predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.

19. The golf putter head ofclaim 18 wherein the first and second indicators cooperate to form the image only when the user is looking substantially straight down at the golf putter head.

20. The golf putter head ofclaim 18 further comprising a colored portion disposed under the third surface and behind the first striking surface, the colored portion having a color different than the first and second indicators that is not visible when the first and second indicators are cooperating to form the image.

21. The golf putter head ofclaim 18 wherein the second indicator is disposed at a top portion of the third surface.

22. The golf putter head ofclaim 21 wherein the second indicator is configured to reflect an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball.

23. The golf putter head ofclaim 18 wherein at least a portion of the second surface extending above the first striking surface is reflective for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to the user when the first striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball.

24. The golf putter head ofclaim 18 wherein the golf putter head includes a higher center of gravity than a golf ball.

25. A golf putter head comprising a striking surface, a reflective translucent surface extending above the striking surface for reflecting an image of at least a portion of a golf ball to a user when the striking surface is positioned adjacent the golf ball, and an alignment surface extending rearwardly behind the striking surface, the alignment surface including at least one indicator positioned relative to the reflective translucent surface such that the indicator is visible through the reflective translucent surface and coincides with the reflected image of at least a portion of the golf ball on the reflective translucent surface when the striking surface is aligned with the golf ball and the user's head is at a predetermined position relative to the golf putter head.