US20090181786A1 - Bubble putter - Google Patents

Bubble putter Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090181786A1
US20090181786A1 US12/250,951 US25095108A US2009181786A1 US 20090181786 A1 US20090181786 A1 US 20090181786A1 US 25095108 A US25095108 A US 25095108A US 2009181786 A1 US2009181786 A1 US 2009181786A1
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United States
Prior art keywords
putter
shaft
ball
hole
slope
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Abandoned
Application number
US12/250,951
Inventor
Thomas F. McKiernan
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Individual
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Individual
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Priority to US12/250,951 priority Critical patent/US20090181786A1/en
Publication of US20090181786A1 publication Critical patent/US20090181786A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B53/00—Golf clubs
    • A63B53/007—Putters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B69/00—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports
    • A63B69/36—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf
    • A63B69/3676—Training appliances or apparatus for special sports for golf for putting
    • A63B69/3685—Putters or attachments on putters, e.g. for measuring, aligning

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to golf equipment, and in particular, to a golf putter with a built in bubble level to assist in identifying horizontal slope of green (L to R; R to L) around hole in relationship to where player's ball is on the green; putter shaft optionally has straight edge to assist in identifying target line to compensate for slope.
  • the “plumb bob” method determines a target line for a putt by holding the putter out from their body at about shoulder height and identify a target line using the edge of the putter shaft. This is a very misleading alignment tool because the typical putter shaft is 1 ⁇ 2′′ wide at the top of the shaft tapered down to about 1 ⁇ 4′′ wide at the bottom of the shaft. This creates an “angle” vs a straight edge, as is proposed under this invention. This means the alignment target line is off by at least 1 ⁇ 8′′ and depending on how far from the hole the golfers ball is, the put could be missed by many inches, the further from the hole the greater width of the miss.
  • This invention will allow the golf player to more accurately identify the right to left or left to right slope of the green around the hole in relationship to the position of their golf ball on the green. Additionally, this invention will aid the golf player to more accurately identify the target line for their putt to compensate for the right to left or left to right slope utilizing the straight edge of the putter shaft. This invention is not designed to aid the player in identifying if the slope is uphill or downhill in relationship to the position of their ball on the green.
  • the golfer Regardless of the slop direction, the golfer will still require skill in hitting the ball on the correct target line and at the right speed.
  • the putter is constructed with a generally cylindrical opening in the putter shaft, having its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.
  • the opening is adapted to receive a spirit vial of the type used in a conventional spirit level.
  • the opening is generally located between the grip portion of the putter and the hosel, preferably within about an inch from the grip. Apertures are provided at about 90°, measured circumferentially from the cylindrical opening, to permit viewing of the spirit in the vial.
  • the putter is held at the very top of shaft with arm extended outwardly from the body (parallel to the ground) at about shoulder height with the putter hanging straight down at right angle to the ground.
  • the bottom half of the putter is positioned directly over the ball and the top half of the putter is positioned directly over the golf hole, forming a straight line between the ball and the hole. If the bubble within the bubble level appears to right of center the green slopes from the right to the left; if the bubble appears to the left of center the green slopes from left to right; if the bubble appears in the center there is no slope.
  • Right to left slope The top of the putter is held with the right hand and is extended outward from the body at about shoulder level and positioned with the left straight edge of the shaft over the center of the ball and the center of the hole forming a straight a line between the ball and hole.
  • the top of the putter is slowly tilted to the right, keeping the bottom left straight edge of the putter over the center of the ball. (NOTE: Both hands may be used during this stage if necessary to keep the bottom of the putter straight edge over the center of the ball.)
  • the bubble in the bubble level is observed. When the bubble is located within the center, the tilting process is stopped.
  • the target line is based on the left straight edge of the putter.
  • a spot on the green is picked one to three feet in front of the ball in line with the left straight edge of the putter. This spot represents the target to be used to line up and strike the putt.
  • the top of the putter is held with the left hand and is extended outward from the body at about shoulder level and positioned with the right straight edge of the shaft over the center of the ball and the center of the hole forming a straight line between the ball and hole.
  • the top of the putter is slowly tilted to the left, keeping the bottom right straight edge of the putter over the center of the ball. (NOTE: Both hands may be used during this stage if necessary to keep the bottom of the putter edge over the center of the ball.)
  • the bubble in the bubble level is observed.
  • the tilting process is stopped.
  • the target line is based on the right straight edge of the putter.
  • a spot on the green is picked one to three feet in front of the ball in line with the right edge of the putter. This spot represents the target to be used to line up and strike the putt.
  • a point on the hump is visually identified based on where the ball will begin to fall off the hump down to the hole and then the target line to that point on the hump is determined based on using that point on the hump in relation to the ball on the green, using steps 1, 2 or 3 above.
  • FIG. 1 Left side of putter
  • FIG. 2 Back of putter
  • FIG. 3 Schematic illustration of manner of using putter

Abstract

Golf putter that will aid golfer in determining slope of green and putting target line to compensate for slope of green.

Description

    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
  • The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/979,967, filed Oct. 15, 2007, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.
    • FIELD OF THE INVENTION
  • The present invention relates to golf equipment, and in particular, to a golf putter with a built in bubble level to assist in identifying horizontal slope of green (L to R; R to L) around hole in relationship to where player's ball is on the green; putter shaft optionally has straight edge to assist in identifying target line to compensate for slope.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Many putting greens have a slope from right to left, left to right, back to front, front to back. Often a combination of the different slopes will exist on the same green. Often these slopes will be visual to the eye. Equally as often the slope is so slight it is very difficult to identify it with the eye. The purpose of this invention is to assist in identification of the horizontal slope (L to R; R to L), not the front to back or back to front slope.
  • Golfers typically attempt to determine horizontal slope on a green on a visual basis. Based on their observation they will determine if they should aim their putt to the right or left of the hole to compensate for the right to left or left to right slope and how hard they should strike the ball based on it being an uphill on down hill slope between their ball and the hole.
  • Additionally, many golfers will use what is referred to as the “plumb bob” method to determine a target line for a putt by holding the putter out from their body at about shoulder height and identify a target line using the edge of the putter shaft. This is a very misleading alignment tool because the typical putter shaft is ½″ wide at the top of the shaft tapered down to about ¼″ wide at the bottom of the shaft. This creates an “angle” vs a straight edge, as is proposed under this invention. This means the alignment target line is off by at least ⅛″ and depending on how far from the hole the golfers ball is, the put could be missed by many inches, the further from the hole the greater width of the miss.
  • This invention will allow the golf player to more accurately identify the right to left or left to right slope of the green around the hole in relationship to the position of their golf ball on the green. Additionally, this invention will aid the golf player to more accurately identify the target line for their putt to compensate for the right to left or left to right slope utilizing the straight edge of the putter shaft. This invention is not designed to aid the player in identifying if the slope is uphill or downhill in relationship to the position of their ball on the green.
  • Regardless of the slop direction, the golfer will still require skill in hitting the ball on the correct target line and at the right speed.
    • SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A. Design of the Bubble Putter
  • The putter is constructed with a generally cylindrical opening in the putter shaft, having its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The opening is adapted to receive a spirit vial of the type used in a conventional spirit level. The opening is generally located between the grip portion of the putter and the hosel, preferably within about an inch from the grip. Apertures are provided at about 90°, measured circumferentially from the cylindrical opening, to permit viewing of the spirit in the vial.
    • B. Determining the Slope of the Green:
  • 1. The putter is held at the very top of shaft with arm extended outwardly from the body (parallel to the ground) at about shoulder height with the putter hanging straight down at right angle to the ground. The bottom half of the putter is positioned directly over the ball and the top half of the putter is positioned directly over the golf hole, forming a straight line between the ball and the hole. If the bubble within the bubble level appears to right of center the green slopes from the right to the left; if the bubble appears to the left of center the green slopes from left to right; if the bubble appears in the center there is no slope.
  • 2. This process will tell the golfer when the bubble appears to the right of center the ball when struck will roll from right to left; if the bubble appears to the left of center the ball, when struck, will roll from left to right and if the bubble appears in the center the ball will roll straight when struck.
    • C. Determining Target Line of Putt:
  • 1. Right to left slope: The top of the putter is held with the right hand and is extended outward from the body at about shoulder level and positioned with the left straight edge of the shaft over the center of the ball and the center of the hole forming a straight a line between the ball and hole. The top of the putter is slowly tilted to the right, keeping the bottom left straight edge of the putter over the center of the ball. (NOTE: Both hands may be used during this stage if necessary to keep the bottom of the putter straight edge over the center of the ball.) As the top of the putter is being slowly tilted to the right, the bubble in the bubble level is observed. When the bubble is located within the center, the tilting process is stopped. The target line is based on the left straight edge of the putter. A spot on the green is picked one to three feet in front of the ball in line with the left straight edge of the putter. This spot represents the target to be used to line up and strike the putt.
  • 2. Left to right slope: The top of the putter is held with the left hand and is extended outward from the body at about shoulder level and positioned with the right straight edge of the shaft over the center of the ball and the center of the hole forming a straight line between the ball and hole. The top of the putter is slowly tilted to the left, keeping the bottom right straight edge of the putter over the center of the ball. (NOTE: Both hands may be used during this stage if necessary to keep the bottom of the putter edge over the center of the ball.) As the top of the putter is being slowly tilted to the left, the bubble in the bubble level is observed. When the bubble is located within the center, the tilting process is stopped. The target line is based on the right straight edge of the putter. A spot on the green is picked one to three feet in front of the ball in line with the right edge of the putter. This spot represents the target to be used to line up and strike the putt.
  • 3. No slope: Top of the putter is held with either hand and arm extended outward from the body at about shoulder level and position putter with either straight edge of the shaft over the center of the ball and the center of the hole forming a straight line between the ball and hole. (NOTE: Both hands may be used during this stage if necessary to keep the bottom of the putter edge over the center of the ball.) The target line is based on the straight edge of the putter, left or right whichever selected. A spot on the green is picked one to three feet in front of the ball in line with the straight edge selected of the putter. This spot represents the target to be used to line up and strike the putt.
  • NOTE: Either hand can be used to line up the putt; however, using the right or left hand as outlined in B-1 and B-2 is recommended.
  • 4. When the player's ball is above the hole and there is a sever downhill slope between the ball and the hole, increase the target line by approximately double the distance.
  • 5. When putting over a hump in the green, a point on the hump is visually identified based on where the ball will begin to fall off the hump down to the hole and then the target line to that point on the hump is determined based on using that point on the hump in relation to the ball on the green, using steps 1, 2 or 3 above.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1: Left side of putter
  • FIG. 2: Back of putter
  • FIG. 3: Schematic illustration of manner of using putter

Claims (7)

1. A putter shaft that is tapered down to approximately ¼″ to fit into a putter head beginning approximately 80% down the shaft thus providing 80% of the putter shaft resulting in a straight line edge for putt alignment purposes, as described under Summary of use of invention. (FIG. 1) Typical putter shaft is about ½″ wide at the top and is tapered from very top to very bottom down to ¼″ at the bottom to fit into a putter head.
2. At very top of shaft a putter grip is added and the very bottom of the shaft is fitted into a putter head, much the same as typical putter construction.
3. Within about 1″ below the bottom of the putter grip a horizontal hole is drilled thru the shaft from the left side thru to the right side. (FIG. 1)
4. A viewing hole is drilled on the back of the shaft into the horizontal hole drilled in claim 3 above. (FIG. 2)
5. A liquid bubble level is inserted into the horizontal hole identified in claim 3 above. (FIG. 1)
6. The liquid bubble level (claim 5 above) has a ¼″ wide leveling bubble within it.
7. The uniqueness of this invention is the shape of the putter shaft and the insertion of a horizontal liquid bubble level into the shaft. The putter grip and putter head would be selected from a wide range of grip and head options available.
US12/250,951 2007-10-15 2008-10-14 Bubble putter Abandoned US20090181786A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/250,951 US20090181786A1 (en) 2007-10-15 2008-10-14 Bubble putter

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US97996707P 2007-10-15 2007-10-15
US12/250,951 US20090181786A1 (en) 2007-10-15 2008-10-14 Bubble putter

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US20090181786A1 true US20090181786A1 (en) 2009-07-16

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1000564S1 (en) 2021-05-05 2023-10-03 Bradley R. Burwell Sighting apparatus for golf

Citations (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1573707A (en) * 1924-11-18 1926-02-16 Union Hardware Company Steel golf-club shaft
US2858734A (en) * 1956-02-08 1958-11-04 Owens Illinois Glass Co Skylights
US2919491A (en) * 1957-12-03 1960-01-05 George H Darrell Level indicating putter
US3307303A (en) * 1964-01-13 1967-03-07 Dan E Bloxsom Fireproof skylight assembly
US3574349A (en) * 1968-09-23 1971-04-13 Norbert Victor Kropp Pendulum-type golf putter
US4078548A (en) * 1974-04-22 1978-03-14 Kaptron, Inc. High efficiency solar panel
US4179125A (en) * 1978-03-17 1979-12-18 Michael F. Aboussouan Level-indicating putter
US4927151A (en) * 1989-07-28 1990-05-22 Ronnick Albert J Golf club including sight level indicator
US5228772A (en) * 1991-08-09 1993-07-20 Siemens Solar Industries, L.P. Solar powered lamp having a cover containing a fresnel lens structure
US5360659A (en) * 1993-05-24 1994-11-01 The Dow Chemical Company Two component infrared reflecting film
US5415408A (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-05-16 Putt Masters Inc. Golf club
US5711719A (en) * 1995-11-02 1998-01-27 Fireman; Stephen Golf club
US5772525A (en) * 1994-12-15 1998-06-30 New Vision Golf Corp. Golf putter
US6104854A (en) * 1996-03-29 2000-08-15 Enplas Corporation Light regulator and surface light source device
US6155930A (en) * 1999-06-09 2000-12-05 Madara; Gerald J. Sighting apparatus for use with a golf putter
US6239910B1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2001-05-29 Architectural Energy Corporation Mini-optical light shelf daylighting system
US6280346B1 (en) * 1997-07-02 2001-08-28 Robert J. Gedeon Golf putter
US6391400B1 (en) * 1998-04-08 2002-05-21 Thomas A. Russell Thermal control films suitable for use in glazing
US6456437B1 (en) * 1999-01-14 2002-09-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical sheets suitable for spreading light
USRE38217E1 (en) * 1996-08-09 2003-08-19 Odl, Incorporated Tubular skylight with improved dome
US20050078483A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-14 C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni Lighting equipment
US20050166490A1 (en) * 2004-01-09 2005-08-04 Darmer Samuel H. Skylight with displacement absorber and interlocking telescoping tubes
US7134254B1 (en) * 2003-02-10 2006-11-14 Van Gelder Terry L Skylight fall protection safety panel and method of making
US20060288645A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-28 Cpi International Inc. Method and apparatus for selective solar control
US7185464B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2007-03-06 Gennaro Bracale Tubular skylight for lighting rooms with natural light
US20080035275A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2008-02-14 Konvin Associates Ltd. Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
US20080104903A1 (en) * 2006-11-08 2008-05-08 Paul Jaster Skylight tube with infrared heat transfer
US20080250733A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2008-10-16 Konvin Associates Ltd. Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
US20080304263A1 (en) * 2005-12-12 2008-12-11 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Optical Device for Creating an Illumination Window
US20110067824A1 (en) * 2010-10-13 2011-03-24 Moshe Konstantin Light-control assembly
US8098433B2 (en) * 2009-12-11 2012-01-17 Solatube International, Inc. Direct and indirect light diffusing devices and methods

Patent Citations (31)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1573707A (en) * 1924-11-18 1926-02-16 Union Hardware Company Steel golf-club shaft
US2858734A (en) * 1956-02-08 1958-11-04 Owens Illinois Glass Co Skylights
US2919491A (en) * 1957-12-03 1960-01-05 George H Darrell Level indicating putter
US3307303A (en) * 1964-01-13 1967-03-07 Dan E Bloxsom Fireproof skylight assembly
US3574349A (en) * 1968-09-23 1971-04-13 Norbert Victor Kropp Pendulum-type golf putter
US4078548A (en) * 1974-04-22 1978-03-14 Kaptron, Inc. High efficiency solar panel
US4179125A (en) * 1978-03-17 1979-12-18 Michael F. Aboussouan Level-indicating putter
US4927151A (en) * 1989-07-28 1990-05-22 Ronnick Albert J Golf club including sight level indicator
US5228772A (en) * 1991-08-09 1993-07-20 Siemens Solar Industries, L.P. Solar powered lamp having a cover containing a fresnel lens structure
US5360659A (en) * 1993-05-24 1994-11-01 The Dow Chemical Company Two component infrared reflecting film
US5415408A (en) * 1994-02-25 1995-05-16 Putt Masters Inc. Golf club
US5772525A (en) * 1994-12-15 1998-06-30 New Vision Golf Corp. Golf putter
US5711719A (en) * 1995-11-02 1998-01-27 Fireman; Stephen Golf club
US6104854A (en) * 1996-03-29 2000-08-15 Enplas Corporation Light regulator and surface light source device
USRE38217E1 (en) * 1996-08-09 2003-08-19 Odl, Incorporated Tubular skylight with improved dome
US6280346B1 (en) * 1997-07-02 2001-08-28 Robert J. Gedeon Golf putter
US6391400B1 (en) * 1998-04-08 2002-05-21 Thomas A. Russell Thermal control films suitable for use in glazing
US6456437B1 (en) * 1999-01-14 2002-09-24 3M Innovative Properties Company Optical sheets suitable for spreading light
US6239910B1 (en) * 1999-02-12 2001-05-29 Architectural Energy Corporation Mini-optical light shelf daylighting system
US6155930A (en) * 1999-06-09 2000-12-05 Madara; Gerald J. Sighting apparatus for use with a golf putter
US7185464B2 (en) * 2001-10-29 2007-03-06 Gennaro Bracale Tubular skylight for lighting rooms with natural light
US7134254B1 (en) * 2003-02-10 2006-11-14 Van Gelder Terry L Skylight fall protection safety panel and method of making
US20080035275A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2008-02-14 Konvin Associates Ltd. Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
US20080250733A1 (en) * 2003-06-20 2008-10-16 Konvin Associates Ltd. Dual panel system for controlling the passage of light through architectural structures
US20050078483A1 (en) * 2003-10-14 2005-04-14 C.R.F. Societa Consortile Per Azioni Lighting equipment
US20050166490A1 (en) * 2004-01-09 2005-08-04 Darmer Samuel H. Skylight with displacement absorber and interlocking telescoping tubes
US20060288645A1 (en) * 2005-06-10 2006-12-28 Cpi International Inc. Method and apparatus for selective solar control
US20080304263A1 (en) * 2005-12-12 2008-12-11 Koninklijke Philips Electronics, N.V. Optical Device for Creating an Illumination Window
US20080104903A1 (en) * 2006-11-08 2008-05-08 Paul Jaster Skylight tube with infrared heat transfer
US8098433B2 (en) * 2009-12-11 2012-01-17 Solatube International, Inc. Direct and indirect light diffusing devices and methods
US20110067824A1 (en) * 2010-10-13 2011-03-24 Moshe Konstantin Light-control assembly

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD1000564S1 (en) 2021-05-05 2023-10-03 Bradley R. Burwell Sighting apparatus for golf

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