Golf putter

Abstract

The instant invention provides a putter for use by a golfer in playing golf. The putter includes: a shaft long enough to rest against the abdomen; a head of greater than conventional mass fixed to the first end of the putter; and, a handle fixed to the second end of the putter. The handle further includes: an upper hand grip; a lower hand grip substantially length to rest against the abdomen navel dimensionally spaced from the upper hand grip; and, a counterweight positioned within the handle substantially near the upper hand grip, for providing the putter with a conventional center of gravity. The putter is designed for maximizing the sweet spot of the head while enabling the golfer to putt a golf ball by pivoting the putter substantially only at a point located at about the upper hand grip, from an otherwise conventional crouched stance.

I claim: 
     
       1. A putter for use by a golfer in playing golf, including elements comprising:
 a shaft having a first end and a second end; 
 a substantially massive head of greater than about 18 ounces, fixed to said first end; and, 
 a handle fixed to said second end; 
 said handle comprising:
 an upper portion having an upper hand grip for being gripped by the first hand of said golfer; 
 a lower portion having a lower hand grip spaced from said upper hand grip for being gripped by the second hand of said golfer; and 
 a counterweight positioned in said handle substantially near said upper hand grip sufficient to provide said putter with a center of gravity located on the shaft a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head; 
 
 wherein the angle between said shaft and said head is less than about 90° and more than about 45° and said elements are designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for providing a sweet spot of said substantially massive head and for enabling said golfer to putt a golf ball by pivoting said putter substantially only at a point located at about said upper hand grip from an otherwise conventional crouched stance, 
 wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
 
     
     
       2. The putter of  claim 1 , wherein said putter has a length (“L”) and said lower handgrip is located on said putter for enabling said golfer to putt said golf ball by causing said lower hand grip to pass through an arc defined in part by a point about midway between the crotch and a knee of said golfer while said putter is pivoted at substantially only at said point. 
     
     
       3. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein said striking head comprises a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, nickel, lead, brass, bronze, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       4. The putter of  claim 3 , wherein said striking head weighs from about 24 ounces to about 80 ounces. 
     
     
       5. The putter of  claim 4 , wherein said striking head weighs from about 24 ounces to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       6. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein said handle comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: iron, steel, titanium, nickel, lead, aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon fiber composite, fiberglass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       7. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein said handle is from about 14 inches to about 24 inches in length and said upper hand grip is proximately positioned at one end of said handle and said lower hand grip is proximately positioned at the other end of said handle. 
     
     
       8. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein each said grip is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: leather, plastic, rubber, metal, wood, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       9. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein each said grip is from about 3 inches to about 8 inches in length. 
     
     
       10. The putter of  claim 9 , wherein each said grip is about 7 inches in length. 
     
     
       11. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein said shaft is constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: iron, steel, titanium, lead, nickel, aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon fiber composite, fiberglass, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
       12. The putter of  claim 2 , wherein said putter is from about 29 inches to about 52 inches in length. 
     
     
       13. The putter of  claim 12 , wherein said shaft of said putter is from about 15 inches to about 18 inches in length. 
     
     
       14. The putter of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the putter is adjustable. 
     
     
       15. The golf putter of  claim 1 , wherein the length of the putter is adjustable, comprising:
 a first portion of said putter selected from a portion of a member of the group consisting of the shaft and the handle, 
 a longitudinal rod extending from said putter first portion; 
 a second portion of said putter selected from a portion of a member of the group consisting of the shaft and the handle; 
 the longitudinal rod being inserted into said putter second portion, said rod being longitudinally movable, and being rotatable about the rod longitudinal axis; 
 the longitudinal rod having a transverse first hole in its sidewalls and a transverse second hole in its sidewalls, the first hole being a first distance from said putter first portion and said second hole being a second distance from said putter first portion; 
 a housing, a locking pin and a spring, said housing attached to an inner wall of said putter second portion, said housing containing said spring and at least a portion of said locking pin, said spring biasing said locking pin towards said rod, said pin contacting said rod; 
 said holes of said rod having a diameter greater than that of said locking pin. 
 
     
     
       16. The golf putter of  claim 15 , wherein the rod first hole is longitudinally aligned with the rod second hole. 
     
     
       17. The golf putter of  claim 16 , wherein said rod defines a longitudinal groove which is located parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the first hole and second hole. 
     
     
       18. The golf putter of  claim 15 , wherein the first portion of said putter is a first one of said handle portions and the second portion of said putter is a second one of said handle portions. 
     
     
       19. A method using a putter to putt a golf ball, said putter comprising:
 a shaft having a first end and a second end; 
 a substantially massive head of greater than about 16 ounces, fixed to said first end; and, 
 a handle fixed to said second end; 
 said handle comprising:
 an upper portion having an upper hand grip for being gripped by the first hand of said golfer; 
 a lower portion having a lower hand grip spaced from said upper hand grip for being gripped by the second hand of said golfer; and 
 a counterweight positioned in said handle substantially near said upper hand grip sufficient to provide said putter with a center of gravity located on the shaft a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head; 
 
 wherein the angle between said shaft and said head is less than about 90° and more than about 45° and said elements are designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for providing a sweet spot of said substantially massive head and for enabling said golfer to putt a golf ball by pivoting said putter substantially only at a point located at about said upper hand grip from an otherwise conventional crouched stance, 
 comprising the steps of:
 causing said golfer to grasp said upper hand grip and said lower hand grip; 
 causing said golfer to assume a substantial conventional crouched stance, wherein both feet of said golfer are on the same side of the line of travel of said golf ball after said golf ball has been putted; 
 causing said golfer to swing said putter in a stroke defined by a substantially stationary point at about said upper grip positioned at about the navel of said golfer; 
 a lower hand of said golfer during said stroke forming an arc passing through a point about midway between the crotch and knees of said golfer; and, 
 causing said golfer to strike said golf ball at about the sweet spot of said head of said putter, 
 
 wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
 
     
     
       20. A method using the putter of  claim 19  to putt a golf ball, comprising:
 causing said golfer to grasp said upper hand grip and said lower hand grip; 
 causing said golfer to assume a substantial conventional crouched stance, whereby both feet of said golfer are on the same side of the line of travel of said golf ball after said golf ball has been putted; 
 causing said golfer to swing said putter in a stroke defined by a substantially stationary point at about said upper grip positioned at about the navel of said golfer; one of the golfer's hands making an arc passing through a point about midway between the crotch and knees of said golfer during the stroke, and 
 causing said golfer to strike said golf ball at about the sweet spot of said head of said putter. 
 
     
     
       21. A golf putter for use by a golfer in playing golf, including elements comprising:
 a shaft having a first end and a second end; said shaft being constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: iron, steel, titanium, lead, nickel, aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon fiber composite, fiberglass, and combinations thereof; 
 a substantially massive head weighing from about 16 ounces to about 80 ounces and constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of iron, steel, lead nickel, brass, bronze, and combinations thereof, fixed to said first end; 
 a handle fixed to said second end; said handle further comprising an upper hand grip for being gripped by the first hand of said golfer; a lower hand grip substantially dimensionally spaced from said upper hand grip for being gripped by the second hand of said golfer; and, a counterweight positioned in said handle substantially near said upper hand grip sufficient to provide said putter with a conventional center of gravity; 
 said handle being from about 14 inches to about 24 inches in length and being constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: iron, steel, titanium, lead, nickel, aluminum, brass, bronze, carbon fiber composite; fiberglass, and combinations thereof; and, said upper hand grip is proximately positioned at one end of said handle and said lower hand grip is proximately positioned at the other end of said handle; wherein each said grip is from about 3 inches to about 8 inches in length and constructed of a material selected from the group consisting of: leather, plastic, rubber, metal, wood, and combinations thereof; and 
 wherein the angle between said shaft and said head is less than about 90° and more than about 45° and said elements are designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for providing a sweet spot of said substantially heavy head and for enabling said golfer to putt a golf ball by pivoting said putter substantially only at a point located at about said upper hand grip from an otherwise conventional crouched stance, 
 wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
 
     
     
       22. The golf putter of  claim 21 , wherein the head is designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for maximizing the sweet spot. 
     
     
       23. The golf putter of  claim 21 , wherein the length of the putter is adjustable. 
     
     
       24. The golf putter of  claim 21 , wherein the length of the putter is adjustable, comprising:
 a first portion of said putter selected from a portion of a member of the group consisting of the shaft and the handle, 
 a longitudinal rod extending from said putter first portion; 
 a second portion of said putter selected from a portion of a member of the group consisting of the shaft and the handle; 
 the longitudinal rod being inserted into said putter second portion, said rod being longitudinally movable, and being rotatable, about the rod longitudinal axis; 
 the longitudinal rod having a transverse first hole in its sidewalls and a transverse second hole in its sidewalls, the first hole being a first distance from said putter first portion and said second hole being a second distance from said putter first portion; 
 a housing, a locking pin and a spring, said housing attached to an inner wall of said putter second portion, said housing containing said spring and at least a portion of said locking pin, said spring biasing said locking pin towards said rod, said pin contacting said rod; 
 said holes of said rod having a diameter greater than that of said locking pin. 
 
     
     
       25. The golf putter of  claim 24 , wherein the rod first hole is longitudinally aligned with the rod second hole. 
     
     
       26. The golf putter of  claim 25 , wherein said rod defines a longitudinal groove which is located parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the first hole and second hole. 
     
     
       27. The golf putter of  claim 24 , wherein the first portion of said putter is a first one of said handle portions and the second portion of said putter is a second one of said hand portions. 
     
     
       28. A golf putter, comprising a handle, a shaft and a head, wherein the length of the putter is adjustable, comprising:
 a first portion of said putter selected from a portion of a member of the group consisting of the shaft and the handle, 
 a longitudinal rod extending from said putter first portion; 
 a second portion of said putter selected from a portion of a member of the group consisting of the shaft and the handle; 
 the longitudinal rod being inserted into said putter second portion, said rod being longitudinally movable, and being rotatable, about the rod longitudinal axis; 
 the longitudinal rod having a transverse first hole in its sidewalls and a transverse second hole in its sidewalls, the first hole being a first distance from said putter first portion and said second hole being a second distance from said putter first portion; 
 a housing, a locking pin and a spring, said housing attached to an inner wall of said putter second portion, said housing containing said spring and at least a portion of said locking pin, said spring biasing said locking pin towards said rod, said pin contacting said rod; 
 said holes of said rod having a diameter greater than that of said locking pin. 
 
     
     
       29. The golf putter of  claim 28 , wherein the rod first hole is longitudinally aligned with the rod second hole. 
     
     
       30. The golf putter of  claim 29 , wherein said rod defines a longitudinal groove which is located parallel to the longitudinal alignment of the first hole and second hole. 
     
     
       31. The golf putter of  claim 28 , wherein the first portion of said putter is a first one of said handle portions and the second portion of said putter is a second one of said hand portions. 
     
     
       32. The putter of claim 33, wherein said lower hand grip portion is spaced from said upper hand grip portion. 
     
     
       33. A golf putter, including elements comprising:
 a shaft having a first end and a second end;   a substantially massive head of greater than about 18 ounces to about 80 ounces, fixed to said first end; and,   a handle extending from said second end;   said handle comprising:   an upper hand grip portion;   a lower hand grip portion; and   said putter having a center of gravity located on the shaft a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head;   wherein said elements are designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for providing a sweet spot of said substantially massive head and for enabling said golfer to putt a golf ball by pivoting said putter from an otherwise conventional crouched stance,   wherein sufficient weight is positioned near or within said upper hand grip portion to provide said putter with the center of gravity located on the shaft portion the distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head,   wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 6 inches to about 14 inches.   
     
     
       34. The putter of claim 33, a counterweight positioned substantially near or within said upper hand grip portion sufficient to provide said putter with the center of gravity located on the shaft the distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head. 
     
     
       35. The putter of claim 33, wherein said head weighs from greater than about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       36. A method for making a golf putter, the putter comprising a head, a shaft portion and a handle portion, the handle portion extending from the shaft portion and the handle portion sized and configured for the golfer to grip the putter with two hands, the head and the handle portion being at opposed ends of the putter, comprising:
 fixing a substantially massive head of about 16 ounces to 80 ounces, to a first end of the shaft portion; and,   wherein said putter has a center of gravity located on the shaft portion a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head;   wherein said elements are designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for providing a sweet spot of said substantially massive head,   wherein sufficient weight is positioned near or within said handle portion to provide said putter with said center of gravity located on the shaft portion a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head,   wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 6 inches to about 14 inches.   
     
     
       37. The method of claim 36, wherein said head weighs from greater than about 18 ounces to about 80 ounces. 
     
     
       38. The method of claim 36, wherein a counterweight is positioned near or within said handle portion sufficient to provide said putter with said center of gravity located on the shaft portion a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head. 
     
     
       39. The method of claim 36, wherein said head weighs from about 16 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       40. A method of using a putter to putt a golf ball, said putter comprising:
 a shaft having a first end and a second end;   a substantially massive head of greater than about 16 to 80 ounces, fixed to said first end; and,
 a handle extending from the second end of the shaft and sized and configured to allow two hands of a golfer to grip the putter; 
   said handle comprising:
 an upper hand grip portion; and 
 a lower hand grip portion; and 
   said putter having a center of gravity located on the shaft a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head;   wherein said elements are designed, dimensioned, sized and weighted sufficient for providing a sweet spot of said substantially massive head and for enabling said golfer to putt a golf ball from an otherwise conventional crouched stance,   wherein sufficient weight is positioned near or within said handle portion to provide said putter with said center of gravity located on the shaft portion a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head,   wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 6 inches to about 14 inches,   comprising the steps of:   causing said golfer to grasp said upper hand grip portion and said lower hand grip portion;   causing said golfer to assume a substantially conventional crouched stance, wherein both feet of said golfer are on the same side of the line of travel of said golf ball after said golf ball has been putted;   causing said golfer to swing said putter; and,   causing said golfer to strike said golf ball at about the sweet spot of said head of said putter.   
     
     
       41. The method of claim 40, wherein said head weighs from greater than about 18 to about 80 ounces. 
     
     
       42. The method of claim 40, wherein a counterweight is positioned near or within said handle portion sufficient to provide said putter with said center of gravity located on the shaft portion a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head. 
     
     
       43. The method of claim 40, wherein said head weighs from about 16 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       44. A golf putter comprising:
 a shaft having a first end and a second end;   a substantially massive head of greater than about 18 to about 80 ounces, fixed to the first end of the shaft;   a handle extending from the second end of the shaft and sized and configured to allow two hands of a golfer to grip the putter; and   a counterweight positioned near an end of the handle away from the second end of the shaft;   the putter having a center of gravity located on the shaft a distance of about 6 to about 18 inches above the head;   wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 6 inches to about 14 inches.   
     
     
       45. The putter of claim 44, wherein the handle is an extension of the shaft. 
     
     
       46. The method of claim 36, wherein the substantially massive head has a weight of about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       47. The method of claim 40, wherein the substantially massive head has a weight of about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       48. The putter of claim 44, wherein the substantially massive head has a weight of greater than about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       49. The method of claim 19, wherein the substantially massive head has a weight of about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       50. The putter of claim 21, wherein the substantially massive head has a weight of about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       51. The putter of claim 33, wherein the substantially massive head has a lowermost outer wall, an uppermost outer wall, opposed outer sidewalls, and a striking face, the lowermost outer wall being parallel to the uppermost outer wall and extending back from the face substantially the entire width of the putter, the opposed outer sidewalls attached to the lowermost outer wall and the uppermost outer wall. 
     
     
       52. The method of claim 36, wherein the substantially massive head has a lowermost outer wall, an uppermost outer wall, opposed outer sidewalls, and a striking face, the lowermost outer wall being parallel to the uppermost outer wall and extending back from the face substantially the entire width of the putter, the opposed outer sidewalls attached to the lowermost outer wall and the uppermost outer wall. 
     
     
       53. The method of claim 39, wherein the substantially massive head has a lowermost outer wall, an uppermost outer wall, opposed outer sidewalls, and a striking face, the lowermost outer wall being parallel to the uppermost outer wall and extending back from the face substantially the entire width of the putter, the opposed outer sidewalls attached to the lowermost outer wall and the uppermost outer wall. 
     
     
       54. The putter of claim 44, wherein the substantially massive head has a lowermost outer wall, an uppermost outer wall, opposed outer sidewalls, and a striking face, the lowermost outer wall being parallel to the uppermost outer wall and extending back from the face substantially the entire width of the putter, the opposed outer sidewalls attached to the lowermost outer wall and the uppermost outer wall. 
     
     
       55. The putter of claim 33, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       56. The method of claim 36, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       57. The method of claim 40, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       58. The putter of claim 44, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       59. The method of claim 1, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       60. The putter of claim 19, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       61. The putter of claim 21, wherein the center of gravity is above the head by a distance of about 25 to 30% of the total putter length. 
     
     
       62. The method of claim 33, wherein the center of gravity is located on the shaft a distance of about 7 to about 16 inches above the head. 
     
     
       63. The method of claim 36, wherein the center of gravity is located on the shaft a distance of about 7 to about 16 inches above the head. 
     
     
       64. The method of claim 40, wherein the center of gravity is located on the shaft a distance of about 7 to about 16 inches above the head. 
     
     
       65. The putter of claim 44, wherein the center of gravity is located on the shaft a distance of about 7 to about 16 inches above the head. 
     
     
       66. The putter of claim 62, wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
     
     
       67. The putter of claim 66, wherein the head has a face height of about 0.75 to 1 inch and the head has a weight of greater than about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       68. The putter of claim 63, wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
     
     
       69. The method of claim 68, wherein the head has a face height of about 0.75 to 1 inch and the head has a weight of about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       70. The method of claim 64, wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
     
     
       71. The method of claim 70, wherein the head has a face height of about 0.75 to 1 inch and the head has a weight of about 18 to about 36 ounces. 
     
     
       72. The putter of claim 65, wherein the shaft has a shaft length of about 20 to about 24 inches and the handle has a length of about 12 inches to about 14 inches. 
     
     
       73. The putter of claim 72, wherein the head has a face height of about 0.75 to 1 inch and the head has a weight of greater than about 18 to about 36 ounces.