Golf putters

Abstract

A fitting or coaching device ( 100 ) for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device having a head ( 102 ) with a striking face ( 120 ) and a shaft ( 131 ) slideably mounted to the head ( 102 ). The slideable mounting of the shaft ( 131 ) enables adjustment of its position to vary its offset distance from the striking face ( 120 ). The device ( 100 ) preferably includes an offset scale ( 141 d ). In preferred embodiments, the slideable mounting is in the form of a screw adjustment or a rack and pinion arrangement. In a less preferred embodiment, the slideable mounting is provided by an engaging portion ( 140 ) slideably receivable within a guide ( 141 b ) and securable thereto by a fastener or clamp ( 145 ), wherein the engaging portion ( 140 ) has a complementary shape to the guide ( 141 b ). In preferred embodiments, the position of the shaft ( 131 ) is movable between a first position behind the striking face ( 120 ) and a second position is in front of the striking face ( 120 ).

1 . A fitting or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device comprising a head with a striking face, a shaft releasably secured to the head at one of two or more different positions each at a predetermined offset distance from the striking face and an offset scale for measuring the offset distance. 
     
     
         2 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is arranged for slideable adjustment toward and away from the striking face. 
     
     
         3 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein a first of the two or more positions is behind the striking face and a second of the two or more positions is in front of the striking face. 
     
     
         4 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is movable between the two or more positions by a screw adjustment. 
     
     
         5 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is movable between the two or more positions by a rack and pinion adjustment. 
     
     
         6 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft comprises an engaging portion slideably receivable within a guide and securable thereto by a fastener or clamp, the engaging portion having a complementary shape to the guide. 
     
     
         7 . A device according to  claim 1 , wherein the shaft is configured for angular adjustment with respect to the head in at least one plane. 
     
     
         8 . A device according to  claim 7 , wherein the shaft is configured for adjustment of the lie angle, the device further comprising a lie angle indicator for measuring the lie angle between the shaft and the base of the head. 
     
     
         9 . A device according to  claim 7 , wherein the shaft is configured for adjustment of the loft angle, the device further comprising a loft angle indicator for measuring the loft angle between the shaft and the striking face. 
     
     
         10 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising a grip unit movably mounted to or on the shaft. 
     
     
         11 . A device according to  claim 1  further comprising at least one alignment beam generator for generating an alignment beam. 
     
     
         12 . A device according to  claim 11 , wherein the head comprises a fitting by which the alignment beam generator is removably mounted to the head. 
     
     
         13 . A device according to  claim 12  further comprising one or more weights removably connectable to the head fitting. 
     
     
         14 . A device according to  claim 11  in combination with an alignment screen with at least one alignment mark onto which the at least one alignment beam may be projected in use. 
     
     
         15 . A kit of parts for assembly into a fitting device for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the kit comprising a head with a striking face, a shaft releasably secureable to the head at one of two or more different positions each at a predetermined offset distance from the striking face, and an offset scale for measuring the offset distance. 
     
     
         16 . A method of fitting a golf club or improving a golf stroke comprising the steps of providing a fitting device with a head and a shaft and selectively securing the shaft to the head at one of two or more different predetermined offset distances from the striking face in order to determine which of the predetermined offset distances is preferable or optimal. 
     
     
         17 . A method according to  claim 16  further comprising the step of executing a golf swing or stroke and securing the shaft to a different one of the two or more different distances. 
     
     
         18 . A method of making a golf club comprising the steps of fitting a golf club according to a method as claimed in  claim 16  and making a golf club with a shaft fixed to a head at a position corresponding to one of the two or more different distances. 
     
     
         19 . A fitting or coaching device for use in fitting golf clubs or assisting golf trainers, the device comprising a head with a striking face and a shaft slideably mounted to the head and releasably securable at one of two or more different positions each at a predetermined offset distance from the striking face, wherein a first of the two or more positions is behind the striking face and a second of the two or more positions is in front of the striking face.