US20220118327A1

US20220118327A1 - Game Stick

Info

Publication number: US20220118327A1
Application number: US17/422,382
Authority: US
Inventors: Alexander S. Van Alen; Stevan Bloom; John Pruellage
Original assignee: New Swarm Sports LLC
Current assignee: New Swarm Sports LLC
Priority date: 2019-01-18
Filing date: 2020-01-17
Publication date: 2022-04-21
Also published as: US20250195968A1; WO2020150571A1

Abstract

A game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick including a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end and a head coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The head has a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to receive the golf ball. The game stick further includes surface disposed on an exterior surface of the head, the striking surface being comprised of a different material than the head.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/794,371 filed Jan. 18, 2019 entitled “Game Stick”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a game stick, and more particularly, to game stick for use with throwing and putting a golf ball.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Golf is a common and longstanding game that is played on golf courses using a golf club and golf ball. The game is typically played over either nine or eighteen holes and requires striking the golf ball with the golf club to get the ball from a tee-off location to the green. The area between the tee-off location and the green is known as the fairway. A cup, positioned within a hole in the ground, is located somewhere on the green and marked with a flag to give the player (golfer) a visual indication of the cups location.
During gameplay, the golfer positions the golf ball at the tee-off location on a particular hole and strikes the ball with the head of golf club to move the ball through the air to some distance down the fairway. The fairway is of a sufficient length to require the golfer to strike the ball one or more times to move the ball from the tee-off location to the green. Once at the green, the golfer selects a specially designed golf club, known as a putter, to gently strike the ball so that it rolls across the surface of the green toward the cup and drops into the same.
Golf can be expensive and time consuming. Further, learning the basics of golf can take years and be difficult without consistent practice. Therefore, golf may be unappealing to certain individuals. There is also a need to utilize existing golf courses. Particularly, in the off-season, or when trying to grow grass, when divots from traditional golf swings are undesirable.
Accordingly, there is a need to create a game for playing a game on a golf course that is fun, quick, easy to learn and play, limits impact on the grass, and inexpensive.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, there is a game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick including a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The game stick also includes a head coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to receive the golf ball, and a striking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the head, the striking surface being comprised of a different material than the head.
In one embodiment, the shaft is a telescoping shaft having an expanded position and a collapsed position, the telescoping shaft having at least a first portion and second portion, the first portion coupled to the second portion. In the collapsed position, the first portion is at least partially inserted into the second portion, thereby reducing a length of the shaft.
In one embodiment, the striking surface is removably coupled to the head. In one embodiment, the one or more of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the striking surface include a magnet configured to releasably retain the striking surface to the sidewall.
In one embodiment, the striking surface is coupled to the head via at least one spacer, the at least one spacer being compressible. The striking surface may be comprised of a compressible inner facing material and a non-compressible outer facing material.
In one embodiment, the striking surface is disposed one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall. The striking surface may be disposed on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall. The first sidewall may be substantially parallel to the second sidewall. In one embodiment, an attachment having two striking surfaces is removably coupled to the head.
The striking surface may be comprised of foam. The head may be comprised of plastic and the striking surface may be comprised of metal. In one embodiment, the head is comprised of plastic and the striking surface is comprised of foam and metal. The head may be comprised of a first material and the striking surface may be comprised of a second material, the second material being more compressible than the first material.
In one embodiment, the game stick further includes at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion being disposed on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the striking surface is disposed on the at least one protrusion.
In one embodiment, the game stick further includes at least one recessed portion, the at least one recessed portion being disposed on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the striking surface is disposed in the at least one recessed portion. The channel may be sized to allow the golf ball to freely travel within the channel.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick including shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The game stick includes a head having a neck coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to allow the golf ball to freely travel within the channel, the first sidewall having a first protrusion including a first recess, and the second sidewall having a second protrusion including a second recess. The game stick further includes a first striking surface comprised of foam and disposed within the first recess and a second striking surface comprised of foam and disposed within the second recess. The first striking surface and the second striking surface each have a width greater than a height, each of the widths being substantially parallel with a length of the channel.
Another embodiment of the present invention provides for a game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick including a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The game stick includes a head coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to receive the golf ball, wherein the head is less than 10 ounces, and a first striking surface disposed on the first sidewall and a second striking surface disposed on the second sidewall, the first striking surface and the second striking surface each including a flat portion configured to putt a golf ball.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of embodiments of the game stick, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings of exemplary embodiments. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a perspective partial view of a game stick in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back perspective view of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a back view of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a right side view of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of an exemplary head of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front view of the striking surface of the exemplary game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is an exploded partial view of the game stick of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11A is an perspective view of a telescoping game stick in accordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in an expanded position;

FIG. 11B is an perspective view of the telescoping game stick of FIG. 11A, shown in a collapsed position; and

FIG. 12 is perspective partial view of a game stick in accordance with a third exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Existing game sticks, such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,656,136, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, have been used to throw and putt a golf ball. These existing game sticks include a head with a channel for throwing or flinging the golf ball, and a side surface used for putting the golf ball such that a single club may be used to play the game. The lightweight configuration and material for the head is desirable when throwing the golf ball, however is not as effective for striking or putting the golf ball. As a result, the user may push rather than strike the golf ball when putting. The side surface may include a recess sized to receive the golf ball and push the golf ball toward the hole without the golf ball sliding along the side surface. Pushing the golf ball during putting may not be desirable by certain players who prefer to strike the golf ball similar to as if they were using a standard golf putter. Further, certain player may wish to have an area larger than the recess for striking the golf ball to allow for variability when they strike the golf ball.
Embodiments of the present invention provide an improved game stick for throwing and putting a golf ball. In use, game stick 100 may be used with a standard golf ball on an existing golf course. For example, game stick 100 may be used with a golf ball having a diameter of approximately 42.67 mm. Specifically, game stick 100 may be used to throw a golf ball down a golf course towards a specific area known as the green, which includes a hole on the green. Further, game stick 100 may be used on the green to gently strike and putt the golf ball into the hole on the green. In other embodiments, the game stick 100 may be configured for use with a custom ball and used on an alternative game course or at a range. For example, game stick 100 may be used with a custom ball having a diameter larger than 42.67 mm or smaller than 42.67 mm.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2, game stick 100 may include shaft 102 and head 108. Shaft 102 is preferably configured in a similar fashion to a shaft of a standard golf club. In other embodiments, shaft 102 may be specifically configured for throwing or flinging a golf ball. For example, shaft 102 may be made of a semi-rigid material capable of loading and unloading a force applied to it. Shaft 102 may be coupled to head 108. In one embodiment, shaft 102 is removably coupled to head 108. For example, shaft 102 may be threadably connected to head 108. In another embodiment, shaft 102 is fixedly coupled to head 108 (e.g., using a snap fit and/or adhesive). Head 108 may include first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114, channel 116, back wall 122 and striking surface 118. First sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, and bottom wall 114 may comprise channel 116.
Referring to FIG. 2, shaft 102 may include proximal end 104 and distal end 106. Shaft 102 may have length L disposed between proximal end 104 and distal end 106. Length L of shaft 102 may be similar to the length of a standard golf club shaft. For example, shaft 102 may be between approximately 30 and approximately 70 inches long. However, shaft 102 may be as short as approximately 18 inches or as long as approximately 72 inches. In preferred embodiments, shaft 102 is between approximately 40 inches and approximately 55 inches. Shaft 102 may also taper from proximal end 104 to distal end 106, similar to a standard golf club shaft. Shaft 102 may be comprised of wood, titanium, aluminum, composite fiber, carbon fiber, or plastic. In some embodiment, shaft 102 is comprised of a combination of different materials. For example, shaft 102 may be comprised of a first material proximate proximal end 104 and a second material proximate distal end 106. Shaft 102 may be rigid or semi-rigid to allow for some flexibility to help fling the golf ball from head 108. In one embodiment, shaft 102 is lightweight to allow a user to easily swing game stick 100. For example, shaft 102 may be between approximately 1 ounce and approximately 10 ounces, between approximately 2 ounces and approximately 9 ounces, between approximately 3 ounces and approximately 8 ounces, between approximately 4 ounces and approximately 7 ounces, between approximately 5 ounces and approximately 6 ounces, or less than 2 ounces. In a preferred embodiment, shaft is between approximately 2.3 ounces and approximately 4.4 ounces. The weight of shaft 102 may vary with length L of shaft 102. For example, shaft 102 being approximately 72 inches may weight more than shaft 102 being approximately 30 inches. In some embodiments, shaft 102 may be telescoping such that shaft 102 may be collapsible, such as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, discussed below.
Referring to FIGS. 2-6, shaft 102 may include grip 130. Grip 130 may be coupled to proximal end 104 or may be integrally formed with proximal end 104. In some embodiments, grip 130 may be disposed circumferentially around shaft 102 proximate to proximal end 104. Grip 130 may be configured to allow a user to adequately grip shaft 102 as game stick 100 is swung through the air. Grip 130 may also be configured to allow a user to steadily hold shaft 102 and game stick 100 while striking or putting a golf ball. In one embodiment, grip 130 weight between approximately 2 ounces and 8 ounces, between approximately 3 ounces and 7 ounces, between approximately 4 ounces and 6 ounces, greater than 8 ounces or less than 2 ounces. In a preferred embodiment, grip 130 weights between approximately 3.2 ounces and approximately 5.5 ounces.
Referring to FIG. 1, game stick 100 may include head 108. Head 108 may be comprised of first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114, and back wall 122. Head 108 may be configured to hold a golf ball. For example, head 108 may be sized and shaped to receive and hold a golf ball. Head 108 may be coupled to distal end 106 of shaft 102. In one embodiment, head 108 includes neck 126, which includes bore 128. Shaft 102 may be disposed within bore 128. Shaft 102 may be fixedly or removably disposed within bore 128 to allow a user to swing game stick 100 without shaft 102 and head 108 decoupling. Head 108 may have a length between approximately 1 inch and approximately 10 inches, between approximately 2 inches and approximately 9 inches, between approximately 3 inches and approximately 8 inches, between approximately 4 inches and approximately 7 inches, between approximately 5 inches and approximately 6 inches, or greater than 10 inches. For example, head 108 may have a length of approximately 3.75 inches. Head 108 may be comprised of nylon resin, wood, titanium, aluminum, composite fiber, carbon fiber, or plastic. For example, head 108 may be comprised of nylon resin such as polyamide 66 resin. In one embodiment, head 108 is comprised of a combination of one or more materials.
In one embodiment, head 108 is lightweight to allow a user to easily swing game stick 100. Head 108 may weigh between approximately 2.5 ounces and approximately 10 ounces, between approximately 3 ounces and approximately 9 ounces, between approximately 4 ounces and approximately 8 ounces, or between approximately 5 ounces and approximately 7 ounces to allow a user to easily swing game stick 100 above their head. For example, head 108 may weigh approximately 10 ounces, less than 10 ounces, less than 9 ounces, less than 8 ounces, approximately 5 ounces, less than 5 ounces, greater than 3 ounces, greater than 4 ounces, or greater than 5 ounces. The weight of head 108 may vary based on the material comprising head and/or striking surface 118. In one embodiment, head 108 may be comprised of multiple materials and apertures to decrease the weight of head 108. For example, head 108 may be comprised out of multiple pieces of different materials, such as carbon fiber or plastic, and the multiple pieces may be coupled together with struts or connectors to further reduce the overall weight of head 108.
Referring to FIG. 7, head 108 may include channel 116. Channel 116 may be defined by first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, and bottom wall 114, and may extend radially from longitudinal axis L. Channel 116 may have a width W_cand a length L_c. In one embodiment, channel 116 is defined by a substantially smooth surface. In another embodiment, channel 116 is defined by a textured surface that may include ridges, dimples, bumps, or grooves. Channel 116 may include a surface having an incline, such as a ramp.
In some embodiments, channel 116 may be sized to allow a golf ball to freely travel within channel 116. For example, channel 116 may have a width larger than approximately 42.67 mm, the diameter of a standard American golf ball, or larger than approximately 41.15, the diameter of some European golf balls. Channel 116 may have a width between approximately 41 and approximately 47 mm, between approximately 42 and approximately 46 mm, or between approximately 43 and approximately 45 mm. In one embodiment, channel 116 has a width larger than approximately 42.67 mm. Channel 116 may be configured to receive a golf ball and allow a golf ball to be propelled out of head 108 when game stick 100 is swung. For example, channel 116 may have a sufficient length, such as between approximately 2 inches and approximately 12 inches long or between approximately 2 inches and approximately 6 inches long, to allow the golf ball to be propelled from game stick 100 when game stick 100 is swung. The golf ball may slide out or be propelled from game stick 100 with or without spin. In one embodiment, channel 116 may be configured to have a width permitting a golf ball to freely travel along the length of channel 116 making contact with bottom wall 114 and, at most, either first sidewall 110 or second sidewall 112 when the golf ball is disposed within channel 116.
Referring to FIGS. 7-8, first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 may be substantially parallel to each other and may be perpendicular to bottom wall 114. First sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 may have the same length and height. For example, first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 may have a length between approximately 2 inches and approximately 8 inches, approximately 3 inches and 7 approximately inches, or approximately 4 inches and approximately 6 inches, and a height of approximately 15, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, or 30 mm. In one embodiment, first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 have a height between approximately 20 mm and approximately 70 mm, approximately 30 mm and approximately 60 mm, or approximately 40 mm and approximately 50 mm. First sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 may be mirror images of each other. However, first sidewall 110 may have a different length and width than that of second sidewall 112. First sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 may be coupled to bottom wall 114 and back wall 122.
In one embodiment, the interior surface of back wall 122 is curved to match the curvature of a golf ball. The distance of radius of contact between the golf ball and back wall 122 may be between approximately 100 degrees and approximately 180 degrees, between approximately 110 degrees and approximately 170 degrees, between approximately 120 degrees and approximately 160 degrees, between approximately 130 degrees and approximately 150 degrees, greater than approximately 100 degrees, or less than approximately 180 degrees. For example, the distance of radius of contact between the golf ball and back wall 122 may be between approximately 120 degrees and approximately 165 degrees. Bottom wall 114 may be disposed at an angle from approximately 105 degrees to approximately 165 degrees relative to longitudinal axis L of shaft 102. However, bottom wall 114 may be disposed at an angle from approximately 90 degrees to approximately 180 degrees, approximately 110 degrees to approximately 160 degrees, approximately 130 degrees to approximately 140 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, or less than 180 degrees relative to longitudinal axis L of shaft 102.
In one embodiment, back wall 122 is continuous with bottom wall 114. For example, back wall 122 may be integrally formed with bottom wall 114. In another embodiment, back wall 122 and bottom wall 114 are individual pieces that are coupled together. First sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114 and back wall 122 may be integrally formed. For example, first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114 and back wall 122 may be integrally formed with each other and may be substantially continuous with each other. In another embodiment, first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114 and back wall 122 may be individual pieces that are coupled together to form head 108. First sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114 and back wall 122 may be coupled together via an adhesive, welding, snap fasteners, or any other type of coupling mechanism.
Referring to FIGS. 1-2 and 10, in one embodiment, head 108 may include aperture 124. Aperture 124 may be disposed on first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, bottom wall 114, or back wall 122. In one embodiment, head 108 may include more than one apertures. For example, head 108 may include two apertures, three apertures, four apertures, or five apertures. In one embodiment, apertures 124 is circular. In another embodiment, apertures 124 is triangular, rectangular, hexagonal, or semi-circular. In some embodiment, aperture 124 may have a diameter less than the diameter of a golf ball. For example, aperture 124 may have a diameter less than approximately 42.47 mm. Aperture 124 may be configured to cradle a golf ball.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 9, head 108 may include striking surface 118. Striking surface 118 may be configured to putt a golf ball. In one embodiment, striking surface 118 may be configured to putt a golf ball in a similar manner to a standard golf putter. Striking surface 118 may be disposed on an exterior surface of head 108. For example, striking surface 118 may be disposed on first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, or both. Striking surface 118 may be disposed on head 108 generally perpendicular to bottom wall 114 and may be disposed generally parallel to channel 116. For example, striking surface 118 may be disposed on head 108 to be generally parallel to length L_cof channel 116. Striking surface 118 may be disposed on first sidewall 110 and/or second sidewall 112, and may be adjacent to bottom wall 114. In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is disposed on both first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 to allow a single game stick 100 to be used with both left-handed and right-handed users. In another embodiment, striking surface 118 is disposed on only one of first sidewall 110 or second sidewall 112 to minimize the weight of head 108 and game stick 100. In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is lightweight in order to allow head 108 and game stick 100 to be lighter than a standard golf putter thereby allowing a user to easily swing game stick 100 in the air during use. In another embodiment, striking surface 118 is heavy like a standard golf putter.
Striking surface 118 may be configured to be removably coupled to head 108 to allow a user to selectively remove striking surface 118 from head 108. For example, game stick 100 may have striking surface 118 disposed on first sidewall 110 and another striking surface 118 disposed on second sidewall 112 and a user may selectively remove striking surface 118 from first sidewall 110, leaving only striking surface 118 disposed on second sidewall 112. For example, a right-handed user may remove the left striking surface to decrease the weight of head 108 since the left striking surface is not used by the user. In other embodiment, the right-handed user may prefer to keep the unused striking surface attached for weight purposes. In one embodiment, the user may remove striking surfaces 118 from first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 to lighten the weight of head 108 during throwing. Head 108 may include one striking surface, two striking surfaces, three striking surface, or four striking surfaces. Head 108 may include one striking surface 118 on a preferred side, one striking surface 118 on each side, or two or more striking surfaces 118 on one side. Striking surface 118 may include center portion 119, which may be substantially flat. Center portion 119 may be configured to strike a golf ball toward a target (e.g., a cup or a hole). In some embodiments, center portion 119 may include ridges, bumps, or other textures to aid in contacting a golf ball. In some embodiments, center portion 119 may be comprised of a different material than the rest of striking surface 118. In some embodiments, center portion 119 may be the preferred area for contacting a golf ball when striking the golf ball with striking surface 118. For example, striking a golf ball with center portion 119 may result in the golf ball having a trajectory substantially perpendicular to center portion 119.
In some embodiments, one or more striking surfaces 118 may be configured to releasably couple to head 108 simultaneously. For example, an attachment including one or more striking surfaces 118 may be releasably or removeably coupled to head 108. The attachment may be coupled to head 108 by clipping the attachment to head 108 from the bottom and/or in a sliding direction from the front or back of head 108. In some embodiments, the attachment is slidably couple to head 108. For example, head 108 may include tracks or grooves configured to slidably receive the attachment with one or more striking surfaces 118. However, the attachment may be releasably coupled to head 108 by snap fit, friction fit, or one or more fasteners such as a latch or a magnet. In one embodiment, first sidewall 110 and second sidewall 112 may be configured to slidably receive the attachment. In some embodiments, the attachment may be U-shaped with striking surfaces 118 disposed on the sides, and a bracket extending between the two striking surface 118. The bracket of the U-shaped attachment may generally shaped to match the contour of bottom wall 114. In one embodiment, when the attachment is disposed on head 108, the bracket of the attachment may be adjacent to bottom wall 114. In one embodiment, the two striking surfaces 118 are foldable toward the bracket when detached from head 108 allowing for compact storage of the attachment when throwing a golf ball or otherwise when the attachment is detached from head 108. The attachment may be readily accessible and easily attached to head 108 to allow the player to couple the attachment to the head 108 for putting and then again removed for throwing. In one embodiment, the attachment folds and is configured to fit in a pant pocket and/or bag.
In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is made out of a material different from head 108 and shaft 102. For example, striking surface 118 may be made out of a more flexible material or more compressible material than head 108 or shaft 102, such as foam. Striking surface 118 may be comprised out of a closed cell material, such as foams, rubber compounds, open cell polyurethanes, or technical composites such as silicone/foam blends. In a preferred embodiment, striking surface 118 is comprised of a technical composite, such as polyurethane foam blend, due to its durability and manufacturing flexibility. In one embodiment, the polyurethane foam blend is characterized by its ability to maintain tensile, tear, and elongation properties during exceptionally high temperatures and compressions, and has a resilience to deformation and degradation over time. Further, the polyurethane foam blend may be bonded to adhesives to accelerate the manufacturing of game stick 100. The adhesives bonded to the polyurethane foam blend of striking surface 118 may be all-weather adhesives capable of withstanding all outdoor weather. For example, striking surface 118 may be water proof or water resistant to prevent striking surface 118 from soaking up and retaining water.
In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is configured to absorb and release energy associated with striking a golf ball. For example, striking surface 118 may be made out of an elastic or energy absorbing material so that when striking surface 118 strikes a golf ball, energy is absorbed by the collision and then released, thereby transferring energy back to the golf ball allowing it to propel. Striking surface 118 may be made out of multiple materials or layers of different materials. In one embodiment, every layer of material comprising striking surface 118 is different from the material comprising head 108. Striking surface 118 may include a top layer, which is the layer of striking surface 118 that contacts the golf ball during putting. The top layer of striking surface 118 may be a comprised of a different material than the rest of striking surface 118. For example, the top layer of striking surface 118 may include a finishing or a surface such that striking surface 118 does not adhere to or grip the golf ball when the golf ball is struck with striking surface 118. In one embodiment, the top layer of striking surface 118 includes a specific pattern, such as a grid pattern having slots, which may prevent the top layer from adhering to or gripping the golf ball.
In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is made out of a hard material similar to a standard golf putter. Striking surface 118 may be made out of a heavier material to increase the overall weight of game stick 100 to be more similar to the weight of a standard golf putter. For example, striking surface 118 may be comprised of steel, bronze, aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, titanium, ceramic, stone, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is oblong in shape and has a width greater than its height, where the width is substantially parallel to a length of channel 116. Striking surface 118 may have a thickness between approximately 0.05 inches and approximately 0.5 inches, between approximately 0.1 inches and approximately 0.45 inches, between approximately 0.15 inches to approximately 0.40 inches, between approximately 0.2 inches to approximately 0.35 inches, greater than 0.5 inches, or less than 0.05 inches. In one embodiment, striking surface 118 has a thickness between approximately 0.188 inches to approximately 0.250 inches to maximize the transfer of kinetic energy when striking surface 118 strikes a golf ball.
Referring to FIGS. 1 and 7, head 108 may include protrusion 120 and striking surface 118 may be disposed on protrusion 120. Protrusion 120 may be disposed on first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, or both. In another embodiment, striking surface 118 is disposed directly on first sidewall 110 or second sidewall 112. Head 108 may include a recessed portion disposed on first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, or both, and striking surface 118 may be disposed within the recessed portion. In some embodiments, striking surface 118 may have a larger footprint, e.g., longer and/or wider, than the recessed portion. For example, striking surface 118 may be longer and wider than the recessed portion to increase central portion 119, and thus increasing the preferred area for contacting a golf ball. In one embodiment, striking surface 118 is coupled to a base layer. For example, striking surface 118 may be coupled to a more rigid material substantially the same shape as striking surface 118 and the base layer may be directly coupled to head 108. The base layer may include an adhesive allowing striking surface 118 to couple to head 108 without compromising the structural integrity of striking surface 118.
Referring to FIG. 10, game stick 100 may include striking surface 136. Striking surface 136 may be similar to striking surface 118 of FIG. 1. Striking surface 136 may be removably coupled to head 108 via fastener 132. Fastener 132 may be a magnet, snap fastener, a screw, a clip, hook and loop (e.g., Velcro), or adhesive. For example, fastener 132 may be disposed on first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, or both, and striking surface 136 may include fastener 134 configured to releasably retain striking surface 136 to first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, or both. In one embodiment, fastener 132 and 134 may be magnets. For example, fasteners 132 and 134 may be magnets to allow striking surface 136 to magnetically couple to head 108. Striking surface 136 may be removed from head 108 by overcoming the magnetic force between fastener 132 and fastener 134. The force between fastener 132 and fastener 134 may be great enough to prevent striking surface 136 from being decoupled from head 108 or shifting during use, but not too strong as to prevent a user from decoupling striking surface 136 from head 108 when not in use. In practice, a player may remove striking surface 136 when putting is not required and then may couple striking surface 136 to head 108 when putting is required. Striking surface 136 being removably coupled to head 108 allows for game stick 100 to be lightweight when striking surface 136 is removed from head 108 since the presence of striking surface 136 may increase the overall weight of game stick 100. When game stick 100 is being flung, it is important that game stick 100 be lightweight.
In one embodiment, game stick 100 may include a storage portion located on shaft 102 or head 108 having magnetic material for storage of striking surface 136. For example, during “teeing off,” such as when a golf ball is flung out of channel 116, striking surface 136 may be stored by removably coupling to game stick 100. Striking surface 136 may be stored by magnetically coupling to a location on game stick 100. For example, shaft 102, bottom wall 114, or back wall 122 may include magnetic material allowing striking surface 136 to be stored and removably coupled when required. Striking surface 136 may then be removed from the storage area, such as shaft 102, bottom wall 114, or back wall 122, and coupled to first sidewall 110, second sidewall 112, or both.
Referring to FIGS. 11A and 11B, there is shown a second exemplary embodiment. Game stick 100′ is similar to game stick 100 shown in FIG. 1 and as discussed herein but includes a collapsible shaft 102′. Shaft 102′ may be configured to be telescoping to allow shaft 102′ to be easily stored when not in use, such as during travelling. For example, shaft 102′ may be in expanded position during normal use (FIG. 11A), and may be in collapsed position (FIG. 11B) during storage or travel. Shaft 102′ may be comprised of multiple portions, which may be configured to be inserted into an adjacent portion. For example, shaft 102′ may include first portion 131, second portion 133, and third portion 135. First portion 131 may be distal to second portion 133, which may be distal to third portion 135.
In a collapsed position, first portion 131 may be inserted into second portion 133, which may be inserted into third portion 135, thereby reducing the overall length of shaft 102′. In some embodiments, third portion 135 may be inserted into grip 130′ to further reduce the length of shaft 102′. In addition, certain players may want shaft 102′ to partially telescope in order to allow for a shorter shaft length when putting, to approximate the length of a standard golf putter. In some embodiments, shaft 102′ may adjust for various user heights or preferences. For example, shaft 102′ may include a locking mechanism to lock shaft 102′ at specifically selected heights to allow a single shaft 102′ to be used for varying heights.
In other embodiments, head 108′ is removably or foldably coupled to shaft 102′ to further reduce the profile of game stick 100′ when not in use. In one embodiment, head 108′ may pivot at or proximate neck 126′ to fold head 108′ towards shaft 102′. In one embodiment, shaft 102′ is received in channel 116′ in the folded or removed position. Removing or folding head 108′ relative to shaft 102′ may allow for compact storage of game stick 100′.
Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a third exemplary embodiment. Game stick 100″ is similar to game stick 100 shown in FIG. 1 and as discussed herein but includes a different striking surface configuration. Game stick 100″ may include striking surface 146, which may be coupled to head 108″ via one or more spacers 142. In one embodiment, striking surface 146 is coupled to head 108″ via two spacers 142. However, striking surface 146 may be coupled to head 108″ via one spacer, three spacers, four spacers, or five spacers. Game stick 100″ may include a plurality of spacers 142 comprised of different materials. For example, game stick 100″ may include multiple spacers 142 where at least one spacer 142 is comprised of a different material than another spacer 142. In some embodiments, spacer 142 is comprised of one or more layers of material and is disposed between striking surface 146 and head 108″. In some embodiment, spacer 142 is comprised of multiple layers of different materials. For example, spacer 142 may be comprised of two or more layers, where at least one layer is comprised of a different material than another layer. Spacer 142 may be one or more layers the same size as striking surface 146 or may be smaller than striking surface 146.
In one embodiment, striking surface 146 is comprised of multiple materials. For example, striking surface 146 may include an inner facing material and an outer facing material. The inner facing material may be comprised of a compressible material and the outer facing material may be comprised of a non-compressible material. For example, the outer facing material of striking surface 146 may be comprised of a dense, heavy material such as metal, ceramic, stone, or wood, and the inner facing material of striking surface 146 may be comprised of a compressible material, such as foam. Striking surface 146 having an outer facing material comprised of a dense, heavy material and an inner facing material being comprised of a compressible material allows game stick 100″ to have more weight compared to when striking surface 146 is not comprised of a heavy material. Further, this configuration may give the user a better feel when striking or putting a golf ball. In some embodiments, game stick 100″ having two striking surfaces 146 each comprised of a metal material and being disposed on first sidewall 110″ and second sidewall 112″ allows for game stick 100″ to be better balanced. In one embodiment, the outer facing surface of striking surface 146 may be grooved or otherwise treated for desirable contract with a golf ball and to increase performance. For example, the outer facing surface of striking surface 146 may include grooves to better grip a golf ball during putting.
Striking surface 146 may be a thin plate coupled to head 108″ and may include first end 143 and second end 144. Striking surface 146 may be comprised of a relatively heavy material such as steel, bronze, aluminum, brass, copper, zinc, titanium, ceramic, stone, or any combination thereof, whereas head 108 may be made of a relatively lighter material, such as plastic, wood, carbon fiber, metallic microlattice or a combination thereof. Striking surface 146 may be coupled to spacers 142 at first end 143 and second end 144, and spacers 142 may be coupled to head 108″. In one embodiment, spacers 142 are coupled to protrusion 120″ of head 108″. For example, spacer 142 may be disposed between protrusion 120″ and striking surface 146. In one embodiment, spacer 142 is approximately the same size as protrusion 120″ and striking surface 142 is sized larger than spacer 142. However, striking surface 146 may be the same size as protrusion 120″ or smaller than protrusion 120″. In some embodiments, striking surface 146 may have a larger footprint, e.g. longer and/or wider, than spacers 142 and/or protrusion 120″. For example, striking surface 146 may be longer and wider than spacer 142 and/or protrusion 120″ to increase central portion 119″, and thus increasing the preferred area for contacting the a golf ball. Spacer 142 may be rubber and flexible to allow spacer 142 to be compressed. For example, spacers 142 may compressible. In practice, when a golf ball strikes striking surface 146, striking surface 146 may compress and move towards head 108″. After the collision between striking surface 146 and the golf ball, spacers 142 may return to their initial state after being compressed. Spacers 142 may be sized to allow for a space between head 108″ and striking surface 146. For example, spacers 142 may have thickness less than ½ inch to allow for compression of spacers 142 without increasing the overall width of head 108″.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the exemplary embodiments shown and described above without departing from the broad inventive concepts thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. For example, specific features of the exemplary embodiments may or may not be part of the claimed invention and various features of the disclosed embodiments may be combined, omitted, or interchanged. The use of prime numerals in the drawings indicate similar elements in different embodiments. The words “proximal”, “distal”, “upper” and “lower” designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms “a”, “an” and “the” are not limited to one element but instead should be read as meaning “at least one”.
It is to be understood that at least some of the figures and descriptions of the invention have been simplified to focus on elements that are relevant for a clear understanding of the invention, while eliminating, for purposes of clarity, other elements that those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate may also comprise a portion of the invention. However, because such elements are well known in the art, and because they do not necessarily facilitate a better understanding of the invention, a description of such elements is not provided herein.
Further, to the extent that the methods of the present invention do not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the particular order of the steps should not be construed as limitation on the claims. Any claims directed to the methods of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the steps may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick comprising:

a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end,

a head coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to receive the golf ball; and

a striking surface disposed on an exterior surface of the head, the striking surface being comprised of a different material than the head.

2. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the shaft is a telescoping shaft having an expanded position and a collapsed position, the telescoping shaft having at least a first portion and second portion, the first portion coupled to the second portion.

3. The game stick of claim 2, wherein in the collapsed position the first portion is at least partially inserted into the second portion, thereby reducing a length of the shaft.

4. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is removably coupled to the head.

5. The game stick of claim 4, wherein one or more of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, and the striking surface include a magnet configured to releasably retain the striking surface to one or more of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

6. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is coupled to the head via at least one spacer, the at least one spacer being compressible.

7. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is comprised of a compressible inner facing material and a non-compressible outer facing material.

8. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is disposed on one of the first sidewall or the second sidewall.

9. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is disposed on both the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

10. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the first sidewall is substantially parallel to the second sidewall.

11. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is a first striking surface and is coupled to an attachment, the attachment having a second striking surface,

wherein the attachment is removably coupled to the head.

12. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the striking surface is comprised of foam.

13. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the head is comprised of plastic and the striking surface is comprised of metal.

14. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the head is comprised of plastic and the striking surface is comprised of foam and metal.

15. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the head is comprised of a first material and the striking surface is comprised of a second material, the second material being more compressible than the first material.

16. The game stick of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one protrusion, the at least one protrusion being disposed on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the striking surface is disposed on the at least one protrusion.

17. The game stick of claim 1 further comprising:

at least one recessed portion, the at least one recessed portion being disposed on at least one of the first sidewall and the second sidewall, wherein the striking surface is disposed in the at least one recessed portion.

18. The game stick of claim 1, wherein the channel is sized to allow the golf ball to freely travel within the channel.

19. A game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick comprising:

a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal end and the distal end;

a head including a neck coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to allow the golf ball to freely travel within the channel, the first sidewall having a first protrusion including a first recess, and the second sidewall having a second protrusion including a second recess;

a first striking surface comprised of foam and disposed within the first recess; and

a second striking surface comprised of foam and disposed within the second recess,

wherein the first striking surface and the second striking surface each have a width greater than a height, each of the widths being substantially parallel with a length of the channel.

20. A game stick for use with a golf ball, the game stick comprising:

a head coupled to the distal end of the shaft, the head having a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a bottom wall defining a channel extending radially from the longitudinal axis, the channel configured to receive the golf ball, wherein the head is less than 10 ounces; and

a first striking surface disposed on the first sidewall and a second striking surface disposed on the second sidewall, the first striking surface and the second striking surface each including a flat portion configured to putt a golf ball.