Luanne Byers Zabytko

US Patent:

56431007, Jul 1, 1997

Filed:

May 2, 1995

Appl. No.:

8/432829

Inventors:

Luanne Byers Zabytko - Wilmington DE
Nyra W. Whelchel - Wilmington DE
George W. Dougherty - Newark DE
Sharon K. Bockover - Tucson AZ

International Classification:

A63B 5304
A63B 6936

US Classification:

473250

Abstract:

A golf putter with a novel head design consists of solid materials laminated horizontally to yield a single surface alignment aid on the surface that strikes the golf ball (the front face/face). Optional alignment markings on the top surface of the putter, centered over the point on the face where there in minimal torque when the head strikes the golf ball ("sweet spot"), combine with the single surface alignment aid on the face to form a single surface two-dimensional alignment system. The resilient nature of the solid materials used for the preferred embodiment of this putter head imparts a softer "feel" to the golfer, reduces skid of the ball after the ball is struck, and produces a light-weight club, allowing the golfer to use a fuller complete stroke for each putt, thereby improving precision and accuracy from putt to putt. The sole of the putter head is curved upward from the center of the head toward the heel and toe to decrease friction and resistance from contact with the grass or ground as the putter head swings away from and through the ball during the putting stroke. Lead or alloy weights may be added through a cavity to optimize the weight and balance.

US Patent:

62416243, Jun 5, 2001

Filed:

Jan 25, 1999

Appl. No.:

9/236699

Inventors:

Luanne Byers Zabytko - Wilmington DE
Nyra W. Whelchel - Murrells Inlet SC

International Classification:

A63B 5304

US Classification:

473340

Abstract:

A mallet style golf club with a novel head design consists of solid materials laminated or inlaid horizontally to yield a single surface alignment aid on the surface that strikes the golf ball (the front face/face). Optional alignment markings on the top surface of the club, centered over the point on the face where there is minimal torque when the head strikes the golf ball ("sweet spot"), combine with the single surface alignment aid on the face to form a single surface two-dimensional alignment system. An inlaid or laminated line on the circumference of the mallet joins the inlaid or laminated horizontal line on the front face to form a visually perceived 360 degree, three dimensional alignment aid. The resilient nature of the solid materials used for the preferred embodiment (putter) imparts a softer "feel" to the golfer, reduces skid of the ball after the ball is struck, and produces a light-weight club, allowing the golfer to use a fuller complete stroke for each putt, thereby improving precision and accuracy from putt to putt. The sole of the club head is curved upward from the center of the head toward the heel and toe to decrease friction and resistance from contact with the grass or ground as the putter head swings away from and through the ball during the putting stroke.