EP4267264B1 - Mehrkomponenten-putter - Google Patents

Mehrkomponenten-putter

Info

Publication number
EP4267264B1
EP4267264B1 EP21912175.3A EP21912175A EP4267264B1 EP 4267264 B1 EP4267264 B1 EP 4267264B1 EP 21912175 A EP21912175 A EP 21912175A EP 4267264 B1 EP4267264 B1 EP 4267264B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
putter
club head
upper portion
ball
golf club
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP21912175.3A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP4267264C0 (de
EP4267264A4 (de
EP4267264A1 (de
Inventor
David A. Higdon
Jacob T. Clarke
Yujen Huang
Murphy R. Alexander
Matthew T. SCHIER
Calvin S. Wang
Anthony D. Serrano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Karsten Manufacturing Corp
Original Assignee
Karsten Manufacturing Corp
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US17/243,338 external-priority patent/US11458375B2/en
Priority claimed from US17/444,468 external-priority patent/US12285662B2/en
Application filed by Karsten Manufacturing Corp filed Critical Karsten Manufacturing Corp
Priority to EP24157442.5A priority Critical patent/EP4344755A3/de
Priority to EP25214962.0A priority patent/EP4670803A2/de
Publication of EP4267264A1 publication Critical patent/EP4267264A1/de
Publication of EP4267264A4 publication Critical patent/EP4267264A4/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP4267264C0 publication Critical patent/EP4267264C0/de
Publication of EP4267264B1 publication Critical patent/EP4267264B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B47/00—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls
    • A63B47/02—Devices for handling or treating balls, e.g. for holding or carrying balls for picking-up or collecting
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0408—Heads characterised by specific dimensions, e.g. thickness
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0416—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert
    • A63B53/0429—Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert the face insert comprising two or more layers of material
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0433—Heads with special sole configurations
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0437—Heads with special crown configurations
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0441—Heads with visual indicators for aligning the golf club
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B53/0487—Heads for putters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/50—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with through-holes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B60/00—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
    • A63B60/52—Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
    • 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
    • A63B53/04—Heads
    • A63B2053/0491—Heads with added weights, e.g. changeable, replaceable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B71/00—Games or sports accessories not covered in groups A63B1/00 - A63B69/00
    • A63B71/06—Indicating or scoring devices for games or players, or for other sports activities
    • A63B2071/0694—Visual indication, e.g. Indicia
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
    • A63B2209/00—Characteristics of used materials

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to golf clubs and relates more particularly to a multi-component putter type golf club head.
  • weight distribution is used to vary the center of gravity or increase the moment of inertia (MOI) of the golf club head.
  • Common weight distribution devices include removable weight ports in the heel and toe regions of the sole, weighted faceplate inserts, inserts for the back of portion of the face, and attachments for the outer perimeter of the toe and heel regions.
  • weight ports in the heel and toe regions that can be removably attached by a fastener, or permanently attached through a variety of epoxies, glues, or machining methods. The use of weight ports in the heel and toe regions, the increases the MOI in the putter head, thereby producing a straighter ball path after impact.
  • weight ports in the heel and toe regions increase MOI, they increase the weight of the golf club head and can make the golf club head heavier than an ideal weight for a putter.
  • installing weight ports into a golf club putter head requires a cavity or recess to place these weight ports into the putter head during manufacturing, thereby increasing the cost of that putter head.
  • the weight ports can cause vibrations within the cavity or recess during impact, when the golf club head contacts a golf ball. These cavities and recesses can cause the sound of the club head to change as well, creating a hollow sound within the club head.
  • a putter-type golf club head including an upper portion forming part of the crown and the sole, and comprising a strike face is known from US 2007/0238547 A1 .
  • the upper portion comprises a forward portion and a rearward extension
  • the lower portion comprises toe and heel mass portions, wherein the lower portion is configured to receive the upper portion such that the rearward extension is positioned above a central portion and between the toe and heel mass portions.
  • a two-part putter head having an upper portion made of a first material such as low density metal (i.e., aluminum, but not limited to) and a lower portion made of a second material, such as a high density metal (i.e., steel, but not limited to).
  • the upper portion has a crown that spans from a strike face to a back edge. This upper portion is affixed to the lower portion and is farther from a ground plane than the lower portion.
  • the lower portion in most embodiments, has less than 35% of the total solid volume of the putter head, but greater than 45% of the mass.
  • the lower portion provides a peripheral construction and a sole.
  • peripheral construction and high density lower portion results in an increase in MOI of at least 30%, over a putter with the same volume, mass, and single material construction (i.e., a putter milled of a single material such as a steel putter or a putter investment cast of a single material).
  • the lower portion of the two-part putter head further comprises a sole plate.
  • the sole plate is formed from a high-density material.
  • the two-part putter head includes the upper portion and the lower portion comprising the sole plate.
  • the lower portion comprising the sole plate comprises mass structures, ball retrieval features, and/or ball outlining alignment aids to improve the putter experience.
  • the putter heads including the upper portion and the lower portion comprising the sole plate provides increased perimeter weighting, MOI, and forgiveness while being pleasing to the eye.
  • the putter heads including the upper portion and the lower portion comprising the sole plate further provides consistent ball speed and ball travel distance for repeated putts.
  • the golf club head can comprise a putter-type golf club head (the putter type golf club head 100, 200, 300 400 ... etc.).
  • FIGS. 1-12B illustrate multiple embodiments of a putter-type golf club head having an upper portion and lower portion that are separately made of different materials and coupled together and provided for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention.
  • the putter-type golf club head can be a mallet-type putter head, mid-mallet type putter head, a blade type putter head, a high MOI putter head, or any other type of putter-type golf club head.
  • the putter-type golf club head can have a loft angle less than 10 degrees.
  • the loft angle of the club head can be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 6 degrees, between 0 and 7 degrees, or between 0 and 8 degrees.
  • the loft angle of the club head can be less than 10 degrees, less than 9 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or less than 5 degrees.
  • the loft angle of the club head can be 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees.
  • the putter-type golf club head comprises an upper portion and a lower portion.
  • the golf club head can comprise a toe end and a heel end opposite the toe end.
  • the putter-type golf club head can comprise a strike face.
  • the putter-type golf club head can comprise a rear wall opposite the strike face.
  • the putter-type golf club head can comprise an alignment feature.
  • the putter-type golf club head can comprise a hosel attached to the heel end of the golf club head.
  • the hosel may be attached to the center of the putter-type golf club head.
  • the hosel may be attached to the heel end of the putter-type golf club head.
  • the hosel may be integrally formed with the upper portion of the putter-type golf club head.
  • the hosel may be integrally formed with the lower portion of the putter-type golf club head.
  • the upper portion is made of a first material.
  • the lower portion is made of a second material.
  • the first material is different than the second material.
  • the first material has a first density.
  • the second material has a second density. The first density is not the same as the second density.
  • the putter-type golf club head can have a mass that ranges between 340 and 385 grams. In other embodiments, the mass of the putter-type golf club head can range between 340 grams - 345 grams, 345 grams - 350 grams, 350 grams - 355 grams, 355 grams - 360 grams, 360 grams - 365 grams, 365 grams - 370 grams, 370 grams - 375 grams, 375 grams - 380 grams, or 380 grams - 385 grams.
  • the mass of the putter-type golf club head can be 340 grams, 341 grams, 342 grams, 343 grams, 344 grams, 345 grams, 346 grams, 347 grams, 348 grams, 349 grams, 350 grams, 351 grams, 352 grams, 353 grams, 354 grams, 355 grams, 356 grams, 357 grams, 358 grams, 359 grams, 360 grams, 361 grams, 362 grams, 363 grams, 364 grams, 365 grams, 366 grams, 367 grams, 368 grams, 369 grams, 370 grams, 371 grams, 372 grams, 373 grams, 374 grams, 375 grams, 376 grams, 377 grams, 378 grams, 379 grams, 380 grams, 381 grams, 382 grams, 383 grams, 384 grams, or 385 grams.
  • the putter type golf club head can comprise a club head volume ranging between 25 cc and 125 cc. In some embodiments, the club head volume can range between 25 cc - 30 cc, 30 cc - 35 cc, 35 cc - 40 cc, 40 cc - 45 cc, 45 cc - 50 cc, 50 cc - 55 cc, 55 cc - 60 cc, 60 cc - 65 cc, 65 cc - 70 cc, 70 cc - 75 cc, 75 cc - 80 cc, 80 cc - 85 cc, 85 cc - 90 cc, 90 cc - 95 cc, 95 cc - 100 cc, 100 cc - 105 cc, 105 cc - 110 cc, 110 cc - 115 cc, 115 cc - 120 .
  • the putter type golf club head can comprise a strike face made of the first material.
  • the strike face can be made of the second material.
  • the material of the strike face can be any one or combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g/cc), S25C steel (7.85 g/cc), carbon steel (7.85 g/cc), maraging steel (8.00 g/cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g/cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g/cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g/cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g/cc - 8.05 g/cc), tungsten (19.25 g/cc), aluminum (2.70 g/cc), aluminum alloy (2.64 g/cc - 2.81 g/cc) , ADC-12 (2.75 g/cc), or any metal suitable for creating a golf club head.
  • the strike face is integrally formed to the upper portion.
  • the strike face can be integrally formed to the lower portion.
  • the strike face can be integrally formed to the club head by co-molding, injection molding, casting, additive manufacturing or other forming process.
  • FIGS. 11A - 11C illustrate various strike face features 1100 used on the multi-component putters described in this disclosure for information only and to aid a general understanding of the invention.
  • the strike face features 1100 can comprise a single component system, a two-component system, or a single component system in combination with a metal portion.
  • the single component system comprises a single strike face insert or component.
  • the two-component system comprises multiple strike face inserts or components.
  • the strike face features 1100 can comprise a strike face insert.
  • the strike face is independently formed prior to being coupled to the club head.
  • the side of the strike face insert that will contact the club head can comprise geometry complementary to the geometry of the corresponding portion of the club head that will contact the strike face.
  • the strike face insert can be made of the first material or the second material. In other embodiments, the strike face insert can be made of a third material. In some embodiments, the strike face insert can be integrally formed with the upper portion or the lower portion. In other embodiments, the strike face insert can be separately formed from both the upper portion and the lower portion.
  • the strike face can be secured to the club head by being integrally formed to a portion of the club head or by a fastening means.
  • the strike face is secured to the upper portion.
  • the upper portion defines an insert cavity 1110 in a forward portion of the upper portion.
  • the upper portion insert cavity 1110 is configured to receive the strike face insert.
  • the strike face insert when the strike face insert is affixed to the upper portion, the upper portion encompasses and mates with the insert cavity 1110.
  • the strike face can be secured to the lower portion.
  • the lower portion can comprise an insert cavity (not shown). The lower portion insert cavity functions to receive the strike face insert.
  • the lower portion when the insert is affixed to the lower portion, the lower portion encompasses and mates with the insert cavity.
  • the strike face can be secured by an adhesive such as glue, very high bond (VHB TM ) tape, epoxy or another adhesive. Alternately or additionally, the strike face can be secured by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlock structure, or another fastening method.
  • the strike face insert can comprise any one or layered combination of the following: aluminum, stainless steel, copper, thermoplastic co-polyester elastomer (TPC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), steel, nickel, TPU/aluminum, TPE/aluminum, plastic/metal screen insert, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, PEBAX ® , or any other desired material.
  • PEBAX ® is a polyether block amide that is a thermoplastic elastomer made of a flexible polyether and rigid polyamide.
  • the rigid polyamide can comprise Nylon.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise different compounds that correspond to different Shore D hardness values, polyether percentages, and/or polyamide percentages.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise a PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) or a PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France).
  • the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) comprises a tetramethylene oxide (53% wt) and a Nylon 12.
  • the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) comprises a Nylon 11.
  • the face insert can comprise a material such as steel, steel alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, other metals, other metal alloys, composite polymer materials or any combination thereof.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise a percentage of polyether by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 30% to 50%, 30% to 60%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% polyether by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% of polyether by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise 0% to 10%, 10% to 20%, 15% to 30%, 20% to 30%, 30% to 40%, 40% to 50%, 40% to 60%, 50% to 60%, or 60% to 70% of polyamide by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% of polyamide by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise 40% to 60% polyether by volume and 15% to 30% polyamide by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise 15% to 30% polyether by volume and 40% to 60% polyamide by volume.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise a hardness ranging from Shore 25D to Shore 75D.
  • the hardness of the PEBAX can range from Shore 25D to Shore 35D, Shore 35D to Shore 45D, Shore 36D to Shore 44D, Shore 38D to Shore 42D, Shore 45D to Shore 55D, Shore 55D to Shore 65D, Shore 56D to Shore 64D, Shore 60D to Shore 65D, or Shore 65D to Shore 75D.
  • the hardness of the PEBAX can be Shore D 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, or 70.
  • the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a lower hardness than the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France). In many embodiments, the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a hardness range of Shore 35D to Shore 55D. In some embodiments, the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a hardness range of Shore 38D to Shore 42D, or Shore 39D to Shore 41D. For example, the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) can be comprise a Shore D hardness of 40.
  • the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a hardness range of Shore 50D to Shore 75D. In some embodiments, the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a hardness range of Shore 55D to Shore 70D, or Shore 60D to Shore 65D. For example, the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) can comprise a Shore D hardness of 63.
  • the strike face features 1100 can comprise a strike face insert system 1120.
  • the strike face insert system 1120 can be a single component system comprising a ball striking layer 1122 and an adhesive layer 1124.
  • the strike face insert 1120 is configured to be adhered into the insert cavity 1110 via the adhesive layer 1124.
  • the strike face insert 1120 can comprise a polymer type material as described in this disclosure.
  • the strike face insert 1120 can comprise a PEBAX ® as described in this disclosure.
  • the strike face features 1100 can comprise a strike face insert system 1130.
  • the strike face insert system 1130 can be a two-component system comprising a ball striking face plate 1132 and a face insert base 1134.
  • the strike face insert 1130 having the two-component system is configured to be received in the insert cavity 1110 via one or more adhesive layers.
  • the ball striking face plate 1132 of the strike face insert 1130 can comprise a first insert material.
  • the face insert base 1134 of the strike face insert 1130 can comprise a second insert material.
  • the first insert material of the ball striking face plate 1132 and the second material of the face insert base 1134 can be different.
  • the first insert material of the ball striking face plate 1132 and the second insert material of the face insert base 1134 can be similar.
  • the first insert material of the ball striking face plate 1122 can comprise a polymer type material.
  • the first insert material of the ball striking face plate 1122 can comprise a metallic material.
  • the second insert material of the face insert base 1134 can comprise a polymer type material.
  • the first insert material can comprise a metal such as steel, steel alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, other metals, other metal alloys, composite polymer materials or any combination thereof.
  • a metal such as steel, steel alloys, tungsten, tungsten alloys, aluminum, aluminum alloys, titanium, titanium alloys, vanadium, vanadium alloys, chromium, chromium alloys, cobalt, cobalt alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, other metals, other metal alloys, composite polymer materials or any combination thereof.
  • the first insert material or the second insert material can comprise a polymer type material.
  • the polymer type material can comprise polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any other polymer type material.
  • the face insert can comprise a PEBAX ® . More specifically, the PEBAX ® is a polyether block amide that is a thermoplastic elastomer made of a flexible polyether and rigid polyamide. The rigid polyamide can comprise Nylon.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise different compounds that correspond to different Shore D hardness values, polyether percentages, and/or polyamide percentages.
  • the PEBAX ® can comprise a PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) or a PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France).
  • the PEBAX ® 4033 (Arkema, Paris France) comprises a tetramethylene oxide (53% wt) and a Nylon 12.
  • the PEBAX ® 6333 (Arkema, Paris France) comprises a Nylon 11.
  • the first insert material and the second insert material can comprise similar polyether percentages, polyamide percentages, or Shore D hardness values as described above.
  • the ball striking face plate 1132 of the strike face insert 1130 can comprise a thickness.
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can range from 0.381mm to 2.921mm (0.015 to 0.115 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can range from 0.381mm to 1.143mm (0.015 to 0.045 inch), 0.508mm to 1.27mm (0.020 to 0.050 inch), 0.635mm to 1.397mm (0.025 to 0.055 inch), 1.27mm to 2.54mm (0.050 to 0.100 inch), 1.397mm to 2.667mm (0.055 to 0.105 inch), 1.524 to 2.794mm (0.060 to 0.110), or 1.651mm to 2.921mm (0.065 to 0.115 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be at least 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, 1.016, 1.143, 1.27, 1.397, 1.524, 1.651, 1.778, 1.905, 2.032, 2.159, 2.286, 2.413, 2.54, 2.667, 2.794, or 2.921 mm (0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be greater than or equal to 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, 1.016, 1.143, 1.27, 1.397, 1.524, 1.651, 1.778, 1.905, 2.032, 2.159, 2.286, 2.413, 2.54, 2.667, 2.794, or 2.921 mm (0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be less than or equal to 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, 1.016, 1.143, 1.27, 1.397, 1.524, 1.651, 1.778, 1.905, 2.032, 2.159, 2.286, 2.413, 2.54, 2.667, 2.794, or 2.921 mm (0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, 1.016, 1.143, 1.27, 1.397, 1.524, 1.651, 1.778, 1.905, 2.032, 2.159, 2.286, 2.413, 2.54, 2.667, 2.794, or 2.921 mm (0.015, 0.020, 0.025, 0.030, 0.035, 0.040, 0.045, 0.050, 0.055, 0.060, 0.065, 0.070, 0.075, 0.080, 0.085, 0.090, 0.095, 0.10, 0.105, 0.110, or 0.115 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can range from 2.921mm to 10.16mm (0.115 to 0.40 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can range from 2.921mm to 5.08mm (0.115 to 0.20 inch), 3.81mm to 7.62mm (0.15 to 0.30 inch), 5.08mm to 7.62mm (0.20 to 0.30 inch), 6.35 to 8.89mm (0.25 to 0.35 inch), or 7.62mm to 10.16mm (0.30 to 0.40 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be at least 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, or 1.016mm (0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be greater than or equal to 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, or 1.016mm (0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be less than or equal to 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, or 1.016mm (0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch).
  • the thickness of the ball striking face plate 1132 can be 0.381, 0.508, 0.635, 0.762, 0.889, or 1.016mm (0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, or 0.40 inch).
  • the face insert base 1134 of the strike face insert 1130 can comprise a thickness.
  • the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can range from 1.27mm to 5.08mm (0.05 to 0.20 inch). In some embodiment, the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can range from 1.27mm to 2.54mm (0.05 to 0.10 inch), or 2.54mm to 5.08mm (0.10 to 0.20 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can be at least 1.27mm, 2.54mm, 3.81mm, or 5.08mm (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch).
  • the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can be greater than or equal to 1.27mm, 2.54mm, 3.81mm, or 5.08mm (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can be less than or equal to 1.27mm, 2.54mm, 3.81mm, or 5.08mm (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch). For example, the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can be 1.27mm, 2.54mm, 3.81mm, or 5.08mm (0.05, 0.10, 0.15, or 0.20 inch).
  • the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can range from 5.08mm to 20.32mm (0.20 to 0.80 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can range from 5.08mm to 12.7mm (0.20 to 0.50 inch), 7.62mm to 15.24mm (0.30 to 0.60 inch), 10.16mm to 17.78mm (0.40 to 0.70 inch), or 12.7mm to 20.32mm (0.50 to 0.80 inch).
  • the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can range from 5.08mm to 10.16mm (0.20 to 0.40 inch), 7.62mm to 12.7mm (0.30 to 0.50 inch), 10.16mm to 15.24mm (0.40 to 0.60 inch), 12.7mm to 17.78mm (0.50 to 0.70 inch), or 15.24mm to 20.32mm (0.60 to 0.80 inch).
  • the face insert base 1134 of the strike face insert 1130 can be at least 5.08, 6.35, 7.62, 8.89, 10.16, 11.43, 12.7, 13.97, 15.24, 16.51, 17.78, 19.05, or 20.32mm (0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch).
  • the face insert base 1134 of the strike face insert 1130 can be greater than or equal to 5.08, 6.35, 7.62, 8.89, 10.16, 11.43, 12.7, 13.97, 15.24, 16.51, 17.78, 19.05, or 20.32mm (0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch).
  • the face insert base 1134 of the strike face insert 1130 can be less than or equal to 5.08, 6.35, 7.62, 8.89, 10.16, 11.43, 12.7, 13.97, 15.24, 16.51, 17.78, 19.05, or 20.32mm (0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch).
  • the thickness of the face insert base 1134 can be 5.08, 6.35, 7.62, 8.89, 10.16, 11.43, 12.7, 13.97, 15.24, 16.51, 17.78, 19.05, or 20.32mm (0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, 0.40, 0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, 0.70, 0.75, or 0.80 inch).
  • the strike face features 1100 can comprise a strike face insert system 1140.
  • the strike face insert system 1140 comprise a strike face insert 1144 and a metal portion 1142.
  • the strike face insert 1144 comprises a single component system described above.
  • the metal portion 1142 surrounds the strike face insert 1144.
  • the strike face insert 1144 can be formed from a polymer material described in this disclosure.
  • the strike face insert 1144 is further surrounded by an epoxy border 1146.
  • the epoxy border 1146 extends around a perimeter of the strike face insert 1144. The combination of the strike face insert 1144 formed from a polymer type material and the epoxy border 1146 can provide enhanced feel and sound during impacts with a golf ball.
  • removing material from the strike face or the upper portion to accommodate the strike face insert 1144 reduces the putter head weight at or near a center area of the putter head. Removing material from the center area and/or forward area of the putter head allows for more weight to be positioned in the perimeter of the putter head thereby increasing moment of inertia and forgiveness.
  • the epoxy border 1146 surrounding the strike face insert 1144 can comprise a width.
  • the width of the epoxy border 1146 can be measured as a transverse width.
  • the width of the epoxy border can range from 0.254mm to 2.032mm (0.01 inch to 0.08 inch).
  • the width of the epoxy border 1146 can range from 0.254mm to 1.016mm (0.01 inch to 0.04 inch), or 1.016mm to 2.032mm (0.04 inch to 0.08 inch).
  • the width of the epoxy border 1146 can range from 0.508mm to 1.27mm (0.02 inch to 0.05 inch), 0.762mm to 1.524mm (0.03 inch to 0.06 inch), 1.016mm to 1.778mm (0.04 inch to 0.07 inch), or 1.27mm to 1.778mm (0.05 inch to 0.07 inch).
  • the width of the epoxy border can be 0.254, 0.508, 0.762, 0.889, 1.016, 1.143, 1.27, 1.524, 1.778, or 2.032 mm (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.06, 0.07, or 0.08 inch).
  • the width of the epoxy border 1146 can be 0.762mm (0.03 inch).
  • the metal portion 1142 can further comprise a milling pattern 1148.
  • the milling pattern 1148 can comprise a plurality of milling lines that extend in a vertical, horizontal, curvilinear, arcuate, or circular direction across the strike face.
  • the milling pattern 1148 can extend in a crown to sole direction, and/or in a heel to toe direction across the strike face.
  • the milling pattern 1148 enhances the surface finish of the putter head or strike face to improve the appearance of the putter head.
  • the strike face insert systems (1120, 1130, 1140) described in this disclosure can be formed by a number of different processes.
  • the different forming processes include the following: injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, co-molding, laser forming, film insert molding, gas assist molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3-D printing, forging, stamping, electroforming, machining, molding, or any combination thereof.
  • the strike face insert can have any combination of hardness, volume, thickness, and forming processes described above.
  • the upper portion of the putter-type golf club head having the first material comprises a first density ranging between 1.0 g/cc and 6.0 g/cc.
  • the first density can range between 2.0 g/cc to 5.0 g/cc.
  • the first density can range between 1.0 - 1.25 g/cc, 1.25 - 1.5 g/cc, 1.5 - 1.75 g/cc, 1.75 - 2.0 g/cc, 2.0 - 2.25 g/cc, 2.25 - 2.5 g/cc, 2.5 - 2.75 g/cc, 2.75 - 3.0 g/cc, 3.25 - 3.5 g/cc, 3.5 - 3.75 g/cc, 3.75 - 4.0 g/cc, 4.0 - 4.25 g/cc, 4.25 - 4.5 g/cc, 4.5 - 4.75 g/cc, 4.75 - 5.0 g/cc, 5.0 - 5.25 g/cc, 5.0 - 5.25 g/cc, 5.25 - 5.5 g/cc, 5.5 - 5.75 g/cc, or 5.75 - 6.0 g/cc.
  • the first density of the lower portion can range between 2.0 - 3.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the first density can be less 6.0 g/cc, less than 5.0 g/cc, less than 4.0 g/cc, less than 3.0 g/cc, or less than 2.0 g/cc.
  • the first density can be 1.25 g/cc, 1.50 g/cc, 1.75 g/cc, 2.0 g/cc, 2.25 g/cc, 2.50 g/cc, 2.75 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.25 g/cc, 3.50 g/cc, 3.75 g/cc, 4.0 g/cc, 4.25 g/cc, 4.50 g/cc, 4.75 g/cc, 5.0 g/cc, 5.25 g/cc, 5.50 g/cc, 5.75 g/cc, or 6.0 g/cc.
  • the lower portion of the putter-type golf club head having the second material having the second material.
  • the second material can comprise a density.
  • the density is a second density to the first density of the first material in the upper portion.
  • the second density of the second material of the lower portion can range between 7.0 g/cc and 20.0 g/cc.
  • the second density can range between 7.0 - 7.5 g/cc, 7.5 - 8.0 g/cc, 8.0 - 8.5 g/cc, 8.5 - 9.0 g/cc, 9.0 - 9.5 g/cc, 9.5 - 10.0 g/cc, 10.0 - 10.5 g/cc, 10.5 - 11.0 g/cc, 11.0 - 11.5 g/cc, 11.5- 12.0 g/cc, 12.0 - 12.5 g/cc, 12.5 - 13.0 g/cc, 13.0 - 13.5 g/cc, 13.5 - 14.0 g/cc, 14.0 - 14.5 g/cc, 14.5 - 15.0 g/cc, 15.0 - 15.5 g/cc, 15.5 - 16.0 g/cc, 16.0 - 16.5 g/cc, 16.5 - 17.0 g/cc, 17.0 - 1
  • the second density of the second material in the lower portion can range between 8.0 - 9.0 g/cc.
  • the second density can be 7.0 g/cc, 7.5 g/cc, 8.0 g/cc, 8.5 g/cc, 9.0 g/cc, 9.5 g/cc, 10.0 g/cc, 10.5 g/cc, 11.0 g/cc, 11.5 g/cc, 12.0 g/cc, 12.5 g/cc, 13.0 g/cc, 13.5 g/cc, 14.0 g/cc, 14.5 g/cc, 15.0 g/cc, 15.5 g/cc, 16.0 g/cc, 16.5 g/cc, 17.0 g/cc, 17.5 g/cc, 18.0 g/cc, 18.5 g/cc, 19.0 g/cc, 19.5 g/cc, or 20.0 g/c/c
  • the second density of the lower portion can be at least 2 times greater than the first density, at least 3 times greater than the first density, at least 4 times greater than the first density, or at least 5 times greater than the first density. In some embodiments, the second density can be greater than 7.0 g/cc, greater than 9.0 g/cc, greater than 10.0 g/cc, greater than 11.0 g/cc, or greater than 12.0 g/cc.
  • the upper portion of the putter-type golf club having the first material can be made from any one or combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g/cc), S25C steel (7.85 g/cc), carbon steel (7.85 g/cc), maraging steel (8.00 g/cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g/cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g/cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g/cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g/cc - 8.05 g/cc), tungsten (19.25 g/cc) , aluminum (2.70 g/cc), aluminum alloy (2.64 g/cc - 2.81 g/cc), ADC-12 (2.75 g/cc), or any metal suitable for creating a golf club head.
  • the upper portion is made of aluminum alloy or ADC-12.
  • the lower portion of the putter-type golf club having the second material can be made from any one or combination of the following: 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g/cc), S25C steel (7.85 g/cc), carbon steel (7.85 g/cc), maraging steel (8.00 g/cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g/cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g/cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g/cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g/cc - 8.05 g/cc), tungsten (19.25 g/cc) , aluminum (2.70 g/cc), aluminum alloy (2.64 g/cc - 2.81 g/cc), ADC-12 (2.75 g/cc), or any metal suitable for creating a golf club head.
  • the lower portion is made of 304 stainless steel, 8620 alloy steel, 17-4 stainless steel, or 1380 stainless steel. However, the lower and upper portion are not made from the same one material or the same combination of materials
  • the upper and lower portion of the putter-type golf club head can be joined in any one or combination of the following methods: welding, soldering, brazing, swedging, adhesion, epoxy, or mechanical fastening.
  • the upper and lower portion can be joined by adhesion with epoxy, polyurethanes, resins, hot melts, or any other adhesive.
  • a blade type putter head 100 is shown for information only and to aid a general understanding of the invention.
  • the putter head has an upper portion 104 and a lower portion 108.
  • the upper portion 104 is made from a first material having a first density and the lower portion 108 is made from a second material having a second density.
  • the first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 104 and lower portion 108 combine to create a balanced putter head 100, while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a blade type putter head 1700 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has an upper portion 1704 and a lower portion 1708.
  • the upper portion 1704 is made from a first material having a first density and the lower portion 1708 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the two-part blade type putter head 1700 is formed by an upper portion 1704 that overlays the back end of the lower portion 1708 without disturbing the strike face 1720.
  • the upper portion 1704 and lower portion 1708 combine to create a balanced putter head 1700 with a high moment of inertia (3500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a crescent-shaped putter head 300 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has a upper portion 304 and a lower portion 308.
  • the upper portion 304 is made from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 308 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 304 and lower portion 308 combine to create a balanced putter head 300, while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • the high density lower portion 308 and low density upper portion 308, place more mass near the peripheries of the putter head 300, thus increasing the MOI and stability over a putter with the same volume, mass, and single material construction.
  • a semi-circular putter head 400 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has an upper portion 404 and a lower portion 408.
  • the upper portion 404 is made from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 408 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 404 and lower portion 408 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 400 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a winged shaped putter head 600 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has a upper portion 604 and a lower portion 608.
  • the upper portion 604 is made from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 608 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 604 and lower portion 608 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 600 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a spade shaped putter head 700 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has a upper portion 704 and a lower portion 708.
  • the upper portion 704 is made from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 708 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 704 and lower portion 708 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 700 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a T-shaped putter head with periphery spans 800 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention, and has a upper portion 804 and a lower portion 808.
  • the upper portion 804 is made from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 808 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 804 and lower portion 808 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 800 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a dual-rail putter head 900 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has a upper portion 904 and a lower portion 908.
  • the upper portion 904 is made from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 908 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 904 and lower portion 908 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 900 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • a circular putter head 1000 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has an upper portion 1004 and a lower portion 1008.
  • the lower portion 1008 is made from a first material have a first density and the upper portion 1004 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 1004 and lower portion 1008 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 1000 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • the lower portion further comprises a sole plate formed from a high-density material, and the upper portion is formed from a low-density material.
  • the material density of the upper portion is less than the material density of the lower portion including the sole plate.
  • the sole plates described below comprise mass structures, ball retrieval features, and/or ball outlining alignment aids to provide more consistent and more forgiving putts.
  • the putter heads including the upper portion and the lower portion comprising the sole plate provides increased perimeter weighting, MOI, and forgiveness while being pleasing to the eye to create a consistent putting stroke. Further, the putter heads including the upper portion and the lower portion comprising the sole plate provides consistent ball speed and ball travel distance for repeated putts.
  • a semi-circular putter head 1200 is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention and has an upper portion 1204 and a lower portion 1208.
  • the upper portion 1204 is formed from a first material have a first density and the lower portion 1208 is made from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the sole plate of the putter head 1200 increases perimeter weighting and MOI.
  • the upper portion 1204 and lower portion 1208 combine to create a high-MOI putter head 1200 (3000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • the putter head 1200 can have a MOI ranging from 3000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 3500 g ⁇ cm 2 or 3500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1200 comprises a 2%-15% increase of MOI about the y-axis over a putter head devoid of a multi-material construction (i.e. a single material).
  • the putter head 1200 comprises a 2%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% increase over a single material putter.
  • a putter head 1300 having a pocket and a sole plate is shown for explanation only to aid an understanding of the invention.
  • the pocket of putter head 1300 allows weight to be removed from the putter head 1300 and the sole plate allows for increased perimeter weighting.
  • the putter head 1300 comprises an upper portion 1304 and a lower portion 1308.
  • the upper portion 1304 is formed from a first material having a first density and the lower portion 1308 is formed from a second material having a second density. The first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 1304 and the lower portion 1308 combine to create a high-MOI putter head (4000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintain a desirable volume and mass.
  • the putter head 1300 can have an MOI ranging from 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 , 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 , or 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1300 comprises a 2%-15% increase of MOI about the y-axis over a putter head devoid of a multi-material construction (i.e. a single material).
  • the putter head 1300 comprises a 2%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% increase over a single material putter.
  • the putter head 1400 comprises an upper portion 1404 and a lower portion 1408.
  • the lower portion 1408 is a sole plate comprising a toe mass 1446, a heel mass 1448, and a rear mass 1450.
  • the putter head 1400 further comprises a ball retrieval feature 1422.
  • the ball retrieval feature 1422 is configured to pick up and retain a golf ball.
  • the ball retrieval feature and sole plate increase the perimeter weighting thereby increasing the MOI and forgiveness of the putter head 1400.
  • the putter head 1400 can have an MOI ranging from 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1400 can have an MOI ranging from 400 g ⁇ cm 2 - 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 or 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1400 comprises a 2%-15% increase of MOI about the y-axis over a putter head devoid of a multi-material construction (i.e. a single material).
  • the putter head 1400 comprises a 2%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% increase over a single material putter.
  • the putter-type golf club head comprises a two-part construction and includes an alignment aid having a ball-outlining feature.
  • the two-part construction allows the putter-type club head to be formed from multiple materials.
  • the putter-type golf club head 1500 comprises an upper portion 1504 and a lower portion 1508.
  • the upper portion 1504 is affixed to the lower portion 1508.
  • the upper portion 1504 is formed from a first material having a first density
  • the lower portion 1508 is formed from a second material having a second density. In some embodiments, the first density is less than the second density.
  • the upper portion 1504 and the lower portion 1508 combine to create a high-MOI putter-type club head 1500 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • the putter head 1500 can have an MOI ranging from 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 , 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6000 g ⁇ cm 2 , 6000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1500 comprises a 2%-15% increase of MOI about the y-axis over a putter head devoid of a multi-material construction (i.e. a single material).
  • the putter head 1500 comprises a 2%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% increase over a single material putter.
  • the putter-type club head 1500 further comprises a crown 1536, a sole 1568, a strike face 1520, a rear end 1534, a toe end 1512, and a heel end 1516.
  • the outermost points of the strike face 1520, the rear end 1534, the toe end 1512, and the heel end 1516 define a perimeter 1510 of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the upper portion 1504 and the lower portion 1508 are affixed together and each form a portion of the crown 1536, a portion of the sole 1568, a portion of the toe end 1512, a portion of the heel end 1516, and a portion of the perimeter 1510.
  • the crown 1536 gradually slopes from the strike face 1520 to the rear end 1534 such that the putter-type club head 1500 is thicker near the strike face 1520 and gradually thins towards the rear end 1534.
  • the slope of the crown 1536 can be linear, curvilinear, parabolic, sinusoidal, or a function of polynomial.
  • the strike face 1520 comprises a strike face center point equidistant from the heel end 1516 and toe end 1512, as well as equidistant from the crown 1536 and the sole 1568.
  • the sole 1568 can be planar. In some embodiments, the sole 1568 can have a slight arch in a heel end 1516 to toe end 1512 direction, wherein the slight arch can be linear, or a function of a polynomial. In some embodiments, the sole 1568 can have a strong arch in the heel end 1516 to toe end 1512 direction, wherein the strong arch can be linear, or a function of a polynomial.
  • the sole 1568 functions to provide a surface to rest the putter-type club head 1500 on the ground plane 1590. As discussed above, the putter-type club head 1500 comprises an upper portion 1504 and a lower portion 1508, where the lower portion 1508 forms a majority of the sole 1568 and rests on the ground plane. The upper portion 1504 sits above the lower portion 1508 when the putter-type club head 1500 is assembled.
  • the upper portion 1504 comprises a low-density material (i.e., the first material).
  • the upper portion 1504 is formed from aluminum.
  • the upper portion 1504 is affixed to the lower portion 1508 to define the crown 1536, the sole 1568, the toe end 1512, the heel end 1516, and the perimeter 1510.
  • the upper portion 1504 comprises an upper portion top surface 1526 and an upper portion bottom surface 1528, where the upper portion top surface 1526 forms a portion of the crown 1536, and the upper portion bottom surface 1528 forms a portion of the sole 1568.
  • the upper portion 1504 further comprises a forward portion 1522 and a rearward extension 1524.
  • the forward portion 1522 comprises the strike face 1520.
  • the rearward extension 1524 extends rearward from the forward portion 1522 towards the rear end 1534.
  • the rearward extension 1524 is generally perpendicular to the strike face 1520 such that the forward portion 1522 and the rearward extension 1524 form a T-shape.
  • the forward portion 1522 comprises rear walls opposite the strike face 1520 near the heel end 1516 and the toe end 1512.
  • the rearward extension 1524 comprises side walls near the heel end 1516 and the toe end 1512.
  • the rear wall and side wall near the toe end 1512 define a toe wall 1529
  • the rear wall and side wall near the heel end 1516 define a heel wall 1530.
  • the toe wall 1529 and the heel wall 1530 that frame the T-shape of the upper portion 1504.
  • the toe and heel walls 1529, 1530 define cutout regions that allow the upper portion 1504 to receive the lower portion 1508. The cutout regions extend inward from the toe end 1512 or the heel end 1516 toward the center of the upper portion 1504.
  • the cutout regions are bounded by the crown 1536, the perimeter 1510, and either the toe wall 1529, or the heel wall 1530.
  • the toe and heel walls 1529, 1530 define a boundary between the cutout regions and the forward portion 1522, as well as a boundary between the cutout regions and the rearward extension 1524.
  • the cutout portions remove mass from the low-density upper portion 1504, which is replaced with the high-density lower portion 1508 to increase the perimeter weighing of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the upper portion 1504 defines a central recess 1570 that extends from the forward portion 1522 to the rear end 1536.
  • the central recess 1570 removes mass from a central portion of the upper portion 1504, thereby allowing mass to be moved toward the perimeter 1510.
  • the central recess 1570 is defined by a recess wall 1572 and a recess floor 1574.
  • the recess floor 1574 is recessed into the upper portion 1504 away from the upper portion top surface 1526, and the recess wall 1572 circumscribes the recess floor 1574.
  • the recess wall 1572 defines a transition between the upper portion top surface 1526 and the recess floor 1574.
  • the recess wall 1572 comprises a height.
  • the recess wall height slopes with the slope of the crown 1536 such that the recess wall height is larger near the strike face 1520 and smaller near the rear end 1534.
  • the recess wall 1572 comprises a height near the rear end 1534 such that the recess floor 1574 is not flush with the upper portion top surface 1526.
  • the recess wall height remains constant throughout the central recess 1570.
  • the recess floor 1574 is parallel to the ground plane to provide a parallel surface to the ground plane for portions of the alignment aid 1544.
  • the central recess 1570 is located near a middle of the putter-type club head 1500 within the forward portion 1522 and the rear extension 1524 to provide a centered feature for the alignment aid 1544.
  • the central recess 1570 further contributes to the alignment aid 1544, as discussed in more detail below.
  • the upper portion 1504 further comprises an alignment aid 1544.
  • the alignment aid 1544 extends along the upper portion 1504 from the forward portion 1522 to the rear end 1534.
  • the alignment aid 1544 comprises several features that work, in conjunction with the central recess 1570, to provide the viewer a visual alignment field that extends from the strike face 1520 to the rear end 1534. The goal is to align the entire putter-type club head 1500 with the golf ball using the alignment aid 1544.
  • the alignment aid 1544 comprises several corresponding features that are carefully positioned relative to the central recess 1570.
  • the alignment aid 1544 comprises a ball-outlining feature 1580, a central line 1576, and a plurality of grooves 1578.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is formed integrally with the upper portion 1504.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is centered on the strike face center point and positioned at an offset from the strike face 1520.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is approximately the width of a golf ball [4.27cm (1.68 inches)] to help frame the golf ball during a swing.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is slightly wider than the width of a golf ball to allow forgiveness when framing the ball.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is generally golf ball shaped near the strike face 1520.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is located on the upper portion top surface 1526 above the central recess 1570. However, the ball-outlining feature 1580 generally follows a perimeter of the central recess 1570.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 comprises one or more arcuate portions 1582 and a set of parallel lines 1584 connected to the one or more arcuate portions 1582. At least one arcuate portion 1582 arcs near the strike face 1520 and is offset from the strike face 1520. Referring to FIG. 15D , in some embodiments, the ball-outlining feature 1580 comprises two arcuate portions 1582, where one arcuate portion arcs near the strike face 1520, and the other arcs near the rear end 1534.
  • the one or more arcuate portions 1582 generally resemble one half of a golf ball.
  • the parallel lines 1584 extend rearward from the arcuate portion 1582 toward the rear end 1534.
  • the parallel lines 1584 are generally parallel to the rear extension 1524.
  • the parallel lines 1584 are approximately the width of a golf ball [4.27cm (1.68 inches)].
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is generally the width of a golf ball and generally resembles an elongated golf ball to help the viewer visualize the trajectory of the golf ball.
  • the ball-outlining feature is located on the upper portion top surface 1526 and outlines the central recess 1570.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 partially or fully circumscribes the central recess 1570.
  • the parallel lines 1584 connect multiple arcuate portions 1582 to form a circular or oblong ball-outlining feature 1580 that fully circumscribes the central recess 1570, as shown in FIG. 15D .
  • the parallel lines 1584 extend rearward, thereby defining a U-shaped ball-outlining feature 1580 that partially circumscribes the central recess 1570.
  • the parallel lines 1584 extend fully to the rear end 1534, as shown in FIG. 15E .
  • the parallel lines 1584 extend partially to the rear end 1534, as shown in FIG. 15F .
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 generally follows the perimeter of the central recess 1570 and is located on the upper portion top surface 1526.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is recessed into the upper portion 1504 away from the upper portion top surface 1526, thereby defining a channel. However, in other embodiments, the ball-outlining feature 1580 is flush with the upper portion top surface 1526. Further, in other embodiments, the ball-outlining feature 1580 protrudes from the upper portion top surface 1526. The ball-outlining feature 1580 is positioned on the upper portion top surface 1526 outside of the central recess 1570.
  • the alignment aid 1544 further comprises a central line 1576 and a plurality of grooves 1578 located within the central recess 1570.
  • the central line 1576 is located within the central recess 1570 on the recess floor 1574.
  • the central line 1576 is positioned behind the strike face center point and extends through the entire length of the central recess 1570.
  • the central line 1576 extends perpendicularly from the strike face 1520 towards the rear end 1534.
  • the central line 1576 also extends parallel to the parallel lines 1584 of the ball-outlining feature 1580.
  • the central line 1576 is further recessed into the recess floor 1574.
  • the central line 1576 is flush with the recess floor 1574.
  • the central line 1576 protrudes from the recess floor 1574.
  • the central line 1576 assists the viewer in finding a center of the alignment aid 1544.
  • the central line 1576 is positioned in a middle of the recess floor 1574.
  • the alignment aid further comprises a plurality of grooves 1578 that are positioned on the recess floor 1574 on either side of the central line 1576.
  • the plurality of grooves 1578 are further recessed into the recess floor 1574.
  • the plurality of grooves 1578 are equally spaced apart from each other.
  • the plurality of grooves 1578 are concentrated near the central line 1576, or near the toe end 1512 and the heel end 1516.
  • the plurality of grooves 1578 are and are parallel to the central line 1576 and the parallel lines 1584 of the ball-outlining feature 1580.
  • the plurality of grooves 1578 provide a series of alignment lines perpendicular to the strike face 1520 that further assist the viewer in correctly aligning the golf ball.
  • each feature of the alignment aid 1544 assists the viewer in aligning the putter-type club head 1500 with the golf ball.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is approximately the width of a golf ball and generally resembles an oblong golf ball.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 allows the user to outline the edges of the golf ball with the parallel lines to frame the ball.
  • the central line 1576 is located in a middle of the ball-outlining feature 1580 and behind the strike face center point to help the viewer align the center of the golf ball with the center of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the plurality of grooves 1578 are parallel to the parallel lines 1584 and the central line 1576 and further assist the user in squaring the golf ball with the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the alignment aid 1544 further utilizes the central recess 1570.
  • the central recess 1570 provides a structure for the ball-outlining feature 1580 to outline. Further, the central recess 1570 houses the central line 1576 and the plurality of grooves 1578.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 is located near the upper portion top surface 1526, and the central line 1576 and the plurality of grooves 1578 are located on the recess floor 1574 at a vertical offset from the ball-outlining feature 1580. In a top-down view of the putter-type club head 1500, the central line 1576 appears slightly offset from the ball-outlining feature.
  • the offset is contributed to the positioning of the ball-outlining feature 1580 on the upper portion top surface 1526 and the central line 1576 on the recess floor 1574. Further, in a top down view, the recess wall 1572 disappears when the putter-type club head 1500 is in alignment, as shown in FIG. 15D .
  • the different portions of the alignment aid 1544 work in conjunction with the central recess 1570 to help the user align the golf ball.
  • the alignment aid 1544 can comprise a plurality of colors to help the viewer identify the different features of the alignment aid 1544.
  • Each portion of the alignment aid 1544 comprises a color.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 comprises a first color
  • the central line 1576 comprises a second color.
  • the upper portion 1504 comprises a third color.
  • the colors can white, black, grey, silver, red, blue, yellow, green, orange, purple, or any other suitable color.
  • the first, second, and third colors are similar.
  • the first, second, and third colors are different from one another. The different colors provide a visual contrast between the different features of the alignment aid 1544, which helps the viewer identify the various features.
  • the contrast is defined by colors that are opposite from one another.
  • the first, second, or third colors can be primary colors selected from the group consisting of red, yellow, and blue, while the other of the first, second, or third colors can be secondary colors selected from the group consisting of green, orange, and purple.
  • the first, second, or third colors can be white or black, while the other of the first, second, or third colors can be the other of white or black.
  • the different or contrasting colors of each feature further assist the viewer in alignment by improving the viewer's ability of the brain to detect a malalignment among parallel lines, a phenomenon known as Vernier Acuity.
  • the arrangement of the parallel lines 1584 of the ball-outlining feature 1580 and the central line 1576 take advantage the viewer's Vernier Acuity.
  • the positioning and the contrasting colors of the parallel lines 1584 of the ball-outlining feature 1580 and the central line 1576 keep the viewer's eyes still and allow the viewer's eyes to naturally stay focused on the central line 1576 to better align the golf ball with the target.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 and the central line 1576 are paint-filled. The shading and sizing of the features are selected to provide an alignment aid 1544 that generally resembles a golf ball.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 defines width measured between the furthest extent of the parallel lines 1584.
  • the width can be slightly larger than the width of a golf ball to allow forgiveness when framing the golf ball.
  • the width is between 4.19cm to 4.57cm (1.65 inches to 1.80 inches).
  • the width is approximately 4.19cm, 4.22cm, 4.24cm, 4.27cm, 4.29cm, 4.32cm, 4.34cm, 4.37cm, 4.39cm 4.42cm, 4.45cm, 4.47cm, 4.5cm, 4.52cm, 4.66cm, or 4.572cm (1.65 inches, 1.66 inches, 1.67 inches, 1.68 inches, 1.69 inches, 1.70 inches, 1.71 inches, 1.72 inches, 1.73 inches, 1.74 inches, 1.75 inches, 1.76 inches, 1.77 inches, 1.78 inches, 1.79 inches, or 1.80 inches). In one embodiment, the width is approximately 4.5212xm (1.78 inches).
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 further defines a thickness.
  • the thickness can be large enough to provide a substantial ball-outlining feature 1580.
  • the thickness is between 0.762mm and 3.81mm (0.03 inch and 0.15 inch). In some embodiments, the thickness is approximately 0.762mm, 1.016mm, 1.27mm, 1.524mm, 1.778mm, 2.032mm, 2.286mm, 2.54mm, 2.794mm, 3.048mm, 3.302mm, 3.556mm, or 3.81 mm (0.03 inch, 0.04 inch, 0.05 inch, 0.06 inch, 0.07 inch, 0.08 inch, 0.09 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.11 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.13 inch, 0.14 inch, or 0.15 inch).
  • the ball-outlining feature 1580 further defines a length.
  • the length is measured in a front to rear direction between the end points of the ball-outlining feature 1580.
  • the length is between 7.366cm to 7.874cm (2.9 inches to 3.1 inches).
  • the length is approximately 7.366 cm, 7.3914 cm, 7.4168 cm, 7.4422 cm, 7.4676 cm, 7.493 cm, 7.5184 cm, 7.5438 cm, 7.5692 cm, 7.5946 cm, 7.62 cm, 7.6454 cm, 7.6708 cm, 7.6962 cm, 7.7216 cm, 7.747 cm, 7.7724 cm, 7.7978 cm, 7.8232 cm, 7.8486 cm, or 7.874 cm (2.90 inches, 2.91 inches, 2.92 inches, 2.93 inches, 2.94 inches, 2.95 inches, 2.96 inches, 2.97 inches, 2.98 inches, 2.99 inches, 3.00 inches, 3.01 inches, 3.02 inches, 3.03 inches, 3.04 inches, 3.05 inches, 3.06 inches, 3.07 inches, 3.08 inches, 3.
  • the alignment aid 1544 is designed to provide a golf ball-like feature that is approximately the width of a golf ball. As discussed above, the alignment aid 1544 comprises different features positioned near or within the central recess 1570. Each feature provides a function to the alignment aid 1544, thereby allowing the user to better align the golf ball with the desired spot on the putter-type golf club head to achieve more accurate shots. Further, the alignment aid 1544 utilizes the central recess 1570 to further assist the viewer in alignment. The alignment aid 1544 and the central recess 1570 are located near a middle of the putter-type club head 1500 within the forward portion 1522 and the rear extension 1524. The rear extension 1524 is configured to allow the upper portion 1504 to receive the lower portion 1508.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprises a high-density material (i.e., the second material) than the upper portion 1504.
  • the lower portion 1508 is formed from stainless steel.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprises a central portion 1538, a toe mass 1545, and a heel mass 1547.
  • the central portion 1538 is a thinned region relative to the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 and allows the upper portion 1504 to be received by the lower portion 1508.
  • the thinned central portion 1538 also removes mass from a center of the lower portion 1508 that can be reallocated to the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 to improve the moment of inertia of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the central portion 1538 comprises a central portion top surface 1540 proximate the upper portion bottom surface 1528.
  • the central portion top surface 1540 comprises a corresponding geometry to the upper portion bottom surface 1528.
  • the central portion top surface 1528 comprises one or more recesses, as shown in FIG. 15B .
  • the one or more recesses can further reduce the mass from a center of the lower portion 1508.
  • the mass can be redistributed to the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547, which are configured to distribute mass to the peripheries of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 are raised portions relative to the central portion 1538.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 are located near the perimeter 1510 to provide perimeter weighting to increase the moment of inertia of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the weight of the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 can be tailored to achieve a desired swing weight or overall putter head mass.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 comprise a mass top surface 1541 that forms a portion of the crown 1536.
  • the upper portion 1504 and the lower portion 1508 each form a portion of the crown 1536 and the sole 1568.
  • the lower portion 1508 further comprises a lower portion bottom surface 1542 that forms a portion of the sole.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 further comprise an inner surface 1561 located near the toe and heel walls 1529, 1530, and an outer surface 1543 that forms a portion of the perimeter 1510. In some embodiments, the outer surface 1543 forms a portion of the toe end 1512, the heel end 1516, or the rear end 1534.
  • the inner surface 1561 defines a transition between the toe mass 1545 and the central portion 1538, as well as a transition between the heel mass 1547 and the central portion 1538.
  • the inner surface 1561 comprises a corresponding geometry to the toe and heel walls 1529, 1530.
  • the lower portion 1508 is configured to receive the upper portion 1504 such that the rearward extension 1524 is situated above the central portion 1538 and between the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 form a tight fit with the upper portion 1504.
  • the inner surface 1561 and toe and heel walls 1529, 1530 define a gap 1595, 1597 therebetween.
  • the gap 1595, 1597 allows toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 of varying sizes to be held within the cutout regions to tailor the weighting of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the gap 1595, 1597 defines a width measured between the respective inner surface 1561 and toe and heel walls 1529, 1530.
  • the gap width can remain constant throughout the entire gap 1595, 1597, or the gap width can vary throughout the gap 1595, 1597.
  • the gap width can be between 1.27mm to 5.334mm (0.05 inch to 0.21 inch).
  • the gap width is between 1.27mm to 2.286mm (0.05 inch to 0.09 inch), 1.778mm to 3.302mm (0.07 inch to 0.13 inch), 2.54mm to 4.572mm (0.10 inch to 0.18 inch), and 3.81mm to 5.334cm (0.15 inch to 0.21 inch).
  • the gap width is 1.27 mm, 1.524 mm,1.778 mm, 2.032 mm, 2.286 mm, 2.54 mm, 2.794 mm, 3.048 mm, 3.302 mm, 3.556 mm, 3.81 mm, 4.064 mm, 4.318 mm, 4.572 mm, 4.826 mm, 5.08 mm, or 5.334 mm (0.05 inch, 0.06 inch, 0.07 inch, 0.08 inch, 0.09 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.11 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.13 inch, 0.14 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.16 inch, 0.17 inch, 0.18 inch, 0.19 inch, 0.20 inch, or 0.21 inch).
  • the gap width is 4.064mm (0.16 inch). The gap width depends on the size and shaping of the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 and the corresponding cutout regions.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 can respectively be any one or combination of the following shapes: rectangular, triangular, pyramidal, spherical, semi-circular, square, cylindrical, ovular, elliptical, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other desired geometric or non-geometric shape.
  • the geometry of the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 corresponds to the geometry of the respective cutout region of the upper portion 1504.
  • the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 provide an additional means of adding mass to the perimeter 1510 for increasing the MOI of the putter-type club head 1500 over a putter without these mass features.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprises a mass between 200 grams to 215 grams. In some embodiments, the mass is between 200 grams to 210 grams, 205 grams to 210 grams, and 210 grams to 215 grams.
  • the mass can be 200 grams, 201 grams, 202 grams, 203 grams, 204 grams, 205 grams, 206 grams, 207 grams, 208 grams, 209 grams, 210 grams, 211 grams, 212 grams, 213 grams, 214 grams, or 215 grams. In one embodiment, the mass is 205.7 grams.
  • the lower portion, and the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 specifically, provide areas of concentrated mass near the perimeter 1510, such that toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 function to increase the moment of inertia of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the placement of the toe and heel masses 1545, 1547 on the perimeter 1510 increases the MOI since each mass is farther from a center of gravity of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the upper portion 1504 is affixed to the lower portion 1508, which is formed using the second material, wherein the second material is denser than the first material.
  • the upper portion 1504 can be affixed to the lower portion 1508 with the use of an adhesive.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprises less than 34%, less than 33%, less than 32%, less than 31%, less than 30%, less than 29%, less than 28%, less than 27%, less than 26%, less than 25%, less than 24%, or less than 23% of the total volume.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprises 30.1% of the total volume.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprises less than half of the volume of the putter-type club head 1500, the lower portion 1508 comprises at least 50% of a total mass of the putter-type club head 1500. In some embodiments, the lower portion 1508 comprises at least 51%, at least 52%, at least 53%, at least 54%, at least 55%, at least 56%, at least 57%, at least 58%, at least 59%, or at least 60% of the total mass. In one embodiment, the lower portion 1508 comprises 56.1% of the total mass. As discussed in more detail below, the lower portion 1508 comprises a low proportion (less than 50%) of the volume of the putter-type club head 1500 and a high proportion (greater than 50%) of the mass of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the central recess 1570 shifts a majority of the volume and mass of the putter-type club head 1500 to the perimeter 1510. This shift forms a low volume portion that increases MOI in comparison to a putter milled from a single material.
  • a single material putter-type club head fails to allocate high-density material to the periphery, while maintaining a desirable volume (75 cc - 100 cc) and mass (340 grams - 385 grams).
  • the advantages of putter head 1500 over a putter head formed from a single material construction are described in the examples below.
  • the putter-type club head can comprise a two-part construction and can include an alignment aid having a ball-outlining feature.
  • the two-part construction allows the putter-type club head to be formed from multiple materials.
  • the putter-type club head 1600 comprises a body 1604, a toe weight 1645, and a heel weight 1647.
  • the body 1604 is formed from a first material having a first density
  • the toe and heel weights 1645, 1647 are formed from a second material having a second density.
  • the first density is less than the second density.
  • the body 1604 and the toe and heel weights 1645, 1647 combine to create a high-MOI putter-type club head 1600 (5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 ), while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • the putter head 1600 can have an MOI ranging from 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 , 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6000 g ⁇ cm 2 , 6000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1600 comprises a 2%-15% increase of MOI about the y-axis over a putter head devoid of a multi-material construction (i.e. a single material).
  • the putter head 1600 comprises a 2%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% increase over a single material putter.
  • the putter-type club head 1600 further comprises a crown 1636, a sole 1668, a strike face 1620, a rear end 1634, a toe end 1612, and a heel end 1616.
  • the outermost points of the strike face 1620, the rear end 1634, the toe end 1612, and the heel end 1616 define a perimeter 1610 of the putter-type club head 1600.
  • the body 1604 and the toe and heel weights 1645, 1647 each form a portion of the crown 1636, a portion of the sole 1668, a portion of the toe end 1612, a portion of the heel end 1616, and a portion of the perimeter 1610.
  • the crown 1636 gradually slopes from the strike face 1620 to the rear end 1634 such that the putter-type club head 1600 is thicker near the strike face 1620 and gradually thins towards the rear end 1634.
  • the slope of the crown 1636 can be linear, curvilinear, parabolic, sinusoidal, or a function of polynomial.
  • the strike face 1620 comprises a strike face center point equidistant from the heel end 1616 and toe end 1612, as well as equidistant from the crown 1636 and the sole 1668.
  • the sole 1668 can be planar. In some embodiments, the sole 1668 can have a slight arch in a heel 1616 to toe 1612 direction, wherein the slight arch can be linear, or a function of a polynomial. In some embodiments, the sole 1668 can have a strong arch in the heel 1616 to toe 1612 direction, wherein the strong arch can be linear, or a function of a polynomial.
  • the sole 1568 functions to provide a surface to rest the putter-type club head 1600 on the ground plane. As discussed above, the putter-type club head 1600 comprises a body 1604, a toe weight 1645, and a heel weight 1647, where the body 1604 forms a majority of the sole 1668 and rests on the ground plane. The toe weight 1645 and heel weight 1647 sit above the body 1604 when the putter-type club head 1600 is assembled.
  • the body 1604 comprises a low-density material (i.e., the first material).
  • the body 1604 is formed from aluminum.
  • the toe weight 1645 and the heel weight 1647 are affixed to the body 1604 to define the crown 1636, the sole 1668, the toe end 1612, the heel end 1616, and the perimeter 1610.
  • the body 1604 comprises an upper surface 1626 and a lower surface 1628, where the upper surface 1626 forms a portion of the crown 1636, and the lower surface 1628 forms a portion of the sole 1668.
  • the body 1604 further comprises a forward portion 1622 and a rear portion 1623, where the forward portion 1622 comprises the strike face 1620.
  • the rear portion 1623 comprises a rearward extension 1624 that extends rearward from the forward portion 1622 towards the rear end 1634.
  • the rearward extension 1624 is generally perpendicular to the strike face 1620.
  • the forward portion 1622 and the rearward extension 1624 form a T-shape.
  • the body 1604 defines a central recess 1670 that extends from the forward portion 1622 to the rear end 1634.
  • the central recess 1670 removes mass from a central portion of the body 1604, thereby allowing mass to be moved toward the perimeter 1610.
  • the central recess 1670 is defined by a recess wall 1672 and a recess floor 1674.
  • the recess floor 1674 is recessed into the body 1604 away from the body upper surface 1626, and the recess wall 1672 circumscribes the recess floor 1674.
  • the recess wall 1672 comprises a height.
  • the recess wall height slopes with the slope of the crown 1636 such that the recess wall height is larger near the strike face 1620 and smaller near the rear end 1634.
  • the recess wall 1672 comprises a height near the rear end 1634 such that the recess floor 1674 is not flush with the body upper surface 1626.
  • the recess wall height remains constant throughout the central recess 1670.
  • the recess floor 1674 is parallel to the ground plane to provide a parallel surface to the ground plane for portions of the alignment aid 1644.
  • the central recess 6570 is located near a middle of the putter-type club head 1600 within the forward portion 1622 and the rear extension 1624 to provide a centered feature for the alignment aid 1644.
  • the central recess 1670 further contributes to the alignment aid 1644, as discussed in more detail below.
  • the body 1604 further comprises an alignment aid 1644.
  • the alignment aid 1644 is similar to the alignment aid 1544 and is described using similar reference numbers to the alignment aid 1544.
  • the alignment aid comprises one or more arcuate portions 1682 and a set of parallel lines 1684, which are similar to the one or more arcuate portions 1582 and the set of parallel lines 1584 of the alignment aid 1544.
  • the alignment aid 1544 is located on the body upper surface 1626, instead of the upper portion top surface 1526, like the alignment aid 1544.
  • the alignment aid 1644 comprises a ball-outlining feature 1680, a central line 1676, and a plurality of grooves 1678.
  • the ball-outlining feature 1680 can be similar to the ball-outlining feature 1580 shown in FIGS. 15D-15E .
  • the ball-outlining feature 1680 can partially or fully circumscribe the central recess 1670.
  • the parallel lines 1684 connect multiple arcuate portions 1682 to form a circular or oblong ball-outlining feature 1680 that fully circumscribes the central recess 1670, as shown in FIG. 15D .
  • the parallel lines 1684 extend rearward, thereby defining a U-shaped ball-outlining feature 1680 that partially circumscribes the central recess 1670.
  • the parallel lines 1684 extend fully to the rear end 1634, as shown in FIG. 15E .
  • the parallel lines 1684 extend partially to the rear end 1634, as shown in FIG. 15F .
  • the ball-outlining feature 1680 generally follows the perimeter of the central recess 1670 and is located on the body upper surface 1626.
  • the central line 1676 and the plurality of grooves 1678 can be similar to the central line 1576 and the plurality of grooves 1578 of the alignment aid 1544.
  • the central line 1676 and the plurality of grooves 1678 are located on the recess floor 1674.
  • the central line 1676 is positioned behind the strike face center point and extends through the entire length of the central recess 1670.
  • the plurality of grooves 1678 that are recessed into the recess floor 1674 on either side of the central line 1676.
  • Each feature of the alignment aid 1644 assists the viewer in aligning the putter-type club head 1600 with the golf ball.
  • the alignment aid 1644 also utilizes the central recess 1670.
  • the central recess 1670 provides a structure for the ball-outlining feature 1670 to outline.
  • the central recess 1670 houses the central line 1676 and the plurality of grooves 1678.
  • the alignment aid 1644 is located near the body upper surface 1526 and extends from the forward portion 1622 through the rear extension 1623 to the rear end 1634.
  • the rear portion 1623 is further configured to receive one or more weights.
  • the rear portion 1623 further comprises a toe wing 1629 and a heel wing 1630 that receive the toe weight 1645 and the heel weight 1647.
  • the wings 1629, 1630 are located near the perimeter 1610 towards the rear end 1634 such that the rear extension 1624 extends between the wings 1629, 1630.
  • the wings 1629, 1630 are defined between a wing floor 1632 and the sole 1668.
  • the wing floor 1632 is recessed into the body 1604 away from the body upper surface 1626.
  • the wing floor 1632 form a base for the wings 1629, 1630 to receive the weights 1645, 1647.
  • the rear portion defines a toe weight recess 1638 and a heel weight recess 1639.
  • the weight recesses 1638, 1369 are located above the wings 1629, 1630 and function to receive the weights 1645, 1647.
  • the weight recesses 1638, 1639 are defined a wing wall 1631 and the wing floor 1632, where the wing wall 1631 is adjacent to a respective recess floor 1632.
  • the toe weight recess 1638 extends inwards from the toe end 1612 toward the center of the body 1604.
  • the heel weight recess 1639 extends from the heel end 1616 toward the center of the body 1604.
  • the weight recesses 1638, 1639 are bounded by the crown 1636, the perimeter 1610, the recess floor 1632, and the wing wall 1631.
  • the wing wall 1631 defines a boundary between the wings 1629, 1630 and the forward portion 1622, as well as a boundary between the wings 1629, 1630 and the rearward extension 1624.
  • the wing walls 1631 can fully encompass the weights 1645, 1647.
  • the wing walls 1631 can partially encompass the weights 1645, 1647.
  • the wing wall 1631 can encompass between 30% to 45%, 40% to 65%, 50% to 90%, or 60% to 95% of the weight 1645, 1647.
  • the wings recesses 1638, 1369 are configured to receive the weights 1645, 1647 such that the weights 1645, 1647 sit above the wings 1629, 1630.
  • the wings 1629, 1630 comprise an attachment point 1633 that receives a respective weight 1645, 1647.
  • Each attachment point 1633 protrudes from the wing floor 1632 into the respective weight recess 1638, 1639.
  • the attachment point 1633 can respectively be any one or combination of the following shapes: rectangular, triangular, pyramidal, spherical, semi-circular, square, cylindrical, ovular, elliptical, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other desired geometric or non-geometric shape.
  • the weight recesses 1638, 1369 and the wings 1629, 1630 can comprise any desired geometry. However, in many embodiments, the weight recesses 1638, 1369 and the wings 1629, 1630 comprise a geometry similar or identical to that of the weight 1645, 1647. Each weight recess 1638, 1369 corresponds to a respective wing 1629, 1630 and attachment point 1633 for a respective weight 1645, 1647.
  • the putter-type club head 1600 comprises a heel weight 1647 and a toe weight 1645 that correspond to a respective wing 1629, 1630, weight recess 1638, 1639, and attachment point 1633.
  • the putter-type club head 1600 is not limited to a heel weight 1647 and a toe weight 1645.
  • the putter-type club head 1600 can comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight weights.
  • the putter-type club head 1600 can comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or eight corresponding wings and attachment points.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 comprise a high-density material (i.e., the second material) than the body 1604. In many embodiments, the weights 1645, 1647 are formed from stainless steel. The weights 1645, 1647 are located near the perimeter 1610 and are affixed to the body 1604. Referring to FIGS. 16B and 16D , the weights 1645, 1647 comprise an inner surface 1661 located near the wing wall 1631, and an outer surface 1643 that forms a portion of the perimeter 1610. In some embodiments, the outer surface 1643 forms a portion of the toe end 1612, the heel end 1616, or the rear end 1634. The inner surface 1661 comprises a corresponding geometry to the wing wall 1631.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 form a tight fit with the body 1604.
  • the inner surface 1661 and the wing wall 1631 define a gap 1695, 1697 therebetween.
  • the gap 1695, 1697 allows weights 1629, 1630 of varying sizes to be held within the weight recesses 1638, 1639 to tailor the weighting of the putter-type club head 1600.
  • the gap 1695, 1697 defines a width measured between the respective inner surface 1661 and wing wall 1631.
  • the gap width can remain constant throughout the entire gap 1695,1697, or the gap width can vary throughout the gap 1695, 1697.
  • the gap width can be between 1.27mm to 5.334mm (0.05 inch to 0.21 inch).
  • the gap width is between 1.27mm to 2.286mm (0.05 inch to 0.09 inch), 1.778mm to 3.302mm (0.07 inch to 0.13 inch), 2.54mm to 4.572mm (0.10 inch to 0.18 inch), and 3.81mm to 5.334mm (0.15 inch to 0.21 inch).
  • the gap width is 1.27 mm, 1.524 mm,1.778 mm, 2.032 mm, 2.286 mm, 2.54 mm, 2.794 mm, 3.048 mm, 3.302 mm, 3.556 mm, 3.81 mm, 4.064 mm, 4.318 mm, 4.572 mm, 4.826 mm, 5.08 mm, or 5.334 mm (0.05 inch, 0.06 inch, 0.07 inch, 0.08 inch, 0.09 inch, 0.10 inch, 0.11 inch, 0.12 inch, 0.13 inch, 0.14 inch, 0.15 inch, 0.16 inch, 0.17 inch, 0.18 inch, 0.19 inch, 0.20 inch, or 0.21 inch). In one embodiment, the gap width is 4.064mm (0.16 inch).
  • the weights 1645, 1647 further comprise a weight upper surface 1640 and a weight lower surface 1642.
  • the weight upper surfaces 1640 form a portion of the crown 1636
  • the weight lower surfaces 1642 form a portion of the sole 1668.
  • the weight lower surfaces 1642 are proximate the wing floors 1632 and comprise a corresponding geometry to the respective wings 1629, 1630 and attachment points 1633.
  • the weight lower surface 1642 comprises a stepped-down geometry that corresponds to the respective wing 1629, 1630 and attachment point 1633 geometry.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 slide over the attachment point 1633 and are further secured with an epoxy material.
  • the wing floors 1632 comprise a plurality of grooves that increase the surface area of the wing floor 1632.
  • the plurality of grooves increase the surface area available for bonding, thereby strengthening the bond between the weights 1645, 1647 and the floor 1632.
  • the geometry of the weight lower surface 1642 facilitates a tight connection between the weights 1645, 1647 and the wings 1629, 1630.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 can respectively be any one or combination of the following shapes: rectangular, triangular, pyramidal, spherical, semi-circular, square, cylindrical, ovular, elliptical, trapezoidal, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or any other desired geometric or non-geometric shape.
  • the geometry of the weights 1645, 1647 corresponds to the geometry of the respective weight recess 1638,1639.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 provide an additional means of adding mass to the perimeter 1610 for increasing the MOI of the putter-type club head 1600 over a putter without these mass features. Furthermore, the weights 1645, 1647 can be tailored to achieve a desired swing weight or overall putter head mass.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 comprise a combined mass between 45 grams to 70 grams. In some embodiments, the mass is between 45 grams to 60 grams, 55 grams to 70 grams, and 55 grams to 65 grams.
  • the combined mass can be 45 grams, 46 grams, 47 grams, 48 grams, 49 grams, 50 grams, 51 grams, 52 grams, 53 grams, 54 grams, 55 grams, 56 grams, 57 grams, 58 grams, 59 grams, 60 grams, 61 grams, 62 grams, 63 grams, 64 grams, 65 grams, 66 grams, 67 grams, 68 grams, 69 grams, or 70 grams.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 provide areas of concentrated mass near the perimeter 1610, such that each weight 1645, 1647 functions to increase the moment of inertia of the putter-type club head 1600.
  • the placement of each weight 1645, 1647 on the perimeter 1610 increases the MOI since each mass is farther from a center of gravity of the putter-type club head 1600.
  • Each weight 1645, 1647 is affixed to the body 1604 using the second material, wherein the second material is denser than the first material.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 in many embodiments, comprise less than 25% of a total volume of the putter-type club head 1600. In some embodiments, the weights 1645, 1647 comprise less than 24%, less than 23%, less than 22%, less than 21%, less than 20%, less than 19%, less than 18%, less than 17%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, or less than 13% of the total volume.
  • the weights 1645, 1647 comprise less than half of the volume of the putter-type club head 1600, the weights 1645, 1647 comprise at least 30% of a total mass of the putter-type club head 1600. In some embodiments, the weights 1645, 1647 comprise at least 31%, at least 32%, at least 33%, at least 34%, at least 35%, at least 36%, at least 37%, at least 38%, at least 39%, or at least 40% of the total mass.
  • the central recess 1670 shifts a majority of the volume and mass of the putter-type club head 1600 to the extremities of the body 1604. This shift forms a low volume portion that increases MOI in comparison to a putter milled from a single material.
  • a single material putter-type club head fails to allocate high-density material to the periphery, while maintaining a desirable volume (75 cc - 100 cc) and mass (340 grams - 385 grams).
  • the putter type golf club head can comprise a three part construction including a crown portion 1802 in addition to the upper portion and the lower portion.
  • Providing a three-part putter head comprising a crown portion 1802 in addition to the upper portion and the lower portion allows the mass distribution throughout the putter head to be more precisely controlled and optimized to increase the MOI of the putter head.
  • the upper portion of the three-part putter-type golf club head can be similar to one or more of the upper portions described in reference to previous embodiments and can be made of the first material described above.
  • the lower portion of the three-part putter-type golf club head can be similar to one or more of the lower portions described in reference to previous embodiments and can be made of the second material described above.
  • the three-part putter head further comprises a crown portion made of a third material different than both the first material of the upper portion and the second material of the lower portion.
  • the third material can be lightweight and can comprise a density less than both the first density and the second density.
  • the crown portion 1802 can be joined to the top of the upper portion and can form the uppermost surface of the putter head.
  • the crown portion of the putter head having the third material comprises a third density ranging between 0.5 g/cc and 3.5 g/cc.
  • the third density can range between 1.5 g/cc to 2.5 g/cc.
  • the third density can range between 0.5 - 0.75 g/cc, 0.75 - 1.0 g/cc, 1.0 - 1.25 g/cc, 1.25 - 1.5 g/cc, 1.5 - 1.75 g/cc, 1.75 - 2.0 g/cc, 2.0 - 2.25 g/cc, 2.25 - 2.5 g/cc, 2.5 - 2.75 g/cc, 2.75 - 3.0 g/cc, or 3.25 - 3.5 g/cc.
  • the third density of the crown portion 1802 can range between 1.0 - 2.0 g/cc. In some embodiments, the third density can be less 3.5 g/cc, less than 3.0 g/cc, less than 2.5 g/cc, less than 2.0 g/cc, less than 1.5 g/cc, or less than 1.0 g/cc.
  • the third density can be 0.5 g/cc, 0.75 g/cc, 1.0 g/cc, 1.25 g/cc, 1.50 g/cc, 1.75 g/cc, 2.0 g/cc, 2.25 g/cc, 2.50 g/cc, 2.75 g/cc, 3.0 g/cc, 3.25 g/cc, or 3.50 g/c.
  • the crown portion of the putter head having the third material can be made from any one or combination of the following: aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-12, a polymeric material, a composite material, a filled thermoplastic, a fiber-reinforced composite, or any other suitable low-density material.
  • FIGS. 18A-18D illustrate for explanation only and to aid an understanding of the invention, a first embodiment of the three-part putter-type golf club head 1800.
  • Putter head 1800 is a spade shaped putter head 1800, similar to the two-part spade shaped putter head 700 of FIGS. 7A-7C .
  • the three-part spade shaped putter head 1800 comprises an upper portion 1804, a lower portion 1808, and a crown portion 1802, and a hollow interior cavity 1850 formed between the upper portion 1804, lower portion 1808, and crown portion 1802.
  • the upper portion 1804 is made from a first material having a first density
  • the lower portion 1808 is made from a second material having a second density
  • the crown portion 1802 is made from a third material having a third density.
  • the first density is less than the second density.
  • the third density is less than both the first density and the second density.
  • the upper portion 1804, lower portion 1808, and crown portion 1802 combine to create a high-MOI putter head (3500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 ) 1800 while maintaining a desirable volume and mass.
  • the putter head 1800 can comprise an MOI approximately between 3500 g ⁇ cm 2 and 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 , between 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 and 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 , or between 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 and 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the putter head 1800 can comprise an MOI approximately between 3500 g ⁇ cm 2 and 3750 g ⁇ cm 2 , between 3750 g ⁇ cm 2 and 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 , between 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 and 4250 g ⁇ cm 2 , between 4250 g ⁇ cm 2 and 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 , between 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 and 4750 g ⁇ cm 2 , or between 4750 g ⁇ cm 2 and 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the upper portion 1804 forms a majority of the main body of the putter head 1800.
  • the upper portion 1804 comprises a base 1830 and a plurality of walls extending vertically from the base 1830.
  • the upper portion 1804 can comprise a plurality of perimeter walls including a front wall 1812 defining a strike face 1820, a toe wall 1814, a heel wall 1816, and a rear wall 1832.
  • the front wall 1812 is adjacent to the toe wall 1814 and the heel wall 1816, and opposite to the rear wall 1832.
  • An exterior surface of the front wall 1812 forms the strike face 1820 while an interior surface of the front wall 1812 forms a back face 1824.
  • the toe wall 1814 is adjacent to the front wall 1812 and the rear wall 1832, and opposite to the heel wall 1816.
  • the heel wall 1816 is also adjacent to the front wall 1812 and the rear wall 1832, but opposite to the toe wall 1814.
  • the plurality of perimeter walls can form the majority of a perimeter of the putter head 1800.
  • the base 1830 can extend from the front wall 1812 to the rear wall 1832 and from the toe wall 1814 to the heel wall 1816.
  • the base 1830 further comprises an upper surface 1831 and a lower surface 1833 opposite the upper surface 1831.
  • the lower surface 1833 of the base 1830 forms at least a portion of the sole 1868.
  • the lower surface 1833 can comprise a recessed area 1840 configured to receive the lower portion 1808 such that the lower surface 1833 of the base 1830 forms part of the sole 1868 and a bottom surface 1882 of the lower portion 1808 forms the remainder of the sole 1868.
  • the upper portion 1804 further comprises a plurality of internal walls 1838 extending vertically from the base 1830.
  • Each of the plurality of internal walls 1838 are inset with respect to the perimeter of the putter head 1800.
  • the plurality of internal walls 1838 therefore do not form any portion of the club head perimeter.
  • the plurality of perimeter walls and the plurality of internal walls 1838 can be interconnected.
  • the interconnection between the plurality of perimeter walls and the plurality of internal walls 1838 can collectively form a cavity profile, when viewed from above, wherein the cavity profile defines the shape of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the shape of the cavity profile is defined by the orientation and shaping of the plurality of perimeter walls and the plurality of internal walls 1838.
  • the upper portion 1804 can comprise one or more internal walls 1838 extending substantially perpendicular to the strike face 1820 and one or more internal walls 1838 extending substantially parallel to the strike face 1820. In other embodiments, one or more internal walls 1838 can extend at an angle with respect to the strike face 1820.
  • FIG. 18A illustrates the plurality of internal walls 1838 being formed as substantially straight walls, but in other embodiments, the putter head 1800 can comprise one or more internal walls 1838 that are curved.
  • the top of the upper portion 1804 can be open such that the upper portion 1804 by itself does not enclose any hollow portions or interior cavities.
  • the upper portion 1804 can further define one or more external portions 1835 situated outside of the cavity profile.
  • the one or more external portions 1835 form areas of the putter head 1800 wherein the upper surface 1831 of the base 1830 is exposed to the exterior of the putter head 1800.
  • the one or more external portions 1835 can be partially bounded by the exterior surface of one or more internal walls 1838, but the external portions 1835 are not bounded on any sides by any of the plurality of perimeter walls.
  • the upper portion 1804 further comprises a central aperture 1864 extending through a portion of the base 1830.
  • the central aperture 1864 extends through both the upper surface 1831 and the lower surface 1833 of the base 1830.
  • the central aperture 1864 shifts a large portion of the volume and mass of the putter head 1800 to the extremities of the upper portion 1804.
  • the central aperture 1864 can be configured to be covered by the lower portion 1808 to enclose the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the crown portion 1802 forms the majority of the top surface of the putter head 1800.
  • the crown portion 1802 can comprise a thin, cover-like structure configured to overlay the upper portion 1804.
  • the plurality of walls can provide surfaces 1834 to which the crown portion 1802 is attached.
  • the shape of the crown portion 1802 is complementary to the geometry of the upper portion 1804.
  • the shape of the crown corresponds to the cavity profile formed by the plurality of upper portion walls.
  • the perimeter edges of the crown portion 1802 can be configured to attach to the top surfaces 1834 of the upper portion perimeter walls and the upper portion internal walls 1838.
  • FIG. 18B by overlaying the top of the lower portion 1808, the crown portion 1802 entirely encloses the top of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the crown portion 1802 comprises a front edge 1870 extending along the front wall 1812 in a heel-to-toe direction.
  • the front edge 1870 can extend all the way from the toe wall 1814 to the heel wall 1816.
  • the crown portion 1802 further comprises a central extension 1842, a heel extension 1846, and a toe extension 1848.
  • the central extension 1842 extends rearward from the front edge 1870, near the center of the front wall 1812.
  • the central extension 1842 extends all the way from the front wall 1812 to the rear wall 1832 and covers a central area of the cavity profile.
  • the heel extension 1846 extends rearward from a heel side of the front edge 1870.
  • the heel extension 1846 extends along the heel wall 1816 and extends a portion of the way from the front wall 1812 to the rear wall 1832.
  • the toe extension 1848 extends rearward from a toe side of the front edge 1870.
  • the toe extension 1848 extends along the toe wall 1814 and extends a portion of the way from the front wall 1812 to the rear wall 1832.
  • the crown portion 1802 of the putter head 1800 can comprise one or more alignment features 1836.
  • the alignment feature 1836 can be any one or combination of the following: a line, a series of lines, milling troughs, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, or any other desired alignment feature 1836.
  • the central extension 1842 is configured to be the width of a golf ball (approximately 4.27 cm).
  • the alignment features 1836, extending along the crown portion 1802 function to provide the viewer a visual alignment field that extends the width of the golf ball, from the strike face 1820 to the rear of the putter head 1800. The goal is to align the entire putter head 1800 with the golf ball using these alignment features 1836 along the crown portion 1802.
  • the lower portion 1808 can form a majority of the sole 1868.
  • the lower portion 1808 can be formed as a substantially flat, high-density sole plate.
  • the lower portion 1808 is received within the recessed area 1840 of the upper portion lower surface 1833.
  • the lower portion 1808 can be received within the upper portion 1804 such that a bottom surface 1882 of the lower portion 1808 sits flush with the lower surface 1833 of the upper portion 1804. In this way, the bottom surfaces 1833, 1882 of the upper portion 1804 and lower portion 1808 combine to define a generally continuous sole surface at the bottom of the putter head 1800.
  • FIG. 18 Refer to FIG.
  • the top surface 1880 of the lower portion 1808 can comprise one or more recesses 1886.
  • the one or more recesses 1886 can be located near the center of the lower portion 1808.
  • the one or more recesses 1886 can serve to shift mass toward the perimeter of the lower portion 1808.
  • the lower portion 1808 is located toward the rear wall 1832 of the putter head 1800 and can extend substantially between the heel wall 1816 and the toe wall 1814. As such, the majority of the sole 1868 proximate the rear wall 1832 is formed by the lower portion bottom surface 1882. In many embodiments, the lower portion 1808 can be spaced rearwardly from the front wall 1812. As such, the majority of the sole 1868 proximate the strike face 1820 can be formed by the lower surface 1833 of the upper portion 1804.
  • the lower portion 1808 is configured to be received such that it covers the upper portion aperture 1864 from the bottom of the putter head 1800.
  • the lower portion 1808 can seal off the hollow interior cavity 1850 from the sole 1868, enclosing the bottom of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the upper portion 1804, the lower portion 1808, and the crown portion 1802 form a hollow interior cavity 1850 within the putter head 1800.
  • the hollow interior cavity 1850 is bounded between interior surfaces of the perimeter walls and internal walls 1838 of the upper portion 1804, an underneath surface (not shown) of the crown portion 1802, and the top surface 1880 of the lower portion 1808.
  • the hollow interior cavity 1850 removes a large amount of mass from near the center of gravity.
  • the hollow interior cavity 1850 thereby increases the MOI of the putter head 1800 by allowing mass to be shifted toward perimeter of the putter head 1800.
  • the hollow interior cavity 1850 is completely enclosed by the upper portion 1804, lower portion 1808, and crown portion 1802 such that there are no openings from the exterior of the putter head 1800 into the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • Completely enclosing the interior cavity 1850 by the upper portion 1804, lower portion 1808, and crown portion 1802 provides the putter head 1800 with the high MOI of a hollow putter head while retaining the appearance of a solidly constructed putter head.
  • the hollow interior cavity 1850 can comprise a filler material (not shown).
  • the filler material can completely fill the volume of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the filler material can fill only a portion of the volume of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the filler material can fill greater than 5%, greater than 10%, greater than 20%, greater than 30%, greater than 40%, greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80%, or greater than 90% of the volume of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the filler material can fill less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 40%, less than 30%, less than 20%, less than 10%, or less than 5% of the volume of the hollow interior cavity 1850.
  • the filler material can be a polymer.
  • the polymer can comprise a thermoplastic, a thermoplastic elastomer, polyurethane, ethylene, vinyl acetate, ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), polyolefin copolymer, styrene, styrene-butadiene, a polymer foam material, any other suitable polymer material, or any combination thereof.
  • the filler material can comprise an elastomer, a polyurethane elastomer, a silicone, a silicone elastomer, a rubber, or a vulcanized natural rubber latex.
  • the filler material can be an epoxy, a resin, an adhesive, a polyurethane adhesive, a glue, or any other suitable adhesive.
  • the carrier can be a polyurethane adhesive such as Gorilla Glue (Gorilla Glue Company, Cincinnati Ohio).
  • the filler material can be a polyurethane elastomer such as Freeman 1040 (Freeman Manufacturing & Supply Company, Avon Ohio), or a polyurethane based thermoplastic elastomer such as Freeman 3040 (Freeman Manufacturing & Supply Company, Avon Ohio).
  • the filler material can be a lattice material. The lattice filler material can be formed from a metal using processes such as casting, die casting, co die casting, additive manufacturing, or metallic 3D printing.
  • Providing the hollow interior cavity 1850 allows for the inclusion of a dense, yet low volume lower portion 1808 that increases the MOI of the putter head 1800, in comparison to a putter head milled from a single material.
  • a single material putter head fails to allocate high density material to the perimeter, while maintaining a desirable volume (75 cc - 100 cc) and mass (340 grams - 385 grams).
  • the putter head 1800 comprises a high MOI, a desirable volume (91 cc), and a desirable mass (361 grams).
  • the lower portion 1808 comprises less than 40% of a total volume of the putter head 1800. In some embodiments, the lower portion 1808 comprises less than 39% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 38% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 37% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 36% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 35% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 34% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 33% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 32% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, less than 31% of the total volume of the putter head 1800, or less than 30% of the total volume of the putter head 1800.
  • the inclusion of the hollow interior cavity 1850 allows a large proportion of the mass of the putter head 1800 to be concentrated in the lower portion 1808 without creating an extremely heavy putter head 1800.
  • the lower portion 1808 comprises less than 40% of the volume of the putter head 1800, the lower portion 1808 comprises at least 60% of an overall mass of the putter head 1800.
  • the lower portion 1808 comprises at least 61 % of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 62% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 63% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 64% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 65% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 66% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 67% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 68% of the mass of the putter head 1800, at least 69% of the mass of the putter head 1800, or at least 70% of the mass of the putter head 1800.
  • the beneficial shift of mass to the perimeter of the putter head 1800, through the use of a high density, low volume lower portion 1808 and the inclusion of a hollow interior cavity 1850 increases the MOI of the putter head 1800.
  • the putter head 1800 comprises an increased MOI over a putter head with the same volume, mass, and single material construction (i.e., a putter head milled of a single stainless steel block, or a putter head investment cast of a single material).
  • the putter-type golf club head provides MOI, CG, feel, and weighting benefits, in a putter-type golf club head with an upper and lower portion having different densities and/or without using mechanically fastened weights or weight ports.
  • an upper portion and lower portion of a putter-type golf club head from two different material, the weighting of the club head shifts towards the peripheries of the putter-type golf club head, without any weight ports or attachments to the heel end and toe end of the putter-type golf club head.
  • the putter-type golf club head can be optimized to improve the MOI, while keeping the golf club head at a desirable overall weight.
  • the moment of inertia of the golf club head about the y-axis center of gravity is between 3500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ in 2 .
  • the moment of inertia of the golf club head about the y-axis center of gravity can be between 3500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 , 4000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 , 4500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 , 5000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 , 5500 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6000 g ⁇ cm 2 , or 6000 g ⁇ cm 2 - 6500 g ⁇ cm 2 .
  • the golf club head comprises a 2%-15% increase in MOI about the y-axis over a club head devoid of a multi-material construction (i.e. a single material). In other embodiments, the golf club head has a 2%-5%, 5%-10%, or 10%-15% increase over a club head with a single material.
  • the putter-type golf club head with upper and lower portions of two different materials increases the MOI about the y-axis center of gravity by at least 30% over a putter with the same volume, mass, and single material construction (i.e., a putter milled of a single material such as a steel putter or a putter investment cast of a single material).
  • the putter-type golf club head with upper and lower portions of two different materials increases the MOI about the y-axis center of gravity by at least 35%, by at least 40%, by at least 45%, by at least 50%, by at least 55%, by at least 60%, by at least 65%, by at least 70%, by at least 75%, by at least 80%, by at least 85%, by at least 90%, by at least 95%, by at least 95%, by at least 100%, or by at least 105%, over a putter with the same volume, mass, and single material construction.
  • the putter-type golf club head with the alignment aid 1544 of FIGS. 15A-15D provides visual advantages that are pleasing to the eye and created repeatability in putting.
  • the alignment aid 1544 assists the user in properly aligning the putter head with the golf ball on a consistent basis.
  • the alignment aid 1544 comprises a ball outlining feature 1580 which helps the viewer align the putter head with the outsides of the golf ball and a central line 1576 that aligns the center of the golf ball with the putter head.
  • the proper alignment of the putter head with the golf ball enables the user to start the ball on the intended line.
  • the putter head including the alignment aid 1544 provides increased perimeter weighting, MOI, and forgiveness while being pleasing to the eye to create a consistent putting stroke.
  • Example 1 putter head 1300 comprising a multi-material construction was compared to a similar control putter head, but devoid of a multi-material construction.
  • the example 1putter head 1300 comprised an upper portion 1304 formed from a low-density material and a lower portion 1308 formed from a high-density material as illustrated in FIGS. 13A - 13E .
  • the lower portion 1308 further comprised a sole plate including a toe mass 1345 and a heel mass 1347 to increase perimeter weighting.
  • the upper portion 1300 further comprised a pocket 1372 to allow for mass removal from a center portion of the putter head 1300.
  • the control putter head comprised a similar mass, volume, and weight to the exemplary putter head 1300, but comprised a single material construction.
  • Example 1putter 1300 having a total mass of 363.2 grams and a total volume 85.2 cc.
  • the lower portion 1308 comprised a sole plate mass of 207.4 grams and a sole plate volume of 26.55 cc.
  • the lower portion 1308 comprised 57.1% of the total mass of putter 1300 while comprising 31.16% of the total volume of the putter 1300.
  • the Example 1putter 1300 comprised a MOI of 4368 g ⁇ cm 2 about the y-axis (Iyy).
  • the control putter head comprised a MOI of 3702 g ⁇ cm 2 about the y-axis (Iyy).
  • the results show the Example 1putter head 1300 comprised a 10.78% increase in MOI over the control putter head.
  • the Example 1putter head 1300 achieves desirable perimeter weighting to increase MOI and forgiveness while maintaining a desirable mass and volume.
  • the Example 1putter 1300 achieves a high MOI with a multi-material construction over a putter head formed from a single material.
  • Example 2 putter head 1400 comprising a multi-material construction was compared to a similar control putter head, but devoid of a multi-material construction.
  • the Example 2putter 1400 comprised an upper portion 1404 formed from a low-density material and a lower portion 1408 formed from a high-density material as illustrated in FIGS. 14A - 14D .
  • the lower portion 1408 further comprised a sole plate including a toe mass 1446, a heel mass 1448, and a rear mass 1450 to increase perimeter weighting.
  • the Example 2putter head 1400 further comprised a ball retrieval feature 1422 located on the sole 1442.
  • the ball retrieval feature 1422 further increases perimeter weighting by removing material and mass from a central area of the putter head 1400.
  • the control putter head comprised a similar mass, volume, and weight to the Example 2putter head 1300, but comprised a single material construction.
  • Example 2 putter 1400 having a total mass of 360 grams and a total volume 80.79 cc.
  • the lower portion 1408 comprised a sole plate mass of 228 grams and a sole plate volume of 29.74 cc.
  • the lower portion 1408 comprised 63% of the total mass of putter 1400 while comprising 37% of the total volume of the putter 1400.
  • the Example 2 putter 1400 comprised an MOI of 4710 g ⁇ cm 2 about the y-axis (Iyy).
  • the control putter head comprised a MOI of 4474 g ⁇ cm 2 about the y-axis (Iyy).
  • the test results show the Example 2 putter head 1400 comprised a 5.26% increase in MOI over the control putter head.
  • the Example 2 putter head 1400 achieves desirable perimeter weighting to increase MOI and forgiveness while maintaining a desirable mass and volume.
  • the Example 2 putter 1400 achieves a high MOI with a multi-material construction over a putter head formed from a single material.
  • Example 3 Exemplary High MOI Putter Head
  • An exemplary putter head 1500 comprising a multi-material construction was compared to a similar control putter head, but devoid of a multi-material construction.
  • the exemplary putter head 1500 comprised an upper portion 1504 formed from a low-density material and a lower portion 1508 formed from a high-density material as illustrated in FIGS. 15A - 15D .
  • the lower portion 1508 comprised a sole plate including a toe mass 1545 and a heel mass 1547 to increase perimeter weighting.
  • the upper portion 1504 further defines a central recess 1570 to allow for mass removal from a center portion of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the control putter head comprised a similar mass, volume, and weight to the exemplary putter head 1500, but comprised a single material construction.
  • the moment of inertia about the y-axis is the property that determines the forgiveness of the putter head (i.e., resists twisting motion after a golf ball impact).
  • the test resulted in the exemplary putter-type club head 1500 having a total mass of 366.5 grams and a total volume of 87 cc.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprised a sole plate mass of 205.7 grams and a sole plate volume of 26.2 cc.
  • the lower portion 1508 comprised 56.1% of the total mass of putter-type club head 1500 while comprising 30.1% of the total volume of the putter-type club head 1500.
  • the exemplary putter-type club head 1500 comprised a MOI of 4416 g ⁇ cm 2 about the y-axis (Iyy).
  • the control putter head comprised a MOI of 4324 g ⁇ cm 2 about the y-axis (Iyy).
  • the test results show the exemplary putter head comprised a 2.12% increase in MOI over the control putter head.
  • the exemplary putter head 1500 achieves desirable perimeter weighting to increase MOI and forgiveness while maintaining a desirable mass and volume.
  • the exemplary putter head 1500 achieves a high MOI with a multi-material construction over a putter head formed from a single material.
  • the exemplary putter head 1500 further comprised a ball outlining alignment aid to improve putt consistency while being pleasing to the eye during repeated ball impacts.
  • the club heads were mallet-style club heads having a similar shape but comprised different alignment aid styles. The results compared the effect of the different alignment aid types on player satisfaction and performance.
  • the first putter-type club head (hereafter referred to as the "control club head") comprised an alignment aid (hereafter referred to as the "control aid"), similar to club head 1200, as shown in FIG. 12A .
  • the control aid was positioned on the crown and included three parallel lines that extended from the strike face to the rear end.
  • the central line was positioned behind the strike face center point, and the remaining lines were positioned on the heel and toe sides of the central line.
  • the three parallel lines were approximately the width of a golf ball [ i.e. 4.267 cm (1.68 inches)].
  • the parallel lines comprised a color different from the color of the control club head.
  • the control aid further comprised a plurality of grooves positioned between the parallel lines.
  • the second putter-type club head (hereafter referred to as the "exemplary club head") comprised an alignment aid (hereafter referred to as the "exemplary aid"), similar to the alignment aid 1544 associated with club head 1500, as shown in Fig. 15D .
  • the exemplary club head defined a central recess that extended from the strike face to the rear end.
  • the exemplary aid comprised a ball-outlining feature that outlined a perimeter of the central recess.
  • the ball-outlining feature included two arcuate portions, where one arcuate portion arced near the strike face and the other arced near the rear end. The arcuate portions were connected by a set of parallel lines to form a continuous perimeter around the central recess.
  • the ball-outlining feature was approximately the width of a golf ball and resembled an oblong golf ball shape due to the arcuate portions.
  • the ball-outlining feature comprised a color different from the color of the exemplary club head.
  • the exemplary aid further comprised a central line positioned within the central recess and extending along the length of the central recess. The central line was further positioned behind the strike face center point.
  • a player test was conducted to compare the alignment aid performance between the exemplary aid and the control aid.
  • the player test involved thirty players who participated in a survey that compared their experiences with the exemplary aid having a ball-outlining feature, and the control aid devoid of a ball-outlining feature.
  • the players tested each club head under similar conditions, where the putter club heads included similar shaft lengths and similar loft angles. Further, the player test was conducted on a typical putting surface. The test involved hitting a golf ball across the putting surface with the control putter head and the exemplary putter head.
  • the participants rated the club head performance and satisfaction based on five parameters.
  • the parameters included the alignment aid look, the alignment aid performance, the overall club head feel, accuracy, and the comfort at address position. Based on these parameters, the club heads were given a rating of between 1 to 5.
  • a rating of 1 represented the lowest level of satisfaction, where the club head only met 1 of the parameters.
  • a rating of 5 represented the highest level of satisfaction, where the club head met all 5 of the parameters.
  • a rating of 4 represented a high level of satisfaction, where the club head met 3 or more of the parameters.
  • Control Exemplary Increase Number of Participants who Rated 4 or 5 (out of 30) 13 20 53.8% Percentage of Participants who Rated 4 or 5 46.4% 68.9% 48.5%
  • Table 1 above illustrates the number of participants who gave each sample club head a "good” rating, where a "good” rating was a score of 4 or 5.
  • the exemplary club head was rated higher than the control club head.
  • the control club head received a "good” rating from 46.4% of the players while the exemplary club head received a "good” rating from 68.9% of the players.
  • the test resulted in the exemplary aid meeting more of the parameters than the control aid e.g ., alignment aid look, alignment aid performance, the overall club head feel, accuracy, and comfort at the address position.
  • the exemplary aid provides advantages over the control aid.
  • the exemplary aid included multiple components that each provided a function to the alignment aid.
  • the ball-outlining feature defined an oblong shape that generally resembled a golf ball and helped the viewer outline the sides of the golf ball.
  • the central line helped the viewer find the center of the club head.
  • the exemplary aid utilized the central recess, where the recess walls disappeared when the club head was in alignment.
  • the exemplary putter head comprising the exemplary aid provided improved player performance and satisfaction while comprising a high MOI.
  • golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment.
  • the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
  • the above examples may be described in connection with a putter-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein.
  • the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein may be applicable other type of sports equipment such as a hockey stick, a tennis racket, a fishing pole, a ski pole, etc.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Golf Clubs (AREA)

Claims (11)

  1. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600), der Folgendes umfasst:
    ein Zehenende (1512, 1612), ein Fersenende (1516, 1616), eine Schlagfläche (1520, 1620), ein hinteres Ende (1534, 1634), eine Krone (1536, 1636), eine Sohle (1568, 1668), einen oberen Abschnitt (1504, 1604) und einen unteren Abschnitt (1508, 1608), wobei:
    der obere Abschnitt (1504, 1604) einen Vorwärtsabschnitt (1522, 1622) und eine Rückwärtserstreckung (1524, 1624) umfasst, wobei die Rückwärtserstreckung (1524, 1624) sich von dem Vorwärtsabschnitt nach rückwärts in Richtung des hinteren Endes (1534, 1634) erstreckt;
    der obere Abschnitt (1504, 1604) eine Mittelaussparung (1570, 1670), die in dem oberen Abschnitt (1505, 1604) über einen Aussparungsboden (1574, 1674) ausgespart ist, und eine Umfangsaussparungswand (1572, 1672) definiert;
    der obere Abschnitt (1504, 1604) ferner eine Ausrichtungshilfe (1544, 1644) umfasst, wobei die Ausrichtungshilfe Folgendes umfasst:
    ein Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680), das die Mittelaussparung (1570, 1670) begrenzt und einen oder mehrere bogenförmige Abschnitte (1582, 1682) und einen Satz von parallelen Linien (1584, 1684) umfasst, wobei der eine oder die mehreren bogenförmigen Abschnitte nahe der Schlagfläche (1520, 1620) oder dem hinteren Ende (1634) angeordnet ist/sind, der Satz von parallelen Linien (1584, 1684) sich von der Schlagfläche (1520, 1620) bis zum hinteren Ende (1534, 1634) erstreckt und das Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680) eine erste Farbe umfasst;
    eine Mittellinie (1576, 1676), die auf dem Aussparungsboden (1574, 1674) angeordnet ist, wobei die Mittellinie (1576, 1676) innerhalb des Ballumrissmerkmals (1580, 1680) angeordnet ist und die Mittellinie (1576, 1676) eine zweite Farbe umfasst;
    eine Vielzahl von Rillen (1578, 1678), die in dem Aussparungsboden (1574, 1674) auf beiden Seiten der Mittellinie (1576, 1676) ausgespart sind;
    der untere Abschnitt (1508, 1608) einen Mittelabschnitt (1538, 1638), eine Zehenmasse und eine Fersenmasse umfasst;
    der untere Abschnitt (1508, 1608) dazu ausgelegt ist, den oberen Abschnitt (1504, 1604) derart aufzunehmen, dass die Rückwärtserstreckung (1524, 1624) oberhalb des Mittelabschnitts (1538, 1638) und zwischen der Zehenmasse und der Fersenmasse angeordnet ist; und
    der obere Abschnitt (1504, 1604) ein erstes Material mit einer ersten Dichte und der untere Abschnitt (1508, 1608) ein zweites Material mit einer zweiten Dichte umfasst, wobei die erste Dichte geringer ist als die zweite Dichte,
    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Vorwärtsabschnitt (1522, 1622) die Schlagfläche (1520, 1620) derart umfasst, dass die Gesamtheit der Schlagfläche einstückig innerhalb des oberen Abschnitts (1504, 1604) ausgebildet ist.
  2. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1, ferner umfassend ein Volumen und eine Masse, wobei der untere Abschnitt (1508, 1608) weniger als 35 % des Volumens des Golfschlägerkopfs vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) umfasst; und der untere Abschnitt (1508, 1608) mehr als 50 % der Masse des Golfschlägerkopfs vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) umfasst.
  3. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die zweite Farbe sich von der ersten Farbe unterscheidet.
  4. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) einen Loft-Winkel von weniger als 7° umfasst.
  5. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei:
    der eine oder die mehreren bogenförmigen Abschnitte (1582, 1682) einen ersten bogenförmigen Abschnitt nahe der Schlagfläche und einen zweiten bogenförmigen Abschnitt nahe des hinteren Endes umfasst/umfassen;
    der Satz von parallelen Linien (1584, 1684) den ersten bogenförmigen Abschnitt und den zweiten bogenförmigen Abschnitt verbindet, um einen durchgehenden Umfang um die Mittelaussparung (1570, 1670) zu definieren; und
    das Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680) eine längliche Form umfasst.
  6. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei:
    der eine oder die mehreren bogenförmigen Abschnitte (1582, 1682) einen einzigen bogenförmigen Abschnitt nahe der Schlagfläche (1520, 1620) umfasst/umfassen;
    der Satz von parallelen Linien (1584, 1684) sich von dem einzigen bogenförmigen Abschnitt in Richtung des hinteren Endes (1534, 1634) erstreckt, um einen diskontinuierlichen Umfang um die Mittelaussparung zu definieren; und
    das Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680) eine U-Form umfasst.
  7. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680) in dem oberen Abschnitt (1504, 1604) ausgespart ist, um einen Kanal zu definieren.
  8. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680) von dem oberen Abschnitt (1504, 1604) nach außen hin wegsteht.
  9. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei:
    das Ballumrissmerkmal (1580, 1680) eine in Fersenende-zu-Zehenende-Richtung gemessene Breite definiert; und
    die Breite des Ballumrissmerkmals (1580, 1680) etwa 4,52 cm (1,78 Zoll) beträgt.
  10. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei der obere Abschnitt (1504, 1604) über ein Haftmittel an dem unteren Abschnitt (1508, 1608) fixiert ist.
  11. Golfschlägerkopf vom Putter-Typ (1500, 1600) nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei das erste Material und das zweite Material ein Material umfassen, das aus der aus 8620-Legierungsstahl, S25C-Stahl, Carbonstahl, Maraging-Stahl, 17-4-Edelstahl, 303-Edelstahl, Edelstahllegierung, Wolfram, Aluminium, Aluminiumlegierung und ADC-12 bestehenden Gruppe ausgewählt ist.
EP21912175.3A 2020-12-23 2021-12-22 Mehrkomponenten-putter Active EP4267264B1 (de)

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EP24157442.5A EP4344755A3 (de) 2020-12-23 2021-12-22 Mehrkomponenten-putter
EP25214962.0A EP4670803A2 (de) 2020-12-23 2021-12-22 Mehrkomponenten-putter

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202063130312P 2020-12-23 2020-12-23
US17/243,338 US11458375B2 (en) 2018-10-01 2021-04-28 Multi-component putter
US202163190691P 2021-05-19 2021-05-19
US202163203257P 2021-07-14 2021-07-14
US17/444,468 US12285662B2 (en) 2018-10-01 2021-08-04 Multi-component putter
US202163260612P 2021-08-26 2021-08-26
PCT/US2021/064938 WO2022140592A1 (en) 2020-12-23 2021-12-22 Multi-component putter

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EP24157442.5A Division EP4344755A3 (de) 2020-12-23 2021-12-22 Mehrkomponenten-putter
EP24157442.5A Division-Into EP4344755A3 (de) 2020-12-23 2021-12-22 Mehrkomponenten-putter

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JP2025093300A (ja) * 2023-12-11 2025-06-23 アクシュネット カンパニー 構造および照準が改善されたパター
KR102879685B1 (ko) 2025-02-03 2025-10-31 주식회사 퍼터갤러리 교체형 퍼터 헤드

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EP4344755A3 (de) 2024-08-28
JP2024501260A (ja) 2024-01-11
KR20230119239A (ko) 2023-08-16
EP4344755A2 (de) 2024-04-03
GB2617949A (en) 2023-10-25
WO2022140592A1 (en) 2022-06-30
EP4670803A2 (de) 2025-12-31
EP4267264A4 (de) 2024-11-20
EP4267264A1 (de) 2023-11-01
JP2025060762A (ja) 2025-04-10

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