U.S. patent application number 12/635516 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for golf club head and method of providing same.
This patent application is currently assigned to Karsten Manufacturing Corporation. Invention is credited to JAKE P. FIFE, JOHN C. SOUZA.
Application Number | 20100227704 12/635516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42678746 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100227704 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SOUZA; JOHN C. ; et
al. |
September 9, 2010 |
GOLF CLUB HEAD AND METHOD OF PROVIDING SAME
Abstract
In some embodiments, a golf club head can include: (a) a face
member; and (b) a rear section coupled to the face member. The rear
section can include an edge. The edge can be substantially circular
in shape. A diameter of the edge can be equal to a diameter of a
regulation golf hole. Other embodiments are disclosed in this
application.
Inventors: |
SOUZA; JOHN C.; (Phoenix,
AZ) ; FIFE; JAKE P.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION;LEGAL DEPARTMENT
2201 WEST DESERT COVE
PHOENIX
AZ
85029
US
|
Assignee: |
Karsten Manufacturing
Corporation
Phoenix
AZ
|
Family ID: |
42678746 |
Appl. No.: |
12/635516 |
Filed: |
December 10, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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29333361 |
Mar 6, 2009 |
D607950 |
|
|
12635516 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
473/340 ;
473/349 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 53/0437 20200801;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 2071/0694 20130101; A63B 2210/50
20130101; A63B 71/0622 20130101; A63B 60/50 20151001; A63B 53/0454
20200801; A63B 53/0441 20200801 |
Class at
Publication: |
473/340 ;
473/349 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04 |
Claims
1. A golf club head comprising: a face member; and a rear section
coupled to the face member, wherein: the rear section comprises an
edge; the edge is substantially circular in shape; and a diameter
of the edge is equal to a diameter of a regulation golf hole.
2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the rear section further
comprises an insert portion; the insert portion has at least four
apertures; and the at least four apertures in the insert portion
are shaped substantially similarly to apertures in the regulation
golf hole.
3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the rear section further
comprises an insert portion; the insert portion comprises: a first
aperture at a center of the insert portion; and three or more
peripheral apertures; the three or more peripheral apertures are
located in a first region between a first edge of the first
aperture and a second edge; the second edge is located at a
peripheral edge of the insert portion; and the three or more
peripheral apertures are substantially evenly distributed in the
first region.
4. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein: the three or more
peripheral apertures are substantially trapezoidal in shape.
5. The golf club head of claim 3, wherein: the insert portion has a
first height at the first edge; the insert portion has a second
height at the second edge; and the insert portion has a third
height that tapers down from the second height at the second edge
to the first height at the first edge.
6. The golf club head of claim 5, wherein: the third height of the
insert portion tapers down at a substantially twenty-five degree
angle from the second edge to the first edge.
7. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the diameter of the edge
is substantially 4.25 inches.
8. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the rear section further
comprises: a rim portion; and the rim portion comprises the inner
edge.
9. The golf club head of claim 8, wherein: the rear section further
comprises: an insert portion coupled to the rim portion.
10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein: a height of the rim
portion is greater than any height of the insert portion.
11. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the edge is an inner
edge of the rear section.
12. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein: the edge is an outer
edge of the rear section.
13. A golf putter head comprising: a face member arranged for
impacting a golf ball; a rim portion coupled to the face member;
and an insert portion having a center and an outer edge, the insert
portion is located in an interior of the rim portion, wherein: a
length from the center of the insert portion to the outer edge of
the insert portion is equal to a radius of a regulation golf hole;
and the insert portion includes a pattern substantially similar to
a pattern of the regulation golf hole.
14. The golf putter head of claim 13, wherein: the length from the
center of the insert portion to the outer edge of the insert
portion is 54 millimeters.
15. The golf putter head of claim 13, wherein: the insert portion
has: a first aperture located at the center of the insert portion;
and three or more trapezoidal-shaped apertures located around a
periphery of the first aperture; and the pattern of the insert
portion comprises the first aperture and the three or more
trapezoidal-shaped apertures.
16. The golf putter head of claim 15, wherein: a radius of the
first aperture is substantially equal to a radius of a ferrule of a
flagstick.
17. The golf putter head of claim 13, wherein: the insert portion
has a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface;
the bottom surface is configured to face towards a playing surface
when a person uses the golf putter head to hit a golf ball; and the
pattern of the insert portion comprises markings at the top surface
of the insert portion.
18. The golf putter head of claim 13, wherein: the insert portion
comprises: a center circular section; and two or more radial posts
extending from the center circular section to rim portion; and the
pattern of the insert portion comprises the center circular section
and the two or more radial posts.
19. The golf putter head of claim 13, wherein: the insert portion
comprises: a center section; two or more connection sections; and
two or more peripheral sections coupled to the center section by
the two or more connection sections; and the pattern of the insert
portion comprises the center section and the two or more peripheral
sections.
20. A method of providing a golf club head, the method comprising:
providing a face member; providing a rim portion with a rim such
that the rim has a diameter that is substantially equal to a
diameter of a regulation golf hole; and coupling the face member to
the rim portion.
21. The method of claim 20, further comprising: providing an insert
portion; and coupling the insert portion to the rim portion.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein: providing the insert portion
comprises: providing the insert portion such that the insert
portion has a pattern substantially similar to a pattern of the
regulation golf hole.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 29/333,361, filed Mar. 6, 2009. U.S.
application Ser. No. 29/333,361 is incorporated herein by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and
relates more particularly to golf club heads and methods of
providing the same.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Putting a golf ball is one of the most difficult aspects of
playing golf. A person can create psychological obstacles that
hinder his ability to successfully putt the golf ball into the golf
hole. For example, if the golf ball is several yards or meters away
from the golf hole, the size of the golf hole can appear smaller
than the golf ball, when in reality the golf hole is much larger
than the golf ball. This perceived difference in size between the
golf hole and the golf ball can cause a person to believe the putt
is more difficult than it actually is and, thus, affect the
person's ability to successfully putt the golf ball into the golf
hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the
following drawings are provided in which:
[0005] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a first embodiment;
[0006] FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 3 illustrates a front elevation view of the golf club
head of FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear elevation view of the golf club
head of FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG.
1, according to the first embodiment;
[0010] FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;
[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates a right side view of the golf club head
of FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;
[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates a left side view of the golf club head of
FIG. 1, according to the first embodiment;
[0013] FIG. 9 illustrates a cut-away view along section line IX-IX
of the golf club head of FIG. 5, according to the first
embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a second embodiment;
[0015] FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a third embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 12 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a fourth embodiment;
[0017] FIG. 13 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a fifth embodiment;
[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a sixth embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a seventh embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 16 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 15, according to the seventh embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 17 illustrates a left side view of the golf club head
of FIG. 15, according to the seventh embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 18 illustrates a right side view of the golf club head
of FIG. 15, according to the seventh embodiment;
[0023] FIG. 19 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head, according to a eighth embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the golf
club head of FIG. 19, according to the eighth embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a left side view of the golf club head
of FIG. 19, according to the eighth embodiment;
[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates a right side view of the golf club head
of FIG. 19, according to the eighth embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 23 illustrates a top view of the golf club head of FIG.
19, according to the eighth embodiment; and
[0028] FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a
method of providing a golf club head, according to an
embodiment.
[0029] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing
figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and
descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may
be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention.
Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily
drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements
in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to
help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same
elements.
[0030] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like
in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for
distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for
describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to
be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under
appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore,
the terms "include," and "have," and any variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process,
method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list
of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may
include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such
process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.
[0031] The terms "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom,"
"over," "under," and the like in the description and in the claims,
if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for
describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood
that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate
circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described
herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations
than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.
[0032] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements, whether mechanically, magnetically, chemically,
and/or otherwise. Coupling may be for any length of time, e.g.,
permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. The absence of
the word "removably," "removable," and the like near the word
"coupled," and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in
question is or is not removable.
DESCRIPTION
[0033] In a number of embodiments, a golf club or a golf club head
can include: (a) a face member; and (b) a rear section coupled to
the face member. The rear section can include an edge. The edge can
be substantially circular in shape. A diameter of the edge can be
equal to a diameter of a regulation golf hole. The embodiments of a
golf club or a golf club head can help a person overcome
psychological obstacles that may hinder his or her ability to
successfully putt the golf ball into the golf hole.
[0034] In other embodiments, a golf putter or golf putter head can
include: (a) a face member arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b)
a rim portion coupled to the face member; and (c) an insert portion
having a center and an outer edge, the insert portion is located in
an interior of the rim portion. A length from the center of the
insert portion to the outer edge of the insert portion can be equal
to a radius of a regulation golf hole. The insert portion can
include a pattern substantially similar to a pattern of the
regulation golf hole.
[0035] Other embodiments can concern a method of providing a golf
club head. The method can include: providing a face member;
providing a rim portion with a rim such that the rim has a diameter
that is substantially equal to a diameter of a regulation golf
hole; and coupling the face member to the rim portion. In some
examples, the rim can be an inner rim of the rim portion. In other
examples, the rim can be an outer rim of the rim portion.
[0036] Turning to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates a top
perspective view of a golf club head 100, according to a first
embodiment. FIG. 2 illustrates a bottom perspective view of golf
club head 100, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3
illustrates a front elevation view of golf club head 100, according
to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 illustrates a rear elevation view
of golf club head 100, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5
illustrates a top view of golf club head 100, according to the
first embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates a bottom view of golf club
head 100, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 illustrates a
right side view of golf club head 100, according to the first
embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a left side view of golf club head
100, according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates a
cut-away view of golf club head 100 along a line IX-IX. Golf club
head 100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. Golf club head 100 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0037] In some embodiments, golf club head 100 can include: (a) a
face member 110 arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear
section 120 coupled to face member 110. In some examples, golf club
head 100 is a golf putter head.
[0038] Face member 110 can include: (a) a heel end 111; (b) a
middle section 112 configured to impact a golf ball (not shown);
(c) a toe end 113 opposite heel end 111; and (d) an aperture 114.
In accordance with the rules of golf as defined by the United State
Golf Association (USGA) and/or the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of
St. Andrews (R&A), for example, a length 543 (FIG. 5) from heel
end 111 to toe end 113 must be greater than a length 544 (FIG. 5)
from a front end 115 of golf club head 100 to a back end 116 of
golf club head 100. The apparatus, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0039] In addition to the golf club heads described herein, further
embodiments include golf clubs (e.g., golf putters). More
particularly, golf putters are provided that include a golf club
head described herein. The golf putters can also include a golf
club shaft and a grip (not shown). To form a golf putter with golf
club head 100, aperture 114 thereof can receive a first end of a
shaft (not shown in FIGS. 1-9). The shaft and aperture 114 can be
secured to each other by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy)
and/or other suitable bonding processes (e.g., mechanical bonding,
soldering, welding, and/or brazing). Aperture 114 can be located at
the other end of face member 110 and/or at a center portion of face
member 110 in other embodiments. In still further embodiments,
aperture 114 can be located at other areas other than face member
110. Furthermore, aperture 114 can be a hosel in other embodiments.
To complete the golf putter, a grip (not shown in FIGS. 1-9) can
receive a second end of the shaft. The shaft and the grip can be
secured to each other by an adhesive bonding process and/or other
suitable bonding processes.
[0040] Rear section 120 can include: (a) a rim portion 121 attached
to face member 110; and (b) an insert portion 122 located in an
interior of the rim portion 121. In the example shown in FIGS. 1-9,
face member 110 can be formed integrally with rim portion 121. For
example, face member 110 and rim portion 121 may be a single piece
formed by a casting process. In other embodiments, rim portion 121
and face member 110 may be two or more separate portions that can
be secured together by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy)
and/or other suitable bonding processes (e.g., mechanical bonding,
soldering, welding, and/or brazing). The apparatus, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this
regard.
[0041] Similarly, in some examples, rim portion 121 and insert
portion 122 can be formed integrally with each other. For example,
rim portion 121 and insert portion 122 may be a single piece formed
by a casting process. In other examples, rim portion 121 and insert
portion 122 may be two or more separate portions that can be
secured to each other by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy)
and/or other suitable bonding processes (e.g., mechanical bonding,
soldering, welding, and/or brazing).
[0042] In some examples, rim portion 121 can include an inner edge
or rim 140. Inner rim 140 can be substantially circular in shape
and have an inner diameter 542 (FIG. 5). Rim portion 121 can have
an outer edge or rim 119 with an outer diameter 541 (FIG. 5).
[0043] In some examples, inner diameter 542 can be substantially
equal to the diameter of a regulation golf hole (i.e., a regulation
golf hole cup) as defined by one or more golf standard
organizations and/or governing bodies. For example, as set forth by
the USGA and/or the R&A, the diameter of a regulation golf hole
(i.e., a regulation golf hole cup) is 108 millimeters (i.e., 4.25
inches). Accordingly, in some examples, inner diameter 542 (or
outer diameter 541) is approximately 108 mm. That is, inner rim 140
can have a radius of approximately 54 mm (2.125 inches). In some
examples, a length from a center of insert portion 122 to an outer
edge 127 of insert portion 122 is also substantially equal to the
radius of the regulation golf hole (and/or, in some embodiments,
slightly smaller in radius than inner rim 140 (e.g., 0.1 percent
(%) to 3.0% smaller)). In other examples, outer diameter 541 of
outer rim 119 can be substantially equal to the diameter of a
regulation golf hole. The apparatus, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.
[0044] In the same or different examples, insert portion 122 can be
a solid piece of material and can have: (a) a center aperture 124;
and (b) one or more peripheral apertures 125. In some examples, one
or more of peripheral apertures 125 can be located in insert
portion 122 such that one or more of peripheral apertures 125 may
be used as an alignment aid.
[0045] In some embodiments, insert portion 122 is designed such
that insert portion 122 includes a pattern substantially similar to
a pattern of a regulation golf hole. The pattern of apertures 124
and 125 in insert portion 122 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6
is substantially similar to the pattern of regulation golf hole. As
will be described in more detail later, insert portions 1022 and
1422 of FIGS. 10 and 14, respectively, also include pattern
substantially similar to patterns of other regulation golf holes.
As used herein, "a pattern substantially similar to a pattern of
regulation golf hole" and the like means a pattern of apertures,
dimensions, and shapes of apertures and/or other markings of the
insert portion that substantially mimics the pattern of the
apertures, dimensions, and shape of the apertures and/or other
markings of a regulation golf hole. Alternatively, apertures 124
and/or 125 may be substituted with recesses and/or protrusions
configured in the same or similar pattern as apertures 124 and 125.
A regulation golf hole is a golf hole as defined by the USGA, the
R&A, and/or other golf governing bodies.
[0046] Referring again to the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-9, center
aperture 124 is located at a center of insert portion 122. In most
golf holes, the center aperture is designed to removably couple to
a ferrule of a flagstick. Typically, a golf flagstick (not shown)
includes a long cylindrical body and a ferrule attached to one end
of the long cylindrical body. In many examples, the ferrule can be
a metallic cylindrical projection attached to the flagstick with a
diameter larger than the diameter of the long cylindrical body.
[0047] The diameter of the center aperture in a regulation golf
hole and a diameter of center aperture 124 are substantially equal
to (and/or slightly larger than) a radius of a ferrule or an end of
the flagstick if no ferrule is used on the flagstick. In one
example, a ferrule has a diameter of 27.3 mm (1.075 inches).
Accordingly, center aperture 124 can have a diameter substantially
equal to 27.3 mm and/or slightly larger than 27.3 mm (e.g., 0.1% to
3.0% larger).
[0048] Peripheral apertures 125 are located in a region 126 between
an edge 128 of center aperture 124 and outer edge 127 of insert
portion 122. That is, peripheral apertures 125 can be located
around a periphery of center aperture 124. Peripheral apertures 125
can be substantially evenly distributed in region 126 and can be
located substantially similar to the locations of peripheral
apertures in a regulation golf hole.
[0049] In many examples, peripheral apertures 125 can also be
shaped substantially similar to peripheral apertures in a
regulation golf hole. For example, peripheral apertures 125 can be
substantially trapezoidal in shape in at least one plane, as
illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6. As used herein, "trapezoidal,"
"trapezoid," or the like refer to a four-sided figure with one pair
of at least partially parallel sides. As an example, peripheral
apertures 125 are trapezoids, even though two of the sides of
peripheral apertures 125 can be curved or rounded. The apparatus,
methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not
limited in this regard.
[0050] In the example shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 5-6, insert portion
122 includes three peripheral apertures 125. In other examples,
insert portion 122 can include one peripheral aperture, two
peripheral apertures, or four or more peripheral apertures. As
previously mentioned, the number, dimensions, sizes, and locations
of apertures in insert section 122 are substantially similar to the
number, dimensions, and locations of apertures in a regulation golf
hole being substantially mimicked by apertures 124 and 125.
[0051] In some examples, insert portion 122 can have a first height
945 (FIG. 9) at edge 128 of center aperture 124. Insert portion 122
can have a second height 946 (FIG. 9) at outer edge 127. In many
embodiments, a height of insert portion 122 tapers down from second
height 946 at outer edge 127 to first height 945 at edge 128 of
center aperture 124. In an example where insert portion 122 is made
from an aluminum material or other suitable type of material(s),
the taper can be at an angle of approximately 25 degrees. When
insert portion 122 is made from other metals or materials, the
taper angle can vary based on the properties of the metal or
material. For example, if a more dense and heavier metal or
material (e.g., steel) is used to construct insert portion 122, the
taper angle can be greater than 25 degrees. In another example, if
a less dense and lighter material is used to construct insert
portion 122, a smaller taper angle can be used.
[0052] In some examples, rim portion 121 can have a height 447
(FIG. 4) between approximately 6.4 mm (0.25 inches) and 64 mm (2.5
inches). In the same or different examples, height 946 of insert
portion 122 at outer edge 127 is less than height 447 of rim
portion 121.
[0053] A regulation golf ball, as defined by the USGA and/or the
R&A, is 42.67 mm (1.68 inches) in diameter. That is, a
regulation golf ball has a diameter equal to 40% of the diameter of
a regulation golf hole. Setting the diameter of inner rim 140 (or
outer rim 119) equal to the diameter of a regulation golf hole
provides psychological benefits to a person using a putter-type
golf club with golf club head 100. Golf club head 100 allows the
person to see the size of the golf hole next to the golf ball
before performing a putting stroke. This visual representation of
the golf hole gives the person confidence that the golf hole is
quite large in relation to the golf ball. Thus, the person has an
increased level of confidence and increased success when putting.
This psychological boost can be especially high when the golf ball
is far from the golf hole and the golf hole appears to be quite
small in the distance.
[0054] In some examples, rear section 120 can be seen by the person
when he or she is performing a putting stroke and can supply a
continuous visual reminder of the large size of the golf hole in
relation to the golf ball throughout the putting process. For
relatively shorter putts, the difference in size can be very
evident because the ball is sandwiched between the golf hole and
rear section 120.
[0055] Furthermore, a person's confidence can be further boosted by
including a pattern on insert portion 122 substantially similar to
the pattern on a regulation golf hole. Including the same or
substantially similar pattern in rear section 120 can help the
person visualize a successful putt of the golf ball into the golf
hole.
[0056] Some golf club heads may have a circular portion but the
diameter of the circular portion is not the same as the diameter of
a regulation golf hole. These golf club heads do not provide the
same psychological boost to the person as golf club head 100. Golf
club heads with circular portions that are smaller in diameter than
the diameter of a regulation golf hole do not provide the same
visualization of the size of the diameter of the golf hole relative
to the diameter of the golf ball. Moreover, golf club heads with
smaller diameter circular portions could, in some instances, hurt
the person's confidence because the smaller circular portion could
mislead the person into thinking that the diameter of the golf hole
is smaller than its actually size.
[0057] Similarly, a golf club head with a circular portion that is
larger in diameter than the diameter of a regulation golf hole does
not provide the same visualization of the relative size of the golf
hole to the golf ball. People may quickly recognize that the
circular portion of this putter is larger than the diameter of the
golf hole, and consequently, any psychological boost may be
lost.
[0058] In addition, using golf club head 100 with rim portion 121
having a height greater than the height of insert portion 122 helps
to further develop the visual perception that rear section 120 is a
golf hole. Golf holes by design have a tall outer rim with an
insert portion at the bottom of the hole. As defined by the USGA
and/or the R&A, the depth of a golf hole is at least 102 mm (4
inches) deep. The USGA and/or the R&A also define the height of
a putter-type golf head to be less than 63.5 mm (2.5 inches).
Accordingly, the height of the rim portion 121 of a regulation golf
putter head cannot be equal to the depth of a golf hole, but using
rim portion 121 with a height greater than the height of insert
portion 122 can still help create the visual perception of a golf
hole.
[0059] In some examples, face member 110, rim portion 121, and/or
insert portion 122 are formed with one or more suitable materials,
such as, for example, steel, titanium, brass, copper, aluminum,
composites, and the like. In one example, golf club head 100 can be
manufactured from a steel material or steel-based material by a
casting process, a forging process, a combination thereof, or other
suitable manufacturing processes. The apparatus, methods, and
articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this
regard.
[0060] In addition, in some examples, a removable ring can be
attached to rear portion 120. The ring can be removably coupled to
rim portion 121 (and/or insert portion 122) and have a diameter
substantially equal to a regulation golf hole. The ring can be
removed from golf club head 100 and placed on a putting green or
indoor carpet and used as an aiming aid, similar to a golf hole
itself. In some embodiments, the ring replaces insert portion
122.
[0061] Turning to another embodiment, FIG. 10 illustrates a top
perspective view of a golf club head 1000, according to a second
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 10, golf club head 1000 can include:
(a) face member 110 arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear
section 1020 coupled to face member 110. Rear section 1020 can
include: (a) rim portion 121 attached to face member 110; (b) an
insert portion 1022 located inside rim portion 121. In some
examples, inner rim 140 of rim portion 121 and insert portion 1022
are substantially circular in shape. Golf club head 1000 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Golf club head 1000 can be employed in many different embodiments
or examples not specifically depicted or described herein.
[0062] In this embodiment, insert portion 1022 can include: (a) a
center aperture 124; and (b) six peripheral apertures 1025. In many
embodiments, insert portion 1022 is designed such that insert
portion 122 includes a pattern substantially similar to a pattern
of a regulation golf hole. In some embodiments, peripheral
apertures 1025 can have the same shape, size, and dimensions of
peripheral apertures 125. In other embodiments, the shape, size, or
dimensions of peripheral apertures 1025 can be different than
peripheral apertures 125. For example, each of peripheral apertures
1025 can be smaller than peripheral apertures 125.
[0063] Turning to yet another embodiment, FIG. 11 illustrates a top
perspective view of a golf club head 1100, according to a third
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 11, golf club head 1100 can include:
(a) face member 110 arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear
section 1120 coupled to face member 110. Rear section 1120 can
include rim portion 121 attached to face member 110. Golf club head
1100 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. Golf club head 1100 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0064] In this embodiment, rear section 1120 does not have an
insert portion. Instead of an insert portion, rear section 1120 has
an aperture 1130. Aperture 1130 can be the size of a regulation
golf hole. The lack of an insert portion is advantageous because
not having an insert portion decreases the weight of rear section
1120, which allows more weight to be placed around the perimeter of
golf club head 1100. Moreover, in these embodiments, the person
using the golf club head still receives the psychological boost of
golf club head 100 (FIG. 1) because a diameter of rim portion 121
of golf club head 1100 is still substantially equal to the diameter
of a regulation golf hole. FIG. 11 also shows a portion of golf
club shaft 1111 coupled to golf club head 1100 to form a golf club.
Golf club shaft 1111 can also be coupled to the other golf club
heads described herein.
[0065] Turning to still another embodiment, FIG. 12 illustrates a
top perspective view of a golf club head, according to a fourth
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 12, golf club head 1200 can include:
(a) face member 110 arranged for impacting a golf ball; and (b) a
rear section 1220 coupled to face member 110. Rear section 1220 can
include: (a) rim portion 121 attached to face member 110; (b) an
insert portion 1222 located inside rim portion 121. Golf club head
1200 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. Golf club head 1200 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0066] In this embodiment, insert portion 1222 can be a solid piece
of metal or other material. In some examples, insert portion 1222
is a flat piece of material. In other embodiments, insert portion
1222 can be tapered with insert portion 1222 being tallest at outer
edge 1227 and shortest at center region 1224.
[0067] Insert portion 1222 has a top surface 1238 and a bottom
surface opposite top surface 1238. The bottom surface is configured
to face towards a playing surface when a person is using golf club
head 1200 to hit a golf ball. In some embodiments, top surface 1238
can include markings substantially similar to the patterns of a
regulation golf hole. As an example, insert portion 1222 can
include scoring on top surface 1238, as illustrated in FIG. 12. The
scoring or markings on top surface 1238 can be imprinted, stamped,
carved, impressed, etched, or engraved onto and/or into insert
portion 1222 in various embodiments. In other examples, the scoring
or marking can be printed, painted, or drawn on top surface 1238.
Marking top surface 1238 with the pattern of a golf hole, instead
of forming apertures in the insert portion, can decrease the
manufacturing cost of the golf club head while still providing the
psychological boost to the person of golf club head 100 (FIG.
1).
[0068] Turning to another embodiment, FIG. 13 illustrates a top
perspective view of a golf club head, according to a fifth
embodiment. In some examples, golf club head 1300 can be considered
a reverse image of golf club head 100 (FIG. 1). Referring to FIG.
13, golf club head 1300 can include: (a) face member 110 arranged
for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear section 1320 coupled to face
member 110. Rear section 1320 can include: (a) rim portion 121
attached to face member 110; (b) an insert portion 1322 located
inside rim portion 121. Golf club head 1300 is merely exemplary and
is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Golf club head
1300 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not
specifically depicted or described herein.
[0069] In this embodiment, insert portion 1322 can include: (a) a
center section 1324; (b) one or more peripheral sections 1325; and
(c) connection sections 1337 and 1339. In some examples, connection
sections 1337 can couple peripheral sections 1325 to rim portion
121. Connection sections 1339 can couple center section 1324 to
peripheral sections 1325. Insert portion 1322 can be considered to
have a pattern substantially similar to a pattern of a regulation
golf hole, even though insert portion 1322 includes connection
sections 1337 and 1339, which are not found in a regulation golf
hole. That is, the pattern of insert portion 1322 can include
center section 1324 and peripheral sections 1325.
[0070] One advantage of this embodiment is that insert portion 1322
contains less material than other designs and, thus, can be lighter
and less costly to manufacture while still providing the
psychological boost to the person using golf club head 1300.
[0071] Turning to a still further embodiment, FIG. 14 illustrates a
top perspective view of a golf club head, according to a sixth
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 14, golf club head 1400 can include:
(a) face member 110 arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear
section 1420 coupled to face member 110. Rear section 1420 can
include: (a) a rim portion 121 attached to face member 110; (b) an
insert portion 1422 located inside the rim portion 121. Golf club
head 1400 is merely exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments
presented herein. Golf club head 1400 can be employed in many
different embodiments or examples not specifically depicted or
described herein.
[0072] Insert portion 1422 can include: (a) a center section 1434;
and (b) one or more radial posts 1435 coupled to center section
1434 and rim portion 121. Center section 1434 can be circular in
shape and have a center aperture 124. In some examples, an inner
diameter 1447 of center aperture 124 of center section 1434 can be
substantially equal to the diameter of a ferrule.
[0073] In some examples, radial posts 1435 can be coupled to center
section 1434 at equal intervals along the outer circumference of
center section 1434. Radial posts 1435 can extend radially outward
from center section 1434 to rim portion 121. In some examples,
radial posts 1435 are separated from each other by peripheral
apertures 1425. In many embodiments, insert portion 1422 is
designed such that insert portion 1422 includes a pattern
substantially similar to a pattern of a regulation golf hole. In
some examples, the pattern of insert portion 1422 can includes
center section 1434 and radial posts 1435.
[0074] One advantage of the embodiment of FIG. 14 is that insert
portion 1422 contains less material than other designs and, thus,
can be lighter and less costly to manufacture while still providing
the psychological boost to the person using golf club head
1400.
[0075] FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a golf club
head 1500, according to a seventh embodiment. FIG. 16 illustrates a
bottom perspective view of golf club head 1500, according to the
seventh embodiment. FIG. 17 illustrates a left side view of golf
club head 1500, according to the seventh embodiment. FIG. 18
illustrates a right side view of golf club head 1500, according to
the seventh embodiment. Golf club head 1500 is merely exemplary and
is not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Golf club head
1500 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not
specifically depicted or described herein.
[0076] In some embodiments, golf club head 1500 can include: (a) a
face member 1510 arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear
section 1520 couple to face member 1510. Rear section 1520 can
include: (a) a rim portion 1521 attached to face member 1510; (b)
an insert portion 1522 located inside the rim portion 1521.
[0077] In some examples, rim portion 1521 can have an inner edge or
rim 1540 that is substantially circular in shape Inner rim 1540 can
have a diameter 1542 that is substantially equal to a diameter of a
regulation golf hole. In some embodiments, face member 1510 and
rear section 1520 can be integrated such that face member 1510
forms a portion of inner rim 1540.
[0078] Insert portion 1522 can include: (a) center aperture 124;
and (b) one or more peripheral apertures 1525. In some examples,
golf club head 1500 can also include an alignment aid 1529 that can
extend across insert portion 1522 to a back side of face member
1510. Peripheral apertures 1525 can have an edge 1582 that is
substantially parallel to alignment aid 1529. Edges 1582 can also
function as alignment aids to the person playing golf.
[0079] Turning to yet another embodiment, FIG. 19 illustrates a top
perspective view of a golf club head 1900, according to an eighth
embodiment. FIG. 20 illustrates a bottom perspective view of golf
club head 1900, according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 21
illustrates a left side view of golf club head 1900, according to
the eighth embodiment. FIG. 22 illustrates a right side view of
golf club head 1900, according to the eighth embodiment. FIG. 23
illustrates a top view of golf club head 1900, according to the
eighth embodiment. Golf club head 1900 is merely exemplary and is
not limited to the embodiments presented herein. Golf club head
1900 can be employed in many different embodiments or examples not
specifically depicted or described herein.
[0080] In some embodiments, a golf club head 1900 can include: (a)
a face member 1910 arranged for impacting a golf ball; (b) a rear
section 1920 couple to face member 1910. Rear section 1920 can
include: (a) a rim portion 1921 attached to face member 1910; (b)
an insert portion 1922 located inside the rim portion 1921; and (c)
an alignment aid 1929 that can extend across a part of insert
portion 1922 to a back side of face member 1910.
[0081] In some examples, rim portion 1921 can have an inner rim
1940 that is substantially circular in shape Inner rim 1940 can
have a diameter 1942 that is substantially equal to a diameter of a
regulation golf hole. In some embodiments, face member 1910 and
rear section 1920 can be integrated such that face member 1910
forms a portion of inner rim 1940.
[0082] Insert portion 1922 can include: (a) center aperture 124;
and (b) peripheral apertures 1925. In some examples, peripheral
apertures 1925 can be rectangular in shape with two edges of
peripheral apertures 1525 substantially parallel to alignment aid
1529. These edges can function as alignment aids to the person
playing golf.
[0083] FIG. 24 illustrates a flow chart for an embodiment of a
method 2400 of providing a golf club head. Method 2400 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
Method 2400 can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
examples, the golf club head provided by method 2400 can be similar
or identical to golf club head 100, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400,
1500, and/or 1900 of FIGS. 1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19,
respectively.
[0084] Method 2400 of FIG. 24 includes an activity 2450 of
providing a face member. As an example, the face member can be
similar or identical to face member 110, 1510, or 1910 of FIGS. 1,
15, and 19, respectively.
[0085] Subsequently, method 2400 of FIG. 24 includes an activity
2451 of providing a rim portion. In some examples, providing a rim
portion includes providing a rim portion with a rim such that the
inner rim has a diameter that is substantially equal to a diameter
of a regulation golf hole. As an example, the rim portion can be
similar or identical to rim portion 121, 1521, or 1921 of FIGS. 1,
15, and 19, respectively. The diameter of the rim can be similar or
identical to the diameter of inner rim 140, 1540, and/or 1940 of
FIGS. 1, 15, and 19, respectively. In other embodiments, the
diameter of the rim can be similar or identical to the diameter of
outer rim 119 of FIG. 1. In some examples, the diameter of the rim
can be substantially equal to 4.25 inches (i.e., 108 mm).
[0086] Method 2400 in FIG. 24 continues with an activity 2452 of
providing an insert portion. In some examples, insert portion can
be similar or identical to insert portions 122, 1022, 1222, 1322,
1422, 1522, and/or 1922 of FIGS. 1, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19,
respectively. In some examples, the golf club head does not include
an insert portion, and activity 2452 can be skipped.
[0087] In some examples, providing the insert portion includes
providing the insert portion such that the insert portion has a
pattern substantially similar to a pattern of the regulation golf
hole. In some examples, the pattern of the insert portion can be
similar or identical to the pattern of insert portions 122, 1022,
1222, 1322, 1422, 1522, and/or 1922 of FIGS. 1, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15,
and 19, respectively. In some examples, the insert portion can
include a center aperture and one or more peripheral apertures.
[0088] Subsequently, method 2400 of FIG. 24 includes an activity
2453 of coupling the insert portion to the rim portion. For
example, insert portion can be located in an interior of rim
portion similar to coupling of the insert portion to the rim
portion, as shown in FIGS. 1, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19,
respectively. In embodiments without an insert portion, activities
2452 and 2453 can be skipped.
[0089] In various examples, the rim portion and insert portion can
be integrally formed. In other examples, the insert portion and the
rim portion can be coupled to each other by an adhesive bonding
process (e.g., epoxy) and/or other suitable bonding processes
(e.g., mechanical bonding, soldering, welding, and/or brazing). In
various embodiments, the insert portion can be inserted into the
rim portion from the top or inserted from the front or back of the
golf club head.
[0090] Next, method 2400 of FIG. 24 includes an activity 2454 of
coupling the face member to the rim portion. In some examples, the
face member can be coupled to the rim portion similar to the
coupling of the face member to the rim portion, as shown in FIGS.
1, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 19, respectively. In some examples,
face member and rim portion are integrally formed. In these
examples, activities 2450, 2451, and 2453 can occur simultaneously
with each other.
[0091] In other examples, activity 2454 can occur before or
simultaneously with activities 2451, 2452, and/or 2453. In the same
or different example, activity 2451 can occur after or
simultaneously with activities 2452 and/or 2453. Activity 2450 can
occur after or simultaneously with activities 2451, 2452, and/or
2453.
[0092] Although the invention has been described with reference to
specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made without departing from the
spirit or scope of the invention. Accordingly, the disclosure of
embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the
scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is
intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to
the extent required by the appended claims. For example, to one of
ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that
activities 2450-2454 in FIG. 24 may be comprised of many different
activities, procedures and be performed in many different orders
and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments
does not necessarily represent a complete description of all
possible embodiments. In other examples, peripheral apertures 125
in FIG. 1 can have a non-trapezoidal shape such as a circular, a
rectangular, or an irregular shape. Furthermore, the shape of one
or more of peripheral apertures 125 can be different than the
shapes of the other ones of peripheral apertures 125, and the
layout of peripheral apertures 125 can be different than the layout
of peripheral apertures in a regulation golf hole. Similarly, the
taper angle of insert portion can vary from the details described
herein. In yet other examples, an outer diameter of rear section
1020, 1120, 1220, 1320, or 1420 of FIGS. 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14,
respectively, (e.g., a diameter of an outer rim or edge) can be
equal to a diameter of a regulation golf hole.
[0093] All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential
to the embodiment claimed in that particular claim. Consequently,
replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes
reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other
advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with
regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions
to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any
benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced,
however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or
essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
[0094] Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are
not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the
embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in
the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express
elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of
equivalents.
* * * * *