U.S. patent application number 16/740151 was filed with the patent office on 2020-05-14 for golf putter head with visual alignment aid and methods of manufacture.
The applicant listed for this patent is KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Cory S. Bacon, Xiaojian Chen, David A. Higdon, Martin R. Jertson, Anthony D. Serrano, Paul D. Wood.
Application Number | 20200147460 16/740151 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 58053299 |
Filed Date | 2020-05-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200147460 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Serrano; Anthony D. ; et
al. |
May 14, 2020 |
GOLF PUTTER HEAD WITH VISUAL ALIGNMENT AID AND METHODS OF
MANUFACTURE
Abstract
Embodiments for a golf club head comprising a body having a
face, a back opposite the face, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a
crown, and a sole opposite the crown, a centerline perpendicular to
the face and passing through a geometric center of the face, and an
alignment aid disposed on a crown surface of the crown, the
alignment aid comprising an alignment aid width, wherein the
alignment aid width is approximately equal to a diameter of a golf
ball, and a sight line disposed on the crown surface, the sight
line being aligned with the centerline; wherein the alignment aid
width is centered about the centerline.
Inventors: |
Serrano; Anthony D.;
(Anthem, AZ) ; Higdon; David A.; (Phoenix, AZ)
; Chen; Xiaojian; (Phoenix, AZ) ; Jertson; Martin
R.; (Cave Creek, AZ) ; Bacon; Cory S.; (Cave
Creek, AZ) ; Wood; Paul D.; (Phoenix, AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KARSTEN MANUFACTURING CORPORATION |
Phoenix |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
58053299 |
Appl. No.: |
16/740151 |
Filed: |
January 10, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15226850 |
Aug 2, 2016 |
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16740151 |
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62200561 |
Aug 3, 2015 |
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62270127 |
Dec 21, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A63B 2053/0441 20130101;
A63B 53/0408 20200801; A63B 2053/0408 20130101; A63B 2053/0433
20130101; A63B 53/0437 20200801; A63B 53/042 20200801; A63B
2071/0694 20130101; A63B 60/52 20151001; A63B 53/0441 20200801;
A63B 53/0487 20130101; A63B 2053/0437 20130101; A63B 2053/042
20130101; A63B 53/0433 20200801 |
International
Class: |
A63B 53/04 20060101
A63B053/04; A63B 60/52 20060101 A63B060/52 |
Claims
1. A putter club head comprising: a body, a face, a back opposite
the face, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown, an alignment
aid on the crown, and a sole opposite the crown; wherein the
alignment aid is centered about a centerline that extends
perpendicular to the face and passes through a geometric center of
the face, the alignment aid comprising: a plurality of sight lines;
a top surface; wherein a primary sight line is disposed on the
crown surface aligned with the centerline, the sight line
comprising a first color; wherein the top surface comprises a
second color; wherein a first auxiliary sight line extends parallel
to and is positioned offset from the primary sight line at a
predetermined distance towards the heel, the first auxiliary sight
line comprising a third color; and wherein a second auxiliary sight
line extends parallel to and is positioned offset from the primary
sight line at the predetermined distance towards the toe, the
second auxiliary sight line comprising the fourth color.
2. The putter head of claim 1, wherein; the third color and the
fourth color are the same color; and the third color and the fourth
color are different from the first color and the second color.
3. The putter head of claim 1, wherein; the third color and the
fourth color are different colors; and the third color and the
fourth color are also each different from the first color and the
second color.
4. The putter club head of claim 1, wherein; the first auxiliary
sight line has a width less than the width of the primary sight
line; and the second auxiliary sight line has a width less than the
width of the primary sight line.
5. The putter club head of claim 1, wherein one or more of the
primary sight line, the first auxiliary sight line, and the second
auxiliary sight line comprises a groove.
6. The putter club head of claim 5, wherein; the primary sight line
comprises a primary groove, the first auxiliary sight line
comprises a first auxiliary groove, and the second auxiliary sight
line comprises a second auxiliary groove.
7. The putter club head of claim 6, wherein; the primary groove
comprises a primary width, the first auxiliary groove comprises a
first auxiliary groove width, and the second auxiliary groove
comprises a second auxiliary groove width; wherein the first
auxiliary groove width is the same as the second auxiliary groove
width; and wherein the first auxiliary groove width and second
auxiliary groove width are less than the primary width.
8. The putter club head of claim 1, wherein; the offset distance of
the first auxiliary sight line from the primary sight line and the
offset distance of the second auxiliary sight line from the primary
sight line is the same distance.
9. The putter club head of claim 1, wherein; the primary sight line
comprises a primary length, the first auxiliary sight line
comprises a first auxiliary length, and the second auxiliary sight
line comprises a second auxiliary length.
10. The putter club head of claim 1, wherein; the alignment aid is
positioned at least partially in a first third of the putter club
head.
11. The putter club head of claim 10, wherein; the alignment aid is
positioned directly adjacent to the face.
12. The putter club head of claim 10, wherein; the alignment aid is
positioned at an offset distance from the face.
13. The putter club head of claim 11, wherein; the alignment aid
extends from the face entirely to the back of the putter club
head.
14. The putter club head of claim 11, wherein, the alignment aid
extends a portion of the way to the back of the putter club
head.
15. The putter club head of claim 9, wherein; the first auxiliary
length and the second auxiliary length are the same as the primary
length.
16. The putter club head of claim 9, wherein; the first auxiliary
length and the second auxiliary length are different from the
primary length.
17. The putter club head of claim 1, wherein; the body is made from
a first material; and the face comprises a face insert, wherein the
face insert is made from a second material different from the first
material.
18. A putter club head comprising: a body, a face, a back opposite
the face, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown, an alignment
aid on the crown, and a sole opposite the crown; wherein the
alignment aid is centered about a centerline that extends
perpendicular to the face and passes through a geometric center of
the face, the alignment aid comprising: a plurality of sight lines;
a top surface; wherein a primary sight line is disposed on the
crown surface aligned with the centerline, the sight line
comprising a first color, wherein the first color is a primary
color; wherein the top surface comprises a second color; wherein a
first auxiliary sight line extends parallel to and is positioned
offset from the primary sight line at a predetermined distance
towards the heel, the first auxiliary sight line comprising a third
color; and wherein a second auxiliary sight line extends parallel
to and is positioned offset from the primary sight line at the
predetermined distance towards the toe, the second auxiliary sight
line comprising the fourth color; wherein the third and fourth
colors are non-primary colors.
19. The putter head of claim 18, wherein; the third color and the
fourth color are the same color; and the third color and the fourth
color are different from the first color and the second color.
20. The putter head of claim 18, wherein; the third color and the
fourth color are different colors; and the third color and the
fourth color are also each different from the first color and the
second color.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
15/226,850 filed Aug. 2, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/200,561, filed on Aug. 3,
2015, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/270,127, filed
on Dec. 21, 2015, the contents of all disclosures above are
incorporated fully herein by reference.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosure relates to golf clubs. In particular,
the present disclosure relates to putter-type golf club heads
having alignment aids.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Ensuring that the strike face of a putter contacts a golf
ball squarely and on center increases the likelihood that a golf
ball will roll consistently and accurately. The size of the strike
face and the size of golf balls can make it difficult to align the
strike face and the club head of a putter with the golf balls.
There is a need in the art for putters to provide visual alignment
for striking the golf ball squarely.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a top perspective view of an embodiment
of a putter head with an alignment aid.
[0005] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the putter head in FIG.
1.
[0006] FIG. 3 illustrates a top perspective view of another
embodiment of a putter head with an alignment aid.
[0007] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the putter head in FIG.
3.
[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of another
embodiment of a putter head with an alignment aid.
[0009] FIG. 6 illustrates a side view of the putter head in FIG.
5.
[0010] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a putter head with
an alignment aid.
[0011] FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of the putter head in FIG.
7.
[0012] FIG. 9 illustrates a method of manufacturing a putter head
with an alignment aid.
[0013] FIG. 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of another
embodiment of a putter head with an alignment aid.
[0014] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by
consideration of the detailed description and accompanying
drawings.
[0015] 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 present disclosure.
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
disclosure. The same reference numerals in different figures denote
the same elements.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Described herein is a putter type golf club head with an
alignment aid positioned on the crown of the club head. The
alignment aid indicates the location of the geometric center of the
strike face and/or the putter head. The alignment aid also
indicates the position of the edges of a golf ball for impact on
the center of the strike face. The alignment aid may also allow the
user to align the strike face and/or putter head with a golf ball
to more consistently achieve center putts. Methods of manufacture
and use are also described below.
[0017] 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.
[0018] 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 apparatus, methods,
and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example,
capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated
or otherwise described herein.
[0019] The terms "couple," "coupled," "couples," "coupling," and
the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two
or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. Coupling (whether
mechanical or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g.,
permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
[0020] 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.
[0021] As defined herein, two or more elements are "integral" if
they are comprised of the same piece of material.
[0022] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in
detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited
in its application to the details of construction and the
arrangement of components set forth in the following description or
illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of
other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in
various ways.
I. Alignment Aid
[0023] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a putter head 100 according to one
embodiment. The putter head 100 may be a mallet-type putter head, a
half-pipe putter head, a blade-type putter head, or another type of
putter head; the putter head is not limited in this regard. The
putter head described herein may be part of a putter-type golf
club. The putter-type golf club may include the putter head, a golf
club shaft, and a grip. In some embodiments, the putter head may
include a hosel configured to receive the shaft. In some
embodiments, the putter head may include a cavity configured to
receive the shaft. The shaft may be coupled to the putter head by
use of an adhesive such as epoxy, by use of one or more fasteners
such as screws, or by other bonding processes such as soldering,
welding, and/or brazing.
[0024] The putter head 100 includes a body 104, a crown 108, a sole
112 opposite the crown 108, a face 116, a back 120 opposite the
face 116, a heel 124, and a toe 128 opposite the heel 124. The face
116 includes a geometric center 156. The putter head 100 may
include a top rail 160 comprising a front portion of crown 108
adjacent to face 116 that extends between the heel 124 and toe 128
of putter head 100. The putter head 100 further includes a
centerline 170 and an alignment aid 130. The centerline 170 defines
an axis that extends through the geometric center 156,
perpendicular to the face 116. The alignment aid 130 includes a
sight line 152 and an alignment aid width 144. The alignment aid
width 144 is centered about the centerline 170. The alignment aid
130 further includes at least one cavity and/or at least one
protruded surface on the crown 108 of the putter head 100. The at
least one cavity and/or protruded surface may be aligned
perpendicular to the face and have a constant width extending from
the face 116 toward the back 120 of the putter head 100.
[0025] The width of the cavity or protruded surface corresponds to
the alignment aid width 144 and may be approximately equal to the
diameter of a golf ball. Currently, the United States Golf
Association (USGA) requires conforming golf balls to have a
diameter of not less than 1.680 inches (42.67 mm). In the
illustrated embodiment, the alignment aid width 144 is constant and
approximately equal to the diameter of a golf ball, or 1.680 inches
(42.67 mm). In other embodiments, the alignment aid width 144 may
be a constant value greater than 1.176 inches (29.87 mm) and less
than 2.184 inches (55.47 mm). Specifically, the alignment aid width
144 may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.2 inches, 1.3
inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches,
1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, or 2.1 inches, or any value greater than
1.176 inches.
[0026] The alignment aid 130 allows a user to properly align the
putter head 100 with a golf ball during a swing. Specifically, the
sight line 152 can indicate to the user the location of the
geometric center 156 of the face 116 of the putter head 100 and
enable the user to more easily align the geometric center 156 of
the face 116 with the center of the golf ball. Similarly, the
alignment aid width 144 allows the user to align the edges of a
golf ball such that the golf ball is aligned with the geometric
center 156 of the face 116. When a user properly aligns the putter
head 100 with the golf ball during a putting stroke, the golf ball
rolls more consistently and accurately. Additionally, the alignment
aid 130 described herein also allows the user to align the putter
head 100 with the outer dimensions of the golf ball as he performs
the putting stroke, which increases the likelihood for an on-center
hit.
[0027] FIGS. 1-2 illustrate the putter head 100 at an address
position relative to a ground plane 164, where the face 116 is
positioned at an angle 180 with the ground plane 164. The face 116
may be generally planar. The face 116 may be substantially
orthogonal to the ground plane 164 when the putter head 100 is at
address position. In other embodiments, angle 180 may be greater
than or equal to approximately 80 degrees, 85 degrees, 86 degrees,
87 degrees, 88 degrees, 89 degrees, 90 degrees, 91 degrees, 92
degrees, 93 degrees, 94 degrees, 95 degrees, or any angle greater
than 80 degrees and less than 100 degrees. The face 116 defines a
face plane 168 tangent to the geometric center 156 of the face 116.
The face 116 may include a ball striking face 172 that may be the
same size or smaller than the face 116, and that may be used to
strike a golf ball (not shown).
[0028] The ball striking face 172 may be a continuous or integral
part of the face 116 or formed as an insert that is attached to or
within the face 116. The body 104 may be comprised of a first
material. The face 116 or insert may be comprised from the first
material or may be comprised from a different second material. The
insert may be permanently affixed to or within the face 116, or may
be removable. The insert may be a metallic or non-metallic
material. The non-metallic material may be a polymer, copolymer,
polymer composite or any other suitable material. The ball striking
face may include one or more grooves such as the grooves described
in U.S. Pat. No. 8,790,193, which is incorporated herein by
reference.
[0029] In some embodiments, putter head 100 may include one or more
weights disposed in the sole 112 in various locations and
orientations. For example, putter head 100 may be provided with a
plurality of removable weights, which may be disposed within at
least one cavity in sole 112. In some embodiments, a single weight
may comprise a sole plate 176 disposed within a cavity near a
center portion of sole 112 of putter head 100. The sole plate 176
may be used by an individual to increase the total mass of the
putter head 100. The sole plate 176 may be secured within the
cavity by using an adhesive such as epoxy. Alternatively, the sole
plate 176 may be secured by one or more screws or other fasteners.
The sole plate 176 may also be secured within the cavity in the
sole 112 by a thermal expansion process.
[0030] The body 104, ball striking face 172, and/or sole plate 176
of putter head 100 may be made from any material. For example, the
body 104, ball striking face 172, and/or sole plate 176 of putter
head 100 may be made from titanium, titanium alloy, other
titanium-based materials, steel, stainless steel, aluminum,
aluminum alloy, other metals, metal alloys, plastic, wood,
composite materials, or other suitable types of materials. The body
104, ball striking face 172, and/or sole plate 176 of putter head
100 may be made from different materials, or they all may be made
from the same material. In the illustrated embodiment, body 104 is
made from a first material, and the sole plate 176 is made from a
second material different from the first material.
A. Mallet-Type Putter with Protrusion
[0031] The putter head may be a mallet-type putter head as shown in
FIG. 3-4. Putter head 200 can be similar to putter head 100 (FIG.
1-2). Referring to FIG. 3-4, putter head 200 comprises an alignment
aid 230 including a protruded surface located along the crown 208.
The alignment aid 230 may be centered about a centerline 270 which
extends perpendicular to the face plane 268 from the face 216 to
the back 220 of putter head 200 and passes through the geometric
center 256 of the face 216. The alignment aid 230 is positioned at
least partially in the first 1/3 of the putter head 200. The
alignment aid 230 may be positioned at least partially in the first
1/8, or 1/7, or 1/6, or 1/5, or 1/4, or 1/3 of the putter head 200.
The alignment aid 230 may be directly adjacent to the face 216 or
may be positioned at an offset distance from the face 216. Further,
the alignment aid 230 may extend entirely to the back 220 of the
putter head 200 or may extend a portion of the way to the back 220
of the putter head 200.
[0032] A portion of alignment aid 230 is disposed above a height of
top rail 260, and may form a first and second step 232, 234 with a
top rail surface 236 of top rail 260. The first step 232 may be
formed between a heel edge 238 of alignment aid 230 and the top
rail surface 236 of top rail 260. The second step may be formed
between a toe edge 240 of alignment aid 230 and the top rail
surface 236 of top rail 260. Additionally, the alignment aid 230
may include a height which remains constant, increases or decreases
across its length. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion
246 of top surface 242 may extend between face 216 and a rear edge
248 of top rail 260 along a path that is linear and orthogonal to
face plane 268. A second portion 250 of top surface 242 may extend
from the rear edge 248 of top rail 260 to the back 220 of putter
head 200 along a curved path sloping downward towards the ground
plane 264. However, in any embodiment, the first portion 246 of top
surface 242 is positioned higher than the top rail 260.
[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, a top surface 242 of
alignment aid 230 has a width 244 which is measured between the
heel edge 238 and toe edge 240 of alignment aid 230. The width 244
may be constant, may vary linearly, or may vary non-linearly as top
surface 242 extends along the crown 208 between the face 216 and
the back 220 of putter head 200. In the illustrated embodiment, the
width 244 of top surface 242 is constant and approximately equal to
the diameter of a golf ball, or 1.680 inches (42.67 mm). In other
embodiments, the width 244 of top surface 242 may be a constant
value greater than 1.176 inches (29.87 mm) and less than 2.184
inches (55.47 mm). Specifically, the width 244 of top surface 242
may be greater than or equal to approximately 1.2 inches, 1.3
inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7 inches, 1.8 inches,
1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, or 2.1 inches, or any value greater than
1.176 inches.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 3-4, top surface 242 of alignment aid 230
extends perpendicular to the face plane 268 along the crown 208
from the face 216 towards the back 220 of putter head 200. A
centerline 270 is also perpendicular to face 216 and extends
through a geometric center 256 of face 216. A top surface 242 of
the alignment aid 230 may be centered with the centerline 270. Top
surface 242 may extend linearly from face 216 to back 220 of the
putter head 200, or it may extend along a curvilinear path.
Further, the top surface 242 of alignment aid 230 may extend
between face 216 and back 220 along a path comprising any
combination of linear and non-linear segments.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to FIG. 3-4, a
sight line 252 is disposed on the top surface 242 of alignment aid
230. Sight line 252 may be aligned with centerline 270 when viewed
from a top view. Further, the sight line 252 may extend across the
entire length of the putter head 200 or any portion of the length
of the putter head 200. For example, the sight line may extend from
face 216 to back 220 of putter head 200 or may extend from the rear
edge 248 of top rail 260 to back 220 of putter head 200.
Additionally, sight line 252 may comprise a sight line stripe,
where the sight line stripe comprises a first color and the top
surface 242 comprises a second color different from the first
color. In other embodiments, sight line 252 may comprise a groove
in top surface 242. The depth, width, and/or vertical
cross-sectional shape of the groove may be constant along the
length, or may vary linearly or non-linearly. The groove may
include the sight line stripe disposed inside the groove, and the
first color may be the same or different from the second color.
Sight line 252 may be machined into top surface 242, may be formed
by casting, forging, or any other manufacturing process.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, putter head 200 may further
comprise a first cavity 282 and a second cavity 284 disposed in the
surface of crown 208. The first cavity 282 may be disposed in a
portion of crown 208 located near or closest to the heel 224, with
the first cavity 282 having a first recessed bottom surface 286.
The intersection of first cavity 282 and top rail surface 236 may
define the rear edge 248 of top rail 260. The intersection of first
cavity 282 and alignment aid 230 may define the heel edge 238 of
alignment aid 230. Similarly, the second cavity 284 may be disposed
in a portion of crown 208 located near or closest to the toe 228,
with the second cavity 284 having a second recessed bottom surface
288. The intersection of second cavity 284 and top rail surface 236
may further define the rear edge 248 of top rail 260. The
intersection of second cavity 284 and alignment aid 230 may define
the toe edge 240 of alignment aid 230. The first and second
recessed bottom surfaces 286, 288 of the first and second cavities
282, 284 may each be generally planar, or they may be generally
coplanar with each other. In a preferred embodiment, first recessed
bottom surface 286 and second recessed bottom surface 288 are
coplanar and together define a recessed bottom plane. The recessed
bottom plane may be parallel to the ground plane 264 when the
putter head 200 is at address position.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 4, a first top rail edge 210 may be
defined by the intersection of face 216 and top rail surface 236. A
top rail width 218 may be defined as the distance between the first
top rail edge 210 and the rear edge 248 of top rail 260. The top
rail may include a width 218 and a height which may remain
constant, increase or decrease along the length of top rail 260 as
top rail 260 extends between heel 224 and toe 228 of putter head
200. The top rail width 218 may be a distance greater than or equal
to approximately 0.50 inch. Alternatively, the top rail width 218
may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.35 inch, and may be
less than or equal to approximately 0.65 inch. For example, the top
rail width 418 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.35
inch, 0.40 inch, 0.42 inch, 0.44 inch, 0.46 inch, 0.48 inch, 0.50
inch, 0.52 inch, 0.54 inch, 0.56 inch, 0.58 inch, or 0.60 inch, or
any other value greater than 0.35 inch.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to FIG. 4, a sole
plate 276 may be disposed in the sole 212 of putter head 200. The
sole 212 of putter head 200 may include a mating section 290
comprised of a sole cavity 292 configured to receive the sole plate
276. The sole plate 276 may have a shape that matches the shape of
the sole cavity 292 such that the sole plate 276 fits within the
sole 212 of putter head 200, and an outer surface of the sole plate
276 is flush with the surface of sole 212 when assembled. Sole
plate 276 may be secured within the mating section 290 by using an
adhesive such as epoxy. Alternatively, sole plate 276 may be
secured within mating section 290 by one or more screws or other
fasteners. Sole plate 276 may also be secured within mating section
290 by a sintering or thermal expansion process.
B. Mallet-Type Putter with Cavity
[0039] The putter head may be a mallet-type putter head as shown in
FIG. 5-6. Putter head 400 can be similar to putter head 100 (FIG.
1-2). Referring to FIGS. 5-6, putter head 400 comprises an
alignment aid 430 including a cavity 402 disposed at the center of
the crown 408. The alignment aid 430 may be centered about a
centerline 470 which extends perpendicular to the face plane 468
from the face 416 to the back 420 of putter head 400 and passes
through the geometric center 456 of the face 416. The alignment aid
430 is positioned at least partially in the first 1/3 of the putter
head 400. The alignment aid 430 may be positioned at least
partially in the first 1/8, or 1/7, or 1/6, or 1/5, or 1/4, or 1/3
of the putter head 400. The alignment aid 430 may be directly
adjacent to the face 416 or may be positioned at an offset distance
from the face 416. Further, the alignment aid 430 may extend from
the face 416 entirely to the back 420 of the putter head 400 or may
extend a portion of the way to the back 420 of the putter head 400.
The cavity 402 may have a recessed bottom surface 406 that is
generally planar. Recessed bottom surface 406 may define a recessed
bottom surface plane that may be generally parallel to the ground
plane 464 when putter head 400 is at address position. The top rail
460 may comprise a front portion of crown 408 adjacent to face 416
that extends between the heel 424 and toe 428 of putter head 400.
The cavity 402 may intersect with top rail 460 and may define rear
wall 494 of top rail 460. Rear wall 494 may be generally planar,
and may be generally parallel to face 416 of putter head 400.
[0040] Top rail 460 may have a top rail surface 436. A first top
rail edge 410 may be defined by the intersection of face 416 and
top rail surface 436, and a second top rail edge 414 may be defined
by the intersection of rear wall 494 and top rail surface 436. A
top rail width 418 may be defined as the distance between the first
and second top rail edges 410, 414. The top rail width 418 may be
constant along the length of top rail 460 as top rail 460 extends
between heel 424 and toe 428 of putter head 400. The top rail width
418 may be a distance greater than or equal to approximately 0.50
inch. Alternatively, the top rail width 418 may be greater than or
equal to approximately 0.35 inch, and may be less than or equal to
approximately 0.65 inch. For example, the top rail width 418 may be
greater than or equal to approximately 0.35 inch, 0.40 inch, 0.42
inch, 0.44 inch, 0.46 inch, 0.48 inch, 0.50 inch, 0.52 inch, 0.54
inch, 0.56 inch, 0.58 inch, or 0.60 inch, or any other value
greater than 0.35 inch.
[0041] In the illustrated embodiment, putter head 400 may further
comprise a first protrusion 422 and a second protrusion 426
disposed on the crown 408. First protrusion 422 may be disposed on
a portion of crown 408 located near or closest to the heel 424,
with the first protrusion 422 having a first protrusion top surface
454. Second protrusion 426 may be disposed on a portion of crown
408 located near or closest to the toe 428, with the second
protrusion 426 having a second protrusion top surface 458. The
first and second protrusion top surfaces 454, 458 may be positioned
lower than the top rail surface 436. Likewise, the first and second
protrusion top surfaces 454, 458 may be positioned higher than the
recessed bottom surface 406. Further, the first and second
protrusion top surfaces 454, 458 may include a height which remains
constant, increases or decreases across their length.
[0042] The intersection of first protrusion 422 and alignment aid
430 may define a first wall 462 of alignment aid 430. Similarly,
the intersection of second protrusion 426 and alignment aid 430 may
define a second wall 466 of alignment aid 430. The first and second
walls 462, 466 may be generally planar and extend from rear wall
494 of top rail 460 to back 420 of putter head 400. First and
second walls 462, 466 may be generally perpendicular to rear wall
494, and may be generally parallel to each other. First and second
walls 462, 466 may be centered about a centerline 470 which extends
perpendicular to face 416 and passes through the geometric center
456 of face 416.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to FIG. 5,
alignment aid 430 has a width 444 which is measured between first
wall 462 of alignment aid 430 and second wall 466 of alignment aid
430. The width 444 of alignment aid 430 is constant and
approximately equal to the diameter of a golf ball, or 1.680 inches
(42.67 mm). In other embodiments, the width 444 of alignment aid
430 may be a constant value greater than 1.176 inches (29.87 mm)
and less than 2.184 inches (55.47 mm). Specifically, the width 444
of alignment aid 430 may be greater than or equal to approximately
1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7
inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, or 2.1 inches, or any
value greater than 1.176 inches.
[0044] The sight line 452 is disposed on the recessed bottom
surface 406 of alignment aid 430. Sight line 452 may be aligned
with centerline 470 when viewed from a top view. Further, the sight
line 452 may extend along recessed bottom surface 406 from rear
wall 494 of top rail 460 to back 420 of putter head 400 to define a
corresponding length. Sight line 452 may comprise a sight line
stripe, where the sight line stripe comprises a first color and the
recessed bottom surface 406 comprises a second color different from
the first color. In other embodiments, sight line 452 may comprise
a groove in recessed bottom surface 406. The depth, width, and/or
vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove may be constant along
the length, or may vary linearly or non-linearly. The groove may
include the sight line stripe disposed inside the groove, and the
first color may be the same or different from the second color.
Sight line 452 may be machined into recessed bottom surface 406,
may be formed by casting, forging, or any other manufacturing
process.
[0045] A first groove 474 may be disposed in top rail surface 436.
First groove 474 may be coplanar with first wall 462. Similarly, a
second groove 478 may be disposed in top rail surface 436, where
second groove 478 may be coplanar with second wall 466.
Accordingly, a distance between first groove 474 and second groove
478 will be approximately equal to the width 444 of alignment aid
430. When the width 444 of alignment aid 430 is approximately equal
to the diameter of a golf ball, or 1.680 inches (42.67 mm), the
distance between first groove 474 and second groove 478 is also
approximately equal to the diameter of a golf ball, or 1.680 inches
(42.67 mm). Thus the first and second grooves 474, 478 may allow a
user to more properly align the putter head 400 with the ball
during a swing. The depth, width, and/or vertical cross-sectional
shape of the first and second grooves may be constant along the
length, or may vary linearly or non-linearly. The first groove 474
may include a first stripe disposed inside the first groove, and
the second groove 478 may include a second stripe disposed inside
the second groove. The first and second stripes may comprise the
first color of the sight line stripe. First and second grooves 474,
478 may be machined into top rail surface 436, may be formed by a
casting or forging process, or may be formed by any other
manufacturing process.
[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, a sole plate 476 may be
disposed in the sole 412 of putter head 400. The sole 412 of putter
head 400 may include a mating section 490 comprised of a sole
cavity 492 configured to receive the sole plate 476. The sole plate
476 may have a shape that matches the shape of the sole cavity 492
such that the sole plate 476 fits snugly within the sole 412 of
putter head 400, and an outer surface of the sole plate 476 is
flush with the surface of sole 412 when assembled. Sole plate 476
may be secured within the mating section 490 by using an adhesive
such as epoxy. Alternatively, sole plate 476 may be secured within
mating section 490 by one or more screws or other fasteners. Sole
plate 476 may also be secured within mating section 490 by a
sintering or thermal expansion process.
C. Blade-Type Putter
[0047] The putter head may be a blade-type putter head as shown in
FIGS. 7-8. Putter head 600 can be similar to putter head 100 (FIG.
1-2). Referring to FIG. 7-8, putter head 600 comprises an alignment
aid 630 including a cavity 602 disposed at the center of the crown
608. The alignment aid 630 may be centered about a centerline 670
which extends perpendicular to the face plane 668 from the face 616
to the back 620 of putter head 600 and passes through the geometric
center 656 of the face 616. The alignment aid 630 is positioned at
least partially in the first 1/3 of the putter head 600. The
alignment aid 630 may be positioned at least partially in the first
1/8, or 1/7, or 1/6, or 1/5, or 1/4, or 1/3 of the putter head 600.
The alignment aid 630 may be directly adjacent to the face 616 or
may be positioned at an offset distance from the face 616. Further,
the alignment aid 630 may extend from the face 616 entirely to the
back 620 of the putter head 600 or may extend a portion of the way
to the back 620 of the putter head 600. The cavity 602 may have a
recessed bottom surface 606. Recessed bottom surface 606 may define
a recessed bottom surface plane that may be generally parallel to
the ground plane 664 when putter head 600 is at address position.
In other embodiments, recessed bottom surface 606 may be curved and
may generally match the curvature of sole 612, such that the
surface of sole 612 and recessed bottom surface 606 are generally
parallel. The top rail 660 may comprise a front portion of crown
608 adjacent to face 616 that extends between the heel 624 and toe
628 of putter head 600. Cavity 602 and top rail 660 together may
define a recessed rear surface 696 of top rail 660. Recessed rear
surface 696 may be generally planar, and may be generally parallel
to the face 616 of putter head 600. Top rail 660 may have a top
rail surface 636 which is generally planar, and top rail surface
636 may be generally parallel to ground plane 664 when putter head
600 is at address position. Recessed rear surface 696 may be
circumscribed by a rim portion 698. A first top rail edge 610 may
be defined by the intersection of face 616 and top rail surface
636, while a second top rail edge 614 may be defined by the
intersection of rim portion 698 and top rail surface 636.
[0048] A top rail width 618 may be defined as the distance between
the first and second top rail edges 610, 614. The top rail width
618 may be constant along the length of top rail 660 as top rail
660 extends between heel 624 and toe 628 of putter head 600. The
top rail width 618 may be a distance greater than or equal to
approximately 0.25 inch. Alternatively, the top rail width 618 may
be greater than or equal to approximately 0.18 inch, and may be
less than or equal to approximately 0.32 inch. For example, the top
rail width 618 may be greater than or equal to approximately 0.18
inch, 0.20 inch, 0.21 inch, 0.22 inch, 0.23 inch, 0.24 inch, 0.25
inch, 0.26 inch, 0.27 inch, 0.28 inch, 0.29 inch, or 0.30 inch, or
any other value greater than 0.18 inch.
[0049] In the illustrated embodiment, putter head 600 may further
comprise two protrusions disposed on the crown 608. A first
protrusion 622 may be disposed on a portion of crown 608 located
near or closest to the heel 624, with the first protrusion 622
having a first protrusion top surface 654. A second protrusion 626
may be disposed on a portion of crown 608 located near or closest
to the toe 628, with the second protrusion 626 having a second
protrusion top surface 658. The first and second protrusion top
surfaces 654, 658 may be positioned lower than the top rail surface
636. Likewise, the first and second protrusion top surfaces 654,
658 may be positioned higher than the recessed bottom surface 606.
Further, the first and second protrusion top surfaces 654, 658 may
include a height which remains constant, increases or decreases
across their length.
[0050] The intersection of first protrusion 622 and alignment aid
630 may define a first wall 662 of alignment aid 630. Similarly,
the intersection of second protrusion 626 and alignment aid 630 may
define a second wall 666 of alignment aid 630. The first and second
walls 662, 666 may be generally planar and extend from recessed
rear surface 696 of top rail 660 to back 620 of putter head 600.
First and second walls 662, 666 may be generally perpendicular to
recessed rear surface 696, and may be generally parallel to each
other. First and second walls 662, 666 may be centered about a
centerline 670 perpendicular to face 616 and extending through the
geometric center 656 of face 616.
[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, referring to FIG. 7-8,
alignment aid 630 has a width 644 which is measured between first
wall 662 of alignment aid 630 and second wall 666 of alignment aid
630. The width 644 of alignment aid 630 is constant and
approximately equal to the diameter of a golf ball, or 1.680 inches
(42.67 mm). In other embodiments, the width 644 of alignment aid
630 may be a constant value greater than 1.176 inches (29.87 mm)
and less than 2.184 inches (55.47 mm). Specifically, the width 644
of alignment aid 630 may be greater than or equal to approximately
1.2 inches, 1.3 inches, 1.4 inches, 1.5 inches, 1.6 inches, 1.7
inches, 1.8 inches, 1.9 inches, 2.0 inches, or 2.1 inches, or any
value greater than 1.176 inches.
[0052] The sight line 652 is disposed on the recessed bottom
surface 606 of alignment aid 630. Sight line 652 may be aligned
with centerline 670 when viewed from a top view. Further, the sight
line 652 may extend along recessed bottom surface 606 from recessed
rear surface 694 of top rail 660 to back 620 of putter head 600 to
define a corresponding length. Sight line 652 may comprise a sight
line stripe, where the sight line stripe comprises a first color
and the recessed bottom surface 606 comprises a second color
different from the first color. In other embodiments, sight line
652 may comprise a groove in recessed bottom surface 606. The
depth, width, and/or vertical cross-sectional shape of the groove
may be constant along the length, or may vary linearly or
non-linearly. The groove may include the sight line stripe disposed
inside the groove, and the first color may be the same or different
from the second color. Sight line 652 may be machined into recessed
bottom surface 606, may be formed by casting, forging, or any other
manufacturing process.
[0053] The putter head 600 may have a hosel 702 to which a putter
shaft may be coupled. Referring to FIG. 8, hosel 702 may have a
hosel body 704 with a first end 706 extending from the heel portion
708 of the hosel body 704, and a second end 710 configured to
receive a shaft. The shaft and the hosel 702 may be secured to each
other by use of an adhesive such as epoxy, by use of 1 or more
fasteners such as screws, or by other bonding processes such as
soldering, welding, and/or brazing.
D. Multiple Sight Line Putter Head
[0054] Putter head 1100 of FIG. 10, can be similar to putter head
100 (FIG. 1-2). Referring to FIG. 10, putter head 1100 comprises an
alignment aid 1130 including a plurality of sight lines 1152, 1153,
1155 disposed at the center of the crown. The alignment aid 1130
may be centered about a centerline 1170 which extends perpendicular
to the face plane 1168 from the face 1116 to the back 1120 of
putter head 1100 and passes through the geometric center 1156 of
the face 1116. The alignment aid 1130 is positioned at least
partially in the first 1/3 of the putter head 1100. The alignment
aid 630 may be positioned at least partially in the first 1/8, or
1/7, or 1/6, or 1/5, or 1/4, or 1/3 of the putter head 600. The
alignment aid 1130 may be directly adjacent to the face 1116 or may
be positioned at an offset distance from the face 1116. Further,
the alignment aid 1130 may extend from the face 1116 entirely to
the back 1120 of the putter head 1100 or may extend a portion of
the way to the back 1120 of the putter head 1100.
[0055] The alignment aid 1130 may have a sight line 1152, a first
auxiliary sight line 1153 and a second auxiliary sight line 1155.
The sight line 1152 may be aligned with the centerline when viewed
from a top view. Further, the sight line may extend perpendicular
to the face plane 1168 from the face 1116 to the back 1120 of
putter head 1100. The first auxiliary sight line 1153 is offset
from the sight line 1152 by a predetermined distance toward the
heel of the club head. The second auxiliary sight line 1155 is
offset from the sight line 1152 by a predetermined distance toward
the toe of putter head 1100. The offset distance for the first
auxiliary sight line 1153 and the offset distance for the second
auxiliary sight line 1155 is preferably the same distance. The
first auxiliary sight line 1153 and the second auxiliary sight line
1155 extend in parallel to the sight line 1152 along the top
surface 1142 from the face 1116 to the back 1120 of the putter head
1100. The first and second auxiliary sight lines 1153, 1155 may
extend across the same length of the top surface as the sight line
1152 or across a different length. The sight line 1152 comprises a
first color which may be any color. The top surface 1142 comprises
a second color different from the first color. The first auxiliary
sight line 1153 comprises a third color different from the first
color and the second color. The second auxiliary sight line 1155
comprises the third color different from the first color and second
color. In other embodiments, the second auxiliary sight line 1155
may comprise a fourth color different from the first, second and
third color.
[0056] In many embodiments, the first color of the sight line 1152
comprises a bold or primary color. In many embodiments, the third
color of the first and second auxiliary sight line 1153, 1155
comprises a muted or secondary color. For example, in some
embodiments, the first color can be red, and the third color can be
green. In other embodiments, the first color may be red, yellow,
blue or any other suitable bold color, while the third color may be
purple, green, orange, magenta, cyan or any other suitable muted
color. The combination of a bold or primary first color for the
sight line 1152 and a muted or secondary third color for the first
and second auxiliary sight lines 1153, 1155 can allow the user to
relax their eyes and concentrate on the desired ball trajectory, to
better align the ball with the target.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 10, the sight line 1152 has a width. The
first auxiliary sight line 1153 has a width less than the width of
the sight line 1152. The second auxiliary sight line 1155 has a
width less than the width of the sight line 1152. In many
embodiments, the width of the first auxiliary sight line 1153 is
the same as the width of the second auxiliary sight line 1155. The
arrangement of a central sight line 1152 with parallel offset
auxiliary sight lines 1153, 1155 that are thinner and comprising
different colors takes advantage of the phenomena of Vernier
Acuity. The arrangement of the auxiliary sight lines 1153, 1155 and
the sight line 1152 allows the player's eyes to more naturally stay
focused and still on the central sight line to better align the
ball with the target, similar to alignment aids on golf balls, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,663,025 B2 and 8,721,468 B1, which
are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The
alignment aid 1130 illustrated in FIG. 10 can be applied to any
type of putter head. For example, the alignment aid 1130 as
described herein can be applied to a mallet-type putter head with a
protrusion, a mallet-type putter head with a cavity, a blade-type
putter head, or any other suitable type of putter head.
[0058] In other embodiments, one or more of the sight line 1152,
the first auxiliary sightline 1153 and the second auxiliary
sightline 1155 may further comprise a groove. The first auxiliary
sight line 1153 groove has a width less than the width of the sight
line 1152 groove. The second auxiliary sight line 1155 groove has a
width less than the width of the sight line 1152 groove. In many
embodiments, the width of the first auxiliary sight line 1153
groove is the same as the width of the second auxiliary sight line
1155 groove. The depth, width, and/or vertical cross-sectional
shape of the grooves may be constant along the length, or may vary
linearly or non-linearly. The sight line 1152 groove may further
comprise the primary or bold first color. The first and second
auxiliary sight line 1153, 1155 grooves may further comprise the
secondary or muted third color. The depth, width, and/or vertical
cross-sectional shape of the grooves may be constant along the
length, or may vary linearly or non-linearly.
[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary method of manufacturing 1000
the putter head 100. While the method of manufacturing 1000 is
described herein with reference to putter head 100, the method of
manufacturing 1000 may be used to manufacture any putter head
including putter head 200, putter head 400, or putter head 600. The
method includes: (1) providing a body 104 made of a first material,
the body 104 having a crown 108, a sole 112 opposite the crown 108,
a heel 124, a toe 128 opposite the heel 124, a face 116, and a back
120 opposite the face 116; (2) forming at least one cavity or at
least one protrusion on the crown 108 of the body 104; and (3)
forming a sight line on the surface of the at least one cavity or
protrusion.
[0060] The method of manufacturing the putter head 100 is merely
exemplary and is not limited to the embodiments presented herein.
The method can be employed in many different embodiments or
examples not specifically depicted or described herein. In some
embodiments, the processes of the method described can be performed
in any suitable order. In other embodiments, the method 1000 may
include additional processes. For example, the method may also
include providing a sole plate 176 made of a second material, and
coupling the sole plate 176 to the body 104 to form the putter head
100. The second material may be the same or different than the
first material. In other embodiments, one or more processes may be
combined, separated, or skipped.
[0061] The body 104 of the putter head 100 may be manufactured by
casting, forging, machining, rapid prototyping, layer by layer
printing, selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering,
stereolithography, 3D printing, or any other method. Similarly, the
ball striking face 172 of the putter head 100 may be manufactured
by casting, machining, rapid prototyping, layer by layer printing,
selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering,
stereolithography, 3D printing, or any other method. Furthermore,
the sole plate 176 of the putter head 100 may be manufactured by
casting, machining, rapid prototyping, layer by layer printing,
selective laser sintering, direct metal laser sintering,
stereolithography, 3D printing, or any other method. The body 104
and the sole plate 176 may be assembled by swaging, welding,
brazing, or any other method capable of coupling the body 104 to
the sole plate 176.
[0062] Clause 1: A putter club head comprising: a body, a face, a
back opposite the face, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown,
and a sole opposite the crown, an alignment aid centered about a
centerline that extends perpendicular to the face and passes
through a geometric center of the face, the alignment aid
comprising: a protrusion disposed on the crown having a width
measured between a heel edge and a toe edge, the width
approximately equal to a diameter of a golf ball, and a sight line
disposed on a top surface of the alignment aid, the sight line
being aligned with the centerline; a first cavity is disposed in
the crown near the heel, and a second cavity is disposed in the
crown near the toe.
[0063] Clause 2: The putter club head of clause 1, wherein the
alignment aid width is approximately 1.68 inches.
[0064] Clause 3: The putter club head of clause 1, wherein the body
is made from a first material and the face comprises a face insert,
wherein the face insert is made from a second material different
from the first material.
[0065] Clause 4: The putter club head of clause 1, wherein the
sight line comprises a groove in the top surface.
[0066] Clause 5: The putter club head of clause 1, wherein the
sight line comprises a sight line stripe having a first color and
the top surface comprises a second color.
[0067] Clause 6: The putter club head of clause 1, wherein a sole
plate is disposed in the sole.
[0068] Clause 7: The putter club head of clause 1, wherein the
putter club head is mallet-type putter head or a half-pipe putter
head or a blade-type putter head.
[0069] Clause 8: A putter club head comprising a body, a face, a
back opposite the face, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown,
and a sole opposite the crown, an alignment aid centered about a
centerline that extends perpendicular to the face and passes
through a geometric center of the face, the alignment aid
comprising a cavity disposed on the crown having a width measured
between a first wall and a second wall of the alignment aid, the
width approximately equal to a diameter of a golf ball, a sight
line disposed on a recessed bottom surface, the sight line being
aligned with the centerline, a first protrusion is disposed on the
crown near the heel, a second protrusion is disposed on the crown
near the toe.
[0070] Clause 9: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein the
alignment aid width is approximately 1.68 inches.
[0071] Clause 10: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein: the
body is made from a first material; and the face comprises a face
insert, wherein the face insert is made from a second material
different from the first material.
[0072] Clause 11: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein the
sight line comprises a groove in the recessed bottom surface.
[0073] Clause 12: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein: the
sight line comprises a sight line stripe having a first color, and
the recessed bottom surface comprises a second color.
[0074] Clause 13: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein a sole
plate is disposed in the sole.
[0075] Clause 14: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein the
putter club head is mallet-type putter head or a half-pipe putter
head or a blade-type putter head.
[0076] Clause 15: A putter club head comprising a body, a face, a
back opposite the face, a heel, a toe opposite the heel, a crown,
and a sole opposite the crown, an alignment aid centered about a
centerline that extends perpendicular to the face and passes
through a geometric center of the face, the alignment aid
comprising a sight line disposed on the crown surface aligned with
the centerline, the sight line comprising a first color, a top
surface comprising a second color, a first auxiliary sight line
extending parallel to and positioned offset from the sight line at
a predetermined distance towards the heel, the first auxiliary
sight line comprising a third color and a second auxiliary sight
line extending parallel and positioned offset from the sight line
at the predetermined distance towards the toe, the second auxiliary
sight line comprising the third color.
[0077] Clause 16: The putter club head of clause 15, wherein: the
body is made from a first material; and the face comprises a face
insert, wherein the face insert is made from a second material
different from the first material.
[0078] Clause 17: The putter club head of clause 15, wherein one or
more of the sight line, the first auxiliary sight line, and the
second auxiliary sight line comprises a groove.
[0079] Clause 18: The putter club head of clause 15, wherein the
first auxiliary sight line has a width less than the width of the
sight line, and the second auxiliary sight line has a width less
than the width of the sight line.
[0080] Clause 19: The putter club of clause 15, wherein: the sight
line stripe comprises a primary color; the first auxiliary sight
line comprises a secondary color; and the second auxiliary sight
line comprises a secondary color.
[0081] Clause 20: The putter club head of clause 8, wherein the
putter club head is mallet-type putter head or a half-pipe putter
head or a blade-type putter head.
[0082] 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.
[0083] As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new
regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or
modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies
such as the United States Golf Association (USGA), the Royal and
Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&A), etc.), 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.
[0084] While the above examples may be described in connection with
a putter-type golf club, the apparatus, methods, and articles of
manufacture described herein may be applicable to other types of
golf club such as a driver-type golf club, a fairway wood-type golf
club, a hybrid-type golf club, an iron-type golf club, or a
wedge-type golf club. Alternatively, 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.
[0085] 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.
[0086] Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set
forth in the following claims.
* * * * *