Co-molded golf putter with integral interlocking features

Abstract

To fulfill the needs for creating a high-MOI putter with a modest weight and volume, no matter the overall design, by combining lightweight composite materials with high-density metallic materials.SOLUTION: A co-molded putter-type golf club head is provided, comprising a high-density chassis 102 made of a first material and a low-density putter-type body 104 made of a second material. The first material can be a high density metal. The second material can be a low density thermoplastic composite. The chassis comprises a flow aperture 122, and one or more interlocking features. The putter-type body portion encases the entirety of the at least one interlocking feature. Further, the putter-type body encapsulates the chassis such that the body extends through, and completely fills the flow aperture, to couple the body and chassis, and thus form the club head.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 814,770, filed March 6, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly to a co-molded golf putter having an integral interlocking mechanism. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, putter-type golf club heads are formed from metal materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or tungsten. These metal materials are often combined to create a putter head in which the outer edge of the putter contains high density metal so that the moment of inertia (MOI) of the putter is high. However, combining two metal materials may result in a very heavy or bulky putter without maximizing the MOI, resulting in a disadvantageous or bulky putter. There is a need in the art to combine a lightweight composite material with a high density metal material to create a putter with a high MOI and moderate weight and volume, regardless of the overall design. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0004] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a rear perspective view of a putter-type golf club.

[0005] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a combination of the putter-type body and chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0006] [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a top view of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0007] [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0008] [Diagram 5] 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0009] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a rear perspective view of a putter-style golf club having one or more weights.

[0010] [Figure 7] 7 is a rear perspective view of a combination of the putter-type body and chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0011] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the chassis and one or more weights of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0012] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0013] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a rear perspective view of another putter-type golf club.

[0014] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a rear perspective view of the putter-type body and chassis combination of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0015] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0016] [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a top view of the chassis interlock mechanism.

[0017] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0018] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0019] [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0020] [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0021] [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0022] [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0023] [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0024] [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a top view of an alternative chassis interlock mechanism.

[0025] [Figure 22] FIG. 22 shows a top view of another putter-type golf club.

[0026] [Figure 23] FIG. 23 shows a top view of the putter-type body and chassis combination of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0027] [Figure 24]FIG. 24 shows a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0028] [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 shows a front exploded view of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0029] [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows a rear perspective view of another putter-type golf club.

[0030] [Figure 27] FIG. 27 shows a rear perspective view of the combination of the putter-type body and chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0031] [Figure 28] FIG. 28 shows a front perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0032] [Figure 29] FIG. 29 shows a rear perspective view of another putter-type golf club.

[0033] [Diagram 30] FIG. 30 shows a rear view of the putter-type body and chassis combination of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0034] [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 shows a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0035] [Diagram 32] FIG. 32 shows a front perspective view of the putter-type body and chassis combination of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0036] [Diagram 33] FIG. 33 shows a rear perspective view of another putter-type golf club.

[0037] [Diagram 34]FIG. 34 shows a rear perspective view of the combination of the putter-type body and chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0038] [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 shows a rear perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0039] [Diagram 36] 36 is a front perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 33. FIG.

[0040] [Figure 37] FIG. 37 shows a rear perspective view of another putter-type golf club.

[0041] [Figure 38] FIG. 38 shows a rear perspective view of the combination of the putter-type body and chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0042] [Figure 39] FIG. 39 shows a bottom view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0043] [Diagram 40] FIG. 40 shows a rear perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0044] [Diagram 41] 41 is a bottom assembly view of the putter-type golf club of FIG.

[0045] Other aspects of the disclosure will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] I. Putter Golf Club Head Described herein is a putter-type golf club head comprising a high density chassis made from a first material, such as a high density metal (e.g., but not limited to, steel or tungsten), and a low density putter-type body portion made from a second material, such as a low density thermoplastic composite (i.e., but not limited to, polycarbonate, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA)). The chassis comprises a flow opening and one or more interlocking features. The putter-type body portion entirely encapsulates the at least one interlocking feature. Further, the putter-type body encapsulates the chassis such that the body penetrates and completely fills the flow opening, bonding the body and the chassis together, thus forming the club head. This combination of a low density putter shaped body portion surrounded by a high density chassis provides at least a 5% increase in MOI about the y-axis compared to a putter having an entirely metallic material construction of the same volume and mass (i.e., a single material milled putter such as a steel putter or a single material investment cast putter). Additionally, the combination of a low density thermoplastic composite body and a high density chassis can result in improved putter sound as well as reduced manufacturing costs.

[0047] When terms such as "first," "second," "third," "fourth," etc. are used in the specification and claims, they are used to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to describe a particular sequential or chronological order. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and that the golf club and method of manufacture embodiments described herein can be practiced, for example, in an order other than that shown or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprises," "includes," and "having," as well as any variations thereof, are intended to be non-exclusive inclusive, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0048] Before describing the details of the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of elements set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

[0049] In many embodiments, the golf club head may include a putter-type golf club head (such as putter-type golf club heads 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100, etc.). Figures 1-41 show several embodiments of putter-type golf club heads having an integrally formed chassis and putter-type body. The putter-type golf club head may be a mallet-type putter head, a mid-mallet-type putter head, a blade-type putter head, a high MOI-type putter head, or any other type of putter-type golf club head.

[0050] The putter-type golf club head 100 includes a chassis 102 and a putter-type body 104 (sometimes referred to as the body 104). The putter-type body 104 partially or entirely surrounds (or encapsulates) the chassis 102 and forms the character of the putter-type golf club head 100. The golf club head 100 may include a toe end 106 and a heel end 108 opposite the toe end 106. The golf club head 100 may include a striking face 110 and a rear end 112 opposite the striking face 110. In addition, the putter-type golf club head 100 may include an alignment mechanism 114. The putter-type golf club head 100 includes a sole 117. The sole 117 extends from the heel end 108 to the toe end 106 and from the striking face 110 to the rear end 112. The sole 117 rests on the ground when the putter 100 is in the address position (i.e., the position for striking a golf ball). The putter-type golf club head 100 includes a crown 115, which opposes the sole 117. The crown 115 extends from the heel end 108 to the toe end 106 and from the striking face 110 to the rear 112. When the putter 100 is in the address position, the crown 115 is visible to the golfer.

[0051] The striking face 110 of the golf club head 100 includes a loft plane (not shown). A loft location is tangent to the striking face 110. The loft plane intersects with the ground plane to form a loft angle. In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head may have a loft angle of less than 10 degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head may be 0-5 degrees, 0-6 degrees, 0-7 degrees, or 0-8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of the club head may be less than 10 degrees, less than 9 degrees, less than 8 degrees, less than 7 degrees, less than 6 degrees, or less than 5 degrees. As a further example, the loft angle of the club head may be 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees.

[0052] The golf club head 100 has a golf club head center of gravity located within the golf club. The center of gravity is the average location of the weight of the golf club head 100. With reference to FIG. 1 , the golf club head 100 further includes a y-axis located within the center of gravity, perpendicular to the ground plane, and extending away from the crown 115 of the golf club head 100. During a putting stroke with the club head 100, the heel end 108 and toe end 106 rotate about the y-axis. Increasing the MOI about the y-axis reduces the rotation of the golf club head about the y-axis, resulting in a straighter putt.

[0053] Additionally, the putter-type golf club head 100 may include a hosel 119 attached to the heel end 108 of the golf club head 100. In some embodiments, the hosel 119 may be attached to the center (not shown) of the putter-type golf club head 100. The hosel 119 may be integrally formed with the putter-type body 104 of the putter-type golf club head 100. The hosel 119 may be integrally formed with the chassis 102 of the putter-type golf club head 100.

[0054] The golf club head 100 may include two or more materials. The chassis 102 may include a first material. The putter-shaped body 104 may include a second material. The first material is different from the second material. The first material has a first density. The second material has a second density. The first density is not the same as the second density. The first density may be greater than the second density.

[0055] In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head 100 may have a mass in the range of 320 to 385 grams. In other embodiments, the putter-type golf club head 100 may have a mass of 320 to 325 grams, 325 to 330 grams, 330 to 335 grams, 335 to 340 grams, 340 to 345 grams, 345 to 350 grams, 350 to 355 grams, 355 to 360 grams, 360 to 365 grams, 365 to 370 grams, 370 to 375 grams, 375 to 380 grams, or 380 to 385 grams. In some embodiments, the mass of the putter-type golf club head is 320 grams, 321 grams, 322 grams, 323 grams, 324 grams, 325 grams, 326 grams, 327 grams, 328 grams, 329 grams, 330 grams, 331 grams, 332 grams, 333 grams, 334 grams, 335 grams, 336 grams, 337 grams, 338 grams, 339 grams, 340 grams, 341 grams, 342 grams, 343 grams, 344 grams, 345 grams, 346 grams, 347 grams, 348 grams, 349 grams, 350 grams, 351 grams, rum, 352 grams, 353 grams, 354 grams, 355 grams, 356 grams, 357 grams, 358 grams, 359 grams, 360 grams, 361 grams, 362 grams, 363 grams, 364 grams, 365 grams, 366 grams, 367 grams, 368 grams, 369 grams, 370 grams, 371 grams, 372 grams, 373 grams, 374 grams, 375 grams, 376 grams, 377 grams, 378 grams, 379 grams, 380 grams, 381 grams, 382 grams, 383 grams, 384 grams, or 385 grams.

[0056] In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head 100 may have a club head volume in the range of 25cc to 125cc. In some embodiments, the club head volume may be in the range of 25cc to 30cc, 30cc to 35cc, 35cc to 40cc, 40cc to 45cc, 45cc to 50cc, 50cc to 55cc, 55cc to 60cc, 60cc to 65cc, 65cc to 70cc, 70cc to 75cc, 75cc to 80cc, 80cc to 85cc, 85cc to 90cc, 90cc to 95cc, 95cc to 100cc, 100cc to 105cc, 105cc to 110cc, 110cc to 115cc, 115cc to 120cc, or 120cc to 125cc. In one embodiment, the club head volume may be in the range of 40cc to 110cc. In some embodiments, the club head volume may be greater than 25 cc, greater than 50 cc, greater than 75 cc, or greater than 100 cc.

[0057] In some embodiments, the putter-type golf club head 100 may include a striking face 110. The striking face 110 may be made of a first material or a second material. In other embodiments, the striking face 110 may be made of a third material. In such embodiments, the third material of the striking face 110 may be any one or combination of a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. Exemplary thermoplastic polymer matrix materials include polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA) (e.g., polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 6-6 (PA66), polyamide 12 (PA12), polyamide 612 (PA612), polyamide 11 (PA11)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene ether / oxide (PPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF ... Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or alloys of the above thermoplastic materials such as alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) and alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

[0058] In some embodiments, the striking face 110 may be integrally formed with the putter mold body 104. In most embodiments, the striking face 110 may be integrally formed with the club head 100 by co-molding, injection molding, casting, additive manufacturing, or other forming processes. In some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material may include a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as a thermoplastic polymer matrix material. TPU includes a chemical structure consisting of a linear segment block copolymer having hard segments and soft segments. In some embodiments, the hard segments include aromatic or aliphatic structures, and the soft segments include polyether or polyester chains. In other embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer matrix material including TPU may have hard and soft segments with different chemical structures.

[0059] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 25 and FIG. 41, the putter-type golf club head 100 may include a striking face insert 116 located on or within the striking face 110. In these embodiments, the striking face insert 116 is formed separately before being coupled to the club head 100. The face of the striking face insert 116 that abuts the club head 100 may have a geometric shape that is complementary to the geometric shape of the corresponding portion of the club head 100 that abuts the striking face 110 (i.e., the cavity of the striking face of the putter-type golf club head). In some embodiments, the striking face insert 116 may be made of a first material, a second material, or a third material. In many embodiments, the putter head 100 may include a chassis 102 of a first material, a putter-type body 104 of a second material, and a striking face insert 116 that includes a third material.

[0060] The striking face insert 116 may be secured to the club head 100 by being integrally formed with a portion of the club head 100 or by a fastening means. In some embodiments, the striking face insert 116 is secured to the putter mold body 104. In such an embodiment, referring to FIG. 25 and FIG. 41, the putter mold body 104 may include an insert cavity 118 that functions to receive the striking face insert 116. In other embodiments (not shown), the striking face insert 116 is secured to the chassis 104. In such an embodiment, the chassis 102 may include an insert cavity 118. The insert cavity 118 of the chassis functions to receive the striking face insert 116. The striking face insert 116 may be secured by an adhesive substance such as glue, Very High Bond (VHB™) tape, epoxy, or other adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the striking face insert 116 may be secured by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlocking structures, or other fastening methods.

[0061] The striking face insert 116 may comprise any one of aluminum, stainless steel, copper, thermoplastic copolyester elastomer (TPC), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), thermoplastic urethane (TPU), steel, nickel, TPU / aluminum, TPE / aluminum, plastic / metal screen insert, polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, PEBAX®, or any other desired material or any layered combination thereof. PEBAX® is a polyether block amide, which is a thermoplastic elastomer composed of flexible polyether and hard polyamide. The hard polyamide may include nylon. PEBAX® may include different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, percentage of polyether, and / or percentage of polyamide. In many embodiments, PEBAX® may include PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France), or PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains tetramethylene oxide (53% by weight) and nylon 12. PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11.

[0062] PEBAX® may comprise polyether by volume percent. In some embodiments, PEBAX® may comprise 0%-10%, 10%-20%, 15%-30%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 30%-50%, 30%-60%, 40%-50%, 40%-60%, 50%-60%, or 60%-70% polyether by volume percent. For example, PEBAX® may comprise 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% polyether by volume percent. In some embodiments, PEBAX® may contain 0%-10%, 10%-20%, 15%-30%, 20%-30%, 30%-40%, 40%-50%, 40%-60%, 50%-60%, or 60%-70% polyamide by volume. For example, PEBAX® may contain 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, or 70% polyamide by volume. As the percentage of polyether increases, the hardness of PEBAX® decreases. As the percentage of polyamide increases, the hardness of PEBAX® increases. For example, PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) may contain 40% to 60% by volume polyether and 15% to 30% by volume polyamide. For example, PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) may contain 15% to 30% by volume polyether and 40% to 60% by volume polyamide.

[0063] In many embodiments, PEBAX® may have a hardness ranging from Shore 25D to Shore 75D. In some embodiments, the hardness of PEBAX may range from Shore 25D to Shore 35D, Shore 35D to Shore 45D, Shore 36D to Shore 44D, Shore 38D to Shore 42D, Shore 45D to Shore 55D, Shore 55D to Shore 65D, Shore 56D to Shore 64D, Shore 60D to Shore 65D, or Shore 65D to Shore 75D. For example, the hardness of PEBAX may be Shore D25, Shore D30, Shore D35, Shore D40, Shore D45, Shore D50, Shore D55, Shore D60, Shore D65, or Shore D70.

[0064] In many embodiments, PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a lower hardness than PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). In many embodiments, PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore 35D to Shore 55D. In some embodiments, PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore 38D to Shore 42D, or Shore 39D to Shore 41D. For example, PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a Shore D hardness of 40. In many embodiments, PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore 50D to Shore 75D. In some embodiments, PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a hardness range of Shore 55D to Shore 70D, or Shore 60D to Shore 65D. For example, PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) may have a Shore D hardness of 60.

[0065] In some embodiments (FIGS. 25 and 41), the striking face insert 116 may include a two-piece system. The two-piece system may include a ball-striking face plate 169 and a face insert base 171. The ball-striking face plate 169 of the face insert 116 may include a fourth material. The face insert base 171 of the face insert 116 may include a fifth material.

[0066] In many embodiments, the fourth material of the ball-striking face plate 169 and the fifth material of the face insert base 171 may be different. In some embodiments, the fourth material of the ball-striking face plate 169 and the fifth material of the face insert base 171 may be similar. In many embodiments, the fourth material of the ball-striking face plate 169 may include a polymer type material. In some embodiments, the fourth material of the ball-striking face plate 169 may include a metallic material. In many embodiments, the fifth material of the striking face insert base 171 may include a polymer type material. In most embodiments, the putter head 100 may include a chassis 102 of a first material, a putter-shaped body 104 of a second material, and a striking face insert 116 including a fourth material and a fifth material.

[0067] The fourth material may include a metal such as steel, a steel alloy, tungsten, a tungsten alloy, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, vanadium, a vanadium alloy, chromium, a chromium alloy, cobalt, a cobalt alloy, nickel, a nickel alloy, other metals, other metal alloys, composite polymeric materials, or any combination thereof.

[0068] The fourth material or the fifth material may include a polymer type material. The polymer type material may include polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyisobutylene, polyvinyl chloride, or any other polymer type material. In many embodiments, the face insert 116 may include PEBAX®. More specifically, PEBAX® is a polyether block amide, which is a thermoplastic elastomer consisting of a flexible polyether and a hard polyamide. The hard polyamide may include nylon. PEBAX® may include different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, percentages of polyether, and / or percentages of polyamide. In many embodiments, PEBAX® may include PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France), or PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) includes tetramethylene oxide (53% by weight) and nylon 12. PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) includes nylon 11. The fourth and fifth materials may have the same polyether percentages, polyamide percentages, or Shore D hardness values ​​as described above.

[0069] The ball-striking face plate 169 of the face insert 116 may have a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the ball-striking face plate 169 may range from 0.015 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball-striking face plate 169 may range from 0.015 to 0.045 inches, 0.020 to 0.050 inches, 0.025 to 0.055 inches, 0.050 to 0.100 inches, 0.055 to 0.105 inches, 0.060 to 0.110 inches, or 0.065 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 can be at least 0.015 inches, at least 0.020 inches, at least 0.025 inches, at least 0.030 inches, at least 0.035 inches, at least 0.040 inches, at least 0.045 inches, at least 0.050 inches, at least 0.055 inches, at least 0.060 inches, at least 0.065 inches, at least 0.070 inches, at least 0.075 inches, at least 0.080 inches, at least 0.085 inches, at least 0.090 inches, at least 0.095 inches, at least 0.10 inches, at least 0.105 inches, at least 0.110 inches, or at least 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 may be 0.015 inches or more, 0.020 inches or more, 0.025 inches or more, 0.030 inches or more, 0.035 inches or more, 0.040 inches or more, 0.045 inches or more, 0.050 inches or more, 0.055 inches or more, 0.060 inches or more, 0.065 inches or more, 0.070 inches or more, 0.075 inches or more, 0.080 inches or more, 0.085 inches or more, 0.090 inches or more, 0.095 inches or more, 0.10 inches or more, 0.105 inches or more, 0.110 inches or more, or 0.115 inches or more.In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball-striking face plate 169 can be 0.015 inches or less, 0.020 inches or less, 0.025 inches or less, 0.030 inches or less, 0.035 inches or less, 0.040 inches or less, 0.045 inches or less, 0.050 inches or less, 0.055 inches or less, 0.060 inches or less, 0.065 inches or less, 0.070 inches or less, 0.075 inches or less, 0.080 inches or less, 0.085 inches or less, 0.090 inches or less, 0.095 inches or less, 0.10 inches or less, 0.105 inches or less, 0.110 inches or less, or 0.115 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the striking face plate 169 can be 0.015 inches, 0.020 inches, 0.025 inches, 0.030 inches, 0.035 inches, 0.040 inches, 0.045 inches, 0.050 inches, 0.055 inches, 0.060 inches, 0.065 inches, 0.070 inches, 0.075 inches, 0.080 inches, 0.085 inches, 0.090 inches, 0.095 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.105 inches, 0.110 inches, or 0.115 inches.

[0070] In other embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 may range from 0.115 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 may range from 0.115 to 0.20 inches, 0.15 to 0.30 inches, 0.20 to 0.30 inches, 0.25 to 0.35 inches, or 0.30 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 may be at least 0.15 inches, at least 0.20 inches, at least 0.25 inches, at least 0.30 inches, at least 0.35 inches, or at least 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball striking face plate 169 may be 0.15 or more, 0.20 or more, 0.25 or more, 0.30 or more, 0.35 or more, or 0.40 or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball-striking face plate 169 may be 0.15 inches or less, 0.20 inches or less, 0.25 inches or less, 0.30 inches or less, 0.35 inches or less, or 0.40 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the ball-striking face plate 169 may be 0.15 inches, 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, or 0.40 inches.

[0071] The face insert base 171 of the face insert 116 may have a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may range from 0.05 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may range from 0.05 to 0.10 inches, or from 0.10 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be at least 0.05 inches, at least 0.10 inches, at least 0.15 inches, or at least 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be 0.05 inches or more, 0.10 inches or more, 0.15 inches or more, or 0.20 inches or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be 0.05 inches or less, 0.10 inches or less, 0.15 inches or less, or 0.20 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the face insert base 171 can be 0.05 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.15 inches, or 0.20 inches.

[0072] In other embodiments, the thickness of face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.20-0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.20-0.50 inches, 0.30-0.60 inches, 0.40-0.70 inches, or 0.50-0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.20-0.40 inches, 0.30-0.50 inches, 0.40-0.60 inches, 0.50-0.70 inches, or 0.60-0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 can be at least 0.20 inches, at least 0.25 inches, at least 0.30 inches, at least 0.35 inches, at least 0.40 inches, at least 0.45 inches, at least 0.50 inches, at least 0.55 inches, at least 0.60 inches, at least 0.65 inches, at least 0.70 inches, at least 0.75 inches, or at least 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 of the face insert 116 can be 0.20 inches or more, 0.25 inches or more, 0.30 inches or more, 0.35 inches or more, 0.40 inches or more, 0.45 inches or more, 0.50 inches or more, 0.55 inches or more, 0.60 inches or more, 0.65 inches or more, 0.70 inches or more, 0.75 inches or more, or 0.80 inches or more. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 can be 0.20 inches or less, 0.25 inches or less, 0.30 inches or less, 0.35 inches or less, 0.40 inches or less, 0.45 inches or less, 0.50 inches or less, 0.55 inches or less, 0.60 inches or less, 0.65 inches or less, 0.70 inches or less, 0.75 inches or less, or 0.80 inches or less. For example, the thickness of the face insert base 171 can be 0.20 inches, 0.25 inches, 0.30 inches, 0.35 inches, 0.40 inches, 0.45 inches, 0.50 inches, 0.55 inches, 0.60 inches, 0.65 inches, 0.70 inches, 0.75 inches, or 0.80 inches.

[0073] In many embodiments, the chassis 102 of the putter-type golf club head 100 includes a first material. The first material has a first density. The chassis 102 may range from 7.0 g / cc to 20.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the first density is 7.0-7.5 g / cc, 7.5-8.0 g / cc, 8.0-8.5 g / cc, 8.5-9.0 g / cc, 9.0-9.5 g / cc, 9.5-10.0 g / cc, 10.0-10.5 g / cc, 10.5-11.0 g / cc, 11.0-11.5 g / cc, 11.5-12.0 g / cc, 12.0-12.5 g / cc, 12.5-13.0 g / cc, 13.0-13.5 ... The first density of the first material of the chassis 102 may be in the range of 8.0 to 9.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the first density may be 7.0 g / cc, 7.5 g / cc, 8.0 g / cc, 8.5 g / cc, 9.0 g / cc, 9.5 g / cc, 10.0 g / cc, 10.5 g / cc, 11.0 g / cc, 11.5 g / cc, 12.0 g / cc, 12.5 g / cc, 13.0 g / cc, 13.5 g / cc, 14.0 g / cc, 14.5 g / cc, 15.0 g / cc, 15.5 g / cc, 16.0 g / cc, 16.5 g / cc, 17.0 g / cc, 17.5 g / cc, 18.0 g / cc, 18.5 g / cc, 19.0 g / cc, 19.5 g / cc, or 20.0 g / cc.

[0074] The chassis 102 of the putter-type golf club 100 having the first material may be made from any one or any combination of 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g / cc), S25C steel (7.85 g / cc), carbon steel (7.85 g / cc), maraging steel (8.00 g / cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g / cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g / cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g / cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g / cc to 8.05 g / cc), tungsten (19.25 g / cc), manganese (7.43 g / cc), or any metal suitable for making a golf club head (densities shown). In many embodiments, the chassis 102 is made from 304 stainless steel, 8620 alloy steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 1380 stainless steel, tungsten, or a combination of stainless steel and tungsten. However, the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 are not made from the same material or combination of materials.

[0075] The putter-shaped body 104 of the golf club 100 having the second material may be made of polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA) (e.g., polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 6-6 (PA66), polyamide 12 (PA12), polyamide 612 (PA612), polyamide 11 (PA11)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene ether / oxide (PPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), It may be made from any one or combination of the above thermoplastic materials such as acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEK), polyetherimide (PEI), polyethersulfone (PES), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) or alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

[0076] In many embodiments, the putter-type body 104 of the putter-type golf club head 100 having the second material has a second density in the range of 1.0 g / cc to 6.0 g / cc. The density of the second material is a second density relative to the first density of the first material of the chassis 102. The second density may be in the range of 2.0 g / cc to 5.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the second density is in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 g / cc, 1.25 to 1.5 g / cc, 1.5 to 1.75 g / cc, 1.75 to 2.0 g / cc, 2.0 to 2.25 g / cc, 2.25 to 2.5 g / cc, 2.5 to 2.75 g / cc, 2.75 to 3.0 g / cc, 3.25 to 3.5 g / cc, 3.5 to 3.75 g / cc, 4.5 to 4.5 g / cc, 5.5 to 6.5 g / cc, 6.5 to 7.5 g / cc, 7.5 to 8.5 g / cc, 8.5 to 9.5 g / cc, 9.5 to 10.5 g / cc, 10.5 to 12.5 g / cc, 10.5 to 14.5 g / cc, 10.5 to 16.5 g / cc, 10.5 to 18 ... g / cc, 3.75-4.0 g / cc, 4.0-4.25 g / cc, 4.25-4.5 g / cc, 4.5-4.75 g / cc, 4.75-5.0 g / cc, 5.0-5.25 g / cc, 5.0-5.25 g / cc, 5.25-5.5 g / cc, 5.5-5.75 g / cc, or 5.75-6.0 g / cc. In one embodiment, the second density of the putter shaped body may be in the range of 2.0-3.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the second density may be less than 6.0 g / cc, less than 5.0 g / cc, less than 4.0 g / cc, less than 3.0 g / cc, or less than 2.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the second density may be 1.25 g / cc, 1.50 g / cc, 1.75 g / cc, 2.0 g / cc, 2.25 g / cc, 2.50 g / cc, 2.75 g / cc, 3.0 g / cc, 3.25 g / cc, 3.50 g / cc, 3.75 g / cc, 4.0 g / cc, 4.25 g / cc, 4.50 g / cc, 4.75 g / cc, 5.0 g / cc, 5.25 g / cc, 5.50 g / cc, 5.75 g / cc, or 6.0 g / cc.

[0077] In some embodiments, the first density of the chassis may be at least twice as high as the second density, at least three times as high as the second density, at least four times as high as the second density, or at least five times as high as the second density, hi some embodiments, the first density may be greater than 7.0 g / cc, greater than 9.0 g / cc, greater than 10.0 g / cc, greater than 11.0 g / cc, or greater than 12.0 g / cc.

[0078] In many embodiments, the putter-type body 104 of the putter-type golf club head 100 having a second material may be formed from a thermoplastic composite material that includes a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. Exemplary thermoplastic polymer matrix materials include polycarbonate (PC), polyester (PBT), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA) (e.g., polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 6-6 (PA66), polyamide 12 (PA12), polyamide 612 (PA612), polyamide 11 (PA11)), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyphthalamide (PPA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethylene (PE), polyphenylene ether / oxide (PPE), polyoxymethylene (POM), polypropylene (PP), styrene acrylonitrile (SAN), polymethylpentene (PMP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF ... Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyether ketone (PEK), polyether imide (PEI), polyether sulfone (PES), polyphenylene oxide (PPO), polystyrene (PS), polysulfone (PSU), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), liquid crystal polymer (LCP), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), or alloys of the above thermoplastic materials, such as alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) and alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

[0079] For example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite may include a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the thermoplastic polymer matrix material. TPU includes a chemical structure consisting of a linear segmented block copolymer having hard and soft segments. In some embodiments, the hard segments have an aromatic or aliphatic structure, and the soft segments have polyether or polyester chains. In other embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer matrix material including TPU may have hard and soft segments with different chemical structures. As a further example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite may include polyamine 6-6 (PA66) or polyamide 6 (PA6) as the thermoplastic polymer matrix material. PA66 is a type of polyamide made from two monomers including hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid (each containing six carbon atoms).

[0080] The fillers of the thermoplastic composite may include fibers, beads, or other structures including various materials (described below) mixed with the thermoplastic polymer. The fillers may provide structural reinforcement, weight, weight reduction, or various other properties to the thermoplastic composite. In many embodiments, the fillers may include carbon or glass. However, in other embodiments, the fillers may include other suitable materials. For example, the fillers of one or more of the lamina may include aramid fibers (e.g., Nomex, Vectran, Kevlar, Twaron), bamboo fibers, natural fibers (e.g., cotton, hemp, flax), metal fibers (e.g., titanium, aluminum), glass beads, tungsten beads, or ceramic fibers (e.g., titanium dioxide, granite, silicon carbide).

[0081] The fillers or fibers may be short (length or diameter less than about 0.5 mm), long (length or diameter ranging from about 0.5 mm to about 40 mm, or more preferably from about 5 mm to about 12 mm), or continuous (length greater than about 40 mm). In many embodiments, the front body 12 and the rear body 14 include short fibers and / or long fibers. In other embodiments, the front body 12 and the rear body 14 may include continuous fibers instead of or in addition to the short and long fibers.

[0082] In many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite may include 30-40% by volume of filler, while in other embodiments the thermoplastic composite may include up to 55%, up to 60%, up to 65%, or up to 70% by volume of filler.

[0083] In many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite has a specific gravity of about 1.0 to 2.0, which is significantly less than the specific gravity of metallic materials used in golf (e.g., titanium has a specific gravity of about 4.5 and aluminum has a specific gravity of about 2.7). Additionally, in many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite has a strength-to-weight ratio or specific strength greater than 1,000,000 PSI / (lb / in3) and a strength-to-elastic modulus ratio or specific flexibility greater than 0.009. The specific gravity, specific strength, and specific flexibility of the thermoplastic composite allow the club head 100 to be significantly lighter while still maintaining durability. a) Chassis

[0084] 1-4, the putter-type golf club head 100 further comprises a high density chassis 102 along with a putter-type body 104. The chassis 102 is configured and arranged to be molded to the putter-type body 104 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. The chassis 102 comprises at least one interlocking feature 120 and a flow opening 122. The at least one interlocking feature 120 allows the light weight material (second density material) of the putter-type body 104 to completely encase the at least one interlocking feature 120. Furthermore, the flow opening 122 allows the light weight material of the putter-type body 104 to penetrate and completely fill the flow opening 122, thus bonding the body 104 and the chassis 102 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. Additionally, chassis 102 provides a high density outer edge structure around which a low density putter shaped body 104 can be formed, creating a putter 100 with an extremely high MOI while maintaining a desired overall golf club head weight.

[0085] In some embodiments, the chassis 102 comprises less than 50% of the total volume of the putter 100. In other embodiments, the chassis 102 may comprise less than 70%, less than 65%, less than 60%, less than 55%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, or less than 35% of the total volume of the putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may comprise in the range of 20%-25%, 25%-30%, 30%-35%, 35%-40%, 40%-45%, 45%-50%, 50%-55%, 55%-60%, 60%-65%, or 65%-70% of the total volume of the putter 100.

[0086] While the chassis 102 comprises less than half the volume of the putter 100, it comprises at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may comprise at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, or at least 75% of the total mass of the putter 100. In other embodiments, the chassis may be in the range of 45%-50%, 50%-55%, 55%-60%, 60%-65%, 65%-70%, 70%-75%, 75%-80%, or 80%-85% of the total mass of the putter 100.

[0087] By beneficially shifting mass to the outer edges of the putter head 100 using a high density, low volume chassis 102, the MOI of the putter 100 can be increased compared to a putter having the same volume, mass, and single material construction (or multi-metal construction) (i.e., a milled putter from a single block of stainless steel, or a two metal investment cast putter).

[0088] In most embodiments, the chassis 102 includes a heel portion 124. The chassis 102 includes a toe portion 126 opposite the heel portion 124. The chassis 102 includes a rear portion 128. The rear portion 128 is adjacent to the heel portion 124 and the toe portion 126. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include a central post 132. The central post 132 is opposite the rear portion 128 and spans from the heel portion 124 to the toe portion 126. The chassis 102 includes a front portion 130. The front portion 130 is formed by the toe portion 126, the heel portion 124, and the central post 132. The front portion 130 is opposite the rear portion 128 and adjacent to the heel portion 124 and the toe portion 126.

[0089] Additionally, the chassis 102 may include an upper surface 134. The upper surface 134 is adjacent to the rear portion 128, the front portion 130, the toe portion 126, and the heel portion 124. The chassis 102 may include a lower surface 136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 134 and adjacent to the rear portion 128, the front portion 130, the toe portion 126, and the heel portion 124. In many embodiments, the chassis 102 may be "U-shaped," horseshoe-shaped, parabolic, ring-shaped, dumbbell-shaped, trapezoidal, polygonal, hourglass-shaped, semicircular, asymmetrical, symmetrical, spade-shaped, "H-shaped," "I-shaped," or any other desired chassis 102 shape.

[0090] In most embodiments, the shape of the chassis 102 promotes a desired shift of mass to the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 102 and to the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 100. Particular shapes of the chassis 102 may be used for particular types of putter heads to significantly increase the MOI of the resulting co-molded putter. For example, a dumbbell-shaped, "I-shaped," or asymmetrical chassis 102 may be used for a blade-type putter, where the increased MOI requires only a shift of mass toward the heel end 108 and the toe end 106. In another example, a "U-shaped," horseshoe-shaped, or parabolic chassis 102 may be used for a mid-mallet or mallet-type putter, where the increased MOI requires a shift of mass toward the heel end 108, the toe end 106, the striking face 110, and the rear end 112. In yet another example, a semi-circular, asymmetric, symmetric, spade-shaped, or "H-shaped" chassis 102 may be used for a mid-mallet or mallet style putter, where increasing the MOI requires shifting mass toward the heel end 108, toe end 106, striking face 110, and rear 112. Combining a high density chassis 102 with a low density, light putter-shaped body 104, the shape and weight distribution of the chassis 102 can significantly increase the MOI of the putter head 100. While certain shapes of the chassis 102 are used for certain putter types, any shape of the chassis 102 may be used for any type of putter (i.e., blade, mid-mallet, mallet).

[0091] 2 and 3, the heel portion 124, the toe portion 126, the rear portion 128, and the central post 132 define a flow opening 122. The flow opening 122 extends completely through the chassis 102 in a direction from the top surface 134 to the bottom surface 136. When the putter-shaped body 104 is molded to the chassis 102, the flow opening 122 allows the light weight, low density material that will ultimately form the putter-shaped body 104 to encapsulate the chassis 102, with the body 104 extending through and completely filling the flow opening 122. The flow opening 122 allows the putter body 104 to integrally bond the body 104 and the chassis 102, thus forming the club head 100. Additionally, the flow opening 122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter-shaped body 104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 110 of the golf club head 100. When the putter shaped body 104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fiber filler, the flow openings 122 allow the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 110, thereby enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 100. Additionally, the flow openings 122 allow the thermoplastic composite material with a fiber filler to closely surround the chassis 102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 100.

[0092] In some embodiments, the flow openings 122 may be any one of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, the flow openings 122 may be asymmetric in shape in a direction from the front 130 to the rear 128 or from the rear 128 to the front 130. In some embodiments, the flow openings 122 may be symmetric in shape from the toe 126 to the heel 124. In other embodiments, the flow openings 122 may be symmetric in shape from the rear 128 to the front 130 and symmetric in shape from the toe 126 to the heel 124. In more embodiments, the flow openings 122 may be symmetric in shape from the toe 126 to the heel 124 but asymmetric in shape from the rear 128 to the front 130.

[0093] In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may not have a central post 132 and therefore may not have a flow opening 122. For example, with reference to Figures 10-12, 22-24, and 26-28, the chassis 102 may include only a front portion 130 formed only by a toe portion 126 and a heel portion 124, and may not have a central post 132 at all. In many embodiments in which the chassis 102 does not have a central post 132, the chassis 102 may be "U-shaped," horseshoe-shaped, parabolic, dumbbell-shaped, "I-shaped," or any other desired shape.

[0094] 10-12, in some embodiments, the chassis 102 does not have a central post 132 and therefore does not have a flow opening 104. In these embodiments, the heel portion 124, toe portion 126, and rear portion 128 form a flow region 138. The flow region 138 functions similarly to the flow opening 128, but does not have a central post 132. When the putter-shaped body 104 is molded to the chassis 102, the flow region 138 allows the lighter weight, lower density material of the putter-shaped body 104 to encapsulate the chassis 102, with the putter-shaped body 104 penetrating and completely filling the flow region 138. The flow region 138 allows the putter body 104 to integrally bond the body 104 and the chassis 102, thus forming the club head 100. Additionally, the flow regions 138 allow the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 110 of the golf club head 100. This allows the fibers to settle in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 110, if the putter shaped body 104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fiber fill, enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 100. Additionally, the flow regions 138 allow the thermoplastic composite material with a fiber fill to closely surround the chassis 102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid, durable club head 100.

[0095] 2 and 4, the chassis 102 includes at least one interlocking feature 120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 102: heel portion 124, toe portion 126, rear portion 128, center post 132, front portion 130, top surface 134, and bottom surface 136. The at least one interlocking feature 120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 102 and the putter mold body 104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) having a fiber filler.

[0096] The chassis 102 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more than seven interlocking mechanisms 120. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking mechanisms 120. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or more interlocking mechanisms 120.

[0097] In many embodiments, at least one interlocking feature 120 may be in the form of an anchor (see FIGS. 2, 4, 5, 7, 11-18, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 38-40). In those embodiments in which at least one interlocking feature 120 is in the form of an anchor, an anchor opening 140 is formed between the interlocking feature 120 and the portion of the chassis 102 from which the interlocking feature 120 protrudes (heel portion 124, toe portion 126, rear portion 128, center post 132, front portion 130, top surface 134, bottom surface 136). Similar to the flow openings 122, the anchor openings 140 and the interlocking feature 120 allow the lighter weight, lower density material of the putter shaped body 104 to completely fill the anchor openings 140 and encapsulate the interlocking feature 120, thus joining the chassis 102 and the putter shaped body 104 together.

[0098] In many embodiments, the anchor opening 140 of the at least one interlocking feature 120 may be any one of a circle, a semicircle, an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, the at least one anchor shaped interlocking feature 120 may include two or more anchor openings 140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 140 of the at least one interlocking feature 120 may be any one of a circle, an oval, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape or any combination thereof.

[0099] In other embodiments, the at least one interlocking feature 120 may be in the form of a post or hitch (see FIGS. 21, 31, 32, 38, and 40), a series of recesses (see FIG. 21), a through hole (see FIG. 20), a series of through holes (see FIGS. 34-36), a slot or groove (see FIG. 19), a channel, a wedge, a beam having a series of through holes (see FIGS. 26-28), or any other interlocking feature 120 geometry desired for molding the putter-shaped body 104 to the chassis 102. In some of these other embodiments (e.g., the post or hitch embodiments), the at least one interlocking feature 120 does not have an anchor opening 140. The putter-shaped body 104 may surround and encapsulate the post or hitch embodiment of the interlocking mechanism 120 rather than completely penetrating the anchor opening 140 and encasing the interlocking mechanism 120, thus joining the putter-shaped body 104 and the chassis 102.

[0100] 6-9, in some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include one or more weights 142. The one or more weights 142 may have a weight density that is greater than the density of the chassis (first density) to modify the mass properties (i.e., CG, MOI, balance) of the putter. The one or more weights 142 function to customize the center of gravity of the putter while maintaining and / or increasing the MOI of the putter head 100. The one or more weights 142 may be attached to the chassis 102 using any of the following attachment methods: welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, gluing, epoxy, mechanical fastening, gluing with epoxy, polyurethane, resin, hot melt, or any other adhesive.

[0101] In most embodiments, the one or more weights 142 are made from a different material than the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the one or more weights 142 are made from the same material as the chassis 102, but have a different density than the chassis 102. In most embodiments, the one or more weights 142 have a density that is greater than the density of the chassis 102. The one or more weights 142 may comprise any one of or any combination of 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g / cc), S25C steel (7.85 g / cc), carbon steel (7.85 g / cc), maraging steel (8.00 g / cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g / cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g / cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g / cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g / cc to 8.05 g / cc), tungsten (19.25 g / cc), manganese (7.43 g / cc), or any metal suitable for making a high density weight.

[0102] The material of the one or more weights 142 has a density. The density of the one or more weights 142 may range from 12.0 g / cc to 20.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the one or more weights 142 may be in the range of 12.0-12.5 g / cc, 12.5-13.0 g / cc, 13.0-13.5 g / cc, 13.5-14.0 g / cc, 14.0-14.5 g / cc, 14.5-15.0 g / cc, 15.0-15.5 g / cc, 15.5-16.0 g / cc, 16.0-16.5 g / cc, 16.5-17.0 g / cc, 17.0-17.5 g / cc, 17.5-18.0 g / cc, 18.0-18.5 g / cc, 18.5-19.0 g / cc, or 19.0-19.5 g / cc, or 19.5-20.0 g / cc. In one embodiment, the density of the weight(s) 142 may range from 19.0 to 20.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of the weight(s) 142 may be 12.0 g / cc, 12.5 g / cc, 13.0 g / cc, 13.5 g / cc, 14.0 g / cc, 14.5 g / cc, 15.0 g / cc, 15.5 g / cc, 16.0 g / cc, 16.5 g / cc, 17.0 g / cc, 17.5 g / cc, 18.0 g / cc, 18.5 g / cc, 19.0 g / cc, 19.5 g / cc, or 20.0 g / cc.

[0103] The one or more weights 142 may have a mass in the range of 1 gram to 20 grams. In many embodiments, the one or more weights 142 may have a mass of 1 gram, 2 grams, 3 grams, 4 grams, 5 grams, 6 grams, 7 grams, 8 grams, 9 grams, 10 grams, 11 grams, 12 grams, 13 grams, 14 grams, 15 grams, 16 grams, 17 grams, 18 grams, 19 grams, or 20 grams. In some embodiments, the one or more weights 142 may range from 1 to 5 grams, 5 to 10 grams, 10 to 15 grams, or 15 to 20 grams. In most embodiments, the one or more weights 142 may have the same mass, while in other embodiments, the one or more weights 142 may have different masses.

[0104] 6-9 , in some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include one or more weights 142. In many embodiments, the chassis 102 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six weights 142. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may include two or more, three or more, or four or more weights 142.

[0105] In many embodiments, the one or more weights 142 may have any one or any combination of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, cylindrical, quadrangular prism, trapezoidal, octagonal, any other polygonal shape, or a shape having at least one curved surface.

[0106] Further, in most embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 104 encases at least a portion of the one or more weights 142. In some embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body may surround at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or 100% of the one or more weights 142.

[0107] Combining a high density chassis 102 with a low density putter shaped body 104 creates a putter 100 with an extremely high MOI while maintaining a desired overall weight of the golf club head. The flow openings 122 formed by the chassis 102 create a high density, but low volume portion that significantly increases the MOI of the putter compared to a putter milled from a single material. A single material putter cannot allocate high density material to the outer edges while maintaining the desired volume (75cc-100cc) and mass (340g-385g). b) Putter-shaped body

[0108] 1, 2, and 4, the putter-type golf club head 100 includes a low density putter-type body 104. The putter-type body 104 is configured and arranged to be molded to the chassis 102 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. The lightweight material of the putter-type body 104 encapsulates the entirety of the at least one interlocking mechanism 120 of the chassis 102. Furthermore, the lightweight material of the putter-type body 104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 122 of the chassis 102, bonding the body 104 and the chassis 102 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. Furthermore, the low density putter-type body 104 may be formed around the high density chassis 102, thus creating a putter 100 having an extremely high MOI while keeping the golf club head at a desired overall weight.

[0109] 2, 7, 11, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34, and 38, the dashed lines in each figure show the mold that the putter-type body 104 forms with (and around) the chassis 102 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. These figures show the interrelationship of the chassis 102 with the interlocking features 120 and the flow openings 122 (or flow area 138) of the putter-type body 104.

[0110] In some embodiments, the body 104 has a volume that is greater than 50% of the total volume of the putter 100. In some embodiments, the body 104 has a volume that is greater than 55%, greater than 60%, or greater than 65% of the total volume of the putter 100.

[0111] The body 104 has a volume that is more than half the volume of the putter 100, while having a mass that is less than 40% of the total mass of the putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 has a mass that is less than 40%, less than 35%, less than 20%, or less than 15% of the total mass of the putter 100.

[0112] The use of a high density, low volume chassis 102 in combination with a low density, high volume putter-shaped body 104 advantageously shifts mass to the outer edges of the putter head 100, thereby increasing the MOI of the putter 100 compared to a putter having the same volume, mass, and single material construction (or multi-metal construction) (i.e., a putter milled from a single block of stainless steel or a putter investment cast from two metals).

[0113] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. However, in most embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 102 and the putter shaped body 104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 104, together with the flow openings 122 and at least one interlocking mechanism 120 of the chassis 102, create a one-piece putter 100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0114] The putter-shaped body 104 is integrally formed within and around the chassis 102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 122 of the chassis 102, bonding the body 104 and the chassis 102 together to form the putter-shaped golf club head 100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 102. In most embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 encases at least 30% of the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 may encase at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, and at least 95% of the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 may encase (enclose) 30%-35%, 35%-40%, 40%-45%, 45%-50%, 50%-55%, 55%-60%, 60%-65%, 65%-70%, 70%-75%, 75%-80%, 80%-85%, 85%-90%, 90%-95%, or 95%-100% of the chassis 102.

[0115] The putter shaped body 104, when combined with the chassis 102, forms the toe end 106, heel end 108, rear portion 112, and striking face 110 of the golf club head 100. The putter shaped body 104 forms a portion of the crown 115 and a portion of the sole 117. With reference to Figures 1 and 2, in most embodiments, when the putter shaped body 104 and the chassis 102 are joined, the chassis 102 and the putter shaped body 104 combine to form the crown 115 of the putter 100. Similarly, in most embodiments, when the putter shaped body 104 and the chassis 102 are joined, the chassis 102 and the putter shaped body 104 combine to form the sole 117 of the putter 100.

[0116] The putter shaped body 104 may form 100% of the crown 115, in which case the chassis 102 is not visible from the address position. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 may form 30%-35%, 35%-40%, 40%-45%, 45%-50%, 50%-55%, 55%-60%, 60%-65%, 65%-70%, 70%-75%, 75%-80%, 80%-85%, 85%-90%, 90%-95%, or 95%-100% of the crown 115. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 forms at least 50% of the crown 115, in which case the chassis 102 is not as visible as the body 104 at the address position.

[0117] Like the crown 115, the putter shaped body 104 may form 100% of the sole 117, where the chassis 102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 may form 30%-35%, 35%-40%, 40%-45%, 45%-50%, 50%-55%, 55%-60%, 60%-65%, 65%-70%, 70%-75%, 75%-80%, 80%-85%, 85%-90%, 90%-95%, or 95%-100% of the sole 117. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 104 forms at least 50% of the sole 117.

[0118] Additionally, the putter-shaped body 104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 114. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 114. With reference to FIG. 1 , the alignment feature 114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 114 is located on the crown 115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 114 is located equidistant from the heel end 108 and the toe end 106 and perpendicular to the striking face 110 such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 114 to accurately align the putter 100 to strike a golf ball at address position.

[0119] In some embodiments, the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 may combine to form an alignment feature 114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 114 is located on the crown 115. Because the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 include a first material and a second material that are different materials, in most embodiments, the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 have different material colors. This aesthetic material contrast, along with traditional alignment features (i.e., lines, circles, or arrows), can provide better alignment of the putter.

[0120] Referring to FIG. 1, the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 combine to form the crown 115. The exposed portion of the chassis 102 and the alignment lines of the putter-shaped body 104 combine to form the overall alignment mechanism 114. The alignment lines allow the golfer to center the putter 100, and the exposed portion of the chassis 102 of the crown 115 provides a secondary space for centering the golf ball. Furthermore, the chassis 102 of this embodiment is made of polished stainless steel (silver color), while the body 104 is made of a dark colored thermoplastic composite. The chassis 102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast to the body 104, so that the golfer can easily align and center the putter 100 with respect to the golf ball.

[0121] The combination of a high density chassis 102 and a low density putter-shaped body 104 creates a putter 100 with an extremely high MOI while maintaining the desired overall weight of the golf club head. The flow openings 122 formed by the chassis 102 create a high density but low volume area that significantly increases the MOI of the putter compared to a putter milled from a single material. In contrast, the putter-shaped body 104 fills and surrounds the chassis with an extremely light weight but high volume material, providing the putter 100 with the desired shape and volume while maintaining the desired mass properties. A single material putter cannot allocate high density material to the outer periphery while maintaining the desired volume (75cc-100cc) and mass (340g-385g). c) Manufacturing method

[0122] The following describes a method for manufacturing a co-molded golf putter with an integral interlocking mechanism similar to the golf club head 100 described above. Referring to FIG. 1, the method includes the steps of providing a chassis 10 (step 1), providing a mold (step 2), injection molding a putter mold body 104 (step 3), cooling the putter head 100 (step 4), and finishing the golf club head 100 and attaching a shaft to the putter head to form a golf club (step 5).

[0123] The chassis 102 may be provided by casting the chassis from a high density first material. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may be investment cast, and the one or more weights 142 are forged (or cast), welded, or swaged into the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the chassis 102 is co-die cast with the one or more weights 142. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 is forged, and the at least one interlocking mechanism 120 is welded to the chassis 102.

[0124] A mold (not shown) may be provided in three pieces: an upper mold, a lower mold, and at least one pin. The mold pieces together may define a cavity corresponding to the desired shape of the golf club head 100, and the at least one pin holds the chassis 102 within the mold. In some embodiments, the size of the mold cavity is slightly different than the desired shape of the golf club head element to account for material shrinkage and springback. The mold may additionally include sprues, gates, injection pins, cooling lines, and any other necessary components.

[0125] Injection molding may be used to manufacture putters with complex shapes and high impact strength. Injection molding the putter mold body 104 involves providing a mold designed to account for the shrinkage, springback, and thickness after cooling of the injected material. The mold is provided with gates and flow leaders that evenly guide the injected material through flow openings 122 and at least one interlocking mechanism 120 into the mold, thus integrally forming the putter head 100. By spreading the material evenly in and throughout the mold, weld lines (which indicate uneven joining of fibers and result in undesirable lines forming in various parts of the putter 100) are reduced. Weld lines can compromise the strength of the golf club head 100 as well as the visual aesthetics or alignment features of the club head 100. Ultimately, by reducing the size of the weld lines, the strength of the finished product is increased.

[0126] After injection molding, the putter head 100 is cooled. The cooling process causes the thermoplastic composite material of the putter head body 104 to harden in and around the chassis 102. The cooling process is essential to structurally lock the chassis 102 within the putter mold body 104, forming a strong, durable, high MOI putter 100.

[0127] After the cooling step, the entire club head 100 may be polished to remove any mold gates and / or unwanted flash. The club head 100 may also be coated, plated, or painted. After the club head 100 is finished, it is attached to a shaft and grip to form a fully assembled golf club. Step 1: Provide the chassis

[0128] Providing the chassis 102 in a first step may begin with casting the chassis 102, which may include the flow openings 122 and at least one interlocking mechanism 120. The chassis 102 may be investment cast, die cast, co-die cast, or lost wax cast, or any other suitable method for casting the chassis may be used. In other embodiments, the chassis 102 may be forged or milled from a block or billet of a high density first material. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may be investment cast, and one or more weights 142 are forged (or cast) and welded or swaged to the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the chassis 102 is co-die cast with the one or more weights 142. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 is forged, and at least one interlocking mechanism 120 is welded to the chassis 102. Any other method of forming the chassis 102 may be used, such as metal 3D printing.

[0129] The chassis 102 is formed with each of the features previously described, including a toe portion 126, a heel portion 124, a rear portion 128, a front portion 130, a top surface 134, a bottom surface 136, a central post 132 (with or without a central post 138), flow openings 122 (with or without a flow area 138), and at least one interlocking feature 120. The flow openings 122 and the at least one interlocking feature 120 allow the low density second material of the putter shaped body 104 to flow through the flow openings 122 and encapsulate the interlocking feature 120 in step 3 of the encapsulation method. The flow openings 122 and the at least one interlocking feature 120 allow the low density second material of the putter shaped body 104 to penetrate and completely fill the flow openings, thus permanently bonding the body 104 and the chassis 102 together to form a golf club head. Step 2: Provide the mold

[0130] In most embodiments, the mold includes an upper mold, a lower mold, and at least one pin. The upper mold may include a sprue, a gate, and a cavity. The lower mold may include a reservoir. When the upper and lower molds come together, a pin is inserted between the upper and lower molds to hold the chassis 102 in a desired position to form a putter-shaped body 104 inside and around the chassis 102. The composite material is then poured into the mold.

[0131] The upper mold includes a sprue, a cavity, and a gate. The sprue transfers the liquid composite material from the screw tip to the gate. The gate then transfers the material uniformly to the upper mold cavity and the lower mold reservoir. In some implementations, the gate is connected to a portion of the mold that corresponds to the thickest portion of the putter head 100. In many embodiments, the thickest portion of the putter mold body 104 is the striking face 110. However, in some embodiments, the gate is connected to a portion of the mold that corresponds to the thinner portion of the putter head 100. Typically, injection molded parts are weak adjacent to where the gate is connected to the putter 100. Therefore, for parts such as the golf club heads described herein, it is advantageous to locate the gate adjacent to a portion of the putter 100 that is not the thickest portion. In embodiments where the gate is connected to a thinner portion of the part, a flow leader may be required to encourage the material to flow throughout the mold.

[0132] In most embodiments of the mold, the gate is located at what will become the striking face 110 of the club head 100. The gate connects to the striking face of the putter head 100 along the front 130 of the chassis 102. As will be further explained below, locating the gate perpendicular to the striking face 110 causes the material to flow generally forward (or away from the striking face 110), which initially aligns the fibers in a generally front-to-rear direction. Since the strength of the composite material is affected by the degree of fiber alignment, the aligned fibers can increase the strength of the finished part. Additionally, locating the gate centrally between what will become the toe end 106 and heel end 108 allows the composite material to flow quickly into the flow openings 122 (or flow area 138) and allows the composite material to flow evenly throughout the part. In contrast, if the gate were connected to, for example, the toe end 10 or heel end 108 of the club head 100, the flow of material could result in undesirable weld lines at the toe end 10 or heel end 108.

[0133] The lower and upper mold dies include at least one pin. The at least one pin extends from one or both of the upper and lower mold dies and contacts the top surface 134 and / or bottom surface 136 of the chassis 102. The at least one pin holds the chassis 102 in a correct position within the mold so that the chassis 102 does not move as the composite material is forced into the mold. In most embodiments, the mold includes at least one, at least two, at least three, or at least four pins. In one embodiment, the mold includes two, three, or four pins. Without the at least one pin, the chassis 102 would move and the part would be improperly formed. Step 3: Injection molding of the putter body

[0134] Injection molding the putter shaped body 104 in the third step may include drying the composite material, heating the composite material, forcing the heated material into a mold, and removing the putter head 100 from the mold. The chassis 102 is placed into the mold, the putter shaped body 102 is formed around the chassis 102, and the putter head 102 is removed from the mold.

[0135] A composite material is selected for forming the putter shaped body 104. As described above, the putter shaped body 104 may include a composite material formed from a polymer resin and reinforcing fibers. The polymer resin may include a thermoplastic. More specifically, the thermoplastic resin may include a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin may include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamideimide, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polycarbonate, engineering polyurethane, and / or other similar materials. The reinforcing fibers may include carbon fibers (or short carbon fibers), glass fibers (or short glass fibers), graphene fibers (or short graphite fibers), or any other suitable filler material. In other embodiments, the composite material may include any reinforcing filler that increases strength and / or durability.

[0136] Each of the aforementioned composite materials must be properly dried prior to heating the composite. The composite must be dried prior to injection molding to remove all of the moisture present in or on the material (composites are often in pellet form in large buckets, where water or moisture can accumulate between the pellets). To properly dry the composite, the composite is placed in a heated vacuum with zero humidity and allowed to dry for various periods of time. The drying step is necessary because moisture, when heated and compressed in the injection molding machine, can turn to steam and eject from the injection molding machine at high speeds, high temperatures, and pressures. To prevent damage to the injection molding machine or injury to the machine operator, moisture in the composite must be removed prior to the heating step.

[0137] Table A below lists five exemplary polymers that can be used in various embodiments of the encapsulation components of the golf club head. The drying temperature may range from 150°F to 350°F. In some embodiments, the drying temperature may be 150°F, 175°F, 200°F, 225°F, 250°F, 275°F, 300°F, 325°F, or 350°F. Additionally, the drying time may range from 0 hours to at least 24 hours. In some embodiments, no drying time is required. In other embodiments, the required drying time may be at least 2 hours, at least 4 hours, at least 6 hours, at least 8 hours, at least 10 hours, at least 12 hours, or at least 14 hours. In some embodiments, the drying time required may range from 0-2 hours, 2-4 hours, 4-6 hours, 6-8 hours, 8-10 hours, 10-12 hours, 12-14 hours, 14-16 hours, 16-18 hours, 18-20 hours, 20-22 hours, or 22-24 hours. Additionally, in some embodiments, the drying time may significantly exceed the minimum drying time (i.e., drying nylon 66 for 28 hours when the minimum drying time is 4 hours). [Table A]

[0138] Once the drying process is complete, the selected composite material may be heated in an injection molding machine. In one embodiment, the injection molding machine includes a hopper, a compression screw, a screw tip, and a mold. The composite material (in pellet form) is placed in the hopper, which slowly feeds the pellets into the compression screw. The compression screw slowly rotates, moving the pellets from the hopper towards the screw tip. As the pellets move from the hopper to the screw tip, they are heated at different temperatures, causing the pellets to liquefy. The liquefied composite material passes through the screw tip and is ejected from the screw tip into a mold to form an encapsulated part.

[0139] However, there are various factors that must be considered in an injection molding machine to properly heat the selected composite material. The selected composite material must be heated at different temperatures as it travels from the hopper, through the compression screw and screw tip, and into the mold. Additionally, the compression screw has three different zones, the feed zone, the transition zone, and the measurement zone, where the composite material may be heated at different temperatures. In total, there are five different areas of the injection molding machine where the composite material may be heated at different temperatures to optimize the flow and material properties of each material.

[0140] Referring to Table B below, five exemplary polymers that may be used in various embodiments of the encapsulation components of a golf club head are shown along with their heating ranges in five zones of an injection molding machine. [Table B]

[0141] The temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 400°F, 400°F to 450°F, 450°F to 500°F, 500°F to 550°F, 550°F to 600°F, 600°F to 650°F, 650°F to 700°F, 700°F to 750°F, and 750°F to 800°F. In other embodiments, the temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may be at least 400°F, at least 500°F, at least 600°F, at least 700°F, or at least 800°F. Additionally, in some embodiments, the temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may be in the ranges provided in Table B above.

[0142] The temperature in the transition zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 400°F, 400°F to 450°F, 450°F to 500°F, 500°F to 550°F, 550°F to 600°F, 600°F to 650°F, 650°F to 700°F, 700°F to 750°F, and 750°F to 800°F. In other embodiments, the temperature in the transition zone of the injection molding machine may be at least 400°F, at least 500°F, at least 600°F, at least 700°F, or at least 800°F. Additionally, in some embodiments, the temperature in the transition zone of the injection molding machine may be in the ranges provided in Table B above.

[0143] The temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 400°F, 400°F to 450°F, 450°F to 500°F, 500°F to 550°F, 550°F to 600°F, 600°F to 650°F, 650°F to 700°F, 700°F to 750°F, and 750°F to 800°F. In other embodiments, the temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may be at least 400°F, at least 500°F, at least 600°F, at least 700°F, or at least 800°F. Additionally, in some embodiments, the temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may be in the ranges provided in Table B above.

[0144] The temperature at the tip of the screw of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature at the feed zone of the injection molding machine may range from 350°F to 400°F, 400°F to 450°F, 450°F to 500°F, 500°F to 550°F, 550°F to 600°F, 600°F to 650°F, 650°F to 700°F, 700°F to 750°F, and 750°F to 800°F. In other embodiments, the temperature at the tip of the screw of the injection molding machine may be at least 400°F, at least 500°F, at least 600°F, at least 700°F, or at least 800°F. Additionally, in some embodiments, the temperature at the tip of the screw of the injection molding machine may be in the ranges provided in Table B above.

[0145] The temperature of the mold may range from 0° F. to 400° F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may range from 0° F. to 50° F., 50° F. to 100° F., 100° F. to 150° F., 150° F. to 200° F., 200° F. to 250° F., 250° F. to 300° F., 300° F. to 350° F., or 350° F. to 400° F. In other embodiments, the temperature of the mold may be at least 0° F., at least 100° F., at least 200° F., or at least 300° F. Additionally, in some embodiments, the temperature of the mold may be in the ranges provided in Table B above.

[0146] Once the composite material is heated, the screw tip expels the liquid composite material into the desired mold. As the liquid composite material is injected into the mold, it flows through flow openings 122, at least around (and within) interlocking features 120 and around chassis 102, thereby forming the desired putter head 100 shape (i.e., blade, mid-mallet, mallet).

[0147] Although the mold described above is designed to form one putter head 100, a mold may be designed to simultaneously form two, three, four, five, or six putter heads 100. As with a single mold, a sprue feeds material from the compression screw of the injection molding machine to two gates, one for each putter head being formed.

[0148] Additionally, during the injection molding process, the flow direction of the material in the mold affects the fiber alignment. The gate walls, gate walls, and mold walls interact with the flowing composite material to align at least 50% of the fibers in the flow direction. Thus, the flow direction affects the fiber alignment / structure of the putter head 100. By locating the gate at the first end of the mold (corresponding to the striking face 110 of the putter head 100), the material first flows forward toward the second end of the mold (opposite the gate and corresponding to the rear 112 of the putter head 100). This flow allows the fibers in the crown 115 and sole 117 of the finished club head 100 to be aligned nearly perpendicular to the striking face 110. The strength of the composite material in a given direction is affected by the fiber alignment. Aligning the fibers nearly perpendicular to the striking face 110 improves the durability of the club head in the front-to-rear direction. Since striking face 110 comes into direct contact with the golf ball upon impact, durability in the front-to-rear direction of striking face 110 is necessary to prevent breakage. Therefore, by aligning the fibers in the direction of the expected compressive stress upon impact with a golf ball, the likelihood of breakage of composite putter head 100 is reduced.

[0149] The pressure and speed at which the composite material is ejected into the mold are important to obtaining a strong and durable putter head 100, as is the temperature and orientation of the composite material. The pressure of the injection molding machine is applied hydraulically to the compression screw from the rear of the injection molding machine. The speed of the injection molding machine is the speed at which the composite material leaves the tip of the screw. The pressure and speed ensure that the composite material flows evenly through the mold and fills the entire mold.

[0150] In most embodiments, the injection pressure of the composite material through the injection molding machine may range from 0 to 2000 psi. In some embodiments, the injection pressure of the composite material through the injection molding machine may range from 0 to 100 psi, 100 to 200 psi, 200 to 300 psi, 300 to 400 psi, 400 to 500 psi, 500 to 600 psi, 600 to 700 psi, 700 to 800 psi, 800 to 900 psi, 900 to 1000 psi, 1000 to 1100 psi, 1100 to 1200 psi, 1200 to 1300 psi, 1300 to 1400 psi, 1400 to 1500 psi, 1500 to 1600 psi, 1600 to 1700 psi, 1700 to 1800 psi, 1800 to 1900 psi, or 1900 to 2000 psi. In other embodiments, the injection pressure of the composite material through the injection molding machine may be at least 100 psi, at least 200 psi, at least 300 psi, at least 400 psi, at least 500 psi, at least 600 psi, at least 700 psi, at least 800 psi, at least 900 psi, at least 1000 psi, at least 1100 psi, at least 1200 psi, at least 1300 psi, at least 1400 psi, at least 1500 psi, at least 1600 psi, or at least 1700 psi.

[0151] Finally, when the composite material is injected into the mold, the putter-shaped body 104 is formed around the chassis 102 to form the finished golf club head 100, which is then ejected from the injection molding machine. The upper mold is separated from the lower mold, and the pins are removed, leaving the golf club head 100 positioned in the lower mold. At least one ejection pin on the lower mold then extends from the lower mold to eject the putter head 100 from the mold, thus completing the injection molding process.

[0152] All of the injection molding steps may be completed within a period of time known as the cycle time. In embodiments where the mold has two or more cavities for simultaneously forming two or more encapsulated parts, the part production rate is determined by dividing the cycle time by the number of parts produced in one cycle. The cycle time may range from 20 seconds to 120 seconds. In some embodiments, the cycle time ranges from 20 seconds to 60 seconds, 30 seconds to 60 seconds, 40 seconds to 60 seconds, 60 seconds to 90 seconds, 70 seconds to 90 seconds, or 100 seconds to 120 seconds. Step 4: Cool the putter head

[0153] Following injection molding of the golf club head 100, the putter head 100 is cooled for a desired period of time to harden the composite material and set it within the flow openings 122, within and around the at least one interlocking mechanism 120, and around the chassis 102. In some embodiments, the putter head 100 may be cooled in the mold before being removed from the mold. In most embodiments, the putter head 100 is cooled in a cooling bath of cold liquid, such as water.

[0154] Cooling times may range from 20 seconds to 120 seconds, in some embodiments, cycle times range from 20 seconds to 60 seconds, 30 seconds to 60 seconds, 40 seconds to 60 seconds, 60 seconds to 90 seconds, 70 seconds to 90 seconds, or 100 seconds to 120 seconds. Step 5: Finishing the putter head

[0155] Once the putter head 100 has cooled, the golf club head is finished. This step may include polishing, cleaning, coating, and / or painting the club head. In most embodiments, the striking face 110 of the putter head 100 is gated and sprued. The gates and sprues are machined or cut and the face is smoothed to form a flat striking face 110. In some embodiments, a striking face insert 115 is secured within the striking face 110 and covers the cavity formed from the mold.

[0156] The striking face insert 116 may be formed by many different processes, including injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, co-molding, laser molding, film insert molding, gas-assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, forging, stamping, electroforming, machining, molding, or any combination thereof. Additionally, the striking face insert 116 may have any combination of the hardness, volume, thickness, and molding process described above.

[0157] Finally, the putter head 100 is attached to a golf shaft (not shown) with a grip, thus forming a usable and functional golf club. To accommodate golfers of different sizes, the golf shaft may vary in length and have different grip sizes. Additionally, the golf shaft may include a hosel, which forms the connection between the shaft and the putter head 100. d) Advantages

[0158] The putter-type golf club head provides MOI, CG, feel, and weight advantages in a putter-type golf club head having a high density chassis and a low density putter-type body and / or without the use of mechanically fixed weights and weight ports. By generating a putter-type golf club head from a high density chassis surrounded by a low density putter-type body, the weight of the club head is shifted toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head without the need for weight ports or attachments at the heel and toe ends of the putter-type golf club head. This weight shift toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head increases the MOI of the club head about the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head from rotating about the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI about the y-axis tends to produce straighter ball trajectories and improve the outcome of off-center strikes (heel or toe impacts).

[0159] By creating a putter-type golf club head from a high density chassis surrounded by a low density putter-type body, the putter-type golf club head can be optimized to improve the MOI while keeping the golf club head at a desired total weight. In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the golf club head about the y-axis center of gravity is between 3500 gcm2 and 8000 gcm2. In other embodiments, the moment of inertia of the golf club head about the y-axis center of gravity is between 3500 gcm2 and 8000 gcm2. 2 ~4000gcm 2 , 4000gcm 2 ~4500gcm 2 , 4500gcm 2 ~5000gcm 2 , 5000gcm 2 ~5500gcm 2 , 5500gcm 2 ~6000gcm 2 , 6000gcm 2 ~6500gcm 2 , 6500gcm 2 ~7000gcm2 , 7000gcm 2 ~7500gcm 2 , or 7500gcm 2 ~8000gcm 2 may be also possible.

[0160] A putter-type golf club head having a high density chassis and a low density putter-type body increases the MOI about the y-axis center of gravity by at least 1% compared to a putter having the same volume, mass, and single material construction (i.e., a putter milled from a single material, such as a steel putter, or a putter investment cast from a single material). In some embodiments, a putter-type golf club head having a high density chassis and a low density putter-type body increases the MOI about the y-axis center of gravity by at least 1%, at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 95%, at least 100%, or at least 105% compared to a putter having the same volume, mass, and single material construction. e) Co-Molded Putter Embodiments Mallet Putter Head Embodiments

[0161] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a mallet putter head 1100. With reference to FIGS. 10-12, the putter head 1100 includes a chassis 1102 and a putter-type body 1104. The chassis 1102 is made of a first material having a first density, and the putter-type body 1104 is made of a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density. The chassis 1102 and the putter-type body 1104 combine to provide a high MOI putter head 2100 (4,500 gcm) while maintaining a desirable volume and mass. 2 ~5,500gcm 2 ) is formed.

[0162] As discussed above, the chassis 1102 is made of a high density material (i.e., a first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 1102 includes a first material having a density greater than 7.0 g / cc. The chassis 1102 includes a heel portion 1124. The chassis 1102 includes a toe portion 1126 opposite the heel portion 1124. The chassis 1102 includes a rear portion 1128. The rear portion 1128 is adjacent to the heel portion 1124 and the toe portion 1126. The chassis 1102 includes a rear portion 1128. The rear portion 1128 is adjacent to the heel portion 1124 and the toe portion 1126. The chassis 1102 includes a front portion 1130 formed only by the toe portion 1126 and the heel portion 1124 (and does not have a central post 132 at all, as noted in some embodiments).

[0163] Additionally, the chassis 1102 includes an upper surface 1134. The upper surface 1134 is adjacent to the rear portion 1128, the front portion 1130, the toe portion 1126, and the heel portion 1124. The chassis 1102 includes a lower surface 1136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 1134 and adjacent to the rear portion 1128, the front portion 1130, the toe portion 1126, and the heel portion 1124.

[0164] The chassis 1102 may be "U-shaped", horseshoe-shaped, parabolic, dumbbell-shaped, or any other desired curved shape. In most embodiments, the shape of the chassis 1102 promotes a desirable mass shift toward the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 1102 and the outer edges of the putter-style golf club head 1100.

[0165] 10-12, the heel portion 1124, the toe portion 1126, and the rear portion 1128 form a flow region 1138. The flow region 1138 functions similarly to the flow opening 128, but lacks the central post 132. When the putter-shaped body 1104 is molded to the chassis 1102, the flow region 1138 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter-shaped body 1104 to encapsulate the chassis 1102, with the body 1104 penetrating and completely filling the flow region 1138. The flow region 1138 allows the putter body 1104 to integrally bond the body 1104 and the chassis 1102, thus forming the club head 1100. Additionally, the flow region 1138 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter-shaped body 1104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 1110 of the golf club head 1100. This allows the fibers to be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 1110 when the putter shaped body 1104 is formed from a fiber filled thermoplastic composite, increasing the strength and durability of the club head 1100. Additionally, the flow regions 1138 allow the fiber filled thermoplastic composite to closely surround the chassis 1102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 1100.

[0166] The chassis 1102 includes at least one interlocking feature 1120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 1102: heel 1124, toe 1126, rear 1128, front 1130, top 1134, and bottom 1136. The at least one interlocking feature 1120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 1102 and the putter mold body 1104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 1120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) having a fiber filler.

[0167] The chassis 1102 may include three interlocking features 1120. In some embodiments, the chassis 1102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more than four interlocking features 1102. In this embodiment, the five interlocking features 1120 may be in the form of anchors. In this embodiment, the three interlocking features 1120 are in the form of anchors, with anchor openings 1140 formed between each of the three interlocking features 1120 and the portions of the chassis 1102 from which each of the three interlocking features 1120 protrudes (the heel portion 1124, the toe portion 1126, the rear portion 1128, the front portion 1130, the top surface 1134, and the bottom surface 1136). In this embodiment, the chassis 1102 includes three anchor openings 1140, one corresponding to each of the three interlocking features 1120. Similar to the flow openings 1122, the anchor openings 1140 and interlocking features 1120 allow the lightweight, low density material of the putter shaped body 1104 to completely fill the anchor openings 1140 and encapsulate the interlocking features 1120, thus joining the chassis 1102 and the putter shaped body 1104 together.

[0168] In many embodiments, the anchor openings 1140 of the three interlocking features 1120 may be any one of a circle, a semicircle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor shaped interlocking feature 1120 may have two or more anchor openings 1140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 1140 of at least one interlocking feature 1120 may be any one of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 1, the anchor openings 1140 are semicircular.

[0169] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 1104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 1104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 1104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 1104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 1102 and the putter shaped body 1104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 2104, together with the flow region 1138 and at least one interlocking feature 1120 of the chassis 1102, create a one-piece putter 1100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0170] In some embodiments, the putter-type golf club head 1100 may include a striking face 1110 made of a first material and a second material. In this embodiment, the first material and the second material equally form the striking face 1110. In this embodiment, the higher density first material is located near the heel end 108 and the toe end 106 to maximize the MOI by placing the heavier material toward the outer edges of the putter 1100.

[0171] The putter shaped body 1104 is integrally formed inside the chassis 1102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter shaped body 1104 penetrates and completely fills the flow area 1138 of the chassis 1102, bonding the body 1104 and the chassis 1102 together to form the putter shaped golf club head 1100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter shaped body 1104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 1102. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 1104 encases at least 10% of the chassis 1102.

[0172] The putter shaped body 1104, when combined with the chassis 1102, forms the toe end 1106, heel end 1108, rear portion 1112, and striking face 1110 of the golf club head 1100. The putter shaped body 1104 forms a portion of the crown 1115 and a portion of the sole 1117. Referring to FIG. __, when the putter shaped body 1104 and the chassis 1102 are joined, the chassis 1102 and the putter shaped body 1104 combine to form the crown 1115 of the putter 1100. Similarly, when the putter shaped body 1104 and the chassis 1102 are joined, the chassis 1102 and the putter shaped body 1104 combine to form the sole 1117 of the putter 1100.

[0173] The putter shaped body 1104 may form 100% of the crown 1115, in which case the chassis 1102 is not visible from the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 1104 forms at least 50% of the crown 1115. Similar to the crown 1115, the putter shaped body 1104 may form 100% of the sole 1117, in which case the chassis 1102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 1104 forms at least 50% of the sole 1117, in which case a portion of the putter shaped body 1104 and a portion of the chassis 1102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0174] Additionally, the putter-shaped body 1104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 1114 of the golf club head 1100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 1104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 1114. The alignment feature 1114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 1114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 1114 is located on the crown 1115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 1114 is located equidistant from the heel end 1108 and the toe end 1106 and perpendicular to the striking face 1110 such that a golfer can use the alignment feature 1114 to accurately align the putter 1100 to strike a golf ball at address position. In this embodiment, the alignment feature 1114 includes a line 1150 located on the crown 1115.

[0175] Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 1102 comprises less than 60% of the total volume of the putter 1100. The chassis 1102 also comprises at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 1100. By constructing the putter-type golf club head 1100 from a high density chassis 1102 surrounded by a low density putter-type body 1104, the weight of the club head 1100 is shifted toward the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 1100, even though there are no weight ports or attachments at the heel end 1108 and toe end 1106 of the putter-type golf club head 1100. This weight shift toward the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 1100 raises the MOI of the club head 1100 about the y-axis (Iyy), thereby preventing the club head 1100 from rotating about the y-axis upon impact and ensuring that the striking face 1110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A higher MOI about the y-axis tends to produce a straighter ball path and improve the results of off-center strikes (heel- or toe-end impacts).

[0176] The exemplary club head 1100 was compared to a control club head (hereinafter "Control"), which was a golf club head having the same shape and volume as the exemplary club head 1100. However, the control club head was constructed entirely from stainless steel and tungsten, whereas the exemplary club head 1100 was constructed from a first high density material (stainless steel) and a second low density material (TPC).

[0177] The exemplary club head 1100 has a mass of 354.6 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 5,418.05 g / cm 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 365.2 grams, which is about 9 grams lighter, and the moment of inertia about the y-axis is 4,270.31 g / cm 2 The example club head 1100 has a 26.88% higher moment of inertia, and therefore the example club head 1100 is more forgiving than the control club (the higher MOI about the y-axis results in more consistently straighter hits since the club head 1100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts). Circular Mallet Putter Head Embodiments

[0178] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a circular mallet putter head 2100. Referring to FIGS. 22-25, the circular putter head 2100 includes a chassis 2102 and a putter-type body 2104. The chassis 2102 is made of a first material having a first density, and the putter-type body 2104 is made of a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density. The chassis 2102 and the putter-type body 2104 combine to provide a lightweight (315 grams to 345 grams) and high MOI putter head 2100 (3,500 g / cm) while maintaining a desired volume and mass. 2 ~4,000g / cm 2 )

[0179] As discussed above, the chassis 2102 is comprised of a high density material (i.e., a first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 2102 comprises a first material having a density greater than 7.0 g / cc. The chassis 2102 comprises a heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102 comprises a toe portion 2126 opposite the heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102 comprises a rear portion 2128. The rear portion 2128 is adjacent the heel portion 2124 and the toe portion 2126. The chassis 2102 comprises a front portion 2130 formed only by the toe portion 2126 and the heel portion 2124 (and does not have a central post 132 at all, as noted in some embodiments).

[0180] Additionally, the chassis 2102 includes an upper surface 2134. The upper surface 2134 is adjacent to the rear portion 2128, the front portion 2130, the toe portion 2126, and the heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102 includes a lower surface 2136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 2134 and adjacent to the rear portion 2128, the front portion 2130, the toe portion 2126, and the heel portion 2124.

[0181] The chassis 2102 may be "U-shaped", horseshoe-shaped, parabolic, dumbbell-shaped, or any other desired curved shape. In most embodiments, the shape of the chassis 2102 promotes a desirable mass shift toward the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 2102 and the outer edges of the putter-style golf club head 2100.

[0182] 22-25, the heel portion 2124, the toe portion 2126, and the rear portion 2128 form a flow region 2138. The flow region 2138 functions similarly to the flow aperture 128, but lacks the central post 132. When the putter shaped body 2104 is molded to the chassis 2102, the flow region 2138 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 2104 to encapsulate the chassis 2102, with the body 2104 penetrating and completely filling the flow region 2138. The flow region 2138 allows the putter body 2104 to integrally bond the body 2104 and the chassis 2102, thus forming the club head 2100. Additionally, the flow region 2138 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 2104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 2110 of the golf club head 2100. This allows the fibers to be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 2110 when the putter shaped body 2104 is formed from a fiber filled thermoplastic composite, enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 2100. Additionally, the flow regions 2138 allow the fiber filled thermoplastic composite to closely surround the chassis 2102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 2100.

[0183] The chassis 2102 includes at least one interlocking feature 2120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 2102: heel 2124, toe 2126, rear 2128, front 2130, top 2134, and bottom 2136. The at least one interlocking feature 2120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 2102 and the putter-shaped body 2104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 2120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) including a fiber filler.

[0184] The chassis 2102 may include three interlocking features 2120. In some embodiments, the chassis 2102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking features 2120. In this embodiment, the three interlocking features 2120 may be in the form of anchors. In this embodiment where the three interlocking features 2120 are in the form of anchors, an anchor opening 2140 is formed between each of the two interlocking features 2120 and the portion of the chassis 2102 from which each of the two interlocking features 2120 protrudes (the heel portion 2124, the toe portion 2126, the rear portion 2128, the front portion 2130, the top surface 2134, and the bottom surface 2136). Additionally, the third interlocking feature 2120 includes three anchor openings 2140 formed in the interlocking feature 2120 and the rear portion 2128. In this embodiment, the chassis 2102 includes five anchor openings 2140, one corresponding to each of the five interlocking features 2120. Similar to the flow openings 2122, the anchor openings 2140 and interlocking features 2120 allow the lighter weight, less dense material of the putter shaped body 2104 to completely fill the anchor openings 2140 and encapsulate the interlocking features 2120, thus joining the chassis 2102 and putter shaped body 2104 together.

[0185] In many embodiments, the anchor openings 2140 of the three interlocking features 2120 may be any one of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor shaped interlocking feature 2120 may include two or more anchor openings 2140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 2140 of at least one interlocking feature 2120 may be any one of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 24, the shape of the anchor openings 2140 is a combination of an oval and a rectangle.

[0186] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 2104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 2104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 2104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 2104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 2102 and the putter shaped body 2104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 2104, together with the flow region 2138 and at least one interlocking mechanism 2120 of the chassis 2102, create a one-piece putter 2100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0187] Additionally, the putter-type golf club head 2100 may include a striking face insert 2116 disposed on or within the striking face 2110. In these embodiments, the striking face insert 2116 is formed separately before being bonded to the club head 2100. The surface of the striking face insert 2116 that contacts the club head 2100 may have a geometric shape that is complementary to the geometric shape of a corresponding portion of the club head 2100 that contacts the striking face 2110 (i.e., the cavity of the striking face of the putter-type golf club head). In this embodiment, the putter head 2100 may include a chassis 2102 of a first material, a putter-type body 2104 of a second material, and a striking face insert 2116 comprising a third material.

[0188] The striking face insert 2116 may be secured to the club head 2100 by a fastening means. In this embodiment, the striking face insert 2116 is secured to the putter molded body 2104. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 25, the putter molded body 2104 may include an insert cavity 2118, which functions to receive the striking face insert 2116. The striking face insert 2116 may be secured by an adhesive substance such as glue, very high bond (VHB®) tape, epoxy, or other adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the striking face insert 2116 may be secured by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlocking structures, or other fastening methods.

[0189] The putter shaped body 2104 is integrally formed within and around the chassis 2102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter shaped body 2104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 2122 of the chassis 2102, bonding the body 2104 and the chassis 2102 together to form the putter shaped golf club head 2100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter shaped body 2104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 2102. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 2104 encases at least 30% of the chassis 2102.

[0190] The putter shaped body 2104, when combined with the chassis 2102, forms the toe end 2106, the heel end 2108, the rear portion 2112, and the striking face 2110 of the golf club head 2100. The putter shaped body 2104 forms a portion of the crown 2115 and a portion of the sole 2117. With reference to FIGS. 22 and 23, when the putter shaped body 2104 and the chassis 2102 are joined, the chassis 2102 and the putter shaped body 2104 combine to form the crown 2115 of the putter 2100. Similarly, when the putter shaped body 2104 and the chassis 2102 are joined, the chassis 2102 and the putter shaped body 2104 combine to form the sole 2117 of the putter 2100.

[0191] The putter shaped body 2104 may form 100% of the crown 2115, in which case the chassis 2102 is not visible from the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 2104 forms at least 50% of the crown 2115. Similar to the crown 2115, the putter shaped body 2104 may form 100% of the sole 2117, in which case the chassis 2102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 2104 forms at least 50% of the sole 2117, in which case a portion of the putter shaped body 2104 and a portion of the chassis 2102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0192] Additionally, the putter shaped body 2104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 2114 of the golf club head 2100. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 2104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 2114. The alignment feature 2114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 2114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 2114 is located on the crown 2115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 2114 is located equidistant from the heel end 2108 and the toe end 2106 and perpendicular to the striking face 2110 such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 2114 to accurately align the putter 2100 to strike a golf ball at address position.

[0193] In this embodiment, the alignment feature 2114 comprises two lines 2150 and a golf ball sized opening 2152 located on the crown. The toe end 2106, heel end 2108, striking face 2110, and rear portion 2112 form the ball sized opening 2152. The ball sized opening 2152 allows the golfer to more easily align the striking face 2110 with the ball (with two alignment lines 2150 aligned on each end of the ball) and provides improved alignment of the putter over traditional alignment features (i.e., one line, one circle, or one arrow).

[0194] Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 2102 constitutes at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 2100 while constituting less than 50% of the total volume of the putter 2100. By creating the putter-type golf club head 2100 from a high density chassis 2102 surrounded by a low density putter-type body 2104, the weight of the club head 2100 is shifted towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 2100 even though there are no weight ports or attachments at the heel end 2108 and toe end 2106 of the putter-type golf club head 2100. This shift of weight towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 2100 raises the MOI of the club head 2100 about the y-axis (Iyy), thus preventing the club head 2100 from rotating about the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 2110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A higher MOI about the y-axis tends to produce a straighter ball path and improve the results of off-center strikes (heel- or toe-end impacts).

[0195] The exemplary club head 2100 was compared to a control club head (hereinafter "Control"), which was a golf club head of the same shape and volume as the exemplary club head 2100. However, the control club head was constructed entirely from stainless steel, while the exemplary club head 2100 was constructed from a first high density material (tungsten) and a second low density material (TPC).

[0196] The example club head 2100 has a mass of 355.4 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 4,863.86 g / cm 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 363.5 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 4,741.28 g / cm 2 The exemplary club head 2100 is approximately 9 grams lighter and has a 2.59% higher moment of inertia, and thus, compared to the control club, the exemplary club head 2100 is lighter and more forgiving (the higher MOI about the y-axis means that the club head 2100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impact, resulting in more consistently straighter hits). Semicircular Mallet Putter Head Embodiments

[0197] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a semicircular mallet putter head 3100. Referring to FIGS. 26-28, the semicircular putter head 3100 includes a chassis 3102 and a putter-type body 3104. The chassis 3102 is made of a first material having a first density, and the putter-type body 3104 is made of a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density. The chassis 3102 and the putter-type body 3104 combine to provide a putter head 3100 with a high MOI (4,500 g / cm) while maintaining a desirable volume and mass. 2 ~6,500g / cm 2 ) is formed.

[0198] As discussed above, the chassis 3102 is comprised of a high density material (i.e., a first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 3102 comprises a first material having a density greater than 7.0 g / cc. The chassis 3102 comprises a heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102 comprises a toe portion 3126 opposite the heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102 comprises a rear portion 3128. The rear portion 3128 is adjacent the heel portion 3124 and the toe portion 3126. The chassis 3102 comprises a front portion 3130 formed only by the toe portion 3126 and the heel portion 3124 (and does not have a central post 132 at all, as noted in some embodiments).

[0199] Additionally, the chassis 3102 includes an upper surface 3134. The upper surface 3134 is adjacent to the rear portion 3128, the front portion 3130, the toe portion 3126, and the heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102 includes a lower surface 3136. The lower surface opposes the upper surface 3134 and is adjacent to the rear portion 3128, the front portion 3130, the toe portion 3126, and the heel portion 3124.

[0200] The chassis 3102 may be "U-shaped", horseshoe-shaped, parabolic, dumbbell-shaped, or any other desired curved shape. In most embodiments, the shape of the chassis 3102 promotes a favorable mass shift toward the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 3102 and the outer edges of the putter-style golf club head 3100.

[0201] The heel portion 3124, the toe portion 3126, and the rear portion 3128 form a flow region 3138. The flow region 3138 functions similarly to the flow opening 122, but lacks the central post 3132. When the putter shaped body 3104 is molded to the chassis 3102, the flow region 3138 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 3104 to encapsulate the chassis 3102, with the body 3104 penetrating and completely filling the flow region 3138. The flow region 3138 allows the putter body 3104 to integrally bond the body 3104 and the chassis 3102, thus forming the club head 3100. Additionally, the flow region 3138 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 3104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 3110 of the golf club head 3100. This allows the fibers to be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 3110 when the putter shaped body 3104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite with fiber fill, enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 3100. Additionally, the flow region 3138 allows the thermoplastic composite with fiber fill to closely surround the chassis 3102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 3100.

[0202] The chassis 3102 includes at least one interlocking feature 3120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 3102: heel 3124, toe 3126, rear 3128, front 3130, top 3134, and bottom 3136. The at least one interlocking feature 3120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 3102 and the putter-shaped body 3104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 3120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) having a fiber filler.

[0203] The chassis 3102 may include three interlocking features 3120. In some embodiments, the chassis 3102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking features 3120. In this embodiment, the three interlocking features 3120 may be in the form of anchors. In this embodiment, two of the three interlocking features 3120 are in the form of anchors and the third interlocking feature 3120 is in the form of an interlocking beam. An anchor opening 3140 is formed between each of the two interlocking features 3120 and the portion of the chassis 3102 from which each of the two anchor-shaped interlocking features 3120 protrudes (the heel portion 3124, the toe portion 3126, the rear portion 3128, the front portion 3130, the upper surface 3134, and the lower surface 3136). In this embodiment, the chassis 3102 includes two anchor openings 3140, one corresponding to each of the anchor-shaped interlocking features 3120. Similar to the flow openings 3122, the anchor openings 3140 and anchor shaped interlocking features 3120 allow the lightweight, low density material of the putter shaped body 3104 to completely fill the anchor openings 3140 and encapsulate the interlocking features 3120, thus joining the chassis 3102 and the putter shaped body 3104 together.

[0204] In many embodiments, the anchor openings 3140 of the two interlocking features 3120 may be any shape of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor shape interlocking feature 3120 may include two or more anchor openings 3140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 3140 of at least one interlocking feature 3120 may be any one or any combination of a circle, an ellipse, a triangle, a rectangle, a trapezoid, an octagon, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 28, the anchor openings 3140 are generally rectangular in shape.

[0205] Additionally, the third interlocking feature 3120 is in the form of an interlocking beam. In most embodiments (and this embodiment), the beam-like interlocking feature 3120 may extend from the rear 3128 of the chassis 3102 to the front 3130 of the chassis 3102. In some embodiments, the beam-like interlocking feature 3120 may extend partially or entirely from the rear 3128 to the toe 3126, from the toe 3126 to the heel 3124, from the front 3130 to the toe 3126, from the front 3130 to the heel 3126, or in any other desired direction.

[0206] Additionally, the beam interlocking feature 3120 includes a series of through holes 3141 that extend through the beam interlocking feature 3120 in a direction from the toe portion 3126 to the heel portion 3124. In other embodiments, the through holes 3141 may extend through the beam interlocking feature in any one or any combination of the following directions: from the rear portion 3128 to the toe portion 3126, from the toe portion 3126 to the heel portion 3124, from the front portion 3130 to the toe portion 3126, from the front portion 3130 to the heel portion 3126, or any other desired direction.

[0207] The series of through holes 3141 may include at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, or at least seven through holes 3141. Referring to Figure 28, this embodiment includes at least seven through holes 3141. Similar to the anchor openings 3140, the through holes 3141 allow the lighter weight, lower density material of the putter shaped body 3104 to completely fill the through holes 3141 and encapsulate the beam-like interlocking features 3120, thus joining the chassis 3102 and the putter shaped body 3104 together.

[0208] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 3104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 3104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic flexible polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 3104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 3104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 3102 and the putter shaped body 3104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 3104, together with the flow region 3138 and at least one interlocking mechanism 3120 of the chassis 3102, create a one-piece putter 3100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0209] The putter shaped body 3104 is integrally formed within and around the chassis 3102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter shaped body 3104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 3122 of the chassis 3102, bonding the body 3104 and the chassis 3102 together to form the putter shaped golf club head 3100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter shaped body 3104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 3102. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 3104 encases at least 30% of the chassis 3102.

[0210] The putter shaped body 3104, when combined with the chassis 3102, forms the toe end 3106, heel end 3108, rear portion 3112, and striking face 3110 of the golf club head 3100. The putter shaped body 3104 forms a portion of the crown 3115 and a portion of the sole 3117. With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, when the putter shaped body 3104 and the chassis 3102 are joined, the chassis 3102 and the putter shaped body 3104 combine to form the crown 3115 of the putter 3100. Similarly, when the putter shaped body 3104 and the chassis 3102 are joined, the chassis 3102 and the putter shaped body 3104 combine to form the sole 3117 of the putter 3100.

[0211] The putter shaped body 3104 may form 100% of the crown 3115, in which case the chassis 3102 is not visible from the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 3104 forms at least 80% of the crown 3115. Similar to the crown 3115, the putter shaped body 3104 may form 100% of the sole 3117, in which case the chassis 3102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 3104 forms at least 30% of the sole 3117, in which case a portion of the putter shaped body 3104 and a portion of the chassis 3102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0212] Additionally, the putter shaped body 3104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 3114 of the golf club head 3100. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 3104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 3114. The alignment feature 3114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 3114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 3114 is located on the crown 3115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 3114 is located equidistant from the heel end 2108 and the toe end 3106 and perpendicular to the striking face 3110 such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 3114 to accurately align the putter 3100 to strike a golf ball at address position.

[0213] In this embodiment, the alignment feature 3114 comprises a line 3150 located on the crown. The line 3150 is formed by a beam-like interlocking feature 3120. The toe end 3106, heel end 3108, striking face 3110, and rear portion 3112 partially encase the beam-like interlocking feature 3150 such that one surface remains visible by the user when the putter is in the address position. The chassis 3102 in this embodiment is made of polished stainless steel (silver color) and the body 3104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite material (black color). The chassis 3102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast to the body 3104, allowing the golfer to easily align and center the golf ball and the putter 3100. The clearly defined line 3152 allows the golfer to easily line up the striking face 3110 with the ball, leading to improved alignment of the putter 3100.

[0214] Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 3102 constitutes at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 3100 while constituting less than 60% of the total volume of the putter 3100. By creating the putter-type golf club head 3100 from a high density chassis 3102 surrounded by a low density putter-type body 3104, the weight of the club head 3100 is shifted towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 3100 even though there are no weight ports or attachments at the heel end 3108 and toe end 3106 of the putter-type golf club head 3100. This weight shift towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 3100 raises the MOI of the club head 3100 about the y-axis (Iyy), thus preventing the club head 3100 from rotating about the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 3110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A higher MOI about the y-axis tends to produce a straighter ball path and improve the results of off-center hits (heel- or toe-end impacts).

[0215] The exemplary club head 3100 was compared to a control club head (hereinafter "Control"), which was a golf club head of the same shape and volume as the exemplary club head 3100. However, while the control club head was constructed entirely from stainless steel and aluminum, the exemplary club head 3100 was constructed from a first high density material (stainless steel) and a second low density material (TPC).

[0216] The exemplary club head 3100 has a mass of 331.9 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 3,923.22 g / cm 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 360.3 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 3,806.44 g / cm 2The exemplary club head 3100 is approximately 30 grams lighter and has a 3.07% higher moment of inertia. Thus, compared to the control club, the exemplary club head 3100 is substantially lighter and more forgiving (the higher MOI about the y-axis results in more consistently straighter hits since the club head 3100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts). An embodiment of a high arch blade type putter head

[0217] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a high-arch (more mass near the toe than the heel) blade-type putter head 4100. With reference to FIGS. 29-32, the blade-type putter head 4100 includes a chassis 4102 and a putter-type body 4104. The chassis 4102 is made of a first material having a first density, and the putter-type body 4104 is made of a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density. The chassis 4102 and the putter-type body 4104 combine to provide a putter head 4100 with a high MOI (5,000 g / cm) while maintaining a desired volume and mass. 2 ~6,500g / cm 2 )

[0218] As described above, the chassis 4102 is made of a high density material (i.e., a first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 4102 includes a first material having a density of greater than 7.0 g / cc. The chassis 4102 includes a heel portion 4124. The chassis 4102 includes a toe portion 4126 opposite the heel portion 4124. The chassis 4102 includes a rear portion 4128. The rear portion 4128 is adjacent to the heel portion 4124 and the toe portion 4126. The chassis 4102 includes a central post 4132. The central post 4132 is opposite the rear portion 4128 and spans from the heel portion 4124 to the toe portion 4126. The chassis 4102 includes a front portion 4130. The front portion 4130 is formed by the toe portion 4126, the heel portion 4124, and the central post 4132. The front portion 4130 opposes the rear portion 4128 and is adjacent to the heel portion 4124 and the toe portion 4126 .

[0219] Additionally, the chassis 4102 includes an upper surface 4134. The upper surface 4134 is adjacent to the rear portion 4128, the front portion 4130, the toe portion 4126, and the heel portion 4124. The chassis 4102 includes a lower surface 4136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 4134 and is adjacent to the rear portion 4128, the front portion 4130, the toe portion 4126, and the heel portion 4124.

[0220] The chassis 4102 may be dumbbell-shaped, "I-shaped," asymmetrical, or any other desired shape. In most embodiments, a dumbbell-shaped chassis 4102 may be used in blade-type putters, where such putters only need to move mass toward the heel end 4108 and toe end 4106 to increase the MOI.

[0221] The heel portion 4124, the toe portion 4126, the rear portion 4128, and the central post 4132 form a flow opening 4122. When the putter shaped body 4104 is molded to the chassis 4102, the flow opening 4122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 4104 to encapsulate at least a portion of the chassis 4102, with the body 4104 penetrating and completely filling the flow opening 4122. The flow opening 4122 allows the putter body 4104 to integrally bond the body 4104 and the chassis 4102, thus forming the club head 4100. Additionally, the flow opening 4122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 4104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 4110 of the golf club head 4100. This allows the fibers, when the putter shaped body 4104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fiber fill, to be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 4110, enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 4100. Additionally, the flow openings 4122 allow the thermoplastic composite material with a fiber fill to closely surround the chassis 4102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 4100.

[0222] The chassis 4102 includes at least one interlocking feature 4120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 4102: heel 4124, toe 4126, rear 4128, front 4130, top 4134, and bottom 4136. The at least one interlocking feature 4120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 4102 and the putter-shaped body 4104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 4120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) having a fiber filler.

[0223] 31 and 32, the chassis 4102 may include three interlocking mechanisms 4120. In some embodiments, the chassis 4102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking mechanisms 4120. In this embodiment, the three interlocking mechanisms 4120 are in the form of interlocking hitches. In this embodiment, the hitch-like interlocking mechanisms 4120 protrude from the toe portion 4126 and the heel portion 4128. In this embodiment, a first hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 extends in a direction away from the toe portion 4126 and away from the underside 4136 of the chassis 4102. A second hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 extends in a direction away from the toe portion 4126 and towards the heel portion 4128. A third hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 extends in a direction away from the heel portion 4128 and towards the toe portion 4126. Similar to the flow openings 4122, the hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 allows the lighter, less dense material of the putter-shaped body 4104 to encapsulate the interlocking mechanism 4120, thus joining the chassis 4102 and the putter-shaped body 4104 together.

[0224] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 4104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 4104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 4104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 4104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 4102 and the putter shaped body 4104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 4104, together with the flow openings 4122 and at least one interlocking mechanism 4120 of the chassis 4102, create a one-piece putter 4100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0225] The putter shaped body 4104 is integrally formed within and around the chassis 4102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter shaped body 4104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 4122 of the chassis 4102, bonding the body 4104 and the chassis 4102 together to form the putter shaped golf club head 4100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter shaped body 4104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 4102. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 4104 encases at least 30% of the chassis 4102.

[0226] The putter shaped body 4104, when combined with the chassis 4102, forms the toe end 4106, the heel end 4108, the rear portion 4112, and the striking face 4110 of the golf club head 4100. The putter shaped body 4104 forms a portion of the crown 4115 and a portion of the sole 4117. With reference to FIGS. 28 and 29, when the putter shaped body 4104 and the chassis 4102 are joined together, the chassis 4102 and the putter shaped body 4104 combine to form the crown 4115 of the putter 4100. Similarly, when the putter shaped body 4104 and the chassis 4102 are joined together, the chassis 4102 and the putter shaped body 4104 combine to form the sole 4117 of the putter 4100.

[0227] The putter shaped body 4104 may form 100% of the crown 4115, in which case the chassis 4102 is not visible from the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 4104 forms at least 40% of the crown 4115. Similar to the crown 4115, the putter shaped body 4104 may form 100% of the sole 4117, in which case the chassis 4102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 4104 forms at least 30% of the sole 4117, in which case a portion of the putter shaped body 4104 and a portion of the chassis 4102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0228] Additionally, the putter shaped body 4104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 4114 of the golf club head 4100. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 4104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 4114. The alignment feature 4114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 4114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 4114 is located on the crown 4115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 4114 is located equidistant from the heel end 4108 and the toe end 4106 and perpendicular to the striking face 4110 such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 4114 to accurately align the putter 4100 to strike a golf ball at address position.

[0229] In this embodiment, the putter head 4100 includes a groove-shaped alignment mechanism 4114. The alignment mechanism 4114 is formed by a toe portion 4126 and a heel portion 4124 of the chassis 4102. The toe portion 4126 is inclined obliquely downward from the crown 4115 toward the sole 4117 and the heel portion 4128. Similarly, the heel portion 4124 is inclined obliquely downward from the crown 4115 toward the sole 4117 and the toe portion 4126. The groove-shaped alignment mechanism 4114 is formed by these inclined portions 4126 and 4124.

[0230] The chassis 4102 in this embodiment is made of polished stainless steel (silver color), while the body 4104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite (black color). Because the chassis 4102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast with the body 4104, a golfer can easily align and center the putter 4100 with a golf ball by placing the golf ball between the light colored heel portion 4124 and the light colored toe portion 4126. The clearly defined alignment feature 4114 allows the golfer to easily line up the striking face 4110 with the ball, leading to improved alignment of the putter 4100.

[0231] Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 4102 constitutes at least 70% of the total mass of the putter 4100 while constituting less than 70% of the total volume of the putter 4100. By creating the putter-type golf club head 4100 from a high density chassis 4102 surrounded by a low density putter-type body 4104, the weight of the club head is shifted towards the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 4100 even though there are no weight ports or attachments at the heel end 4108 and toe end 4106 of the putter-type golf club head 4100. This weight shift towards the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 4100 increases the MOI of the club head 4100 about the y-axis (Iyy), thus preventing the club head 4100 from rotating about the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 4110 is square to the golf ball during impact. Increasing the MOI about the y-axis tends to result in straighter ball flight and improved results on off-center strikes (heel- or toe-end impacts).

[0232] The exemplary club head 4100 was compared to a control club head (hereinafter "control"), which was a golf club head of the same shape and volume as the exemplary club head 4100. However, the control club head was constructed entirely from stainless steel, whereas the exemplary club head 4100 was constructed from a first high density material (tungsten or stainless steel) and a second low density material (TPC).

[0233] The exemplary club head 4100 has a mass of 346.90 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 5,741.92 g / cm 2 Meanwhile, the control club has a mass of 347.10 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 4,729.67 g / cm 2 The exemplary club head 4100 has approximately the same weight as the control club and a 21.40% greater moment of inertia, and therefore is more forgiving (the higher MOI about the y-axis results in more consistently straighter hits since the club head 4100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts) compared to the control club. Non-Arched Blade Putter Head Embodiments

[0234] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a blade-type putter head 5100 that is slightly arched or non-arched (mass evenly distributed between the heel and toe ends). With reference to FIGS. 33-36, the blade-type putter head 5100 includes a chassis 5102 and a putter-type body 5104. The chassis 5102 is made of a first material having a first density, and the putter-type body 5104 is made of a second material having a second density. The first density is greater than the second density. The chassis 5102 and the putter-type body 5104 combine to provide a putter head 5100 with a high MOI (5,000 g / cm3) while maintaining a desirable volume and mass. 2 ~6,500g / cm 2 ) is formed.

[0235] As described above, the chassis 5102 is made of a high density material (i.e., the first material). The chassis 5102 includes a heel portion 5124. The chassis 5102 includes a toe portion 5126 opposite the heel portion 5124. The chassis 5102 includes a rear portion 5128. The rear portion 5128 is adjacent to the heel portion 5124 and the toe portion 5126. The chassis 5102 includes a central post 5132. The central post 5132 is opposite the rear portion 5128 and spans from the heel portion 5124 to the toe portion 5126. The chassis 5102 includes a front portion 5130. The front portion 5130 is formed by the toe portion 5126, the heel portion 5124, and the central post 5132. The front portion 5130 opposes the rear portion 5128 and is adjacent to the heel portion 5124 and the toe portion 5126 .

[0236] Additionally, the chassis 5102 includes an upper surface 5134. The upper surface 5134 is adjacent to the rear portion 5128, the front portion 5130, the toe portion 5126, and the heel portion 5124. The chassis 5102 includes a lower surface 5136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 5134 and is adjacent to the rear portion 5128, the front portion 5130, the toe portion 5126, and the heel portion 5124.

[0237] The chassis 5102 may be dumbbell-shaped, "I-shaped," asymmetrical, or any other desired shape. In most embodiments, a dumbbell-shaped chassis 5102 may be used in blade-type putters, where increasing the MOI only requires shifting mass toward the heel end 5108 and toe end 5106.

[0238] The heel portion 5124, the toe portion 5126, the rear portion 5128, and the central post 5132 form a flow opening 5122. When the putter shaped body 5104 is molded to the chassis 5102, the flow opening 5122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 5104 to encapsulate at least a portion of the chassis 5102, with the body 5104 penetrating and completely filling the flow opening 5122. The flow opening 5122 allows the putter body 5104 to integrally bond the body 5104 and the chassis 5102, thus forming the club head 5100. Additionally, the flow opening 5122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 5104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 5110 of the golf club head 5100. This allows the fibers to be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 5110 when the putter shaped body 5104 is formed from a fiber filled thermoplastic composite material, enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 5100. Additionally, the flow openings 5122 allow the fiber filled thermoplastic composite material to closely surround the chassis 5102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 5100.

[0239] The chassis 5102 includes at least one interlocking feature 5120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 5102: heel 5124, toe 5126, rear 5128, front 5130, top 5134, and bottom 5136. The at least one interlocking feature 5120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 5102 and the putter body 5104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 5120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) having a fiber filler.

[0240] 34-36, the chassis 5102 may include two interlocking mechanisms 5120. In some embodiments, the chassis 5102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking mechanisms 5102. In this embodiment, the two interlocking mechanisms 5120 are in the form of a series of connecting through holes. In this embodiment, the two interlocking mechanisms 5120 are in the form of a series of through holes passing through the toe portion 5126 and the heel portion 5128. In this embodiment, one of the through hole interlocking mechanisms 5120 is formed as a through hole at an angle of about 90 degrees, passing through the toe portion 5126 in a direction from the heel portion 5128 toward the front portion 5130. In this embodiment, one of the through hole interlocking mechanisms 5120 is formed as a through hole at an angle of about 90 degrees, passing through the heel portion 5128 in a direction from the toe portion 5126 toward the front portion 5130. In other embodiments, the through-holes 5141 may extend through the interlock feature in any one or any combination of the following directions: from the rear 5128 to the toe 5126, from the toe 5126 to the heel 5124, from the front 5130 to the toe 5126, from the front 5130 to the heel 5126, or any other desired direction. Similar to the flow openings 5122, the interlock feature 5120 allows the lighter weight, lower density material of the putter shaped body 5104 to encapsulate the interlock feature 5120, thus integrally joining the chassis 5102 and the putter shaped body 5104.

[0241] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 5104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 5104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 5104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 5104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 5102 and the putter shaped body 5104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 5104, together with the flow openings 5122 and at least one interlocking mechanism 5120 of the chassis 5102, create a one-piece putter 5100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0242] The putter shaped body 5104 is integrally formed within and around the chassis 5102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter shaped body 5104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 5122 of the chassis 5102, bonding the body 5104 and the chassis 5102 together to form the putter shaped golf club head 5100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter shaped body 5104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 5102. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 5104 encases at least 30% of the chassis 5102.

[0243] The putter shaped body 5104, when combined with the chassis 5102, forms the toe end 5106, the heel end 5108, the rear portion 5112, and the striking face 5110 of the golf club head 5100. The putter shaped body 5104 forms a portion of the crown 5115 and a portion of the sole 5117. With reference to FIGS. 33 and 34, when the putter shaped body 5104 and the chassis 5102 are joined, the chassis 5102 and the putter shaped body 5104 combine to form the crown 5115 of the putter 5100. Similarly, when the putter shaped body 5104 and the chassis 5102 are joined, the chassis 5102 and the putter shaped body 5104 combine to form the sole 5117 of the putter 5100.

[0244] The putter shaped body 5104 may form 100% of the crown 5115, in which case the chassis 5102 is not visible from the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 5104 forms at least 40% of the crown 5115. Similar to the crown 5115, the putter shaped body 5104 may form 100% of the sole 5117, in which case the chassis 5102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 5104 forms at least 30% of the sole 5117, in which case a portion of the putter shaped body 5104 and a portion of the chassis 5102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0245] Additionally, the putter shaped body 5104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 5114 of the golf club head 5100. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 5104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 5114. The alignment feature 5114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 5114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 5114 is located on the crown 5115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 5114 is located equidistant from the heel end 4108 and the toe end 5106 and perpendicular to the striking face 5110 such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 5114 to accurately align the putter 5100 to strike a golf ball at address position.

[0246] In this embodiment, the putter head 5100 includes a line alignment feature 5114. The alignment feature 5114 is between the toe portion 5126 and the heel portion 5128 of the chassis 5102. The single line alignment feature 5114 is formed by the body 5104 filling the flow openings 5122. The flow openings 5122 provide a centerline on the crown 5115 while allowing the chassis 5102 and the body 5104 to be integrally and permanently joined. The chassis 5102 in this embodiment is made of polished stainless steel (silver color) and the body 5104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite material (black color). The chassis 5102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast to the body 5104, allowing the golfer to easily align and center the putter 5100 on the golf ball. The clearly defined lines 5152 allow the golfer to more easily line up the striking face 5110 with the ball, resulting in improved alignment of the putter 5100.

[0247] The chassis 5102 in this embodiment is made of polished stainless steel (silver) and the body 5104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite (black). Because the chassis 5102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast to the body 5104, a golfer can easily align and center the putter 5100 over a golf ball by placing the golf ball between the light colored heel portion 5128 and the light colored toe portion 5126. The clearly defined lines 5114 help the golfer line up the striking face 5110 with the ball, leading to improved alignment of the putter 5100.

[0248] Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 5102 constitutes at least 70% of the total mass of the putter 5100 while constituting less than 70% of the total volume of the putter 5100. By creating the putter-type golf club head 5100 from a high density chassis 5102 surrounded by a low density putter-type body 5104, the weight of the club head 5100 is shifted towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 5100 even though there are no weight ports or attachments at the heel end 5108 and toe end 5106 of the putter-type golf club head 5100. This weight shift towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 5100 raises the MOI of the club head 5100 about the y-axis (Iyy), thus preventing the club head 5100 from rotating about the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 5110 is square to the golf ball during impact. Increasing the MOI about the y-axis tends to result in straighter ball flight and improved results on off-center strikes (heel- or toe-end impacts).

[0249] The exemplary club head 5100 was compared to a control club head (hereinafter "control"), which was a golf club head of the same shape and volume as the exemplary club head 5100. However, the control club head was constructed entirely from stainless steel, whereas the exemplary club head 5100 was constructed from a first, higher density material (stainless steel or tungsten) and a second, lower density material (TPC).

[0250] The exemplary club head 5100 has a mass of 348.4 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 5,329.02 g / cm 2 Meanwhile, the control club has a mass of 348.4 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 4,692.25 g / cm 2 The exemplary club head 5100 has the same weight as the control club, but has a 13.57% greater v-moment, and therefore is more forgiving (the higher MOI about the y-axis results in more consistently straighter hits since the club head 5100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts) compared to the control club. Large Mallet Putter Head Embodiment

[0251] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a large mallet putter head 6100. Referring to FIGS. 37-41, the putter head 6100 includes a chassis 6102 and a putter-type body 6104. The chassis 6102 is made of a first material having a first density, and the putter-type body 6104 is made of a second material having a second density. The chassis 6102 includes one or more weights 6142 attached to the chassis and made of a third material having a third density. The first density is greater than the second density. The third density is greater than the first density. The chassis 6102 and the putter-type body 6104 combine to provide a heavy (365 grams to 380 grams) and extremely high MOI putter head 2100 (5,500 g / cm) while maintaining a desired volume and mass. 2 ~7,000g / cm 2 ) to produce

[0252] As described above, the chassis 6102 is made of a high density material (i.e., the first material). The chassis 6102 includes a heel portion 6124. The chassis 6102 includes a toe portion 6126 opposite the heel portion 6124. The chassis 6102 includes a rear portion 6128. The rear portion 6128 is adjacent to the heel portion 6124 and the toe portion 6126. The chassis 6102 includes a central post 6132. The central post 6132 is opposite the rear portion 6128 and spans from the heel portion 6124 to the toe portion 6126. The chassis 6102 includes a front portion 6130. The front portion 6130 is formed by the toe portion 6126, the heel portion 6124, and the central post 6132. The front portion 6130 opposes the rear portion 6128 and is adjacent to the heel portion 6124 and the toe portion 6126 .

[0253] Additionally, the chassis 6102 includes an upper surface 6134. The upper surface 6134 is adjacent to the rear portion 6128, the front portion 6130, the toe portion 6126, and the heel portion 6124. The chassis 6102 includes a lower surface 6136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 6134 and is adjacent to the rear portion 6128, the front portion 6130, the toe portion 6126, and the heel portion 6124.

[0254] In many embodiments, the chassis 6102 may be polygonal, hourglass shaped, symmetrical, or any other desirable shape of the chassis 6102. In most embodiments, the shape of the chassis 6102 promotes a desirable mass shift toward the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 6102 and the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 6100. In this embodiment, the chassis 6102 is hourglass shaped.

[0255] The chassis 6102 further comprises one or more weights 6142. The one or more weights 6142 have a third density greater than the density of the chassis 6102 (and thus the body 6104) to further alter the mass properties (i.e., CG, MOI, balance) of the putter. In this embodiment, the one or more weights 6142 have a third density of at least 12 g / cc. The one or more weights 6142 function to customize the center of gravity of the putter while maintaining and / or increasing the MOI of the putter head 6100. The one or more weights 6142 may be attached to the chassis 6102 prior to molding of the putter-shaped body 6104 by any of the following attachment methods: welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, adhesive, epoxy, mechanical fasteners, adhesive with epoxy, polyurethane, resin, hot melt, or any other attachment method.

[0256] In some embodiments, the chassis 6102 may include one or more weights 6142. In many embodiments, the chassis 6102 may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more weights 6142. In some embodiments, the chassis 6102 may include two or more, three or more, or four or more weights 6142. In this embodiment, the chassis 6102 includes exactly four weights 6142.

[0257] In many embodiments, the one or more weights 6142 may be any one or any combination of the following: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, cylindrical, square prism, trapezoidal, octagonal, any other polygonal shape, or a shape having at least one curved surface. In this embodiment, the four weights 6142 are cylindrical.

[0258] Further, each of the four weights 6142 is located at a junction of the four outer edges (the toe portion 6126, the heel portion 6124, the rear portion 6128, and the front portion 6130) of the chassis 6102. In this embodiment, one weight 6142 is located at the junction of the toe portion 6126 and the front portion 6130, one weight 6142 is located at the junction of the toe portion 6126 and the rear portion 6128, one weight 6142 is located at the junction of the heel portion 6124 and the front portion 6130, and one weight 6142 is located at the junction of the heel portion 6124 and the rear portion 6128.

[0259] Additionally, in most embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 6104 encases at least a portion of the one or more weights 6142. In some embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 6104 may surround at least 10%, at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, or 100% of the one or more weights 6142. In this embodiment, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 6104 encases at least 80% of the four weights 6142.

[0260] The heel portion 6124, the toe portion 6126, the rear portion 6128, and the central post 6132 form a flow opening 6122. When the putter shaped body 6104 is molded to the chassis 6102, the flow opening 6122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 6104 to encapsulate at least a portion of the chassis 6102, and the body 6104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 6122. The flow opening 6122 allows the putter body 6104 to integrally bond the body 6104 and the chassis 6102, thus forming the club head 6100. Additionally, the flow opening 6122 allows the light weight, low density material of the putter shaped body 6104 to flow in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 6110 of the golf club head 6100. This allows the fibers to be oriented perpendicular to the striking face 6110 when the putter shaped body 6104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with a fiber fill, enhancing the strength and durability of the club head 6100. Additionally, the flow openings 6122 allow the thermoplastic composite material with a fiber fill to closely surround the chassis 6102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 6100.

[0261] The chassis 6102 includes at least one interlocking feature 6120 protruding or extending from any one or any combination of the following features of the chassis 6102: heel 6124, toe 6126, rear 6128, front 6130, top 6134, and bottom 6136. The at least one interlocking feature 6120 serves to further couple and integrally bond the chassis 6102 and the putter body 6104 by having the at least one interlocking feature 6120 entirely encased in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high strength, lightweight material) having a fiber filler.

[0262] 38-40, the chassis 6102 may include three interlocking mechanisms 6120. In some embodiments, the chassis 6102 may include two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking mechanisms 6120. In this embodiment, two of the three interlocking mechanisms 6120 are in the form of a hitch and one interlocking mechanism 6120 is in the form of a hitch. In this embodiment, the two hitch-like interlocking mechanisms 6120 extend away from the upper surface 6134 in a direction away from the lower surface 6136. Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the hitch-like interlocking mechanisms 6120 is located on the toe portion 6126 and the other of the hitch-like interlocking mechanisms 6120 is located on the heel portion 6124. Similar to the flow openings 6122, the interlocking features 6120 allow the lighter weight, less dense material of the putter shaped body 6104 to encapsulate the interlocking features 6120, thus joining the chassis 6102 and the putter shaped body 6104 together.

[0263] Additionally, the anchor-like interlocking feature 6120 extends away from the rear portion 6128 towards the front portion 6130 and is located within a portion of the flow opening 6122. In this embodiment where one of the three interlocking features 6120 is in the form of an anchor, an anchor opening 6140 is formed between the rear portion 6128 and the anchor-like interlocking feature 6120. In this embodiment, the chassis 6102 includes one anchor opening 6140 corresponding to the anchor-like interlocking feature 6120. Similar to the flow opening 6122, the anchor opening 6140 and the interlocking feature 6120 allow the lighter weight, lower density material of the putter shaped body 6104 to completely fill the anchor opening 6140 and encapsulate the interlocking feature 6120, thus joining the chassis 6102 and the putter shaped body 6104 together.

[0264] In many embodiments, the anchor opening 6140 of the anchor-like interlocking feature 6120 may be any one of semicircular, circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor-like interlocking feature 6120 may include two or more anchor openings 6140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 6140 of at least one interlocking feature 6120 may be any one or any combination of circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal, or any other desired geometric shape. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 39 and FIG. 40, the anchor opening 6140 is semicircular.

[0265] Additionally, the putter-type golf club head 6100 may include a striking face insert 6116 disposed on or within the striking face 6110. In these embodiments, the striking face insert 6116 is formed separately before being bonded to the club head 6100. The surface of the striking face insert 6116 that abuts the club head 6100 may have a complementary geometric shape to the geometric shape of a corresponding portion of the club head 6100 that abuts the striking face 6110 (i.e., a cavity in the striking face of the putter-type golf club head). In this embodiment, the putter head 6100 may include a chassis 6102 of a first material, a putter-type body 6104 of a second material, and a striking face insert 6116 comprising a third material.

[0266] The striking face insert 6116 may be secured to the club head 6100 by a fastening means. In this embodiment, the striking face insert 6116 is secured to the putter molded body 6104. In this embodiment, referring to FIG. 41, the putter molded body 6104 may include an insert cavity 6118, which functions to receive the striking face insert 6116. The striking face insert 6116 may be secured by an adhesive substance such as glue, very high bond (VHB®) tape, epoxy, or other adhesive. Alternatively or additionally, the striking face insert 6116 may be secured by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlocking structures, or other fastening methods.

[0267] As previously mentioned, the putter shaped body 6104 includes a low density second material. In most embodiments, the putter shaped body 6104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material. In other embodiments, the putter shaped body 6104 may include any other low density second material, but for the sake of brevity, the other low density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 6104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 6102 and the putter shaped body 6104 are permanently bonded together without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler material of the putter shaped body 6104, together with the flow region 6138 and at least one interlocking mechanism 6120 of the chassis 6102, create a one-piece putter 6100 without the use of welding, epoxies, or adhesives.

[0268] The putter shaped body 6104 is integrally formed within and around the chassis 6102. As previously described, the lightweight material of the putter shaped body 6104 penetrates and completely fills the flow openings 6122 of the chassis 6102, bonding the body 6104 and the chassis 6102 together to form the putter shaped golf club head 6100. Additionally, in some embodiments, the putter shaped body 6104 encases (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 6102. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 6104 encases at least 80% of the chassis 6102.

[0269] The putter shaped body 6104, when combined with the chassis 6102, forms the toe end 6106, heel end 6108, rear portion 6112, and striking face 6110 of the golf club head 6100. The putter shaped body 6104 forms a portion of the crown 6115 and a portion of the sole 6117. Referring to FIG. 10, when the putter shaped body 6104 and the chassis 6102 are joined, the chassis 6102 and the putter shaped body 6104 combine to form the crown 6115 of the putter 6100. Similarly, when the putter shaped body 6104 and the chassis 6102 are joined, the chassis 6102 and the putter shaped body 6104 combine to form the sole 6117 of the putter 6100.

[0270] The putter shaped body 6104 may form 100% of the crown 6115, in which case the chassis 6102 is not visible from the address position. In this embodiment, the putter shaped body 6104 forms 100% of the crown 6115. Similar to the crown 6115, the putter shaped body 6104 may form 100% of the sole 6117, in which case the chassis 6102 does not contact the ground surface at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter shaped body 6104 forms at least 80% of the sole 6117, in which case a portion of the putter shaped body 6104 and a portion of the chassis 6102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0271] Additionally, the putter shaped body 6104 forms at least a portion of the alignment feature 6114 of the golf club head 6100. In some embodiments, the putter shaped body 6104 forms the entirety of the alignment feature 6114. The alignment feature 6114 may be any one or any combination of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, a series of grooves, a channel, or any other shape desired for the alignment feature 6114. In most embodiments, the alignment feature 6114 is located on the crown 6115. Additionally, in most embodiments, the alignment feature 6114 is located equidistant from the heel end 6108 and the toe end 6106 and perpendicular to the striking face 6110 such that a golfer can utilize the alignment feature 6114 to accurately align the putter 6100 to strike a golf ball at address position.

[0272] In this embodiment, the alignment feature 6114 comprises three lines 6150 disposed on the crown 6115. The three lines 6150 are evenly spaced, with one line 6150 closer to the toe 6106, one line equidistant from the toe 6106, and one line closer to the heel 6108. The three lines 6150 allow the golfer to more easily align the striking face 6110 with the ball (two alignment lines 6150 aligned on each edge of the ball and one in the center), leading to improved putter alignment in combination with traditional alignment features (i.e., only one line, one circle, or one arrow).

[0273] Further, in this embodiment, the chassis 6102 comprises at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 6100 while comprising less than 45% of the total volume of the putter 6100. By creating the putter-type golf club head 6100 from a high density chassis 6102 surrounded by a low density putter-type body 6104, the weight of the club head 6100 is shifted towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 6100 even though there are no weight ports or attachments at the heel end 6108 and toe end 6106 of the putter-type golf club head 6100. This weight shift towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 6100 increases the MOI about the y-axis (Iyy) of the club head 6100, thus preventing the club head 6100 from rotating about the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 6110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A higher MOI about the y-axis tends to produce a straighter ball path and improve the results of off-center strikes (heel- or toe-end impacts).

[0274] The exemplary club head 6100 was compared to a control club head (hereinafter "Control"), which was a golf club head of the same shape and volume as the exemplary club head 6100. However, the control club head was constructed entirely from metallic materials (stainless steel and aluminum), while the exemplary club head 6100 was constructed from a first high density material (tungsten weights and stainless steel chassis) and a second low density material (TPC).

[0275] The example club head 6100 has a mass of 380.00 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 6,496.76 g / cm 2 Meanwhile, the control club has a mass of 381.00 grams and a moment of inertia about the y-axis of 6,399.98 g / cm 2The exemplary club head 6100 is 1 gram lighter and has a 1.51% higher moment of inertia, and therefore is more forgiving (the higher MOI about the y-axis results in more consistent and straighter hits since the club head 6100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts) compared to the control club.

[0276] Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (e.g., new rules may be adopted and old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standards organizations and / or governing bodies), golf equipment to which the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein relate may or may not comply with the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment to which the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein relate 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.

[0277] Although a particular order of operations is described above, these operations may be performed in another chronological order. For example, two or more actions described above may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more operations may be performed in reverse order. Moreover, one or more operations described above may not be performed at all. The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard.

[0278] While the invention has been described in connection with various embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is capable of further modifications. This application is intended to cover generally any variations, uses, or applications of the invention which conform to the principles of the invention and include such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains.

Claims

1. A putter-type golf club head, A chassis, A putter-shaped body and The chassis has a resistance of at least 7 g / cm ３ a first material having a density of The body has a density of 4 g / cm ３ a second material having a density of The chassis further comprises: a heel portion, a toe portion, a rear portion, a front portion, an upper surface, a lower surface, and at least one interlocking mechanism; The heel portion faces the toe portion and is adjacent to the rear portion, The upper surface faces the lower surface, the front portion is adjacent to the toe portion and the heel portion and faces the rear portion; A central support straddles the heel side and the toe side, facing the rear portion; the heel portion, the toe portion, the rear portion and the central post define a flow aperture; the body encases the at least one interlocking mechanism entirely; The body surrounds the chassis such that the body penetrates and completely fills the flow openings, joining the body and the chassis to form the club head.

2. 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the first material comprises any one of 8620 alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, 17-4 stainless steel, 303 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, tungsten, and manganese.

3. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the second material is a composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler material.

4. 4. The putter-type golf club head of claim 3, wherein the thermoplastic polymer matrix material is selected from the group consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), polyamine 6-6 (PA66), and polyamide 6 (PA6).

5. 4. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 3, wherein the filler is a fiber containing either carbon or glass.

6. 6. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 5, wherein the thermoplastic composite material contains, by volume, 30 to 40% filler.

7. the golf club head includes a toe end, a heel end, a striking face, a rear portion, a sole, and a crown; The heel end faces the toe end, the striking face is adjacent the toe end and the heel end; the rear portion faces the striking face and is adjacent the toe end and the heel end; the sole spans from the heel end to the end and from the striking face to the rear portion; the sole is positioned on a ground surface when the club head is in an address position; 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the crown opposes the sole and spans from the heel end to the toe end and from the striking face to the rear portion.

8. the chassis and the putter-shaped body combine to form an alignment mechanism; The putter-type golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the alignment feature is located on the crown.

9. The putter-type golf club head of claim 8 , wherein the alignment feature is selected from the group consisting of a line, a series of lines, a circle, a dashed line, a triangle, a channel, a groove, and a series of grooves.

10. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the putter-type body encases at least 80% of the chassis.

11. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the putter-type body encloses at least 30% of the chassis.

12. The chassis may include one or more weights; one or more of the weights have a weight density; The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 , wherein the weight density is greater than a first density of the first material.

13. the golf club head includes a striking face insert disposed on or within the striking face; The putter-type golf club head of claim 7 , wherein the striking face insert comprises a third material.

14. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the interlocking features may be in the form of an anchor.

15. At least one of the interlocking features in the form of an anchor includes an anchor aperture; The putter-type golf club head of claim 14 , wherein the anchor opening is formed between the interlocking feature and the portion of the chassis from which the interlocking feature protrudes.

16. At least one of the anchor-shaped interlocking features includes two or more anchor openings; 16. The putter-type golf club head of claim 15, wherein the two or more anchor openings of at least one of the interlocking mechanisms may be any one of the following shapes or any combination of: circular, elliptical, triangular, oval, semicircular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, or polygonal.

17. 2. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one interlocking feature may be in the form of any one or any combination of an anchor, a post, a hitch, a series of recesses, a through hole, a series of through holes, a slot, a groove, a channel, a wedge, a beam, or a beam having a series of through holes.

18. The golf club head includes: A club head volume in the range of 25cc to 125cc; 10. The putter-type golf club head of claim 1, having a club head mass in the range of 320 to 385 grams.

19. the chassis comprises less than 60% of the volume of the club head; 20. The putter-type golf club head of claim 18, wherein the chassis comprises at least 60% of the club head mass.

20. The moment of inertia of the putter-type golf club head about the y-axis center of gravity is 3500 gcm ２ ~8000gcm ２ 2. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein

Images