Co-molded golf putter with integrated interlock mechanism

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 asserts the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 814,770, filed on March 6, 2019, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This disclosure relates in general to golf equipment, and more particularly to a co-molded golf putter having an integrated interlocking mechanism. [Background technology]

[0003] Typically, putter-type golf club heads are formed from metallic materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, copper, or tungsten. These metallic materials are often combined to create a putter head with a high-density metal core at the outer edge, thereby increasing the moment of inertia (MOI) of the putter. However, combining two metallic materials can result in a putter that is either extremely heavy or bulky, without maximizing the MOI, making it disadvantageous or cumbersome. In this field, there is a need to create putters with a high MOI and moderate weight and volume by combining lightweight composite materials with high-density metallic materials, regardless of the overall design. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

[0005] [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 1, consisting of the putter-type body and chassis.

[0006] [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a top view of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 1.

[0007] [Figure 4]FIG. 4 is a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 1.

[0008] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 1.

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

[0010] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of a combination of the putter-type body and the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 5.

[0011] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of the chassis and one or more weights of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 5.

[0012] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a front perspective view of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 5.

[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 a combination of the putter-type body and the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 10.

[0015] [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club of FIG. 10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0026] [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows a top view of the putter-type golf club combination of the putter-type body and chassis shown in Figure 22.

[0027] [Figure 24]Figure 24 shows a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 22.

[0028] [Figure 25] Figure 25 shows a front exploded view of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 22.

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

[0030] [Figure 27] Figure 27 shows a rear perspective view of the putter-type golf club combination of the putter-type body and chassis shown in Figure 26.

[0031] [Figure 28] Figure 28 shows a front perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 26.

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

[0033] [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows a rear view of the putter-type golf club combination of the putter-type body and chassis shown in Figure 29.

[0034] [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows a top view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 29.

[0035] [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows a front perspective view of the putter-type golf club combination of the putter-type body and chassis shown in Figure 29.

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

[0037] [Figure 34]Figure 34 shows a rear perspective view of the putter-type golf club combination of the putter-type body and chassis shown in Figure 33.

[0038] [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows a rear perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 33.

[0039] [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a front perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 33.

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

[0041] [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows a rear perspective view of the putter-type golf club combination of the putter-type body and chassis shown in Figure 37.

[0042] [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows a bottom view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 37.

[0043] [Figure 40] Figure 40 shows a rear perspective view of the chassis of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 37.

[0044] [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a bottom assembly view of the putter-type golf club shown in Figure 37.

[0045] Other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description and accompanying drawings. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0046] I. Putting Golf Club Head This specification describes a putter-type golf club head comprising a high-density chassis made from a first material such as a high-density metal (e.g., steel or tungsten, but not limited thereto) and a low-density putter-type body made from a second material such as a low-density thermoplastic composite (i.e., polycarbonate, polyurethane, polypropylene, polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyamide (PA), but not limited thereto). The chassis comprises a flow opening and one or more interlocking mechanisms. The putter-type body encloses at least one interlocking mechanism in its entirety. Furthermore, the putter-type body encloses the chassis so that the body penetrates and completely fills the flow opening, thereby joining the body and the chassis, and thus the club head is formed. This combination of a low-density putter-shaped body and a high-density chassis enclosed by it results in a MOI that is at least 5% greater around the y-axis compared to putters with the same volume and mass but an overall metallic structure (i.e., putters milled from a single material such as steel, or putters investment-cast from a single material). Furthermore, the combination of a low-density thermoplastic composite body and a high-density chassis can lead to improved putter sound and reduced manufacturing costs.

[0047] Where terms such as “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” are used in this specification and in the claims, they are used to distinguish similar elements and not necessarily to describe a specific sequential or chronological order. The terms used in this manner are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and it should be understood that embodiments of golf clubs and manufacturing methods described herein can be implemented in an order other than that shown or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “equip,” “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to be non-exclusive, and a process, method, article, or apparatus comprising a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements and may include other elements not expressly enumerated, or other elements inherent in such a process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0048] Before describing the details of embodiments of this disclosure, it should be understood that the application of this disclosure is not limited to the configuration details and arrangement of elements described in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. This disclosure can be implemented in other embodiments and can be carried out or performed in a variety of ways.

[0049] In many embodiments, the golf club head may include a putter-type golf club head (putter-type golf club heads 100, 1100, 2100, 3100, 4100, etc.). Figures 1 to 41 show several embodiments of a putter-type golf club head having an integrally formed chassis and a 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 putter head, or any other type of putter-type golf club head.

[0050] The putter-type golf club head 100 comprises a chassis 102 and a putter-type body 104 (sometimes referred to as body 104). The putter-type body 104 partially or completely encloses (or encloses) the chassis 102, forming the characteristic features of the putter-type golf club head 100. The golf club head 100 may have a toe end 106 and a heel end 108 opposite the toe end 106. The golf club head 100 may have a striking face 110 and a rear end 112 opposite the striking face 110. Furthermore, the putter-type golf club head 100 may have 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 is located on the ground when the putter 100 is in the address position (i.e., the position where the golf ball is struck). The putter-type golf club head 100 has a crown 115, which is opposite 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 has a loft plane (not shown). The loft position is in contact with the striking face 110. The loft plane intersects the contact surface and forms a loft angle. In many embodiments, a 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 to 5 degrees, 0 to 6 degrees, 0 to 7 degrees, or 0 to 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 center of gravity located within the golf club. The center of gravity is the average position of the weight of the golf club head 100. Referring to Figure 1, the golf club head 100 further has a y-axis, which is located within the center of gravity, perpendicular to the ground surface, and extends 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 around the y-axis. Improving the MOI around the y-axis suppresses the rotation of the golf club head around the y-axis, resulting in a straighter putt.

[0053] Furthermore, 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 contain two or more materials. The chassis 102 may contain a first material. The putter-shaped body 104 may contain 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 mass of the putter-type golf club head 100 may be 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. Lamb may be 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 25cc, greater than 50cc, greater than 75cc, or greater than 100cc.

[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 one of a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler, or a combination thereof. 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), and polyethylene terephthalate. This includes PET (plastic polymer), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (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 the above thermoplastic materials such as alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) or alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

[0058] In some embodiments, the striking face 110 may be integrally formed with the putter-type 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 thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the thermoplastic polymer matrix material. The TPU has 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 chains or polyester chains. In other embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer matrix material including TPU may have hard segments and soft segments having different chemical structures.

[0059] In some embodiments, referring to Figures 25 and 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 independently before being attached to the club head 100. The surface of the striking face insert 116 that contacts the club head 100 may have a geometric shape complementary to the geometric shape of the corresponding portion of the club head 100 that contacts 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 the first material, a putter-type body 104 of the second material, and a striking face insert 116 made of the third material.

[0060] The striking face insert 116 may be fixed to the club head 100 by being integrally formed with a portion of the club head 100 or by fastening means. In some embodiments, the striking face insert 116 is fixed to a putter-type body 104. In such embodiments, referring to Figures 25 and 41, the putter-type body 104 may include an insert cavity 118, the cavity 118 which functions to receive the striking face insert 116. In other embodiments (not shown), the striking face insert 116 is fixed to a chassis 104. In such embodiments, 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 fixed by an adhesive substance such as glue, ultra-high bonding (VHB™) tape, epoxy resin, or other adhesives. 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 one of any of the following materials or any layered combination thereof: 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. PEBAX® is a polyether block amide, which is a thermoplastic elastomer comprising a flexible polyether and a rigid polyamide. The rigid polyamide may include nylon. PEBAX® may comprise different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, polyether percentages, and / or polyamide percentages. In many embodiments, PEBAX® may comprise PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) or PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France). PEBAX® 4033 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains tetramethylene oxide (53 wt%) and nylon 12. PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11.

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

[0063] In many embodiments, PEBAX® may have a hardness in the range of Shore 25D to Shore 75D. In some embodiments, the hardness of PEBAX may be in the range of 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 (Figures 25 and 41), the hitting face insert 116 may include a two-part system. The two-part system may comprise a hitting face plate 169 and a face insert base 171. The hitting 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 hitting faceplate 169 and the fifth material of the face insert base 171 may be different. In some embodiments, the fourth material of the hitting faceplate 169 and the fifth material of the face insert base 171 may be the same. In many embodiments, the fourth material of the hitting faceplate 169 may include a polymer-type material. In some embodiments, the fourth material of the hitting faceplate 169 may include a metal material. In many embodiments, the fifth material of the hitting face insert base 171 may include a polymer-type material. In most embodiments, the putter head 100 may comprise a chassis 102 of a first material, a putter-shaped body 104 of a second material, and a hitting face insert 116 comprising the fourth and fifth materials.

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

[0068] The fourth or 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 rigid polyamide. The rigid polyamide may include nylon. PEBAX® may include different compounds corresponding to different Shore D hardness values, proportions of polyether, and / or proportions 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 wt%) and nylon 12. PEBAX® 6333 (Arkema, Paris, France) contains nylon 11. The fourth and fifth materials may have the same proportions of polyether, polyamide, or Shore D hardness values ​​as described above.

[0069] The ball-hitting faceplate 169 of the face insert 116 may have a thickness. In many embodiments, the thickness of the ball-hitting faceplate 169 may be in the range of 0.015 to 0.115 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the ball-hitting faceplate 169 may be in the range of 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 hitting faceplate 169 may 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 hitting faceplate 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 hitting faceplate 169 may 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 hitting faceplate 169 may 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 hitting faceplate 169 may be in the range of 0.115 to 0.40 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the hitting faceplate 169 may be in the range of 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 hitting faceplate 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 hitting faceplate 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 hitting faceplate 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 hitting faceplate 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 be in the range of 0.05 to 0.20 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.05 to 0.10 inches, or 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 may be 0.05 inches, 0.10 inches, 0.15 inches, or 0.20 inches.

[0072] In other embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.20 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.20 to 0.50 inches, 0.30 to 0.60 inches, 0.40 to 0.70 inches, or 0.50 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may be in the range of 0.20 to 0.40 inches, 0.30 to 0.50 inches, 0.40 to 0.60 inches, 0.50 to 0.70 inches, or 0.60 to 0.80 inches. In some embodiments, the thickness of the face insert base 171 may 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 may 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 may 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 may 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 less, or 0.80 inches.

[0073] In many embodiments, the chassis 102 of the putter-type golf club head 100 comprises a first material. The first material has a first density. The chassis 102 may be in the range of 7.0 g / cc to 20.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the first density is 7.0 to 7.5 g / cc, 7.5 to 8.0 g / cc, 8.0 to 8.5 g / cc, 8.5 to 9.0 g / cc, 9.0 to 9.5 g / cc, 9.5 to 10.0 g / cc, 10.0 to 10.5 g / cc, 10.5 to 11.0 g / cc, 11.0 to 11.5 g / cc, 11.5 to 12.0 g / cc, 12.0 to 12.5 g / cc, 12.5 to 13.0 g / cc, 13.0 to 13.5 g / cc, 13 The first density of the first material of the chassis 102 may be in the range of 0.5~14.0 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 first density of the first material of the chassis 102 may be in the range of 8.0~9.0 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 the following metals suitable for making a golf club head: 8620 alloy steel (7.83 g / cc), S25C steel (7.85 g / cc), carbon steel (7.85 g / cc), maraging steel (8.00 g / cc), 17-4 stainless steel (7.81 g / cc), 303 stainless steel (8.03 g / cc), 304 stainless steel (8.00 g / cc), stainless steel alloy (7.75 g / cc ~ 8.05 g / cc), tungsten (19.25 g / cc), manganese (7.43 g / cc), or any metal suitable for making a golf club head (densities are indicated). 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 single material or the same combination of materials.

[0075] The putter-shaped body 104 of the golf club 100 having the second material is 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 a combination thereof of the above thermoplastic materials, such as acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyetherether 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 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 a 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 the 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 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 The density may be 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, at least three times, at least four times, or at least five times the second density. In 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-shaped body 104 of the putter-shaped golf club head 100 having a second material may be formed from a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. 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), and polyethylene terephthalate. This includes PET (plastic acetate), acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), polyetherimide (PEI), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (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 the above thermoplastic materials such as alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polycarbonate (PC) or alloys of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and polyamide (PA).

[0079] For example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the thermoplastic polymer matrix material. TPU has a chemical structure consisting of a linear segment block copolymer having hard segments and soft segments. In some embodiments, the hard segments have an aromatic or aliphatic structure, and the soft segments have a polyether or polyester chain. In other embodiments, the thermoplastic polymer matrix material including TPU may have hard segments and soft segments having different chemical structures. As a further example, in some embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material 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 containing hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid (each containing six carbon atoms).

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

[0081] The filler or fibers may be short (less than about 0.5 mm in length or diameter), long (in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 40 mm in length or diameter, more preferably in the range of about 5 mm to about 12 mm), or continuous (longer 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, short and long fibers.

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

[0083] In many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material has a specific gravity of about 1.0 to 2.0. This is significantly lower than the specific gravity of the metal materials used in golf (for example, titanium has a specific gravity of about 4.5, and aluminum has a specific gravity of about 2.7). Furthermore, in many embodiments, the thermoplastic composite material has a strength-to-weight ratio or specific strength greater than 1,000,000 PSI / (lb / in3) and a strength-to-modulus ratio or specific flexibility greater than 0.009. The specific gravity, specific strength, and specific flexibility of the thermoplastic composite material allow for a significant reduction in the weight of the club head 100 while maintaining durability. a) Chassis

[0084] Referring to Figures 1 to 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 positioned to mold onto the putter-type body 104, forming the putter-type golf club head 100. The chassis 102 comprises at least one interlock mechanism 120 and a flow opening 122. The at least one interlock mechanism 120 allows the lightweight material (second density material) of the putter-type body 104 to enclose the entire at least one interlock mechanism 120. Furthermore, the flow opening 122 allows the lightweight material of the putter-type body 104 to penetrate and completely fill the flow opening 122, thus joining the body 104 and the chassis 102 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. Furthermore, the chassis 102 provides a high-density outer rim structure that can form around a low-density putter-shaped body 104, making it possible to create a putter 100 with an extremely high MOI while keeping the golf club head at the desired total weight.

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

[0086] The chassis 102 constitutes less than half the volume of the putter 100, while constituting at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 100. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may constitute 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% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, or 80% to 85% of the total mass of the putter 100.

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

[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 support 132. The central support 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 support 132. The front portion 130 is opposite the rear portion 128 and is adjacent to the heel portion 124 and the toe portion 126.

[0089] Furthermore, the chassis 102 may have an upper surface 134. The upper surface 134 is adjacent to the rear 128, front 130, toe 126, and heel 124. The chassis 102 also has a lower surface 136. The lower surface is opposite the upper surface 134 and is adjacent to the rear 128, front 130, toe 126, and heel 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 facilitates a desirable shift of mass between the outer edges of the chassis 102 (toe, heel, rear, and front) and the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 100. To significantly increase the MOI of the resulting co-molded putter, specific shapes of the chassis 102 may be used for specific types of putter heads. For example, a dumbbell-shaped, "I-shaped," or asymmetrical chassis 102 may be used for a blade-type putter, in which case only a shift of mass toward the heel end 108 and toe end 106 is required to increase the MOI. In another example, a "U-shaped," horseshoe-shaped, or parabolic chassis 102 may be used for a mid-mallet or mallet-type putter, in which case a shift of mass toward the heel end 108, toe end 106, striking face 110, and rear end 112 is required to increase the MOI. In yet another example, a semicircular, asymmetrical, symmetrical, spade-shaped, or "H-shaped" chassis 102 may be used for a mid-mallet or mallet putter, in which case the mass needs to be shifted towards the heel end 108, toe end 106, striking face 110, and rear 112 to increase the MOI. 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 a particular shape of the chassis 102 is used for a particular putter type, any shape of the chassis 102 may be used for any type of putter (i.e., blade, mid-mallet, mallet).

[0091] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the heel portion 124, toe portion 126, rear portion 128, and central support 132 form a flow opening 122. The flow opening 122 completely penetrates the chassis 102 in the direction from the upper surface 134 to the lower surface 136. As the putter-shaped body 104 is molded to the chassis 102, the flow opening 122 allows the lightweight, low-density material that will ultimately form the putter-shaped body 104 to encapsulate the chassis 102, with the body 104 penetrating and completely filling the flow opening 122. The flow opening 122 allows the putter body 104 to be integrally joined to the chassis 102, thus forming the club head 100. Furthermore, the flow opening 122 allows the lightweight, 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-type body 104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber filler, the flow opening 122 allows the fibers to be fixed in a direction perpendicular to the striking face 110, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 100. Furthermore, the flow opening 122 allows the thermoplastic composite material with 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 opening 122 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, the flow opening 122 may be asymmetrical in the direction from the front 130 to the rear 128, or from the rear 128 to the front 130. In some embodiments, the flow opening 122 may be symmetrical from the toe 126 to the heel 124. In other embodiments, the flow opening 122 may be symmetrical from the rear 128 to the front 130, and symmetrical from the toe 126 to the heel 124. In more embodiments, the flow opening 122 may be symmetrical from the toe 126 to the heel 124, but asymmetrical from the rear 128 to the front 130.

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

[0094] Referring further to Figures 10 to 12, in some embodiments, the chassis 102 does not have a central support 132 and therefore does not have a flow opening 104. In these embodiments, the heel portion 124, the toe portion 126, and the 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 support 132. When the putter-shaped body 104 is molded to the chassis 102, the flow region 138 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 104 to encase the chassis 102, and the putter-shaped body 104 penetrates and completely fills the flow region 138. The flow region 138 allows the putter body 104 to be integrally joined with the chassis 102, thus forming the club head 100. Furthermore, the flow region 138 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-type body 104 to flow perpendicular to the striking face 110 of the golf club head 100. This allows the fibers to adhere perpendicular to the striking face 110 when the putter-type body 104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 100. In addition, the flow region 138 allows the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers to closely surround the chassis 102 with as few gaps as possible, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 100.

[0095] Referring to Figures 2 and 4, the chassis 102 includes at least one interlock mechanism 120 protruding from or extending from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 124, toe portion 126, rear portion 128, central support 132, front portion 130, top surface 134, and bottom surface 136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 102. The at least one interlock mechanism 120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 102 to the putter-shaped body 104 by encasing the entire interlock mechanism 120 in a thermoplastic composite material (or other high-strength, lightweight material) having fiber filler.

[0096] The chassis 102 may have one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, or more than seven interlocking mechanisms 120. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may have two or more, three or more, four or more, interlocking mechanisms 120. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may have 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 interlock mechanism 120 may be in the form of an anchor (see Figures 2, 4, 5, 7, 11-18, 23, 24, 27, 28, and 38-40). In these embodiments where at least one interlock mechanism 120 is in the form of an anchor, an anchor opening 140 is formed between the interlock mechanism 120 and the portion of the chassis 102 from which the interlock mechanism 120 protrudes (heel portion 124, toe portion 126, rear portion 128, center column 132, front portion 130, top surface 134, bottom surface 136). Similar to the flow opening 122, the anchor opening 140 and the interlock mechanism 120 allow the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 104 to completely fill the anchor opening 140 and enclose the interlock mechanism 120, thus integrally joining the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104.

[0098] In many embodiments, the anchor opening 140 of at least one interlock mechanism 120 may be any one of the following geometric shapes: circular, semicircular, oval, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, the interlock mechanism 120 of at least one anchor shape may include two or more anchor openings 140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 140 of at least one interlock mechanism 120 may be any one of the following geometric shapes: circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal, or any other desired geometric shape, or any combination thereof.

[0099] In other embodiments, at least one interlock mechanism 120 may be in the form of a post or hitch (see Figures 21, 31, 32, 38, and 40), in the form of a series of recesses (see Figure 21), in the form of a through hole (see Figure 20), in the form of a series of through holes (see Figures 34-36), in the form of a slot or groove (see Figure 19), in the form of a channel, in the form of a wedge, in the form of a beam with a series of through holes (see Figures 26-28), or any other geometric shape of the interlock mechanism 120 that is desirable for forming the patterned body 104 onto the chassis 102. In some of these other embodiments (e.g., the post or hitch embodiment), at least one interlock mechanism 120 does not have an anchor opening 140. The putter-shaped body 104 may surround and enclose the post or hitch embodiment of the interlock mechanism 120, rather than completely penetrating the anchor opening 140 and enclosing the interlock mechanism 120, in this way the putter-shaped body 104 and the chassis 102 are joined.

[0100] Referring to Figures 6 to 9, in some embodiments, the chassis 102 may comprise one or more weights 142. The one or more weights 142 may have a weight density greater than the density of the chassis (first density) to alter the mass properties of the putter (i.e., CG, MOI, balance). 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 by any of the following attachment methods: welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, bonding, epoxy resin, mechanical fastening, epoxy resin, polyurethane, resin, hot melt, or bonding with any other adhesive.

[0101] In most embodiments, one or more weights 142 are made from a different material than the chassis 102. In some embodiments, one or more weights 142 are made from the same material as the chassis 102, but have a different density. In most embodiments, one or more weights 142 have a density greater than that of the chassis 102. One or more weights 142 may contain any one or any combination thereof 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 high-density weights.

[0102] One or more weights 142 of the material have density. The density of one or more weights 142 may be in the range of 12.0 g / cc to 20.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of 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 one or more weights 142 may be in the range of 19.0 to 20.0 g / cc. In some embodiments, the density of one or more weights 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] One or more weights 142 may have a mass in the range of 1 gram to 20 grams. In many embodiments, 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, one or more weights 142 may be in the range of 1 to 5 grams, 5 to 10 grams, 10 to 15 grams, or 15 to 20 grams. In most embodiments, one or more weights 142 may have the same mass, but in other embodiments, one or more weights 142 may have different masses.

[0104] Referring further to Figures 6 to 9, in some embodiments, the chassis 102 may have one or more weights 142. In many embodiments, the chassis 102 may have one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six weights 142. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 may have two or more, three or more, or four or more weights 142.

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

[0106] Furthermore, in most embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 104 encloses at least a portion of one or more weights 142. In some embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body may enclose 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 one or more weights 142.

[0107] By combining a high-density chassis 102 with a low-density putter-shaped body 104, it is possible to create a putter 100 with an extremely large MOI while maintaining the desired total weight of the golf club head. The flow opening 122 formed by the chassis 102 forms 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 edge while maintaining the desired volume (75cc to 100cc) and mass (340 grams to 385 grams). b) Putter-shaped body

[0108] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, the putter-type golf club head 100 comprises a low-density putter-type body 104. The putter-type body 104 is configured and positioned to be molded onto a chassis 102, forming the putter-type golf club head 100. The lightweight material of the putter-type body 104 encloses the entirety of at least one interlock mechanism 120 of the chassis 102. Furthermore, the lightweight material of the putter-type body 104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 122 of the chassis 102, bonding the body 104 to the chassis 102 and forming the putter-type golf club head 100. In addition, the low-density putter-type body 104 may be formed around a high-density chassis 102, thus creating a putter 100 with an extremely high MOI while keeping the golf club head at a desired total weight.

[0109] Referring to Figures 2, 7, 11, 23, 27, 30, 32, 34, and 38, the dashed lines in each figure indicate the mold that the putter-type body 104 forms together with (and around) the chassis 102 to form the putter-type golf club head 100. These figures show the relationship between the chassis 102 and the interlock mechanism 120 and flow opening 122 (or flow region 138) of the putter-type body 104.

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

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

[0112] By using a low-density, large-volume putter-shaped body 104 in combination with a high-density, small-volume chassis 102, the MOI of the putter 100 can be increased compared to putters with the same volume, mass, and single-material (or multi-metallic) construction (i.e., a putter milled from a single stainless steel block, or a putter investment-cast from two metals).

[0113] As described above, the patterned body 104 comprises a second low-density material. In most embodiments, the patterned body 104 comprises a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the patterned body 104 may comprise any other low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. However, in most embodiments, the patterned body 104 comprises a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 102 and the patterned body 104 are permanently joined without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler of the patterned body 104, together with the flow opening 122 and at least one interlock mechanism 120 of the chassis 102, create a one-piece pattern 100 without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

[0114] The putter-shaped body 104 is integrally formed inside and around the chassis 102. As previously mentioned, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 122 of the chassis 102, joining the body 104 to the chassis 102 and forming the putter-shaped golf club head 100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 encloses (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 102. In most embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 encloses at least 30% of the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 may enclose 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 enclose (or enclose) 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100% of the chassis 102.

[0115] When combined with the chassis 102, the putter-shaped body 104 forms the toe end 106, heel end 108, rear 112, and striking face 110 of the golf club head 100. The putter-shaped body 104 forms part of the crown 115 and part of the sole 117. Referring 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% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 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] Similar to the crown 115, the putter-shaped body 104 may form 100% of the sole 117, in which case the chassis 102 does not contact the ground at the address position. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 may form 30% to 35%, 35% to 40%, 40% to 45%, 45% to 50%, 50% to 55%, 55% to 60%, 60% to 65%, 65% to 70%, 70% to 75%, 75% to 80%, 80% to 85%, 85% to 90%, 90% to 95%, or 95% to 100% of the sole 117. In most embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 forms at least 50% of the sole 117.

[0118] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 114. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 114. Referring to Figure 1, the alignment mechanism 114 may be any one of the following shapes desired for the alignment mechanism 114, or any combination thereof: 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 mechanism 114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 114 is located on the crown 115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 114 is located equidistant from the heel end 108 and the toe end 106 and perpendicular to the striking face 110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 114 to accurately align the putter 100 and strike the golf ball at the address position.

[0119] In some embodiments, the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 may be combined to form an alignment mechanism 114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 114 is located on the crown 115. Since the chassis 102 and the putter-shaped body 104 include a first material and a second material, which 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 conventional alignment mechanisms (i.e., lines, circles, or arrows), can improve the alignment of the putter.

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

[0121] By combining a high-density chassis 102 with a low-density putter-shaped body 104, it is possible to create a putter 100 with an extremely high MOI while maintaining the desired total weight of the golf club head. The flow opening 122 formed by the chassis 102 forms a high-density but small-volume section 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 lightweight but large-volume material, providing the putter 100 with the desired shape and volume while maintaining the desired mass characteristics. A single-material putter cannot allocate high-density material to the outer edge while maintaining the desired volume (75cc to 100cc) and mass (340 grams to 385 grams). c) Manufacturing method

[0122] The following describes a method for manufacturing a co-molded golf putter having an integrated interlock mechanism similar to the golf club head 100 described above. Referring to Figure 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 one or more weights 142 are forged (or cast), welded, or swaged to the chassis 102. In other embodiments, the chassis 102 is co-die-cast with one or more weights 142. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 is forged, and at least one interlock mechanism 120 is welded to the chassis 102.

[0124] The mold (not shown) may be provided in three parts: an upper mold, a lower mold, and at least one pin. Together, the mold parts may define a cavity corresponding to the desired shape of the golf club head 100, and at least one pin holds the chassis 102 within the mold. In some embodiments, taking into account the shrinkage rate and springback of the material, the size of the mold cavity may differ slightly from the desired shape of the golf club head element. The mold may additionally include sprues, gates, injection pins, cooling lines, and other optional necessary parts.

[0125] Injection molding may be used to manufacture putters with complex shapes and high impact strength. Injection molding of the putter mold body 104 involves providing a mold designed to account for the shrinkage rate, springback, and thickness after cooling of the injected material. The mold is provided with a gate and a flow leader that guides the injected material evenly into the mold through a flow opening 122 and at least one interlock mechanism 120, thus integrally forming the putter head 100. The even distribution of material within and throughout the mold reduces weld lines (weld lines indicate uneven joining of fibers, resulting in undesirable lines forming in various parts of the putter 100). Weld lines can impair the strength of the golf club head 100, as well as the visual aesthetics or alignment function of the club head 100. Ultimately, reducing the size of the weld lines increases the strength of the finished product.

[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 inside and around the chassis 102. The cooling process is essential for structurally fixing the chassis 102 within the putter body 104 and forming a strong, durable putter 100 with a high MOI.

[0127] After the cooling step, the entire club head 100 may be polished to remove the mold gate and / or any unwanted burrs. The club head 100 may be coated, plated, or painted. After being finished, the club head 100 is mounted on the shaft and grip, thus forming a fully assembled golf club. Step 1: Provide the chassis

[0128] Providing the chassis 102 in the first step may begin with casting the chassis 102, which may comprise a flow opening 122 and at least one interlock 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 one or more weights 142. In some embodiments, the chassis 102 is forged, and at least one interlock mechanism 120 is welded to the chassis 102. Any other method for forming the chassis 102, such as metal 3D printing, may be used.

[0129] The chassis 102 is formed with each of the aforementioned features, including a toe section 126, a heel section 124, a rear section 128, a front section 130, a top surface 134, a bottom surface 136, a central support 132 (the central support 138 may be absent), a flow opening 122 (the flow area 138 may be present), and at least one interlock mechanism 120. The flow opening 122 and at least one interlock mechanism 120 allow the low-density second material of the putter-shaped body 104 to flow through the flow opening 122 and seal the interlock mechanism 120 in step 3 of the sealing method. The flow opening 122 and at least one interlock mechanism 120 allow the low-density second material of the putter-shaped body 104 to penetrate and completely fill the flow opening, thus permanently bonding the body 104 and the chassis 102 to form the golf club head. Step 2: Provide the model

[0130] In most embodiments, the mold comprises 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 are joined, the pin is inserted between the upper and lower molds to hold the chassis 102 in the desired position in order to form a pattern-shaped body 104 inside and around the chassis 102. The composite material is then placed into the mold.

[0131] The upper mold comprises a sprue, a cavity, and a gate. The sprue moves the liquid composite material from the screw tip to the gate. The gate then uniformly moves the material to the cavity of the upper mold and the reservoir of the lower mold. In some embodiments, the gate is connected to a portion of the mold corresponding to the thickest part of the putter head 100. In many embodiments, the thickest part 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 corresponding to a thinner part of the putter head 100. Typically, injection molded parts are weak in the area adjacent to where the gate is connected to the putter 100. Therefore, for parts such as the golf club head described herein, it is advantageous to position the gate adjacent to a portion of the putter 100 that is not the thickest part. In embodiments where the gate is connected to a thinner part of the part, a flow leader may be required to facilitate the flow of material throughout the mold.

[0132] In most embodiments of the mold, the gate is positioned where the striking face 110 of the club head 100 will be. The gate runs along the front 130 of the chassis 102 and connects to the striking face of the putter head 100. As will be further explained below, positioning 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 generally in the front-to-back direction. Since the strength of the composite material is affected by the alignment of the fibers, the alignment of the fibers can increase the strength of the finished part. Furthermore, by positioning the gate in the center between where the toe end 106 and the heel end 108 will be, the composite material can be quickly flowed into the flow opening 122 (or flow area 138), allowing the composite material to flow evenly throughout the part. In contrast, if, for example, the gate is connected to the toe end 10 or heel end 108 of the club head 100, the flow of the material may result in the formation of undesirable weld lines at the toe end 10 or heel end 108.

[0133] The lower and upper molds are each provided with at least one pin. At least one pin extends from one or both of the upper and lower molds and contacts the upper surface 134 and / or lower surface 136 of the chassis 102. At least one pin holds the chassis 102 in a precise position within the mold so that the chassis 102 does not move as the composite material is placed into the mold. In most embodiments, the mold is provided with at least one, at least two, at least three, or at least four pins. In one embodiment, the mold is provided with two, three, or four pins. Without at least one pin, the chassis 102 would move, resulting in improperly formed parts. Step 3: Injection molding of the putter-shaped body

[0134] In the third step, injection molding the putter-shaped body 104 may include drying the composite material, heating the composite material, injecting the heated material into the mold, and removing the putter head 100 from the mold. The chassis 102 is placed in 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 material. More specifically, the thermoplastic resin may include thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). For example, the resin may include polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polyimide, polyamide such as PA6 or PA66, polyamide-imide, 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 before heating. The composite material must be dried before injection molding to remove all moisture present in or on the material (composite materials are often in the form of pellets in a large bucket, and water or moisture can accumulate between the pellets). To properly dry the composite material, it is placed in a heated vacuum with zero humidity and dried for a variety of times. The drying process is necessary because when moisture is heated and compressed in the injection molding machine, it turns into vapor and can be ejected from the injection molding machine at high speed, high temperature, and high pressure. To prevent damage to the injection molding machine or injury to the machine operator, moisture in the composite material must be removed before the heating process.

[0137] Table A below shows five exemplary polymers that can be used in various embodiments of the encasing component for a golf club head. The drying temperature may be in the range of 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. Furthermore, the drying time may be in the range of 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 required drying time may be in the range of 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. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the drying time may significantly exceed the minimum drying time (i.e., drying nylon 66 with a minimum drying time of 4 hours for 28 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 comprises a hopper, a compression screw, a screw tip, and a mold. The composite material (in pellet form) is placed in the hopper, which slowly supplies the pellets to the compression screw. The compression screw rotates gradually, moving the pellets from the hopper towards the screw tip. As the pellets move from the hopper to the screw tip, they are heated to various temperatures and liquefy. The liquefied composite material passes through the screw tip and is extruded from the screw tip into the mold to form an encased part.

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

[0140] Referring to Table B below, five exemplary polymers that can be used in various embodiments of the encasing components for the golf club head, and the heating ranges for those polymers in five areas of the injection molding machine are shown. [Table B]

[0141] The temperature in the supply zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the supply zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 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 supply 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. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the temperature in the supply zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range provided in Table B above.

[0142] The temperature in the transition zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the supply zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 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. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the temperature in the transition zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range provided in Table B above.

[0143] The temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 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. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the temperature in the measurement zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range provided in Table B above.

[0144] The temperature at the screw tip of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 350°F to 800°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the feed zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 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 screw tip 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. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the temperature at the screw tip of the injection molding machine may be in the range provided in Table B above.

[0145] The mold temperature may be in the range of 0°F to 400°F. In some embodiments, the temperature in the supply zone of the injection molding machine may be in the range of 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 mold temperature may be at least 0°F, at least 100°F, at least 200°F, or at least 300°F. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the mold temperature may be within the range provided in Table B above.

[0146] When the composite material is heated, the screw tip extrudes the liquid composite material into the desired mold. Once the liquid composite material is injected into the mold, it flows through the flow opening 122, at least around (and inside) the interlock mechanism 120 and around the chassis 102. In this way, the desired shape of the putter head 100 (i.e., blade, mid-mallet, mallet) is formed.

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

[0148] Furthermore, during the injection molding process, the direction of material flow within the mold affects the alignment of the fibers. The sprue walls, gate walls, and mold walls interact with the flowing composite material, ensuring that at least 50% of the fibers are aligned in the flow direction. Thus, the flow direction affects the fiber arrangement / structure of the putter head 100. By positioning the gate at the first end of the mold (corresponding to the striking face 110 of the putter head 100), the material initially flows forward towards the second end of the mold (opposite the gate, 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 arrangement. Aligning the fibers nearly perpendicular to the striking face 110 improves the durability of the club head in the front-to-back direction. During impact with the golf ball, the striking face 110 directly contacts the golf ball; therefore, durability in the front-to-back direction of the striking face 110 is necessary to prevent damage. Accordingly, by aligning the fibers in the direction of the compressive stress expected during impact with the golf ball, the possibility of damage to the composite putter head 100 can be reduced.

[0149] To obtain a strong and durable putter head 100, the pressure and speed at which the composite material is extruded into the mold are just as important as the temperature and direction 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 exits the tip of the screw. The pressure and speed ensure that the composite material flows uniformly through the mold and fills the entire mold.

[0150] In most embodiments, the injection pressure of the composite material passing through the injection molding machine may be in the range of 0 to 2000 psi. In some embodiments, the injection pressure of the composite material passing through the injection molding machine may be in the range of 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, as the composite material is injected into the mold, the putter-shaped body 104 is formed around the chassis 102, creating the finished golf club head 100, which is then removed from the injection molding machine. The upper mold separates from the lower mold, the pins are removed, and the golf club head 100 is positioned in the lower mold. Subsequently, at least one removal pin from the lower mold extends from the lower mold and pushes the putter head 100 out of the mold. Thus, the injection molding process is completed.

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

[0153] Following the injection molding of the golf club head 100, the putter head 100 is cooled for a desired time to allow the composite material to cure and settle within the flow opening 122, within and around at least one interlock 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 a cold liquid such as water.

[0154] The cooling time may be in the range of 20 to 120 seconds. In some embodiments, the cycle time is in the range of 20 to 60 seconds, 30 to 60 seconds, 40 to 60 seconds, 60 to 90 seconds, 70 to 90 seconds, or 100 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 has a gate and a sprue. The gate and sprue 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 fixed inside the striking face 110 and covers a cavity formed from the mold.

[0156] The impact face insert 116 may be formed by many different processes. These various forming processes include injection molding, casting, blow molding, compression molding, co-forming, laser molding, film insert molding, gas-assisted molding, rotational molding, thermoforming, laser cutting, 3D printing, forging, press working, electroforming, machining, molding, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, the impact face insert 116 may have any combination of the hardness, volume, thickness, and forming processes described above.

[0157] Finally, the putter head 100 is attached to a golf shaft (not shown) equipped with a grip, thus forming a usable and functional golf club. To accommodate golfers of various sizes, the golf shaft may be of varying lengths and may have various grip sizes. Furthermore, the golf shaft may be equipped with a hosel, which forms the connection between the shaft and the putter head 100. d) Advantages

[0158] A putter-type golf club head provides advantages in MOI, CG, feel, and weight in a putter-type golf club head having a high-density chassis and a low-density putter-type body and / or without using mechanically fixed weights and weight ports. By creating 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 shifts towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head even without weight ports or attachments at the heel and toe ends of the putter-type golf club head. This weight shift towards the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head increases the MOI of the club head around the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head from rotating around the y-axis during impact and ensuring that the striking face is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to obtain a straighter ball course and easier to improve the results of off-center strikes (impact at the heel or toe end).

[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 MOI while maintaining the club head at a desired total weight. In some embodiments, the moment of inertia of the golf club head around 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 around the y-axis center of gravity is 3500 gcm 2 ~4000 gcm 2 、4000 gcm 2 ~4500 gcm 2 、4500 gcm 2 ~5000 gcm 2 、5000 gcm 2 ~5500 gcm 2 、5500 gcm 2 ~6000 gcm 2 、6000 gcm 2 ~6500 gcm 2 、6500 gcm 2 ~7000 gcm2 , 7000gcm 2 ~7500gcm 2 , or 7500gcm 2 ~8000gcm 2 That's fine.

[0160] A putter-type golf club head having a high-density chassis and a low-density putter-type body increases the MOI around 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 around 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) Embodiment of a co-molded pattern Mallet Putter Head Embodiment

[0161] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a mallet putter head 1100. Referring to Figures 10 to 12, the putter head 1100 comprises 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 form a putter head 2100 (4,500 gcm²) with a high MOI while maintaining a desirable volume and mass. 2 ~5,500gcm 2 ) forms.

[0162] As described above, the chassis 1102 is made of a high-density material (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 1102 includes the 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 front portion 1130 formed only by the toe portion 1126 and the heel portion 1124 (without the central support 132 at all, as mentioned in some embodiments).

[0163] Furthermore, the chassis 1102 includes an upper surface 1134. The upper surface 1134 is adjacent to the rear 1128, front 1130, toe 1126, and heel 1124. The chassis 1102 also includes an lower surface 1136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 1134 and is adjacent to the rear 1128, front 1130, toe 1126, and heel 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 facilitates a desirable mass shift between the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 1102 and the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 1100.

[0165] Referring further to Figures 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 support 132. As the putter-shaped body 1104 is molded to the chassis 1102, the flow region 1138 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 1104 to encase 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 with the chassis 1102, thus forming the club head 1100. Furthermore, the flow region 1138 allows the lightweight, 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 fixed perpendicular to the striking face 1110 when the putter-type body 1104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 1100. Furthermore, the flow region 1138 allows the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers 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 interlock mechanism 1120 that protrudes from or extends from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 1124, toe portion 1126, rear portion 1128, front portion 1130, top surface 1134, and bottom surface 1136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 1102. The at least one interlock mechanism 1120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 1102 to the putter-shaped body 1104 by encasing the entire interlock mechanism 1120 in a thermoplastic composite material having fiber filler (or other high-strength, lightweight material).

[0167] The chassis 1102 may have three interlocking mechanisms 1120. In some embodiments, the chassis 1102 may have two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking mechanisms 1102. In this embodiment, five interlocking mechanisms 1120 may be in the form of anchors. In this embodiment, three interlocking mechanisms 1120 are in the form of anchors, and an anchor opening 1140 is formed between each of the three interlocking mechanisms 1120 and the portion of the chassis 1102 from which each of the three interlocking mechanisms 1120 protrudes (heel portion 1124, toe portion 1126, rear portion 1128, front portion 1130, top surface 1134, and bottom surface 1136). In this embodiment, the chassis 1102 has three anchor openings 1140, one corresponding to each of the three interlocking mechanisms 1120. Similar to the flow opening 1122, the anchor opening 1140 and the interlock mechanism 1120 allow the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 1104 to completely fill the anchor opening 1140 and enclose the interlock mechanism 1120, thus integrally joining the chassis 1102 and the putter-shaped body 1104.

[0168] In many embodiments, the anchor openings 1140 of the three interlock mechanisms 1120 may be any one of the following shapes: circular, semicircular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor-shaped interlock mechanism 1120 may have two or more anchor openings 1140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 1140 of at least one interlock mechanism 1120 may be any one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal, or any other desired geometric shape, or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 1, the anchor opening 1140 is semicircular.

[0169] As described above, the pattern-shaped body 1104 comprises a second low-density material. In most embodiments, the pattern-shaped body 1104 comprises a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the pattern-shaped body 1104 may comprise any other low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the pattern-shaped body 1104 comprises a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 1102 and the pattern-shaped body 1104 are permanently joined without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler of the pattern-shaped body 2104, together with the flow region 1138 and at least one interlock mechanism 1120 of the chassis 1102, create a single, integrated pattern 1100 without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

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

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

[0172] When combined with the chassis 1102, the putter-shaped body 1104 forms the toe end 1106, heel end 1108, rear end 1112, and striking face 1110 of the golf club head 1100. The putter-shaped body 1104 also forms part of the crown 1115 and part of the sole 1117. Referring to Figure __, 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-type 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-type body 1104 forms at least 50% of the crown 1115. Similar to the crown 1115, the putter-type body 1104 may form 100% of the sole 1117, in which case the chassis 1102 does not contact the ground at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter-type body 1104 forms at least 50% of the sole 1117, and a portion of the putter-type body 1104 and a portion of the chassis 1102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0174] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 1104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 1114 for the golf club head 1100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 1104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 1114. The alignment mechanism 1114 may be any one of the following shapes desired for the alignment mechanism 1114, or any combination thereof: 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 mechanism 1114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 1114 is located on the crown 1115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 1114 is located equidistant from the heel end 1108 and the toe end 1106 and perpendicular to the striking face 1110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 1114 to accurately align the putter 1100 and strike the golf ball at the address position. In this embodiment, the alignment mechanism 1114 includes a line 1150 located on the crown 1115.

[0175] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 1102 constitutes less than 60% of the total volume of the putter 1100. The chassis 1102 also constitutes 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 shifts toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 1100, even without 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 edge of the putter-type golf club head 1100 increases the MOI of the club head 1100 around the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head 1100 from rotating around the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 1110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to achieve a straighter ball trajectory and improves the results of off-center hits (impacts at the heel or toe).

[0176] The exemplary clubhead 1100 was compared to a control clubhead (hereinafter, "control") which was a golf clubhead having the same shape and volume as the exemplary clubhead 1100. However, the control clubhead was made entirely of stainless steel and tungsten, while the exemplary clubhead 1100 was made of a first high-density material (stainless steel) and a second low-density material (TPC).

[0177] The example club head 1100 has a mass of 354.6 grams, and its moment of inertia about the y-axis is 5,418.05 g / cm². 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 365.2 grams, which is about 9 grams lighter, and its moment of inertia around the y-axis is 4,270.31 g / cm². 2 The example clubhead 1100 has a 26.88% higher moment of inertia. Therefore, the example clubhead 1100 is more forgiving than a control club (a higher MOI around the y-axis means the clubhead 1100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, resulting in more consistent and straighter shots). Embodiment of a circular mallet putter head

[0178] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a circular mallet putter head 2100. Referring to Figures 22-25, the circular putter head 2100 comprises 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 produce a putter head 2100 that is lightweight (315 to 345 grams) and has a high MOI (3,500 g / cm³) while maintaining a desired volume and mass. 2 ~4,000g / cm 2 ) generates.

[0179] As described above, the chassis 2102 is made of a high-density material (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 2102 includes the first material having a density greater than 7.0 g / cc. The chassis 2102 includes a heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102 includes a toe portion 2126 opposite the heel portion 2124. The chassis 2102 includes a rear portion 2128. The rear portion 2128 is adjacent to the heel portion 2124 and the toe portion 2126. The chassis 2102 includes a front portion 2130 formed only by the toe portion 2126 and the heel portion 2124 (without the central support 132 at all, as mentioned in some embodiments).

[0180] Furthermore, the chassis 2102 includes an upper surface 2134. The upper surface 2134 is adjacent to the rear 2128, front 2130, toe 2126, and heel 2124. The chassis 2102 also includes an lower surface 2136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 2134 and is adjacent to the rear 2128, front 2130, toe 2126, and heel 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 facilitates a desirable mass shift between the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 2102 and the outer edges of the putter-type golf club head 2100.

[0182] Referring further to Figures 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 opening 128 but lacks the central support 132. As the putter-shaped body 2104 is molded to the chassis 2102, the flow region 2138 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 2104 to encase 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 with the chassis 2102, thus forming the club head 2100. Furthermore, the flow region 2138 allows the lightweight, 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 fixed perpendicular to the striking face 2110 when the putter-type body 2104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 2100. Furthermore, the flow region 2138 allows the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers 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 interlock mechanism 2120 that protrudes from or extends from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 2124, toe portion 2126, rear portion 2128, front portion 2130, top surface 2134, and bottom surface 2136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 2102. The at least one interlock mechanism 2120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 2102 to the putter-shaped body 2104 by encasing the entire interlock mechanism 2120 in a thermoplastic composite material containing fiber filler (or other high-strength, lightweight material).

[0184] The chassis 2102 may have three interlocking mechanisms 2120. In some embodiments, the chassis 2102 may have two or more, three or more, four or more, or more interlocking mechanisms 2120. In this embodiment, the three interlocking mechanisms 2120 may be in the form of anchors. In this embodiment, where the three interlocking mechanisms 2120 are in the form of anchors, an anchor opening 2140 is formed between each of the two interlocking mechanisms 2120 and the portion of the chassis 2102 from which each of the two interlocking mechanisms 2120 protrudes (heel portion 2124, toe portion 2126, rear portion 2128, front portion 2130, top surface 2134, and bottom surface 2136). Furthermore, the third interlocking mechanism 2120 comprises three anchor openings 2140 formed within the interlocking mechanism 2120 and a rear portion 2128. In this embodiment, the chassis 2102 has five anchor openings 2140, one for each of the five interlocking mechanisms 2120. Similar to the flow openings 2122, the anchor openings 2140 and the interlocking mechanisms 2120 allow the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 2104 to completely fill the anchor openings 2140 and encapsulate the interlocking mechanisms 2120, thus integrally joining the chassis 2102 and the putter-shaped body 2104.

[0185] In many embodiments, the anchor openings 2140 of the three interlocking mechanisms 2120 may be any one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, the interlocking mechanism 2120 of at least one anchor shape may include two or more anchor openings 2140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 2140 of at least one interlocking mechanism 2120 may be any one of the following shapes: circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygonal shape, or any other desired geometric shape, or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 24, the shape of the anchor opening 2140 is a combination of an oval and a rectangle.

[0186] As described above, the patterned body 2104 comprises a second low-density material. In most embodiments, the patterned body 2104 comprises a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the patterned body 2104 may comprise any other low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the patterned body 2104 comprises a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 2102 and the patterned body 2104 are permanently joined without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler of the patterned body 2104, together with the flow region 2138 of the chassis 2102 and at least one interlock mechanism 2120, create a one-piece pattern 2100 without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

[0187] Furthermore, the putter-type golf club head 2100 may include a striking face insert 2116 positioned on or inside the striking face 2110. In these embodiments, the striking face insert 2116 is formed independently 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 complementary to the geometric shape of the 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 comprise a chassis 2102 of a first material, a putter-type body 2104 of a second material, and a striking face insert 2116 including a third material.

[0188] The striking face insert 2116 may be fixed to the club head 2100 by fastening means. In this embodiment, the striking face insert 2116 is fixed to the putter-type body 2104. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 25, the putter-type body 2104 may include an insert cavity 2118, the cavity 2118 which functions to receive the striking face insert 2116. The striking face insert 2116 may be fixed by an adhesive material such as glue, very high-bonding (VHB®) tape, epoxy resin, or other adhesives. Alternatively or additionally, the striking face insert 2116 may be fixed by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlock structures, or other fastening methods.

[0189] The putter-shaped body 2104 is integrally formed inside and around the chassis 2102. As previously mentioned, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 2104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 2122 of the chassis 2102, joining the body 2104 to the chassis 2102 and forming the putter-shaped golf club head 2100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 2104 encloses (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 2102. In this embodiment, the putter-shaped body 2104 encloses at least 30% of the chassis 2102.

[0190] When combined with the chassis 2102, the putter-shaped body 2104 forms the toe end 2106, heel end 2108, rear end 2112, and striking face 2110 of the golf club head 2100. The putter-shaped body 2104 also forms part of the crown 2115 and part of the sole 2117. Referring to Figures 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-type 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-type body 2104 forms at least 50% of the crown 2115. Similar to the crown 2115, the putter-type body 2104 may form 100% of the sole 2117, in which case the chassis 2102 does not contact the ground at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter-type body 2104 forms at least 50% of the sole 2117, and a portion of the putter-type body 2104 and a portion of the chassis 2102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0192] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 2104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 2114 for the golf club head 2100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 2104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 2114. The alignment mechanism 2114 may be any one of the following shapes desired for the alignment mechanism 2114, or any combination thereof: 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 mechanism 2114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 2114 is located on the crown 2115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 2114 is located equidistant from the heel end 2108 and the toe end 2106 and perpendicular to the striking face 2110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 2114 to accurately align the putter 2100 and strike the golf ball at the address position.

[0193] In this embodiment, the alignment mechanism 2114 comprises two lines 2150 and a golf ball-sized opening 2152 positioned on the crown. The toe end 2106, heel end 2108, striking face 2110, and rear 2112 form the ball-sized opening 2152. The ball-sized opening 2152 makes it easier for the golfer to align the striking face 2110 with the ball (aligning the two alignment lines 2150 with each end of the ball), and, along with conventional alignment mechanisms (i.e., one line, one circle, or one arrow), provides improved putter alignment.

[0194] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 2102 constitutes less than 50% of the total volume of the putter 2100, while constituting at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 2100. By generating 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 shifts toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 2100, even without weight ports or attachments at the heel end 2108 and toe end 2106 of the putter-type golf club head 2100. This weight shift toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 2100 increases the MOI of the club head 2100 around the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head 2100 from rotating around the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 2110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to achieve a straighter ball trajectory and improves the results of off-center hits (impacts at the heel or toe).

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

[0196] The exemplary clubhead 2100 has a mass of 355.4 grams, and its moment of inertia about the y-axis is 4,863.86 g / cm². 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 363.5 grams, and its moment of inertia around the y-axis is 4,741.28 g / cm². 2 The exemplary clubhead 2100 is approximately 9 grams lighter and has a 2.59% greater moment of inertia. Therefore, compared to a control club, the exemplary clubhead 2100 is lighter and more forgiving (a larger MOI around the y-axis means that the clubhead 2100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, resulting in more consistent and straighter shots). Embodiment of a semicircular mallet putter head

[0197] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a semicircular mallet putter head 3100. Referring to Figures 26 to 28, the semicircular putter head 3100 comprises 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 produce a putter head 3100 with a high MOI (4,500 g / cm³) while maintaining a desirable volume and mass. 2 ~6,500g / cm 2 ) forms.

[0198] As described above, the chassis 3102 is made of a high-density material (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 3102 includes the first material having a density greater than 7.0 g / cc. The chassis 3102 includes a heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102 includes a toe portion 3126 opposite the heel portion 3124. The chassis 3102 includes a rear portion 3128. The rear portion 3128 is adjacent to the heel portion 3124 and the toe portion 3126. The chassis 3102 includes a front portion 3130 formed only by the toe portion 3126 and the heel portion 3124 (without the central support 132 at all, as mentioned in some embodiments).

[0199] Furthermore, the chassis 3102 includes an upper surface 3134. The upper surface 3134 is adjacent to the rear 3128, front 3130, toe 3126, and heel 3124. The chassis 3102 also includes a lower surface 3136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 3134 and is adjacent to the rear 3128, front 3130, toe 3126, and heel 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 desirable mass shift between the outer edges (toe, heel, rear, front) of the chassis 3102 and the outer edges of the putter-type 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, except that it lacks the central support 3132. As the putter-shaped body 3104 is molded to the chassis 3102, the flow region 3138 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 3104 to encase 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 with the chassis 3102, thus forming the club head 3100. Furthermore, the flow region 3138 allows the lightweight, 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 fixed perpendicular to the striking face 3110 when the putter-type body 3104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 3100. Furthermore, the flow region 3138 allows the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers 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 interlock mechanism 3120 that protrudes from or extends from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 3124, toe portion 3126, rear portion 3128, front portion 3130, top surface 3134, and bottom surface 3136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 3102. The at least one interlock mechanism 3120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 3102 to the putter-shaped body 3104 by encasing the entire interlock mechanism 3120 in a thermoplastic composite material having fiber filler (or other high-strength, lightweight material).

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

[0204] In many embodiments, the anchor openings 3140 of the two interlock mechanisms 3120 may be circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor-shaped interlock mechanism 3120 may include two or more anchor openings 3140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 3140 of at least one interlock mechanism 3120 may be one of circular, elliptical, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape, or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 28, the anchor opening 3140 is substantially rectangular in shape.

[0205] Furthermore, the third interlock mechanism 3120 is in the form of an interlock beam. In most embodiments (and this embodiment), the beam-shaped interlock mechanism 3120 may extend from the rear 3128 of the chassis 3102 to the front 3130 of the chassis 3102. In some embodiments, the beam-shaped interlock mechanism 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] Furthermore, the beam-shaped interlock mechanism 3120 is provided with a series of through holes 3141 that penetrate the beam-shaped interlock mechanism 3120 in a direction from the toe portion 3126 to the heel portion 3124. In other embodiments, the through holes 3141 may penetrate the beam-shaped interlock mechanism in any one of the following directions or any combination thereof: 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 comprise 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 comprises at least seven through-holes 3141. Similar to the anchor openings 3140, the through-holes 3141 allow the lightweight, low-density material of the patterned body 3104 to completely fill the through-holes 3141 and encapsulate the beam-shaped interlock mechanism 3120, thus integrally joining the chassis 3102 and the patterned body 3104.

[0208] As described above, the patterned body 3104 comprises a second low-density material. In most embodiments, the patterned body 3104 comprises a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoflexible polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the patterned body 3104 may comprise any other low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the patterned body 3104 comprises a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 3102 and the patterned body 3104 are permanently joined without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler of the patterned body 3104, together with the flow region 3138 and at least one interlock mechanism 3120 of the chassis 3102, create a one-piece pattern 3100 without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

[0209] The putter-shaped body 3104 is integrally formed inside and around the chassis 3102. As previously mentioned, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 3104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 3122 of the chassis 3102, joining the body 3104 and the chassis 3102 to form the putter-shaped golf club head 3100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 3104 encloses (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 3102. In this embodiment, the putter-shaped body 3104 encloses at least 30% of the chassis 3102.

[0210] When combined with the chassis 3102, the putter-shaped body 3104 forms the toe end 3106, heel end 3108, rear end 3112, and striking face 3110 of the golf club head 3100. The putter-shaped body 3104 also forms part of the crown 3115 and part of the sole 3117. Referring to Figures 26 and 27, when the putter-shaped body 3104 is joined to the chassis 3102, 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 is joined to the chassis 3102, the chassis 3102 and the putter-shaped body 3104 combine to form the sole 3117 of the putter 3100.

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

[0212] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 3104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 3114 for the golf club head 3100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 3104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 3114. The alignment mechanism 3114 may be any one of the following shapes desired for the alignment mechanism 3114, or any combination thereof: 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 mechanism 3114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 3114 is located on the crown 3115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 3114 is located equidistant from the heel end 2108 and the toe end 3106 and perpendicular to the striking face 3110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 3114 to accurately align the putter 3100 and strike the golf ball at the address position.

[0213] In this embodiment, the alignment mechanism 3114 includes a single line 3150 positioned on the crown. The line 3150 is formed by a beam-shaped interlock mechanism 3120. The toe end 3106, heel end 3108, striking face 3110, and rear 3112 partially enclose the beam-shaped interlock mechanism 3150 so that one surface remains visible to the user when the putter is in the address position. The chassis 3102 in this embodiment is made of polished stainless steel (silver), and the body 3104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite material (black). The chassis 3102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast with the body 3104 so that the golfer can easily align and center the golf ball and the putter 3100. Thanks to the clearly characterized line 3152, the golfer can easily align the striking face 3110 with the ball, leading to improved alignment of the putter 3100.

[0214] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 3102 constitutes less than 60% of the total volume of the putter 3100, while constituting at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 3100. By generating 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 shifts toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 3100, even without weight ports or attachments at the heel end 3108 and toe end 3106 of the putter-type golf club head 3100. This weight shift toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 3100 increases the MOI of the club head 3100 around the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head 3100 from rotating around the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 3110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to achieve a straighter ball trajectory and improves the results of off-center hits (impacts at the heel or toe).

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

[0216] The example clubhead 3100 has a mass of 331.9 grams, and its moment of inertia around the y-axis is 3,923.22 g / cm². 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 360.3 grams, and its moment of inertia about the y-axis is 3,806.44 g / cm². 2The exemplary clubhead 3100 is approximately 30 grams lighter and has a 3.07% greater moment of inertia. Therefore, compared to a control club, the exemplary clubhead 3100 is substantially lighter and more forgiving (a higher MOI around the y-axis means the clubhead 3100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, resulting in more consistent and straighter shots). High-arch blade-type putter head embodiment

[0217] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a high-arch (more mass near the toe than near the heel) blade-type putter head 4100. Referring to Figures 29 to 32, the blade-type putter head 4100 comprises 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 produce a putter head 4100 with a high MOI (5,000 g / cm³) while maintaining the desired volume and mass. 2 ~6,500g / cm 2 ) generates.

[0218] As described above, the chassis 4102 is made of a high-density material (i.e., the first material). In this embodiment, the chassis 4102 includes the first material having a density 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 support 4132. The central support 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 support 4132. The front section 4130 faces the rear section 4128 and is adjacent to the heel section 4124 and the toe section 4126.

[0219] Furthermore, the chassis 4102 includes an upper surface 4134. The upper surface 4134 is adjacent to the rear 4128, front 4130, toe 4126, and heel 4124. The chassis 4102 also includes a lower surface 4136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 4134 and is adjacent to the rear 4128, front 4130, toe 4126, and heel 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 for a blade-type putter, in which only the mass needs to be shifted towards the heel end 4108 and the toe end 4106 to increase the MOI.

[0221] The heel section 4124, toe section 4126, rear section 4128, and central support 4132 form a flow opening 4122. As the putter-shaped body 4104 is molded to the chassis 4102, the flow opening 4122 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 4104 to enclose at least a portion of the chassis 4102, and the body 4104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 4122. The flow opening 4122 allows the putter body 4104 to be integrally joined to the chassis 4102, thus forming the club head 4100. Furthermore, the flow opening 4122 allows the lightweight, 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 to be fixed perpendicular to the striking face 4110 when the putter-type body 4104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 4100. Furthermore, the flow opening 4122 allows the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers 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 interlock mechanism 4120 that protrudes from or extends from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 4124, toe portion 4126, rear portion 4128, front portion 4130, top surface 4134, and bottom surface 4136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 4102. The at least one interlock mechanism 4120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 4102 and the putter-shaped body 4104 by encasing the entire interlock mechanism 4120 in a thermoplastic composite material having fiber filler (or other high-strength, lightweight material).

[0223] Referring to Figures 31 and 32, the chassis 4102 may have three interlocking mechanisms 4120. In some embodiments, the chassis 4102 may have 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, the first hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 extends away from the toe portion 4126 and away from the lower surface 4136 of the chassis 4102. The second hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 extends away from the toe portion 4126 and toward the heel portion 4128. The third hitch-like interlocking mechanism 4120 extends away from the heel portion 4128 and toward the toe portion 4126. Similar to the flow opening 4122, the hitch-shaped interlock mechanism 4120 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 4104 to enclose the interlock mechanism 4120, thus integrally joining the chassis 4102 and the putter-shaped body 4104.

[0224] As described above, the patterned body 4104 comprises a second low-density material. In most embodiments, the patterned body 4104 comprises a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the patterned body 4104 may comprise any other low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the patterned body 4104 comprises a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 4102 and the patterned body 4104 are permanently joined without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler of the patterned body 4104, together with the flow opening 4122 and at least one interlock mechanism 4120 of the chassis 4102, create a one-piece pattern 4100 without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

[0225] The putter-shaped body 4104 is integrally formed inside and around the chassis 4102. As described above, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 4104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 4122 of the chassis 4102, joining the body 4104 and the chassis 4102 to form the putter-shaped golf club head 4100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 4104 encloses (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 4102. In this embodiment, the putter-shaped body 4104 encloses at least 30% of the chassis 4102.

[0226] When combined with the chassis 4102, the putter-shaped body 4104 forms the toe end 4106, heel end 4108, rear 4112, and striking face 4110 of the golf club head 4100. The putter-shaped body 4104 also forms part of the crown 4115 and part of the sole 4117. Referring to Figures 28 and 29, when the putter-shaped body 4104 is joined to the chassis 4102, 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 is joined to the chassis 4102, the chassis 4102 and the putter-shaped body 4104 combine to form the sole 4117 of the putter 4100.

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

[0228] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 4104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 4114 for the golf club head 4100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 4104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 4114. The alignment mechanism 4114 may be one of any of the following shapes, or any combination thereof: 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 desirable for the alignment mechanism 4114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 4114 is located on the crown 4115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 4114 is located equidistant from the heel end 4108 and the toe end 4106 and perpendicular to the striking face 4110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 4114 to accurately align the putter 4100 and strike the golf ball at the address position.

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

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

[0231] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 4102 constitutes less than 70% of the total volume of the putter 4100, while constituting at least 70% of the total mass of the putter 4100. By generating 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 shifts toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 4100, even without weight ports or attachments at the heel end 4108 and toe end 4106 of the putter-type golf club head 4100. This weight shift toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 4100 increases the MOI of the club head 4100 around the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head 4100 from rotating around the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 4110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to achieve a straighter ball trajectory and improves the results of off-center hits (impacts at the heel or toe).

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

[0233] The exemplary clubhead 4100 has a mass of 346.90 grams and a moment of inertia of 5,741.92 g / cm² around the y-axis. 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 347.10 grams, and its moment of inertia around the y-axis is 4,729.67 g / cm². 2 The exemplary clubhead 4100 has almost the same weight as the control club, but its moment of inertia is 21.40% greater. Therefore, compared to the control club, the exemplary clubhead 4100 is more forgiving (a higher MOI around the y-axis means the clubhead 4100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, resulting in more consistent and straighter shots). Embodiment of a non-arched blade-type putter head

[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 (with mass evenly distributed between the heel and toe ends). Referring to Figures 33 to 36, the blade-type putter head 5100 comprises 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 produce a putter head 5100 with a high MOI (5,000 g / cm³) while maintaining a desirable volume and mass. 2 ~6,500g / cm 2 ) forms.

[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 support 5132. The central support 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 support 5132. The front section 5130 faces the rear section 5128 and is adjacent to the heel section 5124 and the toe section 5126.

[0236] Furthermore, the chassis 5102 includes an upper surface 5134. The upper surface 5134 is adjacent to the rear 5128, front 5130, toe 5126, and heel 5124. The chassis 5102 also includes a lower surface 5136. The lower surface faces the upper surface 5134 and is adjacent to the rear 5128, front 5130, toe 5126, and heel 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 for a blade-type putter, in which increasing the MOI only requires shifting the mass toward the heel end 5108 and the toe end 5106.

[0238] The heel section 5124, toe section 5126, rear section 5128, and central support 5132 form a flow opening 5122. As the putter-shaped body 5104 is molded to the chassis 5102, the flow opening 5122 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 5104 to enclose at least a portion of the chassis 5102, and the body 5104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 5122. The flow opening 5122 allows the putter body 5104 to be integrally joined to the chassis 5102, thus forming the club head 5100. Furthermore, the flow opening 5122 allows the lightweight, 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 fixed perpendicular to the striking face 5110 when the putter-type body 5104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 5100. Furthermore, the flow opening 5122 tightly surrounds the chassis 5102 with as few gaps as possible in the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby forming a solid and durable club head 5100.

[0239] The chassis 5102 includes at least one interlock mechanism 5120 that protrudes from or extends from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 5124, toe portion 5126, rear portion 5128, front portion 5130, top surface 5134, and bottom surface 5136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 5102. The at least one interlock mechanism 5120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 5102 and the putter-shaped body 5104 by encasing the entirety of the at least one interlock mechanism 5120 in a thermoplastic composite material having fiber filler (or other high-strength, lightweight material).

[0240] Referring to Figures 34 to 36, the chassis 5102 may have two interlocking mechanisms 5120. In some embodiments, the chassis 5102 may have 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 connecting a series of 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 penetrates the toe portion 5126 in the direction from the heel portion 5128 toward the front portion 5130 and is formed as a through hole at an angle of about 90 degrees. In this embodiment, one of the through-hole interlocking mechanisms 5120 penetrates the heel portion 5128 in the direction from the toe portion 5126 toward the front portion 5130 and is formed as a through hole at an angle of about 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the through-hole 5141 may penetrate the interlock mechanism in any one of the following directions or any combination thereof: from the rear 5128 toward the toe 5126, from the toe 5126 toward the heel 5124, from the front 5130 toward the toe 5126, from the front 5130 toward the heel 5126, or any other desired direction. Similar to the flow opening 5122, the interlock mechanism 5120 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-type body 5104 to enclose the interlock mechanism 5120, thus the chassis 5102 and the putter-type body 5104 are integrally joined.

[0241] As described above, the putter-type body 5104 includes a second material of low density. In most embodiments, the putter-type body 5104 includes a thermoplastic composite material including a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the putter-type body 5104 may include any other optional low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 5104 includes a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 5102 and the putter-type body 5104 are permanently joined without using welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and the filler of the putter-type body 5104 together with the flow aperture 5122 and at least one interlock mechanism 5120 of the chassis 5102 create an integral putter 5100 without using welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

[0242] The putter-type body 5104 is integrally formed inside and around the chassis 5102. As described above, the lightweight material of the putter-type body 5104 completely fills through the flow aperture 5122 of the chassis 5102, joins the body 5104 and the chassis 5102, and forms the putter-type golf club head 5100. Further, in some embodiments, the putter-type body 5104 encloses (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 5102. In this embodiment, the putter-type body 5104 encloses at least 30% of the chassis 5102.

[0243] When the putter - type body 5104 is combined with the chassis 5102, it 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 - type body 5104 forms a part of the crown 5115 and a part of the sole 5117. Referring to FIGS. 33 and 34, when the putter - type body 5104 and the chassis 5102 are joined, the chassis 5102 and the putter - type body 5104 are combined to form the crown 5115 of the putter 5100. Similarly, when the putter - type body 5104 and the chassis 5102 are joined, the chassis 5102 and the putter - type body 5104 are combined to form the sole 5117 of the putter 5100.

[0244] The putter - type body 5104 may form 100% of the crown 5115, in which case the chassis 5102 is not visible from the address position. However, in the present embodiment, the putter - type body 5104 forms at least 40% of the crown 5115. Similarly to the crown 5115, the putter - type 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 the present embodiment, the putter - type body 5104 forms at least 30% of the sole 5117, and a part of the putter - type body 5104 and a part of the chassis 5102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0245] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 5104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 5114 for the golf club head 5100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 5104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 5114. The alignment mechanism 5114 may be one of any of the following shapes desired for the alignment mechanism 5114, or any combination thereof: 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 mechanism 5114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 5114 is located on the crown 5115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 5114 is located equidistant from the heel end 4108 and the toe end 5106 and perpendicular to the striking face 5110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 5114 to accurately align the putter 5100 and strike the golf ball at the address position.

[0246] In this embodiment, the putter head 5100 includes a line alignment mechanism 5114. The alignment mechanism 5114 is located between the toe portion 5126 and the heel portion 5128 of the chassis 5102. The single-line alignment mechanism 5114 is formed by the body 5104 filling a flow opening 5122. The flow opening 5122 provides a center line on the crown 5115 while allowing the chassis 5102 and the body 5104 to be integrally and permanently joined. In this embodiment, the chassis 5102 is made of polished stainless steel (silver), and the body 5104 is made of a dark thermoplastic composite material (black). The chassis 5102 has a reflective appearance and a clear color contrast with the body 5104, so that the golfer can easily align the putter 5100 with the golf ball and set it in the center. Thanks to the clearly defined line 5152, golfers can more easily align the striking face 5110 with the ball, leading to improved positioning of the putter 5100.

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

[0248] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 5102 constitutes less than 70% of the total volume of the putter 5100, while constituting at least 70% of the total mass of the putter 5100. By generating 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 shifts toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 5100, even without weight ports or attachments at the heel end 5108 and toe end 5106 of the putter-type golf club head 4100. This weight shift toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 5100 increases the MOI of the club head 5100 around the y-axis (Iyy), preventing the club head 5100 from rotating around the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 5110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to achieve a straighter ball trajectory and improves the results of off-center hits (impacts at the heel or toe).

[0249] The exemplary clubhead 5100 was compared to a control clubhead (hereinafter, "control") which was a golf clubhead of the same shape and volume as the exemplary clubhead 5100. However, the control clubhead was made entirely from stainless steel, whereas the exemplary clubhead 5100 was made from a first high-density material (stainless steel or tungsten) and a second low-density material (TPC).

[0250] The example clubhead 5100 has a mass of 348.4 grams and a moment of inertia of 5,329.02 g / cm² around the y-axis. 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 348.4 grams, and its moment of inertia about the y-axis is 4,692.25 g / cm². 2 The example clubhead 5100 has the same weight as the control club, but its v-moment is 13.57% greater. Therefore, compared to the control club, the example clubhead 5100 is more forgiving (a higher MOI around the y-axis means the clubhead 5100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, resulting in more consistent and straighter shots). Embodiment of a large mallet putter head

[0251] In one embodiment, the putter-type golf club head 100 may be a large mallet putter head 6100. Referring to Figures 37 to 41, the putter head 6100 comprises 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 comprises one or more weights 6142, which are attached to the chassis and are 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 produce a putter head 2100 (5,500 g / cm³) that is heavy (365 to 380 grams) and has an extremely high MOI while maintaining a desired volume and mass. 2 ~7,000g / cm 2 ) creates.

[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 support 6132. The central support 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 support 6132. The front portion 6130 faces the rear portion 6128 and is adjacent to the heel portion 6124 and the toe portion 6126.

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

[0254] In many embodiments, the chassis 6102 may be polygonal, hourglass-shaped, symmetrical, or any other desired shape. In most embodiments, the shape of the chassis 6102 facilitates a desired mass shift between 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. One or more weights 6142 have a third density greater than the density of the chassis 6102 (and therefore the body 6104) in order to further alter the mass properties of the putter (i.e., CG, MOI, balance). In this embodiment, one or more weights 6142 have a third density of at least 12 g / cc. 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. One or more weights 6142 may be attached to the chassis 6102 before the molding of the putter-shaped body 6104 by welding, soldering, brazing, swaging, bonding, epoxy resin, mechanical fastening, epoxy resin, polyurethane, resin, hot melt bonding, or any other arbitrary attachment method.

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

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

[0258] Furthermore, each of the four weights 6142 is located at the joints of the four outer edges of the chassis 6102 (toe section 6126, heel section 6124, rear section 6128, and front section 6130). In this embodiment, one weight 6142 is located at the joint between the toe section 6126 and the front section 6130, one weight 6142 is located at the joint between the toe section 6126 and the rear section 6128, one weight 6142 is located at the joint between the heel section 6124 and the front section 6130, and one weight 6142 is located at the joint between the heel section 6124 and the rear section 6128.

[0259] Furthermore, in most embodiments, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 6104 encloses at least a portion of one or more weights 6142. 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 one or more weights 6142. In this embodiment, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 6104 surrounds at least 80% of four weights 6142.

[0260] The heel section 6124, toe section 6126, rear section 6128, and central support 6132 form a flow opening 6122. As the putter-shaped body 6104 is molded to the chassis 6102, the flow opening 6122 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 6104 to enclose 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 be integrally joined to the chassis 6102, thus forming the club head 6100. Furthermore, the flow opening 6122 allows the lightweight, 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 fixed perpendicular to the striking face 6110 when the putter-type body 6104 is formed from a thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers, thereby increasing the strength and durability of the club head 6100. Furthermore, the flow opening 6122 allows the thermoplastic composite material with fiber fillers 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 interlock mechanism 6120 that protrudes from or extends from any one or any combination thereof of the heel portion 6124, toe portion 6126, rear portion 6128, front portion 6130, top surface 6134, and bottom surface 6136, which are characteristic features of the chassis 6102. The at least one interlock mechanism 6120 functions to further bond and integrally join the chassis 6102 and the putter-shaped body 6104 by encasing the entire interlock mechanism 6120 in a thermoplastic composite material having fiber filler (or other high-strength, lightweight material).

[0262] Referring to Figures 38 to 40, the chassis 6102 may have three interlocking mechanisms 6120. In some embodiments, the chassis 6102 may have 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 hitches, 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 lower surface 6136 and away from the upper surface 6134. Furthermore, in this embodiment, one of the hitch-like interlocking mechanisms 6120 is located on the toe portion 6126, and the other hitch-like interlocking mechanism 6120 is located on the heel portion 6124. Similar to the flow opening 6122, the interlock mechanism 6120 allows the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 6104 to enclose the interlock mechanism 6120, thus integrally joining the chassis 6102 and the putter-shaped body 6104.

[0263] Furthermore, the anchor-shaped interlock mechanism 6120 extends toward the front 6130 and away from the rear 6128, and is located within a portion of the flow opening 6122. In this embodiment, where one of the three interlock mechanisms 6120 is in the form of an anchor, an anchor opening 6140 is formed between the rear 6128 and the anchor-shaped interlock mechanism 6120. In this embodiment, the chassis 6102 has one anchor opening 6140 corresponding to the anchor-shaped interlock mechanism 6120. Similar to the flow opening 6122, the anchor opening 6140 and the interlock mechanism 6120 allow the lightweight, low-density material of the putter-shaped body 6104 to completely fill the anchor opening 6140 and encapsulate the interlock mechanism 6120, thus the chassis 6102 and the putter-shaped body 6104 are integrally joined.

[0264] In many embodiments, the anchor opening 6140 of the anchor-like interlock mechanism 6120 may be any of a semi-circular, circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In some embodiments, at least one anchor-like interlock mechanism 6120 may include two or more anchor openings 6140. In these embodiments, the two or more anchor openings 6140 of at least one interlock mechanism 6120 may be any one or any combination of circular, oval, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, any polygon, or any other desired geometric shape. In the present embodiment, referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, the anchor opening 6140 is semi-circular in shape.

[0265] Further, the putter-type golf club head 6100 may include a face insert 6116 disposed on or within the striking face 6110. In these embodiments, the face insert 6116 is formed independently before being coupled to the club head 6100. The face of the face insert 6116 that abuts the club head 6100 may have a geometric shape complementary to the geometric shape of the corresponding portion of the club head 6100 that abuts the striking face 6110 (i.e., the cavity within the striking face of the putter-type golf club head). In the present 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 face insert 6116 that includes a third material.

[0266] The striking face insert 6116 may be fixed to the club head 6100 by fastening means. In this embodiment, the striking face insert 6116 is fixed to the putter-type body 6104. In this embodiment, referring to Figure 41, the putter-type body 6104 may include an insert cavity 6118, the cavity 6118 which functions to receive the striking face insert 6116. The striking face insert 6116 may be fixed by an adhesive material such as glue, ultra-high bonding (VHB®) tape, epoxy resin, or other adhesives. Alternatively or additionally, the striking face insert 6116 may be fixed by welding, soldering, screws, rivets, pins, mechanical interlock structures, or other fastening methods.

[0267] As described above, the patterned body 6104 comprises a second low-density material. In most embodiments, the patterned body 6104 comprises a thermoplastic composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler. In other embodiments, the patterned body 6104 may comprise any other low-density second material, but for the sake of brevity, other low-density materials will not be repeated herein. In this embodiment, the patterned body 6104 comprises a second material having a density of less than 4.0 g / cc. The chassis 6102 and the patterned body 6104 are permanently joined without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives. The thermoplastic polymer matrix mirror and filler of the patterned body 6104, together with the flow region 6138 and at least one interlock mechanism 6120 of the chassis 6102, create a single, integrated pattern 6100 without the use of welding, epoxy resin, and adhesives.

[0268] The putter-shaped body 6104 is integrally formed inside and around the chassis 6102. As described above, the lightweight material of the putter-shaped body 6104 penetrates and completely fills the flow opening 6122 of the chassis 6102, joining the body 6104 and the chassis 6102 to form the putter-shaped golf club head 6100. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 6104 encloses (or encapsulates) 100% of the chassis 6102. In this embodiment, the putter-shaped body 6104 encloses at least 80% of the chassis 6102.

[0269] When combined with the chassis 6102, the putter-shaped body 6104 forms the toe end 6106, heel end 6108, rear 6112, and striking face 6110 of the golf club head 6100. The putter-shaped body 6104 also forms part of the crown 6115 and part of the sole 6117. Referring to Figure 1, 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-type 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-type body 6104 forms 100% of the crown 6115. Similar to the crown 6115, the putter-type body 6104 may form 100% of the sole 6117, in which case the chassis 6102 does not contact the ground at the address position. However, in this embodiment, the putter-type body 6104 forms at least 80% of the sole 6117, and a portion of the putter-type body 6104 and a portion of the chassis 6102 contact the ground at the address position.

[0271] Furthermore, the putter-shaped body 6104 forms at least a portion of the alignment mechanism 6114 for the golf club head 6100. In some embodiments, the putter-shaped body 6104 forms the entire alignment mechanism 6114. The alignment mechanism 6114 may be any one of the following shapes desired for the alignment mechanism 6114, or any combination thereof: 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 mechanism 6114. In most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 6114 is located on the crown 6115. Furthermore, in most embodiments, the alignment mechanism 6114 is located equidistant from the heel end 6108 and the toe end 6106 and perpendicular to the striking face 6110, so that the golfer can use the alignment mechanism 6114 to accurately align the putter 6100 and strike the golf ball at the address position.

[0272] In this embodiment, the alignment mechanism 6114 comprises three lines 6150 positioned on the crown 6115. The three lines 6150 are spaced equally apart, with one line 6150 closer to the toe 6106, one line equidistant from the toe 6106, and one line closer to the heel 6108. Thanks to the three lines 6150, golfers can more easily align the striking face 6110 with the ball (aligning two alignment lines 6150 to each end of the ball and one to the center), and when combined with conventional alignment mechanisms (i.e., one line, one circle, or one arrow only), it leads to improved putter alignment.

[0273] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the chassis 6102 constitutes less than 45% of the total volume of the putter 6100, while constituting at least 60% of the total mass of the putter 6100. By generating 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 shifts toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 6100, even without weight ports or attachments at the heel end 6108 and toe end 6106 of the putter-type golf club head 6100. This weight shift toward the outer edge of the putter-type golf club head 6100 increases the MOI around the y-axis (Iyy) of the club head 6100, preventing the club head 6100 from rotating around the y-axis at impact and ensuring that the striking face 6110 is square to the golf ball during impact. A larger MOI around the y-axis makes it easier to achieve a straighter ball trajectory and improves the results of off-center hits (impacts at the heel or toe).

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

[0275] The exemplary clubhead 6100 has a mass of 380.00 grams and a moment of inertia of 6,496.76 g / cm² around the y-axis. 2 On the other hand, the control club has a mass of 381.00 grams, and its moment of inertia about the y-axis is 6,399.98 g / cm². 2The exemplary clubhead 6100 is 1 gram lighter and has a 1.51% greater moment of inertia. Therefore, compared to a control club, the exemplary clubhead 6100 is more forgiving (a higher MOI around the y-axis means the clubhead 6100 is less likely to rotate on off-center impacts, resulting in more consistent and straighter shots).

[0276] Because the rules of golf may change from time to time (for example, new rules may be applied or old rules may be excluded or modified by the Golf Standards Organization and / or governing body), the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may or may not conform to the rules of golf at any given time. Accordingly, the golf equipment relating to the apparatus, methods, and products described herein may be advertised, marketed, and / or sold as either rule-compliant or rule-non-compliant golf equipment. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and products described herein are not limited.

[0277] Although a specific order of operations is described above, these operations may be performed in a different time sequence. For example, two or more of the above-described actions may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or simultaneously. Alternatively, two or more operations may be performed in reverse order. Furthermore, one or more of the above-described operations may not be performed at all. In this regard, the apparatus, methods, and articles described herein are not limited.

[0278] While the invention has been described in relation to various aspects, it will be understood that the invention is subject to further modifications. This application is generally intended to cover any modification, use, or application of the invention in accordance with the principles of the invention, and such deviations from this disclosure are included as well-known and common practice in the art to which the invention belongs.

Claims

1. It is a putter-shaped golf club head, It comprises a toe end, a heel end, a striking face, a rear section, a sole, and a crown. The heel end is opposite the toe end, The striking face is adjacent to the toe end and the heel end, The rear portion faces the striking face and is adjacent to the toe end and the heel end. The sole extends from the heel end to the toe end, and from the striking face to the rear. The sole is positioned on the ground when the putter-type golf club head is in the address position. The crown faces the sole and extends from the heel end to the toe end, and from the striking face to the rear. The chassis, in a top view, includes a U-shape, and comprises a chassis that occupies the toe end, the heel end, and a portion of the rear, and forms the heel end and toe end of the striking face. The chassis has a load capacity of at least 7 g / cm³. ３ It comprises a first material having a density of 4 g / cm ３ The body comprises a second material having the following density: The first material and the second material are combined to form the entire striking face. The chassis further, It comprises a heel section, a toe section, a rear section, a front section, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The heel portion is opposite the toe portion and adjacent to the rear portion. The upper surface faces the lower surface, The aforementioned front portion is adjacent to the toe portion and the heel portion, and faces the aforementioned rear portion. It is provided with an inner wall extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, The heel portion, the toe portion, and the rear portion are bounded by the inner wall of the chassis and form a flow region including a space extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. It has at least one interlocking mechanism, At least one of the interlocking mechanisms extends from the inner wall into the flow region, The body encloses the entirety of at least one of the interlock mechanisms and connects the body to the chassis. The chassis constitutes less than 50% of the total volume of the putter-type golf club head. The chassis constitutes 50% to 55% of the total mass of the putter-type golf club head. A putter-type golf club head, wherein the body is adjacent to the inner wall, connects the body to the chassis, and forms the putter-type golf club head, such that the body continuously fills the flow region from the crown to the sole.

2. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 1, wherein the first material is selected from the group consisting 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 according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second material is a composite material comprising a thermoplastic polymer matrix material and a filler.

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

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

7. The chassis and the putter-shaped body are integrated and form an alignment mechanism. The alignment mechanism is positioned on the crown, as described in claim 6, for a putter-type golf club head.

8. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 7, wherein the alignment mechanism is selected from the group consisting of lines, a series of lines, circles, dashed lines, triangles, channels, grooves, a series of grooves, and channels.

9. The putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the body is adjacent to at least 30% of the chassis.

10. The chassis comprises one or more weights, One or more of the weights have a weight density, The putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the weight density is greater than the first density of the first material.

11. A putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a club head volume in the range of 25 cc to 125 cc and a club head mass in the range of 320 to 385 grams.

12. The moment of inertia of the putter-type golf club head around the y-axis center of gravity is 3500 gcm. ２ ~8000gcm ２ A putter-type golf club head according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. It is a putter-shaped golf club head, It comprises a toe end, a heel end, a striking face, a rear section, a sole, and a crown. The heel end is opposite the toe end, The striking face is adjacent to the toe end and the heel end, The rear portion faces the striking face and is adjacent to the toe end and the heel end. The sole extends from the heel end to the toe end, and from the striking face to the rear. The sole is positioned on the ground when the putter-type golf club head is in the address position. The crown faces the sole and extends from the heel end to the toe end, and from the striking face to the rear. The chassis, in a top view, includes a U-shape, and comprises a chassis that occupies the toe end, the heel end, and a portion of the rear, and forms the heel end and toe end of the striking face. The chassis has a load capacity of at least 7 g / cm³. ３ It comprises a first material having a density of 4 g / cm ３ The body comprises a second material having the following density: The first material and the second material are combined to form the entire striking face. The chassis further, It comprises a heel section, a toe section, a rear section, a front section, an upper surface, and a lower surface. The heel portion is opposite the toe portion and adjacent to the rear portion. The upper surface faces the lower surface, The aforementioned front portion is adjacent to the toe portion and the heel portion, and faces the aforementioned rear portion. It is provided with an inner wall extending from the upper surface to the lower surface, The heel portion, the toe portion, and the rear portion are bounded by the inner wall of the chassis and form a flow region including a space extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. It has at least one interlocking mechanism, At least one of the interlocking mechanisms extends from the inner wall into the flow region, The body encloses the entirety of at least one of the interlock mechanisms and connects the body to the chassis. The chassis constitutes less than 50% of the total volume of the putter-type golf club head. The chassis constitutes 50% to 55% of the total mass of the putter-type golf club head. The body is adjacent to the inner wall such that the body penetrates and continuously fills the flow region from the crown to the sole, integrally connecting the body and the chassis, and forming the putter-type golf club head. The chassis and the body are formed together. The body is a putter-shaped golf club head adjacent to at least 30% of the chassis.

14. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 13, wherein the body is adjacent to at least 80% of the chassis.

15. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 13 or 14, wherein at least one of the interlocking mechanisms is an anchor.

16. The putter-type golf club head according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the interlocking mechanisms comprises an anchor opening.

17. At least one of the interlocking mechanisms comprises two or more anchoring openings, The putter-type golf club head according to claim 16, wherein two or more of the anchor openings of at least one of the interlocking mechanisms are shaped from the group consisting of circular, elliptical, triangular, oval, semicircular, rectangular, trapezoidal, octagonal, and polygonal shapes.

Images