A golf club head, preferably a putter head, comprising at least one structural support member is disclosed herein. The structural support member has a smooth, organic-looking aesthetic, with a continuously changing curvature along its spline and at least one surface, and preferably connects one portion of the golf club head to another portion. Where the support member connects to other portions of the golf club head, the surfaces of the member have a curvature that changes smoothly and continuously, lacking any sharp corners. The support member may be part of a lattice structure formed via binder jetting.
A method of manufacturing a golf club head with a plurality of stiffening members proximate the face, and particularly solid rods or a plate with one or more cutouts, is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of preparing a wax of a golf club head body having at least one through-hole, a hollow interior, and at least one receiving pocket, preparing waxes of one or more stiffening members, inserting the wax of the stiffening members into the through-hole and seating its opposite end in the receiving pocket, bonding each of the stiffening members to the body with an adhesive material to form a combined wax mold, and casting a golf club head from the combined wax mold.
A63B 60/02 - Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
A63B 60/52 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
A golf club head with a sole having a low stiffness compliance zone, which allows the face to deflect downward upon impact with a golf ball, is disclosed herein. The compliance zone comprises a plurality of through openings that are filled with one or more filler pieces comprising a low modulus material, all of which are located within three inches of a face section measured along a front-to-back axis of the golf club head.
A golf ball with improved durability is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a core comprising a polybutadiene material and methyl methacrylate, butadiene, styrene (MBS) with a weight percentage of MBS ranging from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the core.
A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
6.
Method and system utilizing imaging analysis for golf balls
A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
7.
Method and system utilizing imaging analysis for golf balls
A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y, Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
G01B 15/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring thickness
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
8.
Method and system utilizing imaging analysis for golf balls
A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
Methods of creating golf club components with complex structures that would be difficult, impossible, or cost prohibitive to produce, such as lattice structures, beam structures, and complex surface-based structures, are described herein. In particular, a binder jet machine is used create complex structures to optimize weighting, sound, and performance of golf club heads. The method preferably includes the steps of designing a golf club head component in CAD using optimization software, printing the component from a powdered material, and then removing excess powder from the component via port holes that extend into an external surface of the component and communicate with interior voids within the component.
A process for manufacturing a putter with a bi-material shaft is disclosed herein. The putter comprises a putter head, the bi-material shaft, a mass member and a grip. The bi-material shaft comprises a body with a tip end and a butt end. The body comprises a metal section extending from the tip end to a connection point, and a composite section extending from the butt end to the connection point. The mass member is positioned within an opening at the butt end of the shaft. Mass from the shaft is transferred to the club head and the mass member in the butt end of the shaft.
A golf club head with a face component having a variable thickness and a coating on a rear surface of the face component that provides a flat surface to which a medallion can be affixed, and methods of manufacturing such golf club heads, are disclosed herein. The coating is made from a fill material comprising a polymer and a plurality of microscopic bubbles, which preferably constitute 5-70% of the volume of the fill material. The polymer material preferably is a polyurethane having a Poisson's ratio of 0.40-0.50.
A63B 60/00 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
A golf ball comprising an integrated circuit is disclosed herein. The integrated circuit comprises a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the integrated circuit. A wound core layer is disposed over the body.
A golf ball with a cover or mantle layer that comprises a polyurethane and ionomer hybrid made by compounding or dry blending acid functional polyurethane and an ionomer is disclosed herein. The golf ball comprises a core (single core or dual core), a mantle layer (single layer or dual layer) and a cover layer.
A golf ball comprising an electrical component is disclosed herein. The electrical component comprises an integrated circuit having a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the electrical component.
A method of optimizing golf club head and golf ball design is disclosed herein. The method includes inputting a RBF for stress, a RBF for CT and a RBF for ball speed into an Adaptive Simulated Annealing algorithm to generate an optimized structure for the club head for ball speed.
A method of optimizing golf club head and golf ball design is disclosed herein. The method includes inputting a RBF for stress, a RBF for CT and a RBF for ball speed into an Adaptive Simulated Annealing algorithm to generate an optimized structure for the club head for ball speed.
A golf ball core, mantle, and/or cover layer(s) of golf ball having a composition comprising functionalized aluminosilicate particles having a particle size of less than 50 μm is disclosed herein. The aluminosilicate microspheres with an average diameter less than 50 μm are functionalized with, but not limited to, polysulfide, vinyl, amino, epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methacryloyl, hydrocarbon, mercapto and isocyanate.
A golf club head, preferably a putter head, comprising at least one structural support member is disclosed herein. The structural support member has a smooth, organic-looking aesthetic, with a continuously changing curvature along its spline and at least one surface, and preferably connects one portion of the golf club head to another portion. Where the support member connects to other portions of the golf club head, the surfaces of the member have a curvature that changes smoothly and continuously, lacking any sharp corners. The support member may be part of a lattice structure formed via binder jetting.
A golf ball with a cover layer composed of at least one polymer and a micropowder material is disclosed herein. The micropowder material comprises polybutadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, zinc diacrylate, zinc oxide, zinc stearate, peroxide initiator, a peptizer, barium sulfate, tungsten, bismuth oxide and or bismuth oxychloride, and styrene butadiene rubber.
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
20.
Method and system for artificial intelligence club fitting
An artificial intelligence (A.I.) club fitting tool is disclosed herein. The AI engine includes mass properties and launch conditions in models. New product recommendations are immediately available to fitted golfers.
A golf ball comprising layers that have from 0.05% to 70% by weight of a radio-opaque filler, and wherein the concentration of the radio-opaque filler is measurably different in each layer is disclosed herein. The radio-opaque filler is preferably a compound based on barium, bismuth, tungsten, iodine, or reduced iron.
G01B 15/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring thickness
G01B 15/04 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring contours or curvatures
A golf club head with a central body component is disclosed herein. The central body component includes a crown portion and a sole portion. The crown portion is composed of a continuous carbon fiber reinforced epoxy material. The sole portion is composed of a chopped carbon fiber reinforced vinyl ester sheet molding compound material. The central body component has a front opening and a rear opening with a hollow interior.
A 3-axis magnetometer inside a golf ball to detect the impact location on golf club heads that contain ferrous materials is disclosed herein. Key aspects of a golf shot are determined from within the golf ball itself. A magnetometer, preferably running at 85 Hz, inside a golf ball is able to measure spins of 5000 RPM. An integrated circuit comprises a gyroscope, a magnetometer, and a BLUETOOTH low energy (BTLE) radio, and at least one battery. A body is composed of an epoxy material, and the body encompasses the integrated circuit.
A golf ball comprising layers that have from 0.05% to 70% by weight of a radio-opaque filler, and wherein the concentration of the radio-opaque filler is measurably different in each layer is disclosed herein. The radio-opaque filler is preferably a compound based on barium, bismuth, tungsten, iodine, or reduced iron.
A golf ball with a core comprising polybutadiene and graphene is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a single core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an inner core comprising polybutadiene and graphene. Alternatively, the golf ball has a dual core with an outer core comprising polybutadiene and graphene.
A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
A63B 47/00 - Devices for handling or treating balls
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
A golf club head with hosel reinforcement structures arrayed around a hosel axis and extending from an inner mold line of the golf club head within a reinforcement region is disclosed herein. The reinforcement structures include ribs and scallops, which are arranged in specific positions within the reinforcement region to maximize hosel bendability without sacrificing the structural integrity of the golf club head.
The use of a low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and farnesene copolymer in a golf ball is disclosed herein. In a core, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene) or farnesene copolymer is blended with 1,4 polybutadiene or a polyalkenamer. In a mantle layer, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and/or farnesene copolymer can be blended with non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s). In a cover, low molecular weight farnesene, poly(farnesene), and farnesene copolymer can be blended with highly neutralized ionomer.
C08L 47/00 - Compositions of homopolymers or copolymers of compounds having one or more unsaturated aliphatic radicals, at least one having two or more carbon-to-carbon double bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
31.
Apparatus and method for measuring lie and loft of a golf club
An apparatus for precisely and accurately measuring the loft and lie of a golf club, and a method of using such apparatus, is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a clamp assembly powered by a pressure unit to immobilize the head of a golf club, a scoreline measurement unit to capture scoreline angle information, loft and lie measurement arrays that can be moved along horizontal y and x axes to capture loft and lie angle information of the golf club shaft, and a computer with an algorithm that uses information captured by the scoreline measurement unit and loft and lie measurement arrays to calculate final loft and lie angle values that are accurate within +/−0.125°.
A63B 60/42 - Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
A63B 53/02 - Joint structures between the head and the shaft
32.
Method of manufacturing golf club head having stress-reducing features
A method of manufacturing a golf club head with a plurality of stiffening members proximate the face, and particularly solid rods or a plate with one or more cutouts, is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of preparing a wax of a golf club head body having at least one through-hole, a hollow interior, and at least one receiving pocket, preparing waxes of one or more stiffening members, inserting the wax of the stiffening members into the through-hole and seating its opposite end in the receiving pocket, bonding each of the stiffening members to the body with an adhesive material to form a combined wax mold, and casting a golf club head from the combined wax mold.
A63B 60/02 - Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
A63B 60/52 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
A63B 60/42 - Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
A golf club comprising a golf club head having a face wall, an inertial motion unit (IMU) positioned within the body, and a transceiver in communication with the IMU, a shaft attached to the golf club head, and a grip attached to the shaft is disclosed herein. The IMU identifies an impact location with a golf ball.
Methods of applying a polymeric coating to a rear face surface of golf club heads with variable face thickness are disclosed herein. The coating, which preferably comprises polyurea, improves the durability of the face and reduces the hits to failure ratio of the golf club head. The coating improves the performance of the golf club head because it allows for reduction in overall face thickness and easy post-process manipulation to allow for fine-tuning of mass properties after production. The reduction in thickness leads to overall weight reduction, because the polymer is roughly a quarter of the density of titanium or stainless steel, and also reinforces the face, thereby increasing the lifespan of the club.
B05D 1/32 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials using means for protecting parts of a surface not to be coated, e.g. using stencils, resists
A golf ball with a cover layer composed of a blend of non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s), hydroxyl-functionalized styrenic block copolymer and silane coupling agent (SCA). The amount of SCA is preferably between 0.01 and 2.0 weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The cover layer preferably has a Shore A hardness less than 90.
C08L 101/00 - Compositions of unspecified macromolecular compounds
C08L 53/00 - Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
37.
Process for incorporating graphene into a core of a golf ball
A method for forming a golf ball with a graphene core disclosed herein. The method includes mixing a graphene masterbatch material with a polybutadiene material to form a core mixture, wherein the graphene masterbatch material comprises graphene in an amount from 0.1 to 80.0 weight percent of the graphene masterbatch material mixed with a carrier polymer in an amount from 99.9 to 20 weight percent of the graphene masterbatch material.
Methods of applying a polymeric coating to a rear face surface of golf club heads with variable face thickness are disclosed herein. The coating, which preferably comprises polyurea, improves the durability of the face and reduces the hits to failure ratio of the golf club head. The coating improves the performance of the golf club head because it allows for reduction in overall face thickness and easy post-process manipulation to allow for fine-tuning of mass properties after production. The reduction in thickness leads to overall weight reduction, because the polymer is roughly a quarter of the density of titanium or stainless steel, and also reinforces the face, thereby increasing the lifespan of the club.
B05D 1/32 - Processes for applying liquids or other fluent materials using means for protecting parts of a surface not to be coated, e.g. using stencils, resists
Methods of manufacturing a golf club head comprising one or more stiffening members proximate the face, and particularly solid rods or a plate with one or more cutouts, is disclosed herein. One method comprises the steps of preparing a wax mold of a golf club head including a plate stiffening member with excess material, casting the golf club head, and machining away the excess material. Another method comprises the steps of casting a golf club body, providing a plate stiffening member, providing a face component such as a face cup, tack welding the plate stiffening member and the face component to the golf club body, and welding these parts together.
A63B 60/52 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
A63B 60/02 - Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
A method and system for printing multiple-color at multiple positions on a golf ball is disclosed herein. A printing station of the system and method is capable of printing as many as twenty different colors in a single cycle. The printing station preferably has a four stamping stations, four curing stations and four reorientation stations.
B41F 17/30 - Printing apparatus or machines of special types or for particular purposes, not otherwise provided for for printing on curved surfaces of essentially spherical, or part-spherical, articles
B41K 1/34 - Portable hand-operated devices without means for supporting or locating the articles to be stamped, i.e. hand stamps; Inking devices or other accessories therefor for multicolour stamping
B41M 1/40 - Printing on bodies of particular shapes
A method for forming a golf ball core with a nanofiller masterbatch is disclosed herein. The method includes mixing the nanofiller masterbatch, a graphene masterbatch material with other materials to form a core mixture, wherein the masterbatch preferably comprises 1-80% by weight of nanofillers and 20-99% by weight of a carrier polymer.
A golf club head, preferably a putter head, comprising at least one structural support member is disclosed herein. The structural support member has a smooth, organic-looking aesthetic, with a continuously changing curvature along its spline and at least one surface, and preferably connects one portion of the golf club head to another portion. Where the support member connects to other portions of the golf club head, the surfaces of the member have a curvature that changes smoothly and continuously, lacking any sharp corners. The support member may be part of a lattice structure formed via binder jetting.
A golf ball core, mantle, and/or cover layer(s) of golf ball having a composition comprising functionalized aluminosilicate particles having a particle size of less than 50 μm is disclosed herein. The aluminosilicate microspheres with an average diameter less than 50 μm are functionalized with, but not limited to, polysulfide, vinyl, amino, epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methacryloyl, hydrocarbon, mercapto and isocyanate.
A golf club head with a sole having a low stiffness compliance zone, which allows the face to deflect downward upon impact with a golf ball, is disclosed herein. The compliance zone comprises a plurality of through openings that are filled with one or more filler pieces comprising a low modulus material, all of which are located within three inches of a face section measured along a front-to-back axis of the golf club head.
Methods of creating golf club components with complex structures that would be difficult, impossible, or cost prohibitive to produce, such as lattice structures, beam structures, and complex surface-based structures, are described herein. In particular, a binder jet machine is used create complex structures to optimize weighting, sound, and performance of golf club heads. The method preferably includes the steps of designing a golf club head component in CAD using optimization software, printing the component from a powdered material, and then removing excess powder from the component via port holes that extend into an external surface of the component and communicate with interior voids within the component.
B33Y 50/00 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
B33Y 40/20 - Post-treatment, e.g. curing, coating or polishing
B29C 64/165 - Processes of additive manufacturing using a combination of solid and fluid materials, e.g. a powder selectively bound by a liquid binder, catalyst, inhibitor or energy absorber
B29C 64/386 - Data acquisition or data processing for additive manufacturing
B22F 10/14 - Formation of a green body by jetting of binder onto a bed of metal powder
A process for manufacturing a putter with a bi-material shaft is disclosed herein. The putter comprises a putter head, the bi-material shaft, a mass member and a grip. The bi-material shaft comprises a body with a tip end and a butt end. The body comprises a metal section extending from the tip end to a connection point, and a composite section extending from the butt end to the connection point. The mass member is positioned within an opening at the butt end of the shaft. Mass from the shaft is transferred to the club head and the mass member in the butt end of the shaft.
A golf ball with improved durability is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a core comprising a polybutadiene material and methyl methacrylate, butadiene, styrene (MBS) with a weight percentage of MBS ranging from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the core.
A method and system for determining concentricity of a multiple layer golf ball are disclosed herein. One or more images of a golf ball are generated using an X-ray source, a camera or a digital detector, and an image intensifier. An edge detection algorithm is preferably utilized. The method also includes calculating Y,Z center coordinates of the a best fit diameter or ellipse of the inner edge layer and outer edge layer of the multiple layer golf ball.
G01N 23/18 - Investigating the presence of defects or foreign matter
G01N 23/04 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and forming images of the material
G01N 23/083 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of wave or particle radiation, e.g. X-rays or neutrons, not covered by groups , or by transmitting the radiation through the material and measuring the absorption the radiation being X-rays
74.
Methods of joining metal golf club components with projection resistance welding
A method of joining dissimilar metal, golf club components, and particularly golf club bodies, hosels, and faces, using a projection resistance welding process is disclosed herein. The method may include the step of applying an interlayer material before the projection resistance weld process occurs.
B23K 37/04 - Auxiliary devices or processes, not specially adapted to a procedure covered by only one of the other main groups of this subclass for holding or positioning work
A golf club head with a channel sized to receive one or more adjustable weights and an external support structure that bridges, and thereby supports, the channel without unduly interfering with weight adjustment is disclosed herein. The support structure, which includes one or more stiffening members on the exterior of the golf club head, improves the sound quality of the golf club head, and is particularly useful to attenuate the lower frequency mode shapes associated with slider channel geometry in golf club heads.
A method for forming a golf ball with a graphene core disclosed herein. The method includes mixing a graphene masterbatch material with a polybutadiene material to form a core mixture, wherein the graphene masterbatch material comprises graphene in an amount from 0.1 to 80.0 weight percent of the graphene masterbatch material mixed with a carrier polymer in an amount from 99.9 to 20 weight percent of the graphene masterbatch material.
A laser mandrel system that self-centers within a hosel bore of a golf club head to allow for precision adjustment of lie and loft is disclosed herein. The mandrel includes a one-piece housing with upper and lower portions, a laser centered within the upper portion of the housing, and a plurality of o-rings extending around an exterior or interior surface of a lower portion of the housing.
A63B 60/42 - Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
A63B 53/02 - Joint structures between the head and the shaft
A golf club head, preferably a putter head, comprising at least one structural support member is disclosed herein. The structural support member has a smooth, organic-looking aesthetic, with a continuously changing curvature along its spline and at least one surface, and preferably connects one portion of the golf club head to another portion. Where the support member connects to other portions of the golf club head, the surfaces of the member have a curvature that changes smoothly and continuously, lacking any sharp corners. The support member may be part of a lattice structure formed via binder jetting.
An apparatus for precisely and accurately measuring the loft and lie of a golf club, and a method of using such apparatus, is disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a clamp assembly powered by a pressure unit to immobilize the head of a golf club, a scoreline measurement unit to capture scoreline angle information, loft and lie measurement arrays that can be moved along horizontal y and x axes to capture loft and lie angle information of the golf club shaft, and a computer with an algorithm that uses information captured by the scoreline measurement unit and loft and lie measurement arrays to calculate final loft and lie angle values that are accurate within +/−0.125°.
A63B 60/42 - Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
A63B 53/02 - Joint structures between the head and the shaft
G06T 7/73 - Determining position or orientation of objects or cameras using feature-based methods
A golf ball with a cover layer composed of a blend of non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s), hydroxyl-functionalized styrenic block copolymer and silane coupling agent (SCA). The amount of SCA is preferably between 0.01 and 2.0 weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The cover layer preferably has a Shore A hardness less than 90.
C08L 101/00 - Compositions of unspecified macromolecular compounds
C08L 53/00 - Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
A golf club head with a face component having a polymer-microsphere mixture is disclosed herein, as are methods of making face inserts with a polymer-microsphere mixture.
A63B 60/00 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like
A golf club head with plate-like, heel and toe side internal stiffeners is disclosed herein. Each stiffener has a planar portion extending approximately parallel with a portion of the striking face, and is entirely disposed within an interior cavity of the golf club head. The heel side stiffener is connected to top, sole, and heel walls of the club head, with a toe-side edge unconnected to any other portion of the head, and the toe side stiffener is connected to the top, sole, and toe walls of the club head, with a heel-side edge unconnected to any other portion of the head. The toe and heel side edges may have large concavities that distribute mass away from the geometric face center and toward the heel and toe sides of the golf club head.
A process for manufacturing a putter with a bi-material shaft is disclosed herein. The putter comprises a putter head, the bi-material shaft, a mass member and a grip. The bi-material shaft comprises a body with a tip end and a butt end. The body comprises a metal section extending from the tip end to a connection point, and a composite section extending from the butt end to the connection point. The mass member is positioned within an opening at the butt end of the shaft. Mass from the shaft is transferred to the club head and the mass member in the butt end of the shaft.
A golf club head with plate-like, heel and toe side internal stiffeners is disclosed herein. Each stiffener has a planar portion extending approximately parallel with a portion of the striking face, and is entirely disposed within an interior cavity of the golf club head. The heel side stiffener is connected to top, sole, and heel walls of the club head, with a toe-side edge unconnected to any other portion of the head, and the toe side stiffener is connected to the top, sole, and toe walls of the club head, with a heel-side edge unconnected to any other portion of the head. The toe and heel side edges may have large concavities that distribute mass away from the geometric face center and toward the heel and toe sides of the golf club head.
Methods of creating golf products with complex structures that would be difficult, impossible, or cost prohibitive to produce, such as lattice structures, beam structures, and complex surface-based structures, and golf products that are created using those methods, are described herein. The structures described herein may be made from metal, non-metal materials, or combinations thereof, and may have one or more portions that are made from transparent or translucent materials.
A63B 60/08 - Handles characterised by the material
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
A63B 60/54 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with means for damping vibrations
Methods of manufacturing a golf club head with one or more stiffening members proximate the face, and particularly solid rods or a plate with one or more cutouts, is disclosed herein. One method includes the steps of preparing a wax mold of a golf club head including a plate stiffening member with excess material, casting the golf club head, and machining away the excess material. Another method includes the steps of casting a golf club body, providing a plate stiffening member, providing a face component such as a face cup, tack welding the plate stiffening member and the face component to the golf club body, and welding these parts together.
A63B 60/52 - APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT - Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like with slits
A63B 60/02 - Ballast means for adjusting the centre of mass
A63B 60/42 - Devices for measuring, verifying, correcting or customising the inherent characteristics of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like, e.g. measuring the maximum torque a batting shaft can withstand
A golf club head, preferably a putter head, comprising at least one structural support member is disclosed herein. The structural support member has a smooth, organic-looking aesthetic, with a continuously changing curvature along its spline and at least one surface, and preferably connects one portion of the golf club head to another portion. Where the support member connects to other portions of the golf club head, the surfaces of the member have a curvature that changes smoothly and continuously, lacking any sharp corners. The support member may be part of a lattice structure formed via binder jetting.
A golf ball core, mantle, and/or cover layer(s) of golf ball having a composition comprising functionalized aluminosilicate particles having a particle size of less than 50 μm is disclosed herein. The aluminosilicate microspheres with an average diameter less than 50 μm are functionalized with, but not limited to, polysulfide, vinyl, amino, epoxy, hydroxyl, carboxyl, methacryloyl, hydrocarbon, mercapto and isocyanate.
A golf ball with improved durability is disclosed herein. The golf ball has a core comprising a polybutadiene material and methyl methacrylate, butadiene, styrene (MBS) with a weight percentage of MBS ranging from 0.5 to 5 weight percent of the core.
A golf ball comprising layers that have from 0.05% to 70% by weight of a radio-opaque filler, and wherein the concentration of the radio-opaque filler is measurably different in each layer is disclosed herein. The radio-opaque filler is preferably a compound based on barium, bismuth, tungsten, iodine, or reduced iron.
G01B 15/02 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring thickness
G01B 15/04 - Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electromagnetic waves or particle radiation, e.g. by the use of microwaves, X-rays, gamma rays or electrons for measuring contours or curvatures
A golf ball with a cover layer composed of a blend of non- or partially neutralized copolymeric or terpolymeric ionomer(s), hydroxyl-functionalized styrenic block copolymer and silane coupling agent (SCA). The amount of SCA is preferably between 0.01 and 2.0 weight percent based on the total weight of the polymer composition. The cover layer preferably has a Shore A hardness less than 90.
C08L 101/00 - Compositions of unspecified macromolecular compounds
C08L 53/00 - Compositions of block copolymers containing at least one sequence of a polymer obtained by reactions only involving carbon-to-carbon unsaturated bonds; Compositions of derivatives of such polymers
A method of optimizing golf club head and golf ball design is disclosed herein. The method includes inputting a RBF for stress, a RBF for CT and a RBF for ball speed into an Adaptive Simulated Annealing algorithm to generate an optimized structure for the club head for ball speed.