CROSSOVER-TYPE PUTTER HEAD

Description

CROSS REFERENCE PRIORITIES

This claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/758,535, filed on Feb. 14, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/729,863, filed on Dec. 9, 2024, the contents of which are fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to golf clubs and, more particularly, to putter type golf club heads.

BACKGROUND

Putters are available in a variety of sizes, shapes, and weights to meet the diverse preferences of golfers. Blade-style putters are characterized by their slim profile and forwardly located center of gravity (CG), offering a distinct feel but with a relatively low moment of inertia (MOI) and limited weight distribution. In contrast, mallet-style putters feature a larger front-to-back profile, a rearwardly located CG, and higher MOI, which increases stability and forgiveness. While they may visually appeal to certain golfers, conventional mallet-style putters fail to provide the forward CG and feel of a blade-style putter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a putter head according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view of the putter head of FIG. 1, with a cover removed from a bottom of the putter.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the putter head of FIG. 1, with a cover removed from a bottom of the putter.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded assembly view of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a side elevation view, in cross-section, of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of a front body of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the front body of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of a rear body of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the rear body of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the putter head of FIG. 1.

FIG. 13 is a top plan view of a putter head according to another embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a putter head according to another embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a top plan view of a putter head according to another embodiment.

For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements.

Definitions

Crossover-type putters having the appearance of a mallet-type putter and the feel and forwardly located CG of a blade-type putter are described herein. The crossover-type putter generally includes two components: (1) a front body formed of a relatively heavy front body material; and (2) a rear body formed of a relatively light rear body material. When the front and rear bodies are coupled together, the assembled cross-over type putter has the aesthetics of a mallet-style putter with the mass properties and feel of a blade-style putter.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically and/or otherwise.

The term “strike face,” as used herein, refers to a club head front surface that is configured to strike a golf ball. The term strike face can be used interchangeably with the term “face.”

The term “geometric centerpoint,” or “geometric center” of the strike face, as used herein, can refer to a geometric centerpoint of the strike face perimeter, and at a midpoint of the face height of the strike face. In the same or other examples, the geometric centerpoint also can be centered with respect to an engineered impact zone, which can be defined by a region of grooves on the strike face. As another approach, the geometric centerpoint of the strike face can be located in accordance with the definition of a golf governing body such as the United States Golf Association (USGA).

The term “ground plane,” as used herein, can refer to a reference plane associated with the surface on which a golf ball is placed. The ground plane can be a horizontal plane tangent to the sole at an address position.

The term “loft plane,” as used herein, can refer to a reference plane that is tangent to the geometric centerpoint of the strike face.

The term “loft angle,” as used herein, can refer to an angle measured between the loft plane and an XY plane that is perpendicular to the ground plane and extends in a heel-toe direction.

The “depth” of the golf club head, as described herein, can be defined as a front-to-rear dimension of the golf club head.

An “XYZ” coordinate system of the golf club head, as described herein, is based upon the geometric center of the strike face. The golf club head dimensions as described herein can be measured based on a coordinate system as defined below. The geometric center of the strike face defines a coordinate system having an origin located at the geometric center of the strike face. The coordinate system defines an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis. The X axis extends through the geometric center of the strike face in a direction from the heel to the toe of the fairway-type club head. The Y axis extends through the geometric center of the strike face in a direction from the crown or top rail to the sole of golf club head. The Y axis is perpendicular to the X axis. The Z axis extends through the geometric center of the strike face in a direction from the front end to the rear end of the golf club head. The Z axis is perpendicular to both the X axis and the Y axis.

The term or phrase “center of gravity position” or “CG location” can refer to the location of the club head center of gravity (CG) with respect to the XYZ coordinate system, wherein the CG position is characterized by locations along the X-axis, the Y-axis, and the Z-axis. The term “CGx” can refer to the CG location along the X-axis, measured from the origin point. The term “CG height” can refer to the CG location along the Y-axis, measured from the origin point. The term “CGy” can be synonymous with the CG height. The term “CG depth” can refer to the CG location along the Z-axis, measured from the origin point. The term “CGz” can be synonymous with the CG depth.

The XYZ coordinate system of the golf club head, as described herein defines an XY plane extending through the X axis and the Y axis. The coordinate system defines XZ plane extending through the X axis and the Z axis. The coordinate system further defines a YZ plane extending through the Y axis and the Z axis. The XY plane, the XZ plane, and the YZ plane are all perpendicular to one another and intersect at the coordinate system origin located at the geometric center of the strike face. In these or other embodiments, the golf club head can be viewed from a front view when the strike face is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the XY plane. Further, in these or other embodiments, the golf club head can be viewed from a side view or side cross-sectional view when the heel is viewed from a direction perpendicular to the YZ plane.

The golf club head further comprises a coordinate system centered about the center of gravity. The coordinate system comprises an X′-axis, a Y′-axis, and a Z′-axis. The X′-axis extends in a heel-to-toe direction. The X′-axis is positive towards the heel and negative towards the toe. The Y′-axis extends in a sole-to-crown or top rail (pick one for iron or wood specific) direction and is orthogonal to both the Z′-axis and the X′-axis. The Y′-axis is positive towards the crown or top rail and negative towards the sole. The Z-axis extends front-to-rear, parallel to the ground plane and is orthogonal to both the X′-axis and the Y′-axis. The Z′-axis is positive towards the strike face and negative towards the rear.

The term or phrase “moment of inertia” (hereafter “MOI”) can refer to a value derived using the center of gravity (CG) location. The MOI can be calculated assuming the club head includes the body and the hosel structure. The term “MOIxx” or “Ixx” can refer to the MOI measured about the X′-axis. The term “MOIyy” or “Iyy” can refer to the MOI measured about the Y′-axis. The term “MOIzz” or “Izz” can refer to the MOI measured about the Z′-axis. The MOI values MOIxx, MOIyy, and MOIzz determine how forgiving the club head is for off-center impacts with a golf ball.

The term “putter,” can, in some embodiments, refer to a putter-type club head having a loft angle less than 10 degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter can be between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 6 degrees, between 0 and 7 degrees, or between 0 and 8 degrees. For example, the loft angle of the club head can 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. For further example, the loft angle of the club head can be 0 degrees, 1 degree, 2 degrees, 3 degrees, 4 degrees, 5 degrees, 6 degrees, 7 degrees, 8 degrees, 9 degrees, or 10 degrees. The putter-type golf club head can be a blade type putter, a mid-mallet type putter, or a mallet type putter.

Described herein are various embodiments of a putter-type golf club head comprising a two piece construction having a forward CG position. The golf club head described herein can be part of a golf club. A golf club is generally understood to comprise a golf club head, which is configured to receive a shaft. A golf club further comprises a grip, which is secured to the shaft.

DESCRIPTION

The crossover-type putter of the present disclosure has a relatively heavy front body coupled to a lightweight rear body to form a putter head having a forwardly located CG and feel normally associated with a blade-style putter, but with the appearance of a large mallet-style putter. Specifically, while the putter head has an overall body depth similar to a conventional mallet-style putter, such as greater than 3.45 inches, the location of the CG is similar to that of a conventional blade-style putter, such as less than 0.70 inch from a face of the putter. The front body occupies a majority of a front of the putter and is formed of a front body material having a relatively greater density, such as at least 7.5 g/cm³, while the rear body occupies a majority of a rear of the putter and is formed of a rear body material having a relatively lesser density, such as less than 1.5 g/cm³. When the front body and rear body are assembled, the resulting crossover-type putter has the feel and balance of blade-type putter with the look and appearance of a mallet-style putter.

An exemplary crossover-type putter having a putter head 100 with a forwardly located CG and large body depth is shown in FIGS. 1-12. The putter head 100 comprises a front body 110 and a rear body 130 coupled to the front body 110. The front body 110 has an overall mass that is greater than the rear body 130 and can be formed from a front body material having a relatively greater density, thereby to provide a CG position that is closer to the face. The rear body 130 has an overall mass that is less than the front body 110 and can be formed of a rear body material having a relatively lesser density. Additionally, in some embodiments, the front body 110 has a solid construction (i.e., no interior cavities or voids) and occupies a minority of an overall volume of the putter head 100, while the rear body 130 has a frame-like construction (i.e., includes interior cavities or voids) and occupies a majority of the overall volume of the putter head 100 . . . . The assembled putter head 100 includes a strike face 101, a heel end 102, a toe end 103 opposite the heel end 102, a front end 104, a rear end 105, a crown 106, a sole 107, a hosel bore 108 for receiving a shaft, and a leading edge 109.

The exemplary front body 110 illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 has a U-shape when viewed from above to increase MOI. Accordingly, the front body 110 generally includes a front body core 111 extending from the heel end 102 to the toe end 102 and defining at least a majority of the strike face 101. The front body 110 further includes a toe extension 112 and a heel extension 120 that project rearwardly of the front body core 111 at the toe end 103 and heel end 102, respectively. The toe extension 112 comprises a toe extension top surface 113, toe extension bottom surface 114, a toe extension toe surface 115, a toe extension rear surface 116, and a toe extension interior surface 117. Similarly, the heel extension 120 comprises a heel extension top surface 121, a heel extension bottom surface 122, a heel extension heel surface 123, a heel extension rear surface 124, and a heel extension interior surface 125. The front body 110 further comprises a recess 155 located on a core top surface 154 to receive a portion of the rear body 130, as described in greater detail below. The recess 155 is defined by a recess bottom surface 128, a recess toe surface 119, and a recess heel surface 127 of the front body core 111.

In some embodiments, the front body 110 has weighted regions at the heel end 102 and toe end 103 to further increase MOI. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 9, the front body 110 includes a toe recess 118 and a heel recess 119 that communicate with the strike face 101 and receive a toe weight 147 and a heel weight 148, respectively. Each of the toe weight 147 and the heel weight 148 may be formed of a weight material having a density greater than the front body material density, thereby to further increase the MOI of the putter head 100. Additionally or alternatively, the toe recess 118 and heel recess 119 extend to the toe extension rear surface 116 and the heel extension rear surface 124, respectively, and are configured to receive a heel fastener 159 and a toe fastener 158 to mechanically couple the front body 110 to the ready body 130. In this embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 9, the toe extension 112 and the heel extension 120 further comprise toe and heel openings 156, 157 that create through bores to allow the fasteners 158, 159 to engage the rear body 130.

The rear body 130, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, includes a rear body top wall 149 having a top wall exterior surface 131 that forms a portion of the crown 106 and a top wall interior surface 144 opposite the top wall exterior surface 131. The rear body top wall further includes a front ledge 132 that is configured to overlap the recess bottom surface 128 of the front body 110. The front ledge 132 has a front ledge front surface 133 that is planar with the strike face 101 of the front body 110, and a front ledge bottom surface 141 opposite the rear body top surface 131 that is configured to engage the recess bottom surface 128. The rear body 130 further comprises a rear body rear perimeter wall 149 that extends around the rear perimeter of the club head 100. The rear body 130 has an overall depth that is measured perpendicular to and from the front ledge front surface 133 to a rear body rear most point 134. The rear body 130 depth is at least 95% of an overall club head depth. Furthermore, the rear body top surface 131 comprises a sightline 142 that extends from the rear most point 134 to the front surface 133 to improve alignment and aim.

The rear body 130 further includes structures that increase the volume occupied by the rear body 130 while adding minimal mass, thereby maintaining the CG of the putter head 100 in a forward location. More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the rear body 130 includes a heel frame 135 and a toe frame 136 that extend from the top surface 131 towards the sole 107. In this embodiment, the heel frame 135 and toe frame 136 have a t-shape cross-section to increase the stiffness of the rear body so that the rear body can have sufficient volume and depth while maintaining a low mass.

Furthermore, the heel frame 135 and toe frame 136 connect a heel mass pad 137 and a toe mass pad 139 to the top surface 131, respectively, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The heel mass pad comprises a heel mass pad forward surface 138 and the toe mass pad 139 comprises a toe mass pad forward surface 140 that can have a heel mass pad recess 151 and a toe mass pad recess 152 that are concentric with the heel recess 126 and toe recess 118 of the front body, respectively. Accordingly, the heel mass pad front surface 138 engages the heel extension rear surface 124, and the toe mass pad front surface 140 engages the toe extension rear surface 116 when the toe weight 147 is coupled to the toe mass pad recess 151 and the heel weight 148 is coupled to the heel mass pad recess 151.

The rear body 130 can further comprise a sole cover 150 that encloses an interior cavity of the rear body 130 and conceals the top wall interior surface 144, as shown in FIG. 7. The sole cover 150 creates a smooth sole that is visually appealing. The sole cover can be made from plastic or similar material as the rear body 130. In other embodiments, the sole wall is integrally formed with the rear body 130.

In some embodiments, the front body 110 forms the entire strike face 101. In other embodiments, the front body 110 forms a majority of the strike face 101 while the rear body 130 forms the remainder of the strike face 101. The front body 110 can form greater than 90% of the strike face 101. In other embodiments, the front body 110 can form 100% of the strike face 101.

The club head 100 comprises a head depth DH, measured from the leading edge 109 to the rear edge 133, as shown in FIG. 11, that is greater than 3.25 inches. For example, in some embodiments, the head depth DH is greater than 3.25 inches, greater than 3.30 inches, greater than 3.35 inches, greater than 3.40 inches, greater than 3.45 inches, greater than 3.50 inches, greater than 3.55 inches, greater than 3.60 inches, greater than 3.65 inches, greater than 3.70 inches, greater than 3.75 inches, greater than 3.80 inches, greater than 3.85 inches, greater than 3.90 inches, greater than 3.95 inches, greater than 4.00 inches, greater than 4.05 inches, greater than 4.10 inches, greater than 4.15 inches, greater than 4.20 inches, greater than 4.25 inches, greater than 4.30 inches, greater than 4.35 inches, greater than 4.40 inches, or greater than 4.45 inches. In one embodiment, the head depth DH is 3.46 inches.

The club head 100 further comprises a CG depth D_CG, measured as a perpendicular distance from the leading edge 109, that is less than 0.750 inches to create a putter head that feels and balances like a blade-style putter. In some embodiments, the CG depth D_CG is less than 0.750 inch, less than 0.745 inch, less than 0.740 inch, less than 0.735 inch, less than 0.730 inch, less than 0.725 inch, less than 0.720 inch, less than 0.715 inch, less than 0.710 inch, less than 0.705 inch, less than 0.700 inch, less than 0.695 inch, less than 0.690 inch, less than 0.685 inch, less than 0.680 inch, less than 0.675 inch, less than 0.670 inch, less than 0.665 inch, less than 0.660 inch, less than 0.655 inch, less than 0.650 inch, less than 0.645 inch, less than 0.640 inch, less than 0.635 inch, less than 0.630 inch, less than 0.625 inch, less than 0.620 inch, less than 0.615 inch, less than 0.610 inch, less than 0.605 inch, less than 0.600 inch, less than 0.595 inch, less than 0.590 inch, less than 0.585 inch, less than 0.580 inch, less than 0.575 inch, less than 0.570 inch, less than 0.565 inch, less than 0.560 inch, less than 0.555 inch, less than 0.550 inch, less than 0.545 inch, less than 0.540 inch, less than 0.535 inch, less than 0.530 inch, less than 0.525 inch, less than 0.520 inch, less than 0.515 inch, less than 0.510 inch, less than 0.505 inch, less than 0.500 inch, less than 0.495 inch, less than 0.490 inch, less than 0.485 inch, less than 0.480 inch, less than 0.475 inch, less than 0.470 inch, less than 0.465 inch, less than 0.460 inch, less than 0.455 inch, less than 0.450 inch, less than 0.445 inch, less than 0.440 inch, less than 0.435 inch, less than 0.430 inch, less than 0.425 inch, less than 0.420 inch, less than 0.415 inch, less than 0.410 inch, less than 0.405 inch, less than 0.400 inch, less than 0.395 inch, less than 0.390 inch, less than 0.385 inch, less than 0.380 inch, less than 0.375 inch, less than 0.370 inch, less than 0.365 inch, less than 0.360 inch, less than 0.355 inch, less than 0.350 inch, less than 0.345 inch, less than 0.340 inch, less than 0.335 inch, less than 0.330 inch, less than 0.325 inch, less than 0.320 inch, less than 0.315 inch, less than 0.310 inch, less than 0.305 inch, less than 0.300 inch, less than 0.295 inch, less than 0.290 inch, less than 0.285 inch, less than 0.280 inch, less than 0.275 inch, less than 0.270 inch, less than 0.265 inch, less than 0.260 inch, less than 0.255 inch, less than 0.250 inch, less than 0.245 inch, less than 0.240 inch, less than 0.235 inch, less than 0.230 inch, less than 0.225 inch, less than 0.220 inch, less than 0.215 inch, less than 0.210 inch, less than 0.205 inch, less than 0.200 inch, less than 0.195 inch, less than 0.190 inch, less than 0.185 inch, less than 0.180 inch, less than 0.175 inch, less than 0.170 inch, less than 0.165 inch, less than 0.160 inch, less than 0.155 inch, less than 0.150 inch, less than 0.145 inch, less than 0.140 inch, less than 0.135 inch, less than 0.130 inch, less than 0.125 inch, less than 0.120 inch, less than 0.115 inch, less than 0.110 inch, less than 0.105 inch, less than 0.100 inch, less than 0.095 inch, less than 0.090 inch, less than 0.085 inch, less than 0.080 inch, less than 0.075 inch, less than 0.070 inch, less than 0.065 inch, less than 0.060 inch, less than 0.055 inch, less than 0.050 inch, less than 0.045 inch, less than 0.040 inch, less than 0.035 inch, less than 0.030 inch, or less than 0.025 inch. In one embodiment, the CG depth D_CG is 0.66 inch.

The club head 100 comprises a depth ratio that is the ratio of the head depth DH over the CG depth D_CG. The depth ratio is greater than 4.3. For example, in some embodiments, the depth ratio is greater than 4.3, greater than 4.4, greater than 4.5, greater than 4.6, greater than 4.7, greater than 4.8, greater than 4.9, greater than 5.0, greater than 5.1, greater than 5.2, greater than 5.3, greater than 5.4, greater than 5.5, greater than 5.6, greater than 5.7, greater than 5.8, greater than 5.9, greater than 6.0, greater than 6.1, greater than 6.2, greater than 6.3, greater than 6.4, or greater than 6.5. In one embodiment, the depth ratio is about 5.2.

Other embodiments of crossover-type putter heads are illustrated in FIGS. 13-15. In these embodiments, the rear body has altered geometry to provide a different and unique mallet-style appearance. In one embodiment, a club head 200 has a front body 210 and a rear body 230 coupled to the front body 210 at an intermittent joint 260. The front body 210 further comprises a toe extension 212 and a heel extension 220, similar to the toe extension and heel extension 112, 120 above, to increase the club head MOI. In this embodiment, the rear body 230 and the front body 210 form two apertures in the heel and toe, creating a unique appearance over the solid look of the embodiment 100 above.

In another embodiment and similar to club head 200, a club head 300 has a front body 310 and a rear body 330 coupled to the front body 310 at a continuous joint 360, as illustrated in FIG. 14. The front body 310 comprises a toe extensions 312 and a heel extension 320 to increase the club head MOI. In this embodiment, the rear body 330 forms a U-shaped appearance to create unique appearance of the embodiments 100, 200 above, while still having a CG depth less than 0.75 inches and a head depth greater than 3.25 inches.

In another embodiment and similar to club heads 100, 200, 300 above, a club head 400 has a front body 410, and a rear body 430 coupled to the front body 410 at a continuous joint 460, as illustrated in FIG. 15. The front body 410 comprises a toe extensions 412 and a heel extension 420 to increase the club head MOI. In this embodiment, the rear body 430 is more similar to rear body 130 above, but with a boxier appearance. The club head 400 still comprises a CG depth less than 0.75 inches and a head depth greater than 3.25 inches.

Other shapes of a front body and rear body may be utilized to adjust the overall appearance of the club head to suit the eye of the user while forming a blade-balanced mallet-style putter head having a CG depth less than 0.75 inches and a head depth greater than 3.25 inches.

The front body comprises a heavy front body mass to create a forwardly positioned center of gravity that provides the feel of a blade-style putter. In some embodiments, the front body has a front body mass that ranges from 250 grams to 370 grams. For example, in some embodiments, the front body mass can be between, 250 grams and 265 grams, 265 grams and 280 grams, 280 grams and 295 grams, 295 grams and 310 grams, 310 grams and 325 grams, 325 grams and 340 grams, 340 grams and 355 grams, or 355 grams and 370 grams. In some embodiments, the front body mass is at least 250 grams, 255 grams, 260 grams, 265 grams, 270 grams, 275 grams, 280 grams, 285 grams, 290 grams, 295 grams, 300 grams, 305 grams, 310 grams, 315 grams, 320 grams, 325 grams, 330 grams, 335 grams, 340 grams, 345 grams, 350 grams, 355 grams, 360 grams, 365 grams, or at least 370 grams. In one embodiment, the front body mass is 311 grams.

The first density of the front body material is at least 7.5 g/cm³ to position the CG in a similar spot as found in a blade-style putter. In other embodiments, the first density can be at least 5.0 g/cm³, 5.5 g/cm³, 6.0 g/cm³, 6.5 g/cm³, 7.0 g/cm³, 7.5 g/cm³, 8.0 g/cm³, 8.5 g/cm³, 9.0 g/cm³, 9.5 g/cm³, 10.0 g/cm³, 10.5 g/cm³, 11.0 g/cm³, 11.5 g/cm³, 12.0 g/cm³, 12.5 g/cm³, 13.0 g/cm³, 13.5 g/cm³, 14.0 g/cm³, 14.5 g/cm³, or at least 15.0 g/cm³.

The front body has a relatively small volume due to the larger density, as defined above. The volume of the front body can be measured as the total volume of the material, excluding voids formed by the hosel bore and heel and toe recesses. The front body volume is less than 45 cc. For example, in some embodiments, the front body 110 volume is less than 45 cc, less than 40 cc, less than 35 cc, less than 30 cc, less than 25 cc, or less than 20 cc. In some embodiments, the front body volume is between 20 and 25 cc, 25 and 30 cc, 30 and 35 cc, 35 and 40 cc, 40 and 45 cc, or between 45 and 50 cc. In one embodiment, the volume is about 37 cc.

The front body material can be a high-density metal. For example, the front body material can be tungsten, stainless steel, carbon steel, nickel-based alloys, cobalt-based alloys, brass, bronze, lead, copper, copper alloys, or beryllium copper. The front body 110 can be formed through various manufacturing methods such as metal casting, forging, metal 3D-printing, metal injection molding, die-casting, or any other well-known manufacturing methods in the art.

All or a majority of the front body may have a solid construction. Any voids formed in the front body may be at least partially filled. For example, to the extent the front body includes toe and/or heel recesses, those recesses may be filled with weights and/or fasteners as discussed above.

The second body comprises a second body mass that ranges from 15 to 90 grams. For example, in some embodiments, the second body mass ranges between 15 grams and 22.5 grams, 22.5 grams and 30 grams, 30 grams and 37.5 grams, 37.5 grams and 45 grams, 45 grams and 52.5 grams, 52.5 grams and 60 grams, 60 grams and 67.5 grams, 67.5 grams and 75 grams, 75 grams and 82.5 grams, or between 82.5 grams and 90 grams. In some embodiments, the second body mass is less than 90 grams, less than 85 grams, less than 80 grams, less than 75 grams, less than 70 grams, less than 65 grams, less than 60 grams, less than 55 grams, less than 50 grams, less than 45 grams, less than 40 grams, less than 35 grams, less than 30 grams, less than 25 grams, or less than 20 grams. In one embodiment, the second body mass is 44 grams.

The second density of the rear body material can be less than 4 g/cm³ to prevent the CG from moving rearward while allowing the rear body 130 to have a large volume. The second density can range from 0.50 g/cm³ and 1.00 g/cm³, 1.00 g/cm³ and 1.50 g/cm³, 1.50 g/cm³ and 2.00 g/cm³, 2.00 g/cm³ and 2.50 g/cm³, 2.50 g/cm³ and 3.00 g/cm³, 3.00 g/cm³ and 3.50 g/cm³, 3.50 g/cm³ and 4.00 g/cm³, or between 4.00 g/cm³ and 4.50 g/cm³. In some embodiments, the second density is less than 4.50 g/cm³, less than 4.25 g/cm³, less than 4.00 g/cm³, less than 3.75 g/cm³, less than 3.50 g/cm³, less than 3.25 g/cm³, less than 3.00 g/cm³, less than 2.75 g/cm³, less than 2.50 g/cm³, less than 2.25 g/cm³, less than 2.00 g/cm³, less than 1.75 g/cm³, less than 1.50 g/cm³, less than 1.25 g/cm³, less than 1.00 g/cm³, less than 0.75 g/cm³, or less than 0.50 g/cm³. In one embodiment, the second density is 1.5 g/cm³.

The rear body has a relatively large volume due to the frame-like structure. The volume of the rear body includes the internal cavity volume formed between the front body and the rear body. The rear body has a volume greater than 50 cc. For example, in some embodiments, the volume is greater than 50 cc, greater than 55 cc, greater than 60 cc, greater than 70 cc, greater than 75 cc, or greater than 80 cc. In one embodiment, the rear body 130 volume is about 55 cc.

The rear body is formed from a light-weight material such as carbon fiber, graphite, thermoplastics, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyurethan, composite materials, fiberglass, elastomers, or resin-based materials. The rear body 130 can be formed through various manufacturing methods such as injection molding, thermoforming, 3d-printing, or any other well-known manufacturing methods in the art.

Replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims, unless such benefits, advantages, solutions, or elements are stated in such claim.

Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.

EXAMPLES

Example 1—Mass Properties

A mass properties comparison is shown below in Table 1 comparing an exemplary putter-type club head, according to aspects of the present disclosure, to two control club heads. The exemplary club head was similar to the club head 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 in that the exemplary club head comprised a heavy front body and a lightweight rear body to give mass properties similar to that of a blade but having the appearance of a mallet style putter. The front body had a mass of 311 grams, and the rear body had a mass of 44 grams. The first control club head had a single piece blade-style head. The second control club head had a single piece mallet-style head that had a similar shape to the exemplary club head.

As illustrated in Table 1 above, the Exemplary club head had CG location similar to the blade-style putter head but had a body depth more similar to the mallet-style club head. Specifically, the Exemplary club head a CG depth of 0.66 inch, while the blade-style had a CG depth of 0.519 inch and the mallet-style had a CG depth of 1.35 inch. Accordingly, the CG-depth of the exemplary club head was more similar to that of the blade-style club head due to the heavy front body and the lightweight rear body. Furthermore, the Exemplary club head a body depth equal to the body depth of the mallet-style putter head which was 3.46 inches while the blade-style putter had a body depth of 1.22 inches. Accordingly, the Exemplary club head achieved a high depth ratio (body depth/CG depth) due to the large body depth but shallow CG depth.

Accordingly, the exemplary club head has a CG location similar to that of the blade-style putter head, giving the feel and balance of the blade-style putter head, while having a body depth and Iyy more similar to that of a mallet-style putter head. As such, the exemplary club head achieves the feel and balance of a blade-style putter head while having the appearance of a mallet.

Example 2—Pendulum Test

A putter pendulum test was conducted to study the effects of CG position for launch and spin characteristics of an exemplary club head to a control club head. The exemplary club head was similar to the club head 100 illustrated in FIGS. 1-12 in that the exemplary club head comprised a heavy front body and a lightweight rear body to give mass properties similar to that of a blade but having the appearance of a mallet style putter. The front body had a mass of 311 grams, and the rear body had a mass of 44 grams to create a club head with a CG depth of 0.66 inch. The control club head was similar to the exemplary club head except had a single piece construction and a CG depth of 1.35 inches. The putter pendulum test utilized a robotic arm that delivered each club with the same delivery parameters to hit a 10 foot putt. The results were averaged and illustrated in Table 2 below.

As shown in table 2 above, the exemplary club head had an average launch angle of −0.3 degrees and a forward spin of 80 rpms while the control club head had a high launch angle of 0 degrees and less forward spin of 75 rpms. Accordingly, the exemplary club head having a forward CG position launch the ball lower and imparted more forward spin to improve launch conditions over that of the mallet-style control club head.