Multi-material putter head and method of manufacturing same
AssigneeKarsten Manufacturing Corporation
InventorsStephen M. Morris, Anthony D. Serrano
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
This disclosure relates to a multi-material putter-type golf club head having a high-density core and a low-density metallic shell configured to optimize mass distribution, feel, and performance. The core is formed from materials such as steel or tungsten, and concentrates mass centrally, while the low density and sometimes aluminum based shell encapsulates the core to create a lighter exterior and a soft yet solid impact sensation. Methods of manufacture include vacuum die casting, during which the molten shell material fills a controlled space around a pre-heated weight insert to form an integrated structure. The resulting club head provides improved moment of inertia, customizable geometry, and enhanced durability.
Claims17
A putter-type golf club head comprising:
- a multi-component body including
- a core made of a core material including a core material density greater than 7.0 g·cm3, the core accounting for between 20% and 50% of a total club head volume and between 40% and 80% of a total club head mass, and
- a shell made of a shell material including a shell material density less than 4.0 g·cm3, the shell material being a metallic material, and the shell accounting for between 50% and 80% of the total club head volume and between 20% and 60% of the total club head mass.
A method of manufacturing a multi-material club head, the method comprising:
- heating a weight insert, the weight insert formed from a steel alloy;
- heating a mold having a cavity configured to receive the weight insert;
- positioning the weight insert within the mold such that a predetermined fillable space remains surrounding a majority portion of the weight insert and not surrounding a minority portion of the weight insert;
- evacuating gases from the cavity;
- injecting aluminum alloy in a molten state into the predetermined fillable space;
- after solidification of the aluminum alloy, removing the aluminum alloy and the weight insert from the mold;
- removing the minority portion of the weight insert;
- and
- anodizing the aluminum alloy.
An apparatus for manufacturing a putter-type golf club head, having a weight insert corresponding to a core that is configured to be at least partially encased within a metallic material, the apparatus comprising:
- a first mold portion;
- a second mold portion selectively joinable with the first mold portion to define a cavity therebetween, the cavity configured complementary to an exterior surface of the core;
- a key mechanism operable to at least one of position or secure the weight insert within the cavity thereby to define a fillable space around at least a portion of the weight insert;
- a vacuum interface in communication with the cavity and configured to evacuate gases therefrom;
- and
- a gating system in fluid communication with the cavity and configured to direct the metallic material, in a molten state, into the fillable space, thereby to form a shell at least partially encapsulating the core.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.