# US 7,101,290 B2 · Golf club having replaceable striking surface attachments and method for replacing same > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 7,101,290 B2 - Document ID: US7101290B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 11/045,375 - Filed: 2005-01-31 - Published: 2005-06-16 - Granted: 2006-09-05 - Earliest claimed: 2000-01-14 - Assignees: Stx, LLC - Inventors: Richard B. C. Tucker, Sr. - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7101290B2 ## CPC - A63B 53/08: with special arrangements for obtaining a variable impact - A63B 53/0487: {for putters (A63B53/065 takes precedence)} - A63B 53/065: {for putters} - A63B 60/00: Details or accessories of golf clubs, bats, rackets or the like - A63B 60/52: with slits - A63B 53/0416: {Heads having an impact surface provided by a face insert} - A63B 53/0425: {the face insert comprising two or more different materials} - A63B 53/0466: {wood-type} - A63B 53/047: {iron-type} - A63B: APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT (apparatus for passive exercising, massage A61H) ## Abstract An adjustable customized golf club, e.g., a golf putter, as well as a method for using the club, wherein the club has a head, a striking surface attachment, and one or more lock fittings that positively lock the striking surface attachment to the head. The striking surface attachment is one of several selectable attachments, each with different performance characteristics, e.g., rebound. The one or more lock fittings positively lock the striking surface attachments to the putter head such that the club components are firmly fixed, yet are still quickly removable and replaceable. In a representative embodiment, the striking surface attachment can be removed by hand and without tools. A golfer quickly changes the striking surface attachments without losing the feel of the prior striking surface attachment, thereby enabling the golfer to realistically compare the differences between the attachments before selecting and playing with a particular striking surface attachment. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A golf club comprising: (a) a head; (b) a striking surface attachment; and (c) a wedge having at least two opposite faces, wherein the wedge provides a positive lock of the striking surface attachment to the head such that the striking surface attachment is firmly fixed without looseness and can be quickly removed, wherein the striking surface attachment has a first channel, wherein the head has a second channel that lines up with the first channel when the striking surface attachment is engaged and aligned with the head, wherein the wedge is frictionally disposed in the first channel and the second channel, and wherein the wedge extends above a surface of the head so as to be graspable and is removable without destructive force. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The golf club of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel define a wedge slot having at least two opposing faces that mate with the at least two opposite faces of the wedge. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The golf club of claim 1, wherein the first channel and the second channel have shapes that are longer than wide, with generally parallel sides. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The golf club of claim 1, wherein the wedge is made of an elastomer. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The golf club of claim 4, wherein the first channel of the striking surface attachment is made of metal and the second channel of the head is made of metal. ### Claim 6 (depends on 1) The golf club of claim 1, wherein the wedge is made of a material that compresses within the first and second channels to provide the positive lock. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The golf club of claim 1, wherein the wedge extends above a surface of the head so as to be graspable. ### Claim 8 A golf club comprising: a head having a front surface, the head defining a first channel that is substantially parallel to the front surface; a striking surface attachment disposed over the front surface of the head, the striking surface attachment defining a second channel, the second channel being aligned with the first channel of the head; and a tapered pin disposed in the first channel and the second channel, the tapered pin extending above a surface of the head so as to be graspable, and the tapered pin being removable without destructive force. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The golf club of claim 8, the tapered pin having at least two opposite faces, and the first channel and the second channel comprising a wedge slot having at least two opposing faces that frictionally mate with the at least two opposite faces of the tapered pin. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The golf club of claim 8, the tapered pin being made of an elastomer. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The golf club of claim 10, the first channel of the striking surface attachment being made of metal and the second channel of the head being made of metal. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The golf club of claim 8, the tapered pin being made of a material that compresses within the first and second channels. ### Claim 13 (depends on 8) The golf club of claim 8, the first channel and the second channel being oblong. ### Claim 14 A golf club comprising: a head having a front surface, the head defining a first channel, the first channel not intersecting the front surface; a striking surface attachment disposed over the front surface of the head, the striking surface attachment defining a second channel, the second channel being aligned with the first channel of the head; and a tapered pin disposed in the first channel and the second channel, the tapered pin preventing removal of the striking surface attachment from the head, the tapered pin extending above a surface of the head so as to be graspable, and the tapered pin being removable without destructive force. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) The golf club of claim 14, the tapered pin having at least two opposite faces, and the first channel and the second channel comprising a wedge slot having at least two opposing faces that frictionally mate with the at least two opposite faces of the tapered pin. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) The golf club of claim 15, the at least two opposite faces of the tapered pin being substantially flat. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) The golf club of claim 14, the tapered pin being made of an elastomer. ### Claim 18 (depends on 17) The golf club of claim 17, the first channel of the striking surface attachment being made of metal and the second channel of the head being made of metal. ### Claim 19 (depends on 14) The golf club of claim 14, the tapered pin being made of a material that compresses within the first and second channels. ### Claim 20 (depends on 14) The golf club of claim 14, the first channel and the second channel being oblong.