GM2 exchange putter

Abstract

An adjustable golf club incorporates instructions into the golf club, and more particularly, in connection with the club head. More specifically, encoded information is visibly provided on the club head, the encoded information relating to the performance of the club head. In addition to the encoded information, a decoder or device for interpreting the encoded performance information is also provided on the club head. The encoded information, in conjunction with the decoder for interpreting the encoded performance information, allows the golfer to easily adjust his or her club head based on the playing conditions or his or her swing. Typically, the encoded information relates to a weight of the club head, and may be used to adjustably vary the weight of the club head. A method of configuring a putter type golf club head adaptable to a plurality of configurations is described as well as a kit for selectively configuring components of a golf club head. The kit may include club head components, tools for manipulating the components, and housing for portably supporting the same.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description given below and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus do not limit the present invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a club head according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the club head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a portion of the club head of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the club head of FIG. 2 taken from a bottom perspective;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a blade type club head according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of a portion of the club head of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the club head of FIG. 5 taken from a bottom perspective;

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the element and tool housing with no cover; and

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the element and tool housing with cover.

Claims

1. A golf club head comprising: a body;at least one element associated with the body;information encoded on the at least one element; andmeans for decoding the information.

2. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the golf club head is mutable.

3. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one element is demountably coupled to the body.

4. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the means for decoding is removably attached to the body.

5. The golf club head of claim 4, wherein the means for decoding includes a plate portion, the plate portion comprising decoding indicia on an exposed surface thereof, and means for viewing the encoded information.

6. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a sole and an upper surface opposite the sole, and the at least one element is between the sole and the upper surface of the body.

7. The golf club head of claim 1, further comprising at least one recess formed in the body of the club head.

8. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the body comprises opposed toe and heel regions, with at least one recess in the toe region and at least one recess in the heel region.

9. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein at least one opening is disposed within the at least one recess, and the element is at least partially press fit into the opening.

10. The golf club head of claim 9, wherein the means for decoding retains the at least one element in the opening.

11. The golf club head of claim 7, wherein the means for decoding is seated in the recess.

12. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the encoded information identifies a mass of the element.

13. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein a plurality of elements, having the same or different discrete masses ranging from 1 to 50 grams, are comprised of tungsten.

14. The golf club head of claim 1, wherein the at least one element is selectively inserted into the club head to define a final weight of the club head.

15. A golf club head comprising: a body having a striking face thereon;at least one recess formed in the body;a mass disposed within the recess, the mass comprising encoded information formed thereon; anda cover comprising means for interpreting the encoded information.

16. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein at least a portion of the golf club head is mutable.

17. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the cover further includes a window for observing a portion of the mass.

18. The golf club head of claim 15, wherein the mass is interchangeable with other masses of varying weights.

19. A golf club head comprising: a cipher associated with performance characteristics of the club head; andmeans for interpreting the cipher.

20. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein at least a portion of the golf club head is mutable.

21. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the cipher is a mutable color display, whereby each performance characteristic is associated with a color or color combination.

22. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the cipher is perceivable on the exterior of the club head.

23. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the means for interpreting the cipher is formed on the club head.

24. The golf club head of claim 19, wherein the means for interpreting the cipher is removably coupled to the golf club head.

25. A tool kit for a golf club head comprising: a mutable golf club head;a plurality of reconfigurable elements with information encoded thereon;at least one information decoder; anda tool for reconfiguring the elements in the golf club head.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the encoded information corresponds to a mass of each element.

27. The kit of claim 25, further comprising instructions for selecting and positioning the reconfigurable elements about the club head.