Patent Publication Number: US-8109838-B2

Title: Golf club head with a three-dimensional alignment member and methods to manufacture golf club heads

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/185,266, filed Jun. 9, 2009. Further, this application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/425,637, filed Apr. 17, 2009, which claim the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application 61/048,679, filed Apr. 29, 2008. The above-referenced related applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to golf equipment, and more particularly, to golf club heads with three-dimensional alignment members and methods to manufacture golf club heads. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The performance of an individual may be enhanced by improving alignment of a golf club head relative to a golf ball at an address position. For instance, proper alignment between the golf club head and the golf ball may result in better control over the distance, direction, spin, and/or speed of the golf ball. Conversely, an off-center impact may result without proper alignment between the golf club head and the golf ball. An off-center impact may occur if the golf ball contacts the striking face of the golf club head at or proximate to the heel end or the toe end of the striking face. To avoid an off-center impact, the individual may direct his or her vision over the golf club head to improve alignment between the golf club head and the golf ball. To ease and improve the individual&#39;s visual alignment, various alignment features may be included on the golf club head. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  depicts a top perspective view of an example golf club head according to an embodiment of the methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  depicts a heel end view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  depicts a back view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  depicts a top view of an example first body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  depicts a heel end view of the example first body portion of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  depicts a front view of the example first body portion of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 10  depicts a back view of the example first body portion of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 11  depicts a top view of an example second body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  depicts a side view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 13  depicts a bottom view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 14  depicts a back view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 15  depicts a front view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 11 . 
         FIG. 16  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 18  depicts a back view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 19  depicts a top view of another example first body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  depicts a top perspective view of an example golf club head according to a second embodiment of the methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 22  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 23  depicts a heel end view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 24  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 25  depicts a back view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 20 . 
         FIG. 26  depicts a top perspective view of an example golf club head according to a third embodiment of the methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 27  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 28  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 29  depicts a heel end view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 30  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 31  depicts a back view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 26 . 
         FIG. 32  depicts an example golf club associated with the example golf club head of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 33  depicts one manner in which the example golf club head of  FIG. 1  may be manufactured. 
         FIG. 34  depicts a top perspective view of an example golf club head according to a fourth embodiment of the methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein. 
         FIG. 35  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 36  depicts a bottom view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 37  depicts a heel end view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 38  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 39  depicts a back view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 40  depicts a top view of an example first body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 41  depicts a heel end view of the example first body portion of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 42  depicts a front view of the example first body portion of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 43  depicts a back view of the example first body portion of  FIG. 40 . 
         FIG. 44  depicts a top view of an example second body portion of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 45  depicts a side view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 46  depicts a bottom view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 47  depicts a back view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 48  depicts a front view of the example second body portion of  FIG. 44 . 
         FIG. 49  depicts a top view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 50  depicts a front view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 51  depicts a back view of the example golf club head of  FIG. 34 . 
         FIG. 52  depicts one manner in which the example golf club head of  FIG. 34  may be manufactured. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION 
     In general, methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture associated with golf club heads with a three-dimensional alignment member are described herein. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 1-18 , a golf club head  100  may include a first body portion  110  (e.g.,  FIGS. 7-10 ) and a second body portion  120  (e.g.,  FIGS. 11-15 ). In general, the golf club head  100  may include a front end  130 , a back end  140 , a toe end  150 , and a heel end  160 . The front and back ends  130  and  140  may be opposite of each other. In a similar manner, the toe and heel ends  150  and  160  may be opposite of each other. 
     The golf club head  100  may also include a bore  170 . For example, the bore  170  may be located at or proximate to the heel end  160 . The bore  170  may be substantially flushed with a top rail (e.g., the top rail  740  of  FIG. 7 ) and may facilitate assembly of a golf club  3200  as shown in  FIG. 32 . For example, to form the golf club  3200 , the bore  170  may receive a first end of a shaft (e.g., the shaft  3210  of  FIG. 32 ). The shaft  3210  may be secured to the golf club head  100  by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy) and/or other suitable bonding processes (e.g., mechanical bonding, soldering, welding, and/or brazing). Further, a grip (e.g., the grip  3220  of  FIG. 32 ) may be secured to a second end of the shaft  3210  to complete the golf club  3200 . While one or more of  FIGS. 1-18  may depict the bore  170 , the golf club head  100  may include a hosel and/or a hosel transition to receive the shaft  3210  (e.g., the hosel  1910  and the hosel transition  1920  of  FIG. 19 ). For example, the hosel  1910  and/or the hosel transition  1920  may extend above the top rail  740 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited this regard. 
     With the exception of the bore  170 , the golf club head  100  may be substantially symmetrical along an axis  180  as shown in  FIG. 2 . In particular, the axis  180  may extend between the front end  130  and back end  140  of the golf club head  100 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 7-10 , the first body portion  110  may include a first arm portion  710 , a second arm portion  720 , a face portion  730 , and a top rail  740 . At or proximate to the toe end of the first body portion  110 , the first arm portion  710  may extend between the front end  130  and the back end  140 . At or proximate to the heel end  150  of the first body portion  110 , the second arm portion  720  may extend between the front end  130  and the back end  140 . Each of the first and second arm portions  710  and  720  may be substantially straight or substantially arcuate between the front end  130  and the back end  140 . Alternatively, each of the first and second arm portions  710  and  720  may include at least one straight segment and at least one an arcuate segment. 
     In one example, the first and second arm portions  710  and  720  of the first body portion  110  may form a contour with outward curving end portions with a narrow center portion as shown in  FIG. 7  (e.g., a Coke® bottle-style contour). In particular, the first arm portion  710  may include a first outward arcuate portion  712 , a second outward arcuate portion  714 , a first inward arcuate portion  716 , and a second inward arcuate portion  718  of the golf club head  100 . In a similar manner, the second arm portion  720  may include a third outward arcuate portion  722 , a fourth outward arcuate portion  724 , a third inward arcuate portion  726 , and a fourth inward arcuate portion  728  of the golf club head  100 . The first, second, third, and fourth outward arcuate portions  712 ,  714 ,  722 , and  724  may form outward curving portions of the golf club head  100  located at or proximate to an end of the first arm portion  710  and the second arm portion  720  (e.g., the front end  130  or the back end  140 ) whereas the first and second inward arcuate portions  716  and  726  may form a relatively narrower curving center portion of the golf club head  100 . The third and fourth inward arcuate portions  718  and  728  may form a relatively narrower curving front portion at or proximate to the face portion  730  of the golf club head  100 . To further provide a visual reference of the golf club head  100  being appropriate aligned to a golf ball (e.g., the golf club head  100  being “squared”), the first and second outward arcuate portions  712  and  714  of the first arm portion  710  may be aligned to each other while the first and second inward arcuate portions  716  and  718  of the first arm portion  710  may be aligned to each other. In a similar manner, the third and fourth outward arcuate portions  722  and  724  of the second arm portion  720  may be aligned to each other while the third and fourth inward portions  726  and  728  of the second arm portion  720  may be aligned to each other. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     At the front end  130  of the golf club head  100 , the face portion  730  may extend between the toe end  150  and the heel end  160 . Further, the face portion  730  may connect the first and second arm portions  710  and  720 . In one example, the first and second arm portions  710  and  720 , and the face portion  730  may be a single integral part of the first body portion  110 . In another example, the first arm portion  710 , the second arm portion  720 , and the face portion  730  may be two or more separate parts coupled together to form the first body portion  110 . The face portion  730  may include a striking surface  735  ( FIG. 9 ) to impact a golf ball (e.g., the golf ball  1600  of  FIG. 16 ). Accordingly, the first body portion  110  (e.g., via the first and second arm portions  710  and  720 , and the face portion  730 ) may form a “U” shape relative to a golf ball at an address position or a “C” shape relative an individual at an address position. The first body portion  110  may be made of a first material associated with a first density such as, for example, stainless steel-based material(s), bronze-based material(s), other suitable metal or non-metal materials, and/or any combination thereof. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 11-15 , the second body portion  120  may include a first arcuate portion  1110 , a second arcuate portion  1120 , a central portion  1130 , a first leg portion  1140 , and a second leg portion  1150 . The first arcuate portion  1110  may be located at or proximate to the front end  130  of the golf club head  100  whereas the second arcuate portion  1120  may be located at or proximate to the back end  140  of the golf club head  100 . The central portion  1130  may connect the first and second arcuate portions  1110  and  1120 . The first and second leg portions  1140  and  1150  may extend from the second arcuate portion  1120 . For example, the second body portion  120  may form a “Y” shape relative to a golf ball at an address position. 
     The second body portion  120  may be made of a second material associated with a second density, which may be less than the first density of a first material used to make the first body portion  110 . In particular, the second body portion  120  may be relatively less dense than the first body portion  110  (e.g., the first density is greater than the second density). For example, the second body portion  120  may be made of aluminum-based material(s), plastic-based material(s), polyurethane-based material(s), other suitable type of metal or non-metal materials, and/or any combination thereof. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The second body portion  120  may include a visual alignment member  1160  that may be visible to an individual. The visual alignment member  1160  may be based on a golf ball. In particular, the visual alignment member  1160  may be a three-dimensional alignment member formed by the first arcuate portion  1110 , the second arcuate portion  1120 , and the central portion  1130 . In addition, the visual alignment member  1160  may include a first arc section  1162 , a second arc section  1164 , and a straight section  1166 . 
     The first arc section  1162  may be located on, or integral to, the first arcuate portion  1110  whereas the second arc section  1164  may be located on, or integral to, the second arcuate portion  1120 . The first and second arc sections  1162  and  1164  may be convex relative to a plane parallel to the face portion  730  (e.g., the plane  1650  of  FIG. 16 ). That is, the first and second arc sections  1162  and  1164  may be convex relative to the front end  130  and concave relative to the back end  140 . 
     The straight section  1166  may be located on, or integral to, the central portion  1130 . Further, the straight section  1166  may be positioned between the first and second arc sections  1162  and  1164 . In particular, the straight section  1166  may connect the first arc section  1162  and the second arc section  1164 . The first arc section  1162 , the second arc section  1164 , and the straight section  1166  may be sunken sections on the second body portion  120 . However, each of the sections of the visual alignment member  1160  may include a raised section, a line, a colored section, or any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of markings. 
     The central portion  1130  may include a first side wall  1170  and a second side wall  1180 . In one example, the visual alignment member  1160  may also include side wall straight sections, generally shown as  1175  and  1185 , on each of the first and second side walls  1170  and  1180 , respectively. All sections of the visual alignment member  1160  may be visible to an individual (e.g., the first arc section  1162 , the second arc section  1164 , the straight section  1166 , the first side wall straight section  1175 , and the second side wall straight section  1185 ). For instance, the visual alignment member  1160  may be visible to an individual when the golf club head  100  is positioned to properly address the golf ball  1600 . Accordingly, an individual may have better control over the distance, direction, spin, and/or speed of the golf ball  1600 . 
     Further, the second body portion  120  may include one or more cavities, generally shown as a first cavity  1190  and a second cavity  1195 . The first cavity  1190  may be associated with the first leg portion  1140  whereas the second cavity  1195  may be associated with the second leg portion  1150 . One or more removable weights (not shown) may be disposed in each of the first cavity  1190  and the second cavity  1195 . Although the figures may depict the first and second cavities  1190  and  1195  as circular cavities, the first and second cavities  1190  and  1195  may have other suitable shapes (e.g., oval, elliptical, triangular, square, rectangular, etc.). 
     The second body portion  120  may be coupled to the first body portion  110  to form the golf club head  100 . In particular, the first arcuate portion  1110  of the second body portion  120  may be coupled to a back side  1035  ( FIG. 10 ) of the face portion  730  of the first body portion  110 . Further, the first and second leg portions  1140  and  1150  may be coupled to the first and second arm portions  710  and  720 , respectively, at the back end  140  of the first body portion  110 . The second body portion  120  may be secured to the first body portion  110  by one or more fasteners, generally shown as  310 ,  320 , and  330  ( FIG. 3 ). In addition or alternatively, the first and second body portions  110  and  120  may be coupled together by other suitable manners (e.g., adhesive). The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 16-18 , the first and second arcuate portions  1110  and  1120  of the golf club head  100  may be formed based on the dimensions of a golf ball  1600  as defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A). For example, the USGA may specify that the diameter of the golf ball  1600  is greater than 1.68 inches. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As three-dimensional features, the first and second arcuate portions  1110  and  1120  may each have curvatures in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. With respect to curvatures in the horizontal direction, the first arcuate portion  1110  may be associated with a first horizontal radius  1610  and a first horizontal arc  1612  relative to a first vertical plane  1650  ( FIG. 16 ). The first vertical plane  1650  may extend between the toe end  150  and the heel end  160 . Similarly, the second arcuate portion  1120  may be associated with a second horizontal radius  1620  and a second horizontal arc  1622  relatively to the first vertical plane  1650 . 
     Both the first and second horizontal radii  1610  and  1620  may be substantially equivalent to the radius  1660  of the golf ball  1600 . Accordingly, in one example, the first and second horizontal radii  1610  and  1620  may be about 0.84 inches. While the first and second horizontal arcs  1612  and  1622  may be similar in length, the arc lengths are not limited in this regard. For instance, the first horizontal arc  1612  may be longer or shorter than the second horizontal arc  1622 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     With respect to curvature in the vertical direction, the first arcuate portion  1110  may be associated with a first vertical radius  1710  and a first vertical arc  1712  relative to a horizontal ground plane  1700  ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ). The first arcuate portion  1110  may extend above the top rail  740  in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second arcuate portion  1120  may be associated with a second vertical radius  1810  and a second vertical arc  1812  relative to the horizontal ground plane  1700  ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ). The second arcuate portion  1120  may also extend above the top rail  740  in the vertical direction. While the top rail  740  may be depicted as a substantially flat surface, the top rail  740  may also be an arcuate surface. For example, the top rail  740  may be an arcuate surface between the striking face  735  and the back side  1035 . 
     Both the first and second vertical radii  1710  and  1810  may be substantially equivalent to the radius  1660  of the golf ball  1600 . Accordingly, in one example, the first and second vertical radii  1710  and  1820  may be about 0.84 inches. While the first and second vertical arcs  1712  and  1812  may be similar in length, the arc lengths are not limited in this regard. For instance, the first vertical arc  1712  may be longer or shorter than the second vertical arc  1812 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     Alternatively, the first and second arcuate portions  1110  and  1120  may be larger than the dimensions of the golf ball  1600 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 17 , the first vertical radius  1710  may larger than the radius of a golf ball  1600 . A larger first vertical radius  1710  may be associated with a longer first vertical arc  1712 , generally shown as  1714  and  1716 . The vertical arcs  1712 ,  1714 , and  1716  may be concentric to each other. Similarly, the second vertical radius  1810  ( FIG. 18 ) may be increased to a size greater than the radius of a golf ball  1660 , resulting in a longer second vertical arc  1812 . 
     Further, the golf club head  100  may comprise a plurality of regions  1670 , generally shown as a toe region  1672 , a middle region  1674 , and a heel region  1676  as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 18 . The plurality of regions  1670  may be defined by a second vertical plane  1680  and a third vertical plane  1690 . The second and third vertical planes  1680  and  1690  may be parallel to each other. The second and third vertical planes  1680  and  1690  may extend between the toe end  130  and the heel end  140 . Further, the second and third vertical planes  1680  and  1690  may be normal to the ground plane  1700  ( FIGS. 17 and 18 ) of the golf club head  100 . 
     The second and third vertical planes  1680  and  1690  may divide the golf club head  100  into three similarly-sized regions. For example, the face portion  730  may have a horizontal length L between the toe end  150  and the heel end  160 , and the second vertical plane  1680  may be positioned a distance of approximately (⅓)*L from the toe end  150 . Similarly, the third vertical plane  1690  may positioned a distance of approximately (⅓)*L from the heel end  160 . Accordingly, the second and third vertical planes  1680  and  1690  may be separated by a distance of approximately (⅓)*L. 
     The toe region  1672  may include various portions of the golf club head  100  between the toe end  150  of the golf club head  100  and the second vertical plane  1680 . For example, the toe region  1672  may include the first arm portion  710  and about one-third of the face portion  730  of the first body portion  110 , and the first leg portion  1140  of the second body portion  120 . 
     The middle region  1674  may include various portions of the golf club head  100  between the second and third vertical planes  1680  and  1690 . For example, the middle region  1674  may include about one-third of the face portion  130  of the first body portion  110 , and the first and second arcuate portions  1110  and  1120  and the central portion  1130  of the second body portion  120 . 
     The heel region  1676  may include various portions of the golf club head  100  between the heel end  160  of the golf club head  100  and the third vertical plane  1690 . For example, the heel region  1676  may include the second arm portion  720  and about one-third of the face portion  130  of the first body portion  110 , and the second leg portion  1150  of the second body portion  120 . In addition, the heel region  1676  may include the bore  170 . Alternatively, the heel region  1676  may include a hosel and/or a hosel transition (e.g., the hosel and the hosel transition  1920  of  FIG. 19 ) to receive a shaft (e.g., the shaft  3210  of  FIG. 32 ). In another example, the bore  170  may receive a tubular hosel (not shown) extending from the bore  170  to receive the shaft instead of the bore  170  receiving the shaft directly. Tubular hosels (e.g., made of a titanium-based material) with various configurations may be used to customize the golf club head  100  for an individual. Each tubular hosel may be associated with particular loft and lie angles so that the loft and lie angles of the golf club head  100  may be adjusted. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Although the golf club head  100  may have a total mass m, a majority of the total mass m may be distributed to the perimeter of the golf club head  100  to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head  100 . In one example, the middle region  1674  may be associated with less than 33% of the total mass m whereas each of the toe and heel regions  1672  and  1676  may be associated with more than 33% of the total mass m. In particular, the mass of the middle region  1674  is less than 0.33*m whereas the toe and heel regions  1672  and  1674  are each greater than 0.33*m. To achieve the mass distribution described above, the middle region  1664  of the golf club head  100  may substantially include material(s) having a specific gravity less than 3.5 (grams/cubic centimeters (g/cm 3 )) such as polyurethane-based material(s), plastic-based material(s), wood-based material(s), carbon fiber laminate-based material(s), etc. For example, the first body portion  110  may be made of a stainless steel-based material whereas the second body portion  120  may be made of a polyurethane-based material to distribute the total mass m as described above. By increasing the moment of inertia, the golf club head  100  may result in fewer miss-hits and improve accuracy of shots. 
     In another example, the middle region  1674  may be associated with less than 25% of the total mass m whereas each of the toe and heel regions  1672  and  1676  may be associated with more than 35% of the total mass m. In particular, the mass of the middle region  1674  is less than 0.25*m whereas the toe and heel regions  1672  and  1674  are each greater than 0.35*m. To achieve the mass distribution described above, the middle region  1664  of the golf club head  100  may substantially include material(s) having a specific gravity less than 1.5 (grams/cubic centimeters (g/cm 3 )). The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     While the above examples may describe some portions of the golf club head  100  being an integral part or a separate part of other portions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. For example, although the above examples may describe the first and second arm portions  710  and  720  as integral parts of the first body portion  110 , the first arm portion  710  and/or the second arm portion  720  may be separate part(s) of the first body portion  110 . 
     Although the above examples may depict the first and second body portions  110  and  120  as separate parts coupled together to form the golf club head  100 , the first and second body portions  110  and  120  may be a single integral part of the golf club head  100 . For example, a golf club head (e.g., the golf club head  2000  of  FIGS. 20-25  and the golf club head  2600  of  FIGS. 26-31 ) may comprise a single body portion having a three-dimensional alignment member integrally formed therein. 
     In the example of  FIG. 20-25 , the golf club head  2000  may include a first arcuate portion  2010 , a second arcuate portion  2020 , and a top rail  2040 . The first arcuate portion  2010  may include a horizontal arc section  2110  ( FIG. 21 ) and a vertical arc section  2310  ( FIGS. 23 and 24 ). Similarly, the second arcuate portion  2020  may include a horizontal arc section  2120  ( FIG. 21 ) and a vertical arc section  2320  ( FIGS. 23 and 25 ). The golf club head  2000  may also include one or more cavities, generally shown as  2052 ,  2054 ,  2056 , and  2058 . For example, the cavities  2052 ,  2054 ,  2056 , and  2058  may be located on the bottom of the golf club head  2000  and may receive a plurality of weight members (not shown). The golf club head  2000  may be manufactured by a casting process, a forging process, a combination thereof, or any other suitable manufacturing processes. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 26-31 , the golf club head  2600  may include a first arcuate portion  2610 , a second arcuate portion  2620 , and a top rail  2640 . The first arcuate portion  2610  may include a horizontal arc section  2710  ( FIG. 27 ) and a vertical arc section  2910  ( FIGS. 29 and 30 ). Similarly, the second arcuate portion  2620  may include a horizontal arc section  2720  ( FIG. 27 ) and a vertical arc section  2920  ( FIGS. 29 and 31 ). Both the first and second arcuate portions  2610  and  2620  may be substantially equivalent to the radius  1560  of the golf ball  1600 . Alternatively, the dimensions of the arcuate portions  2610  and  2620  may deviate form the dimensions of the golf ball  1600 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIG. 33 , a process  3300  may begin by providing the first body portion  110  (e.g.,  FIGS. 7-10 ) to form the golf club head  100  (block  3310 ). In one example, the first body portion  110  may be formed by a casting process and/or any other suitable type of manufacturing techniques or processes. As noted above, the first body portion  110  may be made of a first material associated with a first density (e.g., a stainless steel-based material). 
     To form the golf club head  100 , the process  3300  may provide the second body portion  120  (block  3320 ). In particular, the process  3300  may couple the first body portion  110  with the second body portion  120 . As noted above, the second body portion  120  may be made of a second material associated with a second density (e.g., a polyurethane-based material). The first and second body portions  110  and  120  may be coupled to each other with various fasteners and/or bonding techniques or processes. For example, the first and second body portions  110  and  120  may be coupled to each other with one or more screws (e.g., generally shown as  310 ,  320 , and  330  of  FIG. 3 ). 
     The process  3300  may provide the visual alignment member  1160  (block  3330 ). The visual alignment member  1160  may be a three-dimensional alignment member formed by the first arcuate portion  1110 , the second arcuate portion  1120 , and the central portion  1130 . The first arc section  1162 , the second arc section  1164 , and the straight section  1166  may include sunken sections on the second body portion  120 . However, each of the sections of the visual alignment member  1160  may be comprised of a raised section, a line, a colored section, or any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of markings. 
     Although the process  3300  may be described above with respect to the golf club head  100 , the process  3300  may be applicable to other golf club heads. In addition, while a particular order of actions is illustrated in  FIG. 33 , these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. In particular, two or more actions depicted in  FIG. 33  may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. For example, the blocks  3310  and  3320  may be combined if the first and second body portions  110  and  120  are not separate parts coupled together (e.g., a single integral part). Further, although  FIG. 33  may depict a particular number of blocks, the process  3300  may not perform one or more blocks. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 34-51 , a golf club head  3400  may include a first body portion  3410  (e.g.,  FIGS. 40-43 ) and a second body portion  3420  (e.g.,  FIGS. 44-48 ). In general, the golf club head  3400  may include a front end  3430 , a back end  3440 , a toe end  3450 , and a heel end  3460 . The front and back ends  3430  and  3440  may be opposite of each other. In a similar manner, the toe and heel ends  3450  and  3460  may be opposite of each other. 
     The golf club head  3400  may also include a bore  3470 . For example, the bore  3470  may be located at or proximate to the heel end  3460 . The bore  3470  may facilitate assembly of a golf club  3200  as shown in  FIG. 32 . For example, to form the golf club  3200 , the bore  3470  may receive a first end of a shaft (e.g., the shaft  3210  of  FIG. 32 ). The shaft  3210  may be secured to the golf club head  3400  by an adhesive bonding process (e.g., epoxy) and/or other suitable bonding processes (e.g., mechanical bonding, soldering, welding, and/or brazing). Further, a grip (e.g., the grip  3220  of  FIG. 32 ) may be secured to a second end of the shaft  3210  to complete the golf club  3200 . While one or more of  FIGS. 34-51  may depict the bore  3470 , the golf club head  3400  may include a hosel and/or a hosel transition to receive the shaft  3210  (e.g., the hosel  1910  and the hosel transition  1920  of  FIG. 19 ). For example, the hosel  1910  and/or the hosel transition  1920  may extend above the top rail  4040 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited this regard. 
     With the exception of the bore  3470 , the golf club head  3400  may be substantially symmetrical along an axis  3480  as shown in  FIG. 35 . In particular, the axis  3480  may extend between the front end  3430  and back end  3440  of the golf club head  3400 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 40-43 , the first body portion  3410  may include a first arm portion  4010 , a second arm portion  4020 , a face portion  4030 , and a top rail  4040 . At or proximate to the toe end of the first body portion  3410 , the first arm portion  4010  may extend between the front end  3430  and the back end  3440 . At or proximate to the heel end  3460  of the first body portion  3410 , the second arm portion  4020  may extend between the front end  3430  and the back end  3440 . Each of the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020  may be substantially straight or substantially arcuate between the front end  3430  and the back end  3440 . Alternatively, each of the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020  may include at least one straight segment and at least one an arcuate segment. 
     In one example, the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020  of the first body portion  3410  may form a contour with outward curving end portions with a narrow center portion as shown in  FIG. 41  (e.g., a Coke® bottle-style contour). In particular, the first arm portion  4010  may include a first outward arcuate portion  4112 , a second outward arcuate portion  4114 , and a first inward arcuate portion  4116  of the golf club head  3400 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     At the front end  3430  of the golf club head  3400 , the face portion  4030  may extend between the toe end  3450  and the heel end  3460 . Further, the face portion  4030  may connect the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020 . In one example, the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020 , and the face portion  4030  may be a single integral part of the first body portion  3410 . In another example, the first arm portion  4010 , the second arm portion  4020 , and the face portion  4030  may be two or more separate parts coupled together to form the first body portion  3410 . The face portion  4030  may include a striking surface  4035  ( FIG. 42 ) to impact a golf ball (e.g., the golf ball  4900  of  FIG. 49 ). Accordingly, the first body portion  3410  (e.g., via the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020 , and the face portion  4030 ) may form a “U” shape relative to a golf ball at an address position or a “C” shape relative an individual at an address position. The first body portion  3410  may be made of a first material associated with a first density such as, for example, stainless steel-based material(s), bronze-based material(s), other suitable metal or non-metal materials, and/or any combination thereof. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Turning to  FIGS. 44-48 , the second body portion  3420  may include a first arcuate portion  4410 , a second arcuate portion  4420 , a central portion  4430 , a first leg portion  4440 , and a second leg portion  4450 . The first arcuate portion  4410  may be located at or proximate to the front end  3430  of the golf club head  3400  whereas the second arcuate portion  4420  may be located at or proximate to the back end  3440  of the golf club head  3400 . The central portion  4430  may connect the first and second arcuate portions  4410  and  4420 . The first and second leg portions  4440  and  4450  may extend from the second arcuate portion  4420 . For example, the second body portion  3420  may form a “Y” shape relative to a golf ball at an address position. 
     The second body portion  3420  may be made of a second material associated with a second density, which may be less than the first density of a first material used to make the first body portion  3410 . In particular, the second body portion  3420  may be relatively less dense than the first body portion  3410  (e.g., the first density is greater than the second density). For example, the second body portion  3420  may be made of aluminum-based material(s), plastic-based material(s), polyurethane-based material(s), other suitable type of metal or non-metal materials, and/or any combination thereof. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     The second body portion  3420  may include a visual alignment member  4460  that may be visible to an individual. The visual alignment member  4460  may be based on a golf ball. For example, the visual alignment member  4460  may be a three-dimensional alignment member formed by the first arcuate portion  4410 , the second arcuate portion  4420 , and the central portion  4430 . In addition, the visual alignment member  4460  may include a straight section  4466 . 
     The straight section  4466  may be located on, or integral to, the central portion  4430 . Further, the straight section  4466  may be positioned between the first and second arcuate portions  4410  and  4420 . The straight section  4466  may be a sunken section on the second body portion  3420 . In addition or alternatively, the straight section  4466  of the visual alignment member  4460  may include a raised section, a line, a colored section, or any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of markings. 
     The central portion  4430  may include a first side wall  4470  and a second side wall  4480 . In one example, the visual alignment member  4460  may also include side wall straight sections on each of the first and second side walls  4470  and  4480 , respectively. All sections of the visual alignment member  4460  may be visible to an individual (e.g., the straight section  4466 , the first side wall  4470 , and the second side wall  4480 ). For instance, the visual alignment member  4460  may be visible to an individual when the golf club head  3400  is positioned to properly address the golf ball  4900 . Accordingly, an individual may have better control over the distance, direction, spin, and/or speed of the golf ball  4900 . 
     The second body portion  3420  may be coupled to the first body portion  3410  to form the golf club head  3400 . In particular, the first arcuate portion  4410  of the second body portion  3420  may be coupled to a back side  4335  ( FIG. 43 ) of the face portion  4030  of the first body portion  3410 . Further, the first and second leg portions  4440  and  4450  may be coupled to the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020 , respectively, at the back end  3440  of the first body portion  3410 . The second body portion  3420  may be secured to the first body portion  3410  by one or more fasteners, generally shown as  3610  and  3710  ( FIGS. 36 and 37 , respectively). In addition or alternatively, the first and second body portions  3410  and  3420  may be coupled together by other suitable manners (e.g., adhesive). The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIGS. 49-51 , the first and second arcuate portions  4410  and  4420  of the golf club head  3400  may be formed based on the dimensions of a golf ball  4900  as defined by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies such as the United States Golf Association (USGA) and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews (R&amp;A). For example, the USGA may specify that the diameter of the golf ball  4900  is greater than 1.68 inches. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     As three-dimensional features, the first and second arcuate portions  4410  and  4420  ( FIG. 44 ) may each have curvatures in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. With respect to curvatures in the horizontal direction, the first arcuate portion  4410  may be associated with a first circle  4910  and a second circle  4920 . The first circle  4910  may be associated with a first horizontal radius  4912  and a first horizontal arc  4914  relative to a first vertical plane  4950  ( FIG. 49 ). The first vertical plane  4950  may extend between the toe end  3450  and the heel end  3460 . Similarly, the second circle  4920  may be associated with a second horizontal radius  4922  and a second horizontal arc  4924  relative to the first vertical plane  4950 . 
     The second arcuate portion  4420  may be associated with a third circle  4930  and a fourth circle  4940 . The third circle  4930  may be associated with a third horizontal radius  4932  and a third horizontal arc  4934  relative to the first vertical plane  4950 . The fourth circle  4940  may be associated with a fourth horizontal radius  4942  and a fourth horizontal arc  4944  relative to the first vertical plane  4950 . 
     The first, second, third, and fourth horizontal radii  4912 ,  4922 ,  4932 , and  4942 , respectively, may be substantially equivalent to the radius  4960  of the golf ball  4900 . Accordingly, in one example, the first, second, third, and fourth horizontal radii  4912 ,  4922 ,  4932 , and  4942 , respectively, may be about 0.84 inches. While the first and second horizontal arcs  4914  and  4924 , respectively, may be similar in length, the arc lengths are not limited in this regard. For instance, the first horizontal arc  4914  may be longer or shorter than the second horizontal arc  4924 . In a similar manner, the third and fourth horizontal arcs  4934  and  4944 , respectively, may be similar in length, longer than each other, or shorter than each other. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     With respect to curvature in the vertical direction, the first arcuate portion  4410  may have a flat top portion  4411  as shown in  FIG. 50 . Alternatively, the first arcuate portion  4410  may be associated with a first vertical radius  5010  and a first vertical arc  5012  relative to a horizontal ground plane  5000  ( FIGS. 50 and 51 ). The first arcuate portion  4410  may extend above the top rail  4040  in the vertical direction. Similarly, the second arcuate portion  4420  may be associated with a second vertical radius  5110  and a second vertical arc  5112  relative to the horizontal ground plane  5000  ( FIGS. 50 and 51 ). The second arcuate portion  4420  may also extend above the top rail  4040  in the vertical direction. In another example, the second arcuate portion  4420  may not extend above the top rail  4040  as shown in  FIG. 51 . While the top rail  4040  may be depicted as a substantially flat surface, the top rail  4040  may also be an arcuate surface. For example, the top rail  4040  may be an arcuate surface between the striking face  4035  and the back side  4335 . 
     Both the first and second vertical radii  5010  and  5110  may be substantially equivalent to the radius  4960  of the golf ball  4900 . Accordingly, in one example, the first and second vertical radii  5010  and  5120  may be about 0.84 inches. While the first and second vertical arcs  5012  and  5012  may be similar in length, the arc lengths are not limited in this regard. For instance, the first vertical arc  5012  may be longer or shorter than the second vertical arc  5112 . The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     Alternatively, the first and second arcuate portions  4410  and  4420  may be larger than the dimensions of the golf ball  4900 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 50 , the first vertical radius  5010  may larger than the radius of a golf ball  4900 . A larger first vertical radius  5010  may be associated with a longer first vertical arc  5012 , generally shown as  5014  and  5016 . The vertical arcs  5012 ,  5014 , and  5016  may be concentric to each other. Similarly, the second vertical radius  5110  ( FIG. 51 ) may be increased to a size greater than the radius of a golf ball  4960 , resulting in a longer second vertical arc  5112 . 
     Further, the golf club head  3400  may comprise a plurality of regions  4970 , generally shown as a toe region  4972 , a middle region  4974 , and a heel region  4976  as shown in  FIGS. 49 and 51 . The plurality of regions  4970  may be defined by a second vertical plane  4980  and a third vertical plane  4990 . The second and third vertical planes  4980  and  4990  may be parallel to each other. The second and third vertical planes  4980  and  4990  may extend between the front end  3430  and a back end  3440 . Further, the second and third vertical planes  4980  and  4990  may be normal to the ground plane  5000  ( FIGS. 50 and 51 ) of the golf club head  3400 . 
     The second and third vertical planes  4980  and  4990  may divide the golf club head  3400  into three similarly-sized regions. For example, the face portion  4030  may have a horizontal length L between the toe end  3450  and the heel end  3460 , and the second vertical plane  4980  may be positioned a distance of approximately (⅓)*L from the toe end  3450 . Similarly, the third vertical plane  4990  may positioned a distance of approximately (⅓)*L from the heel end  3460 . Accordingly, the second and third vertical planes  4980  and  4990  may be separated by a distance of approximately (⅓)*L. 
     The toe region  4972  may include various portions of the golf club head  3400  between the toe end  3450  of the golf club head  3400  and the second vertical plane  4980 . For example, the toe region  4972  may include the first arm portion  4010  and about one-third of the face portion  4030  of the first body portion  3410 , and the first leg portion  4440  of the second body portion  3420 . 
     The middle region  4974  may include various portions of the golf club head  3400  between the second and third vertical planes  4980  and  4990 . For example, the middle region  4974  may include about one-third of the face portion  3430  of the first body portion  3410 , and the first and second arcuate portions  4410  and  4420  and the central portion  4430  of the second body portion  3420 . 
     The heel region  4976  may include various portions of the golf club head  3400  between the heel end  3460  of the golf club head  3400  and the third vertical plane  4990 . For example, the heel region  4976  may include the second arm portion  4020  and about one-third of the face portion  3430  of the first body portion  3410 , and the second leg portion  4450  of the second body portion  3420 . In addition, the heel region  4976  may include the bore  3470 . Alternatively, the heel region  4976  may include a hosel and/or a hosel transition (e.g., the hosel  1910  and the hosel transition  1920  of  FIG. 19 ) to receive a shaft (e.g., the shaft  2010  of  FIG. 20 ). 
     The golf club head  3400  may have a total mass m, a majority of the total mass m may be distributed to the perimeter of the golf club head  3400  to increase the moment of inertia of the golf club head  3400 . In one example, the middle region  4974  may be associated with less than 25% of the total mass m whereas each of the toe and heel regions  4972  and  4976  may be associated with more than 35% of the total mass m. In particular, the mass of the middle region  4974  is less than 0.25*m whereas the toe and heel regions  4972  and  4974  are each greater than 0.35*m. To achieve the mass distribution described above, the middle region  4974  of the golf club head  3400  may substantially include material(s) having a specific gravity less than 2.0 (grams/cubic centimeter (g/cm 3 )) such as polyurethane-based material(s), plastic-based material(s), wood-based material(s), carbon fiber laminate-based material(s), etc. In one example, the first body portion  3410  may be made of a stainless steel-based material whereas the second body portion  3420  may be made of a polyurethane-based material (e.g., specific gravity of 1.9 g/cm 3 ) to distribute the total mass m as described above. By increasing the moment of inertia, the golf club head  3400  may result in fewer miss-hits and improve accuracy of shots. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     The golf club head  3400  may comprise a ball retrieval member  4456 . In particular, the second body portion  3420  may comprise a ball retrieval member  4456 . The ball retrieval member  4456  may comprise a first surface  4445  associated with the first arm portion  4440  and a second surface  4455  associated with the second arm portion  4450 . The first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may provide two points of contact between the golf club head  3400  and the golf ball  4900 . The ball retrieval member  4456  may further comprise the second arcuate portion  4420 , wherein the second arcuate portion may provide a third point of contact between the golf club head  3400  and the golf ball  4900 . For instance, the golf ball  4900  may enter the ball retrieval member  4456  from the back side  3440  of the golf club head  3400 . The first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may guide and support the golf ball  4900  as it enters the ball retrieval member  4456 , and the second arcuate portion  4420  may provide a back stop to retain the golf ball  4900 . 
     The ball retrieval member  4456  may be configured to cradle the golf ball  4900 . For example, the first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may contact and support a bottom surface of the golf ball  4900 , and the second arcuate portion  4420  may contact and support a side surface of the golf ball  4900 . The first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may be tangential to the bottom surface of the golf ball  4900 . Alternately, the first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may conform to a spherical outer surface of the golf ball  4900 . While the first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  are depicted as substantially flat surfaces in  FIG. 47 , the first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may be flat, arcuate, a combination thereof, or any other suitable shape(s). Alternately, the first and second surfaces  4445  and  4455  may be replaced with edges, points, or other suitable features to support the bottom side of the golf ball  4900 . Similarly, the second arcuate portion  4420  may be replaced with a third surface (not shown) to provide a third point of contact between the golf club head  3400  and the golf ball  4900 . 
     While the above examples may describe some portions of the golf club head  3400  being an integral part or a separate part of other portions, the apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. For example, although the above examples may describe the first and second arm portions  4010  and  4020  as integral parts of the first body portion  3410 , the first arm portion  4010  and/or the second arm portion  4020  may be separate part(s) of the first body portion  3410 . 
     Although the above examples may depict the first and second body portions  3410  and  3420  as separate parts coupled together to form the golf club head  3400 , the first and second body portions  3410  and  3420  may be a single integral part of the golf club head  3400 . For example, a golf club head  3400  may comprise a single body portion having a three-dimensional alignment member integrally formed therein. The golf club head  3400  may be manufactured by a casting process, a forging process, a combination thereof, or any other suitable manufacturing processes. The methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     In the example of  FIG. 52 , a process  5200  may begin by forming the first body portion  3410  (e.g.,  FIGS. 40-43 ) of the golf club head  3400  (block  5210 ). In one example, the first body portion  3410  may be formed by a casting process and/or any other suitable type of manufacturing techniques or processes. As noted above, the first body portion  3410  may be made of a first material associated with a first density (e.g., a stainless steel-based material). The process  5200  may form the second body portion  3420  (block  5220 ). In one example, the second body portion  3420  may be formed by a molding process and/or any other suitable type of manufacturing techniques or processes. As noted above, the second body portion  3420  may be made of a second material associated with a second density (e.g., a polyurethane-based material). 
     Further, the process  5200  may couple the first body portion  3410  with the second body portion  3420  to form the golf club head  3400  (block  5230 ). The first and second body portions  3410  and  3420  may be coupled to each other with various fasteners and/or bonding techniques or processes. For example, the first and second body portions  3410  and  3420  may be coupled to each other with one or more screws (e.g., generally shown as  3610  and  3710  of  FIGS. 36 and 37 , respectively). The middle region  4974  of the golf club head  3400  may be associated with less than 25% of the total mass m whereas each of the toe and heel regions  4972  and  4976  of the golf club head  3400  may be associated with more than 35% of the total mass m. 
     The process  5200  may provide a ball retrieval member  4456  (block  5240 ). The ball retrieval member  4456  may comprise a first surface  4445  and a second surface  4455  for cradling a golf ball  4900 . In addition, the ball retrieval member  4456  may comprise a third surface to support the golf ball  4900 . The ball retrieval member  4456  may be at or proximate to the back side  3440  of the club head  3400  and may be integral to the second body portion  3420 . Alternatively, the ball retrieval member  4456  may be an independent component attached to the second body portion  3420  using screws or any other suitable fasteners or adhesives. 
     The process  5200  may provide the visual alignment member  4460  (block  5250 ). The visual alignment member  4460  may be a three-dimensional alignment member formed by the first arcuate portion  4410 , the second arcuate portion  4420 , and the central portion  4430 . The straight section  4466  may include sunken section(s) on the second body portion  3420 . However, the straight section  4466  of the visual alignment member  4460  may be comprised of a raised section, a line, a colored section, or any combination thereof, and/or other suitable types of markings. 
     Although the process  5200  may be described above with respect to the golf club head  3400 , the process  5200  may be applicable to other golf club heads. In addition, while a particular order of actions is illustrated in  FIG. 52 , these actions may be performed in other temporal sequences. In particular, two or more actions depicted in  FIG. 52  may be performed sequentially, concurrently, or simultaneously. For example, the blocks  5210 ,  5220 , and  5230  may be combined if the first and second body portions  3410  and  3420  are not separate parts coupled together (e.g., a single integral part). Further, although  FIG. 52  may depict a particular number of blocks, the process  5200  may not perform one or more blocks. 
     Although one or more figures may depict a putter-type club head, the methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture described herein may be readily applicable to other suitable types of golf club heads (e.g., driver-type golf club heads, fairway wood-type golf club heads, hybrid-type golf club heads, iron-type golf club heads, wedge-type golf club heads, etc.). The apparatus, methods, and articles of manufacture are not limited in this regard. 
     As the rules to golf may change from time to time (e.g., new regulations may be adopted or old rules may be eliminated or modified by golf standard organizations and/or governing bodies), golf equipment related to the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be conforming or non-conforming to the rules of golf at any particular time. Accordingly, golf equipment related to the methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein may be advertised, offered for sale, and/or sold as conforming or non-conforming golf equipment. The methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are not limited in this regard. 
     Although certain example methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this disclosure is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this disclosure covers all methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.