Patent Description:
Golf clubs can be fitted to an individual based upon the type of golf club, the individual's physical characteristics and/or the individual's playing style. Depending on the individual's physical characteristics and playing style, an individual can be fitted into a certain lie angle, loft angle, and/or head mass to provide optimum performance for the individual. Accordingly, each individual can require a golf club having a certain lie angle, loft angle, and head mass to fit the physical characteristics and playing style of the individual.

Typically, individuals turn to club fitters to learn more about their ideal putter configuration (loft angle, head mass, and/or lie angle). Conventional fitting putters used by club fitters typically require significant structural changes when compared to putter-type golf club heads used on a golf course. This negatively effects club head aesthetics, sight lines, and potentially the golfer's address position. This leads to individuals not being "fit" or optimized to the most suitable putter configuration. There is a need in the art for a fitting putter (that can alter the lie angle, loft angle, and head mass) to resemble a putter-type golf club head used on a golf course, such as a blade style putter.

<CIT> discloses a golf club head having an adjustable hosel arrangement and a level (such as bubble level). The adjustable hosel is moveable between a plurality of positions to adjust features of the golf club head such as loft, lie angle and/or face angle, and is held in place by an adjustment knob of lever.

According to the present invention, there is provided a putter-type golf club head as defined by claim <NUM>.

Presented herein are golf club heads with adjustable fitting mechanisms. The golf club heads described herein can be configured to structurally resemble a putter, while independently adjusting one or more parameters of the golf club head. Altering one or more parameters of the golf club head ("club head") can alter the configuration of the golf club head. Parameters that can alter the club head configuration can be lie angle, loft angle, head mass, or combinations thereof.

To adjust the one or more parameters of the golf club head, the golf club head comprises at least an adjustable lie angle mechanism, an adjustable loft angle mechanism, and an adjustable head mass mechanism. Each adjustable fitting mechanism (adjustable lie angle mechanism, adjustable loft angle mechanism, adjustable head mass mechanism) comprises one or more parts that is/are independent of the other adjustable fitting mechanism(s), and either directly or indirectly connects to a base or foundational piece.

The adjustable lie angle mechanism comprises a lie arm that attaches to the hosel body and generally extends in a heel-to-toe direction. The adjustable loft angle mechanism comprises a loft arm that generally extends in a top rail-to-sole direction and indirectly attaches to the hosel body. The adjustable head mass mechanism comprises an interchangeable rear ballast that extends substantially in a heel-to-toe direction. The hosel body and the adjustable head mass mechanism are attached and/or coupled to the club head body. This provides the opportunity for a user being fit to a putter-type golf club to maintain a similar address position, sight lines, and aesthetics as putter-type golf club heads used on golf courses.

The term or phrase "lie angle" used herein can be defined as being the angle between a golf shaft (not shown) and a playing surface once the sole contacts the playing surface. The lie angle of a golf club head can also be referred to as the angle formed by the intersection of the centerline of the golf shaft (not shown) and the playing surface when the sole of the golf club head is resting on the playing surface <NUM>.

The term or phrase "integral" used herein can be defined as two or more elements, if they are comprised of the same piece of material. As defined herein, two or more elements are "non-integral" if each element is comprised of a different piece of material.

The term or phrase "couple", "coupled", "couples", and "coupling" used herein can be defined as connecting two or more elements, mechanically or otherwise. Coupling (whether mechanical or otherwise) can be for any length of time, e.g. permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant. Mechanical coupling and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types. The absence of the word "removably," "removable," and the like near the word "coupled," and the like does not mean that the coupling, in question is or is not removable.

The term or phrase "head weight" or "head mass" used herein can be defined as the total mass or weight of the putter.

The term or phrase "attach", "attached", "attaches, and "attaching" used herein can be defined as connecting or being joined to something. Attaching can be permanent or semi-permanent. Mechanically attaching and the like should be broadly understood and include all types of mechanical attachment means. Integral attachment means should be broadly understood and include all types of integral attachment means that permanently connects two or more objects together.

The term or phrase "loft angle" used herein can be defined as the angle between the front striking surface and the golf shaft. In other embodiments, the loft angle can be defined herein as such: the front striking surface comprises a strike face center point and a loft plane. The strike face center point is equidistant from (<NUM>) the lower edge and upper edge of the strike face, as well as, (<NUM>) equidistant from the heel end and toe end of the putter-type golf club head. The loft plane is tangent to the strike face of the putter type golf club head. The golf shaft comprises a centerline axis that extends the entire length of the golf shaft. The loft angle is between the centerline axis of the golf shaft and the loft plane of the putter. The loft angle of the putter-type golf club head can also be defined herein as the angle between the front striking surface and the golf shaft (not shown) when a centerline of the golf shaft is generally vertical (i.e. forms a generally <NUM>° angle with the playing surface).

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 can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, system, article, device, or apparatus.

It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the apparatus, methods, and/or articles of manufacture described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein.

The club head body described herein can further be defined by a coordinate system. The geometric center of the front striking surface defines an origin for a coordinate system having an x-axis, a y-axis, and z-axis, when the club head is at an address position. The x-axis extends through the geometric center of the front striking surface from near the heel end towards the toe end, and parallel to the playing surface. The y-axis extends through the geometric center of the front striking surface from near the top rail to the sole, and where the y-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and the playing surface. The z-axis extends through the geometric center of the front striking surface towards the back surface. The z-axis is perpendicular to the x-axis and y-axis.

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.

Golf club heads having one or more adjustable fitting mechanisms are described herein. The parameters targeted for adjustment (but is not exhaustive) can be selected from the group consisting of the head mass (or head weight), lie angle, loft angle, and combinations thereof. The mechanisms for adjusting lie, adjusting loft, and/or adjusting head mass of the golf club head can be done through the adjustable lie angle mechanism, adjustable loft angle mechanism, and adjustable head mass mechanism, respectively. The golf club heads having an adjustable fitting mechanism are putter-type golf club heads.

The putter-type golf club heads <NUM>,<NUM> described herein provides the ability to independently adjust one or more club head parameters. Specifically, the putter-type golf club heads can be configured to adjust lie angle, loft angle, and/or head mass. This is accomplished at least in part by creating a putter-type club head <NUM>, <NUM> having: an adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>, an adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM>, and an adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM>.

The components of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> that aids in adjusting the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head comprises: (<NUM>) a post <NUM> connected to the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>, (<NUM>) a hosel comprising a hosel body <NUM>, and (<NUM>) a lie arm <NUM> configured to engage both the post <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM>. The lie arm <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> is adapted to rotate around the outer circumferential surface of the post <NUM> in a top rail-to-sole direction (or about the z-axis). This type of rotation alters the lie angle of the golf club head <NUM>, <NUM>.

The components of the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> that aids in adjusting the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head comprises: (<NUM>) the hosel body <NUM>, (<NUM>) a hosel arm <NUM> extending from the hosel body <NUM> generally in a sole-to-top rail direction, and (<NUM>) a loft arm <NUM> rotatably connected to the hosel arm. The hosel arm <NUM> and the loft arm <NUM> are arranged to be pivotably and/or rotatably connected to each other to incrementally alter the loft angle of the golf club head.

In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head <NUM>,<NUM> described herein mimics the design of a conventional blade style putter, while introducing the ability to independently adjust one or more club head parameters through the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>, the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM>, and the adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM>. This beneficially enables the golfer being "fit" to address the golf ball, as if they were playing a round of golf, therefore having similar sight lines and club head aesthetics to ensure to a higher degree that the golfer is fitted to the correct lie angle, loft angle, and/or head mass.

Another beneficial aspect of the putter-type club head <NUM>, <NUM> described herein is the ability to alter the lie angle and/or loft angle in a variety of increments. For example, the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> and/or adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> can be adjusted in half degree or one-degree increments. Adjusting the lie angle or loft angle in half-degree or one-degree increments ensures that the user is not only "fit" into integer-type loft angle and lie angle configurations, but also non-integer type loft angle and lie angle configurations.

Another beneficial aspect of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>, <NUM> described herein is the ability to adjust the head mass of the putter-type golf club head. Adjusting the head mass of putter-type golf club heads provides the ability to fit golfers and/or individuals to accommodate different putter stroke tempos. A golfer or individual with a slower stroke tempo can be fit into a heavier putter and conversely, an individual with a faster stroke tempo can be fit into a lighter putter.

At least some illustrated embodiments of a golf club head according to this invention are described below. Such apparatus can include all or some of the above described components, features, and benefits.

The golf club head is a putter-type golf club head (the putter type golf club head <NUM> and <NUM>). <FIG> illustrates exemplary embodiments of putter-type golf club heads having one or more adjustable fitting mechanisms. Specifically, the putter-type golf club head can adjust the lie angle and the loft angle, and optionally the head mass (or head weight). The putter-type golf club head can be a mallet-type putter head, mid-mallet type putter head, a blade type putter head, a high MOI putter head, or any other putter-type golf club head.

In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head (hereafter "golf club head" or "club head") can have a loft angle less than <NUM> degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the club head can be between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees, or between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. For example, the loft angle of the club head can be less than <NUM> degrees, less than <NUM> degrees, less than <NUM> degrees, less than <NUM> degrees, less than <NUM> degrees, or less than <NUM> degrees. For further example, the loft angle of the club head can be <NUM>-degree, <NUM> degree, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees.

In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head can have a weight that ranges between <NUM> and <NUM> grams. In other embodiments, the putter-type golf club head can range between <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams, or <NUM> grams - <NUM> grams. In some embodiments, the weight of the putter-type golf club head can be <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, <NUM> grams, or <NUM> grams.

The material of the putter-type golf club head can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional golf club head. For example, the material of the putter-type golf club head can be constructed from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloys, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloys, ADC-<NUM>, titanium, titanium alloys, or any metal for creating a golf club head. In many embodiments, the putter-type golf club head is constructed from stainless-steel.

The putter-type golf club head comprises a club head body <NUM>. The club head body <NUM> comprises a toe end <NUM>, a heel end <NUM>, a top rail <NUM>, a sole <NUM>, a front striking surface <NUM>, a rear surface <NUM>, and a back surface <NUM>. The front striking surface <NUM> provides a striking surface for striking a golf ball (not shown). The rear surface <NUM> is rearwardly spaced from the front striking surface <NUM>. The back surface <NUM> is opposite or distal from the front striking surface <NUM> and the rear surface <NUM>. The sole <NUM> is defined as being between the back surface <NUM> and the front striking surface <NUM>. The top rail <NUM> can be formed opposite the sole <NUM>. The front striking surface <NUM> is defined by a heel end <NUM> and a toe end <NUM>, which is opposite the heel end <NUM>.

The club head body <NUM> comprises a post <NUM>. The post <NUM> extends from the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body towards the back surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. In many embodiments, the post <NUM> is integrally formed to the club head body <NUM> (or attaches or couples) to the club head body <NUM>. Preferably, the geometry of the post <NUM> is in the form of a tubular or cylindrical elongation to enable a component of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> to slide over and reside on the outer circumferential surface of the post <NUM>. When a component of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>, for example, a lie arm <NUM> slides over and resides on the outer circumferential surface of the post <NUM>, this effectively defines a pivot surface for the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> to rotate about. Thereby, altering the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head.

<FIG> illustrates various embodiments of the golf club head comprising one or more adjustable fitting mechanism(s) (i.e. an adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>, an adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM>, an adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM>, etc.). The mechanisms for adjustable lie <NUM>, adjustable loft <NUM>, and adjustable head mass <NUM> can be independently adjusted or altered. Each adjustable fitting mechanism comprises two figures, which illustrates a first configuration of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> and upon adjustment by the one or more adjustable fitting mechanism(s) <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, a second club head configuration.

For example, <FIG> provides an exemplary embodiment of the golf club head comprising an adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> changing from a first configuration to a second configuration. A rear and side view of a first lie angle state <NUM> is shown in <FIG> provides an illustration of the lie angle changing from the first lie angle state <NUM> to a second lie angle state <NUM> due to the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>. This second lie angle state <NUM> changes the configuration of the putter-type golf club head to a second club head configuration. As seen in reference to <FIG>, the lie angle of the golf club head can be adjusted by altering the position of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> in a top rail-to-sole direction (or rotating about the z-axis).

Another example of the golf club head comprising one or more adjustable fitting mechanisms is illustrated in <FIG> provides an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> changing from a first configuration to a second configuration. Rear and side views of a first loft angle state <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Rear and side views of a second loft angle state <NUM> is shown in <FIG> provide an illustration of the loft angle changing from the first loft angle state <NUM> to a second loft angle state <NUM> due to the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM>. The second loft angle state <NUM> changes the configuration of the putter-type golf club head to a second club head configuration. Referencing <FIG>, the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head can be adjusted by altering the position of the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> in a front-to-rear direction (or rotating about the x-axis).

Another example of the golf club head comprising one or more adjustable fitting mechanisms is illustrated in <FIG> provide an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM> changing from a first configuration to a second configuration. is an exemplary embodiment of an adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM> in a first putter mass configuration <NUM>. <FIG> provides an illustration of the head mass changing from a first putter mass configuration <NUM> to a second putter pass configuration <NUM> due to the adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM>. The second putter mass configuration <NUM> changes the configuration of the putter-type golf club head to a second club head configuration. As seen in <FIG>, the head mass of the putter type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted by interchanging the weight of the putter type golf club through a plurality of interchangeable rear ballasts <NUM> configured to have different weights or masses.

As described, one of the adjustment mechanisms is a lie angle adjustment mechanism. One element or component of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> is a lie arm <NUM> that extends generally in a heel-to-toe direction (see <FIG>). The lie arm <NUM> is configured to incrementally adjust a lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> when the lie arm <NUM> rotates around the outer circumferential surface of the post <NUM>. The lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees. In many embodiments, the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, the lie angle of the putter type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted to <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the lie angle of the putter-type club head <NUM> can be adjusted between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees in <NUM>-degree or <NUM>-degree increments (i.e. <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, or <NUM>°).

In some of the embodiments, the lie arm <NUM> is either coupled or integrally joined to a hosel body <NUM>. Both coupling and integrally joining the lie arm <NUM> to the hosel body <NUM> presents beneficial advantages that will be discussed below.

Coupling or attaching the lie arm <NUM> to the hosel body <NUM> reduces manufacturing material waste, as the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> can be manufactured as separate components (i.e. separate CNC milling paths). Integrally forming the lie arm <NUM> to the hosel body <NUM> permits easier assembly, as less components are required (i.e. less components to connect to each other).

The lie arm <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> ("lie arm first end" <NUM>), a center portion <NUM> ("lie arm center portion)", and a second end <NUM> ("lie arm second end"). The lie arm first end <NUM> is closer to the heel end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> (relative to the lie arm second end <NUM>) and connects to the hosel body <NUM> (e.g. through coupling means or integral joining means). Further, coupling (Embodiment I) or integrally joining (Embodiment II) the first end <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> together will be discussed in greater detail below. The second end <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> is closer to the toe end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> (relative to the lie arm first end <NUM>) and forms a receiving geometry <NUM> that is complimentary with the geometry of the post <NUM>. The arrangement of the receiving geometry <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> and the post <NUM> enables the lie arm <NUM> to rotate and/or pivot around the post <NUM> (i.e. altering the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head). The lie arm center portion <NUM> is in between the lie arm first end <NUM> and the lie arm second end <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lie arm <NUM> comprises a length, a width, and a height. The length of the lie arm <NUM> is measured in a direction extending from the heel end <NUM> to the toe end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. The width of the lie arm <NUM> is measured in a direction extending from the front striking surface <NUM> to the back surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. The height of the lie arm is measured in a direction extending in the top rail <NUM> to sole <NUM> direction. The dimensional ranges for the length, the width, and the height of the lie arm <NUM> will be discussed below.

The length of the lie arm <NUM> is smaller than the total length of the club head body <NUM>. The length of the lie arm <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In many embodiments, the length of the lie arm <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In alternative embodiments, the length of the lie arm <NUM> can be approximately less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), less than <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or less than <NUM> (<NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the length of the lie arm <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches) , <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The length of the lie arm <NUM> can vary based upon the desired adjustment resolution. For example, a lie arm <NUM> that is longer in length permits greater adjustment resolution as a user can more easily control the rate at which the lie arm <NUM> rotates around the post <NUM> (i.e. controlling the rate at which the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> changes).

As described above, the second end <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> forms and/or defines the receiving geometry <NUM>. The receiving geometry <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> can be complimentary with the geometry of the post <NUM>. In many embodiments, a portion of the receiving geometry <NUM> can be defined by an indentation. The depth of the indentation is similar to the depth of the post <NUM> (which is measured in a direction extending between the front striking surface and back end of the club head body). This ensures that enough surface area of the lie arm's receiving geometry <NUM> engages or contacts the outer surface of the post <NUM> to create a suitable rotatable connection means. The arrangement of the lie arm receiving geometry <NUM>, the lie arm <NUM>, and the post geometry forms a fulcrum.

The material of the lie arm <NUM> can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional club head body <NUM>. For example, the material of the lie arm <NUM> can be constructed from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-<NUM>, titanium, titanium alloy, or any metal for creating a golf club head <NUM>. In many embodiments, the lie arm <NUM> is made of a stainless-steel alloy or <NUM> stainless steel.

As discussed above, the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> comprises a hosel arm <NUM>. The hosel arm <NUM> extends from the hosel body <NUM> in a generally top rail-to-sole direction. The hosel arm <NUM> comprises: a length, a width, and a height. The hosel arm <NUM> can integrally extend from the hosel body <NUM> or can be mechanically coupled to the hosel body <NUM>. Similarly, as described above, the length of the hosel arm <NUM> is measured in a direction extending from the heel end <NUM> to the toe end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> at an address position. The width of the hosel arm <NUM> is measured in a direction extending from the front striking surface <NUM> to the back surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> at an address position. The height of the hosel arm <NUM> is measured in a direction extending from the top rail <NUM> to the sole <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> at an address position.

The length, the width, and the height of the hosel arm <NUM> can vary to achieve desired mechanical properties. The length of the hosel arm <NUM> can vary to resist potential bending moments and stresses imposed on the hosel arm <NUM> that is induced by the user. For example, the length of the hosel arm <NUM> can be lengthened to prevent permanent deformation. The length of the hosel arm <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In many embodiments, the length of the hosel arm <NUM> ranges between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the length of the hosel arm <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The width of the hosel arm <NUM> can vary to decrease the potential of excessive wearing, for example, warping. The width of the hosel arm <NUM> can vary between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In many embodiments, the width of the hosel arm <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and) <NUM> inch, <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the width of the hosel arm <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), or <NUM> (<NUM>-inch).

The height of the hosel arm <NUM> is preferably less than the height of a loft arm <NUM>. The loft arm <NUM> pivotably connects to the hosel arm <NUM>. This pivotable connection means alters the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. In many embodiments, the structural arrangement of the loft arm <NUM> and hosel arm <NUM> are configured to mimic a blade style hosel design (hereafter "hosel"). This arrangement of the loft arm <NUM> and hosel arm <NUM> beneficially reduces the bulkiness of the hosel to create a compact hosel design. The height of the hosel arm <NUM> can vary according to the height of the loft arm <NUM>.

The height of the hosel arm <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In other embodiments, the height of the hosel arm <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In alternative embodiments, the height of the hosel arm <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM>-inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The material of the hosel arm <NUM> can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional club head body <NUM>. For example, the material of the hosel arm <NUM> can be constructed from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-<NUM>, titanium, titanium alloy, or any metal for creating a golf club head. In many embodiments, the hosel arm <NUM> is made of a stainless-steel alloy or <NUM> stainless steel.

As discussed above, the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> further comprises a loft arm <NUM>. The loft arm <NUM> is pivotally connected to the hosel arm <NUM> to alter the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>, <NUM>. In many embodiments, the loft arm <NUM> is configured to couple to a golf shaft (not shown). The loft arm <NUM> comprises a first end <NUM> ("loft arm first end") and a second end <NUM> ("loft arm second end"). The loft arm first end <NUM> is spaced from the loft arm second end <NUM>. The loft arm second end <NUM> is positioned closer to the hosel body <NUM> than the loft arm first end <NUM>. Specifically, in many of the illustrated embodiments, the hosel arm <NUM> and the loft arm <NUM> are pivotably engaged to one another at the hosel arm second end <NUM> and the loft arm second end <NUM>, respectively. The loft arm <NUM> can rotate about the hosel arm <NUM> about the x-axis.

This type of pivotably engaged connection means between the loft arm <NUM> and the hosel arm <NUM> permits an incremental change in the loft angle of the golf club head <NUM>. The loft angle of the golf club head is adjusted when the loft arm <NUM> pivots about the hosel arm <NUM> in a front striking surface to back surface direction (or about the x-axis). In general, and more preferably, the loft arm <NUM> is positioned above a portion of the hosel body <NUM>. This enables the loft arm <NUM> to freely rotate or pivot about the hosel arm second end <NUM>, thereby allowing the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> to be incrementally adjusted.

The loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted between <NUM> and <NUM> degrees. In many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted between <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degree - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees - <NUM> degrees. In other embodiments, the loft angle of the putter type golf club head <NUM> can be adjusted to <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degree, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, <NUM> degrees, or <NUM> degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the loft angle of the putter-type club head <NUM> can be adjusted between <NUM> degrees and <NUM> degrees in <NUM>-degree or <NUM>-degree increments (i.e. <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°).

The adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> and adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> comprise a hosel body. The hosel body <NUM> isa component of both the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> and adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM> that indirectly connects the hosel arm <NUM>, loft arm <NUM>, and the lie arm <NUM> to one another. In many embodiments, the hosel body <NUM> provides a foundational piece or base structure that aids in coordinating, aligning, and/or connecting the hosel arm <NUM>, loft arm <NUM>, and lie arm <NUM> to a single region or portion of the hosel <NUM>. In other words, the hosel body <NUM> efficiently connects the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> to the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM>, while still enabling independent adjustment of one or more club head parameters (i.e. loft angle and lie angle).

In many embodiments, the hosel body <NUM> can take the form of a substantially rectangular shape. In other embodiments, the hosel body <NUM> can be substantially square, rectangular, polygonal, semi-circular, curvilinear, or combinations thereof. In general, and more preferably, the hosel body <NUM> is substantially rectangular. Having a hosel body <NUM> that is substantially rectangular creates a flat matting surface for the hosel body <NUM> to sit flush against the club head body <NUM>.

The material of the hosel body <NUM> can be constructed from any material used to construct a conventional club head body <NUM>. For example, the material of the hosel body <NUM> can be constructed from any one or combination of the following: <NUM> alloy steel, S25C steel, carbon steel, maraging steel, <NUM>-<NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, <NUM> stainless steel, stainless steel alloy, tungsten, aluminum, aluminum alloy, ADC-<NUM>, titanium, titanium alloy, or any metal for creating a golf club head. In many embodiments, the hosel body <NUM> is made of a stainless-steel alloy or <NUM> stainless steel.

<FIG> illustrates an embodiment according to this invention. More particularly, <FIG> illustrates an example of a putter-type golf club head <NUM> to be used by a golfer (not shown) for identifying the golfer's preferred lie, loft, and preferred weight of the putter for a consistent, and accurate putting stroke. The putter-type golf club head <NUM> comprises a club head body <NUM>. The club head body <NUM> comprises a front striking surface <NUM>, a rear surface <NUM> spaced from the front striking surface <NUM>, a back surface <NUM> opposite the front striking surface <NUM>, a sole <NUM> extending between the front striking surface <NUM> and the back surface <NUM>, a top rail <NUM> opposite the sole <NUM>, and the front striking surface <NUM> disposed between the heel end <NUM> and the toe end <NUM>.

The rear surface <NUM>, the sole <NUM>, and the top rail <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head define a dual recess arrangement <NUM> having a first shallow recess <NUM> and a second deeper recess <NUM>. The first shallow recess <NUM> can form the second deeper recess <NUM>. The first shallow recess <NUM> is recessed inwardly towards the front striking surface approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) from the rear surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the first shallow recess <NUM> can be recessed inwardly from the rear surface <NUM> and vary in depth between <NUM> and approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch and approximately <NUM> inch). Specifically, in many embodiments, the first shallow recess <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch).

As mentioned above, the first shallow recess <NUM> forms the second deeper recess <NUM>. The second deeper recess <NUM> has a greater depth than the first shallow recess <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG>, the depth of the second deeper recess <NUM> is approximatively <NUM> inches from the rear surface <NUM>. In other embodiments, the second deeper recess <NUM> can be recessed inwardly from the rear surface <NUM> towards the front striking surface <NUM> and vary in depth between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In alternative embodiments, the second deeper recess <NUM> depth can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). As will be described in more detail below, the second deeper recess <NUM> provides a puzzle-locking geometry to secure the club head components and/or adjustable fitting mechanisms <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> to the club head body <NUM>.

Referencing <FIG> and <FIG>, the putter-type clubhead is illustrated further comprising a post <NUM> extending from a wall <NUM> proximal to the front striking surface <NUM> (can also be referred to as "bottom wall" <NUM>) of the second deeper recess <NUM>. The post <NUM> can be integrally connected to the bottom wall <NUM> of the second deeper recess <NUM> and extends generally in a direction from the front striking surface <NUM> to the back surface <NUM>. As illustrated in this embodiment, the geometry of the post <NUM> can be substantially cylindrical. However, in other alternative embodiments, it can be any curvilinear geometry that permits rotation of a lie arm <NUM> along the outer peripheral surface of the post <NUM> (or about the z-axis). The post <NUM> is configured to receive the receiving geometry <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM>. Upon engagement of the receiving geometry <NUM> resting upon the outer surface of the post <NUM>, the lie arm <NUM> can rotate. Thereby, affecting the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>.

The post <NUM> further can be defined by having an axial surface <NUM> ("rear post surface"), a post diameter, and a post depth. A portion of the axial surface <NUM> forms an aperture <NUM> (hereafter "post aperture" <NUM>) that can or cannot be threaded. In many embodiments and as illustrated in <FIG>, the post aperture <NUM> can be threaded, centrally located on the axial surface <NUM>, and has a depth extending in the back surface <NUM> to the front striking surface <NUM> direction.

The post aperture <NUM> can be configured to receive a fastener <NUM>. The diameter and depth of the post aperture <NUM> can vary according to the dimensional characteristics of the fastener <NUM>. In this specific embodiment, the diameter of the post aperture <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch) and the depth of the post aperture <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch). The fastener <NUM> is inserted through the receiving geometry <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> and configured to threadably engage the post aperture <NUM>. This clamp and braces the lie arm <NUM> to the club head body <NUM>.

The diameter of the post <NUM> can vary to have a smaller diameter (i.e. more compact design) or a larger diameter (i.e. to control adjust resolution). The diameter of the post <NUM> can vary between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In many embodiments, the diameter of the post <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the diameter of the post <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

Additionally, as mentioned above, the depth of the post's <NUM> outer peripheral surface can vary according to the depth of the lie arm's <NUM> receiving geometry <NUM>. Requiring that the depth of the post <NUM> and receiving geometry <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> are similar ensures that the lie arm <NUM> engages enough of the outer peripheral surface area of the post's <NUM> exterior sidewall to enable sufficient rotation. The depth of the post <NUM> can vary between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In many embodiments, the depth of the post <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, depth of the post can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

The location or position of the post <NUM> can be positioned anywhere on the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. Specifically, in some embodiments, the post <NUM> can be centrally positioned between the heel end <NUM> and toe end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. In other embodiments, the post <NUM> can be positioned anywhere on the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> between the toe end <NUM> and heel end <NUM>. For example, the post <NUM> can be positioned proximal to the toe end <NUM> or the post <NUM> can be positioned proximal to the heel end <NUM>. In other embodiments, the post <NUM> can be located on the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> between the heel end <NUM> and a geometric center of the front striking surface <NUM> or located between the toe end <NUM> and the geometric center of the front striking surface <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, the post <NUM> can be positioned directly rearward of the geometric center of the front striking surface <NUM>.

As described above, the diameter of the post aperture <NUM> can vary according to the geometry of the fastener <NUM>. The diameter of the post aperture <NUM> can vary between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In many embodiments, the diameter of the post aperture <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> <NUM> inch to <NUM> inch, <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the diameter of the post aperture <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch) or <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

Additionally, as described above, the depth of the post aperture <NUM> can vary according to the geometry characteristics of the fastener <NUM>. The depth of the post aperture <NUM> can vary between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In many embodiments, the depth of the post aperture <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In specific embodiments, the depth of the post aperture <NUM> can be <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), <NUM> (<NUM> inch), or <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

As discussed above, the putter-type club head comprises an adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>. The lie angle mechanism comprises components associated with the hosel body <NUM> for the putter-type club head. One of the components of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> is the lie arm <NUM>. The lie arm <NUM> couples to both the post <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> (see <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>). This type of connection means between the lie arm <NUM>, post <NUM>, and hosel body <NUM> aids in forming some elements of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM>. As described above, and for further reiteration, the receiving geometry <NUM> engages and rest upon the outer surface of the post <NUM>. To alter the lie angle of the club head, since the lie arm <NUM> and hosel body <NUM> are coupled to each other, one of the lie arm <NUM> or hosel body <NUM> needs to be translated in a top rail-to-sole direction (or rotated about the z-axis). Thereby, causing the receiving geometry <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> to rotate around the outer surface of the post <NUM>, thus causing the lie angle to change.

In some embodiments, the hosel body <NUM> further includes a hosel tab <NUM> (see <FIG>). The hosel tab can be integrally connected to the hosel body <NUM>. The hosel tab <NUM> extends in a heel end <NUM> to toe end <NUM> direction. In some embodiments, the hosel tab <NUM> is partially exposed at a heel end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. The hosel tab <NUM> is configured to be a physical indicator of the current lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> and provide a handle or knob to adjust the lie angle. For example, a hand of the fitter (not shown) can engage the hosel tab <NUM> and manipulate the hosel tab <NUM> in a top rail-to-sole direction to alter the lie angle to a different position. The hosel tab <NUM> and the lie arm <NUM> are indirectly coupled to each other (through the hosel body <NUM>), thus upon movement of the hosel tab <NUM>, the lie arm <NUM> rotates about the post, thereby altering the lie angle of the club head <NUM> and movement of the hosel tab <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the lie arm <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> are affixed to each other through mechanical coupling means (i.e. one or more fasteners). The fastener(s) not only provides a detachably engaged connection means with the hosel body <NUM>, but also coupling the lie arm <NUM> to the hosel body <NUM> through fasteners provides beneficial manufacturing advantages as outlined above. These advantages include, but are not limited to, reducing manufacturing material waste, as the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> can be manufactured as separate components (i.e. separate CNC milling paths). For further iteration, the lie arm <NUM> is a sperate part, element, or component from the hosel body <NUM>.

Referencing <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, the first end <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> is mechanically coupled to the hosel body <NUM>. This type of mechanically coupling means can be in the form of bolts, fasteners, etc. For example, in this embodiment, a plurality of lie arm apertures <NUM> are formed proximal to the lie arm first end <NUM>. In many embodiments, a plurality of lie arm apertures <NUM> can be referred to as one or more lie arm apertures, two or more lie arm apertures, three or more lie arm apertures, four or more lie arm apertures, five or more lie arm apertures, six or more lie arm apertures, or seven or more lie arm apertures. The plurality of lie arm apertures <NUM> are arranged to align with a plurality of hosel body apertures <NUM>. The lie arm apertures <NUM> and the hosel body apertures <NUM> are aligned and configured to receive one or more mechanical fastener(s) (i.e. bolts, screws, pins, or other mechanical fasteners) to couple and align the lie arm <NUM> to the hosel body <NUM> or vice versa.

Similarly, the hosel body <NUM> forms a plurality of hosel body apertures <NUM> configured to align with the plurality of lie arm apertures <NUM> formed at the lie arm's first end <NUM>. The plurality of hosel body apertures <NUM> and the plurality of lie arm apertures <NUM> extends either entirely through their respective structure or partially therethrough. The plurality of hosel body apertures <NUM> and the plurality of lie arm apertures <NUM> are configured to be aligned with one another, such that a fastener, a bolt, a screw, a pin or combinations thereof are configured to be received within each corresponding aligned aperture of the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM>.

For specific illustration, <FIG> illustrates the hosel body <NUM> forming at least three hosel body apertures <NUM> along an L-shaped protruding portion <NUM>. Similarly, the lie arm <NUM> and more particularly the lie arm first end <NUM> forms two corresponding apertures <NUM> that's similarly sized to at least two hosel body apertures <NUM> of the three hosel body apertures <NUM>. The third hosel body aperture has a larger diameter than the two similarly sized hosel body apertures. Each hosel body aperture <NUM> formed on the L-shaped protruding portion <NUM> has a corresponding aperture <NUM> formed at the lie arm first end <NUM> (see <FIG>). The two similarly sized apertures <NUM>,<NUM> (can be referred to as "lie arm alignment aperture(s)" and "hosel body alignment aperture(s)) of the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> are configured to receive pins (can also be referred to as "alignment pins") <NUM>. These pins <NUM> (can be press fit) and help coordinate the alignment of the hosel body <NUM> and the lie arm <NUM> to one another. The lie arm aperture formed at the lie arm first end and the corresponding hosel body aperture that is larger in diameter than the other two apertures of the lie arm <NUM> and hosel body <NUM> are configured to receive a fastener (i.e. a screw, a bolt, etc.). The fastener applies an axial force that adjoins and/or clamps the lie arm <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> together.

The plurality of alignment apertures <NUM>,<NUM> formed by the lie arm <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> can or can not be threaded. The alignment aperture(s) <NUM> of the hosel body <NUM> and the corresponding alignment aperture(s) <NUM> of the lie arm comprises a diameter. The diameter of the alignment apertures <NUM>, <NUM> can range between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and approximately <NUM> inch). In many embodiments, the diameter of the alignment aperture <NUM>, <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch to <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch). In many embodiments, the plurality of alignment apertures <NUM>, <NUM> of the hosel body <NUM> and the lie arm <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures <NUM>,<NUM> of the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> that is configured to receive one or more pin(s) <NUM> can be referred to as a pair of alignment apertures. A pair of alignment apertures can be defined as an aperture formed on both the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> that are configured to be aligned, affiliated, and/or concentric with each one another. In many embodiments, the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> can combine to form one alignment pair apertures, two alignment pair apertures, three alignment pair apertures, four alignment pair apertures, five alignment pair apertures, six alignment pair apertures, seven alignment apertures, or eight alignment pair apertures.

As shown in <FIG>, the illustrated embodiment forms two pairs of alignment apertures such that each pair of alignment aperture is configured to receive an alignment pin <NUM>. The alignment pin <NUM> can be pressed fit into one or more pairs of alignment apertures. This allows the hosel body <NUM> and the lie arm <NUM> to be quickly aligned with each other during the assembly process. One or more pair(s) of alignment apertures can be spaced from another pair of alignment apertures. A portion of the space formed between the pair of alignment apertures can further form a coupling aperture pair <NUM>.

A coupling aperture pair <NUM> is defined herein as being the receiving aperture for a clamping component (i.e. a screw, a fastener, etc.) formed on both the lie arm <NUM> and hosel body <NUM>. The coupling aperture pair <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> can be defined by a diameter. The diameter of the coupling aperture <NUM> formed on the lie arm <NUM> can or can not be equal to the diameter of the coupling aperture <NUM> formed on the hosel body <NUM>.

The diameter of the coupling aperture <NUM> can range between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch to approximately <NUM> inch). The diameter of the coupling aperture <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch), or <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inch).

With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the coupling aperture <NUM> of the hosel body <NUM> and the coupling aperture <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> are of different diameters, but form a coupling aperture pair <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the diameter of the hosel body coupling aperture <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches) and the diameter of the lie arm coupling aperture <NUM> is approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). The lie arm coupling aperture <NUM> diameter is larger than the hosel body coupling aperture <NUM> simply due to the geometrical characteristics of the fastener.

The fastener geometry comprises a head portion, a shank portion, and a threaded portion. The head portion is larger than both the diameter of the shank portion, and the threaded portion. The threaded portion is configured to be received or threaded into the coupling aperture <NUM> of the hosel body <NUM> and the head portion is configured to abut the coupling aperture <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM>. As the fastener becomes threaded into both the hosel body <NUM> and the lie arm <NUM>, an axial force is exerted that clamps the respective components together. The head portion of the fastener geometry abuts the coupling aperture <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM>, as the coupling aperture <NUM> of the lie arm <NUM> can be a countersunk or counterbore hole.

The hosel body <NUM> can further include an integrally connected ledge or flange (as illustrated by the L-shaped protruding portion <NUM>). The ledge or flange can extend or protrude from any portion of the hosel body <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ledge or flange extends proximal from a bottom portion of the hosel body <NUM> in a heel-to-toe direction. The bottom portion of the hosel body <NUM> is proximal to the sole <NUM>. The top portion of the hosel body <NUM> is proximal to the top rail <NUM> of the putter type golf club head <NUM>. The ledge or flange can comprise a curvilinear geometry, a parabolic geometry, a curved geometry, a rounded geometry, a L-shaped geometry, or geometric combinations thereof.

As discussed above, the putter-type club head also comprises an adjustable loft mechanism <NUM>. As generally described above, the adjustable loft angle mechanism comprises a hosel body <NUM>, a hosel arm <NUM>, and a loft arm <NUM>. These components incorporate to incrementally adjust the loft angle of a putter-type golf club head in a front striking surface-to-rear surface direction (or rotating about the x-axis). Specifically, in many embodiments, the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> is incrementally adjusted by the hosel arm <NUM> and loft arm <NUM> being rotatably or pivotably engaged to one another at the hosel arm second end <NUM> and the loft arm second end <NUM>, respectively. The paragraphs below will describe in more detail the structure and arrangement of the components of the adjustable loft angle mechanism <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the hosel arm <NUM> can integrally protrude from the hosel body <NUM> in a top rail <NUM>-to-sole <NUM> direction. The height of the hosel arm <NUM> is less than the height of the loft arm <NUM>. The hosel arm <NUM> is configured to reside beneath a portion of the hosel arm <NUM> and hidden or unnoticeable from a top view of the club head <NUM>. Having the height of the hosel arm <NUM> less than the height of the loft arm <NUM> and hidden from a top view of the club head (at an address position) structurally resembles the hosel of a blade style putter, while providing a hosel with an adjustable fitting mechanism(s).

In this embodiment, the hosel arm <NUM> forms at least four hosel arm apertures <NUM>-<NUM> (a hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM>, a hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM>, and at least two hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>). The hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM> is vertically spaced closer to the hosel body <NUM> than the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> and the hosel arm topmost mounting aperture <NUM>. The hosel arm topmost mounting aperture <NUM> is spaced further vertically away from the hosel body <NUM> than the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM>. The hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> is positioned between the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM> and the two or more hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>. The structure and function of each aperture of the hosel arm will be discussed in more detail below.

The loft arm <NUM> and the hosel arm <NUM> are adjacent to one another. In many embodiments, the loft arm <NUM> forms an aperture at the second end <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM> (i.e. loft arm lower aperture <NUM>). The loft arm lower aperture <NUM> is configured to be aligned with the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM> and adapted to receive a fastener. The fastener clamps the loft arm <NUM> and the hosel arm <NUM> together to further define a loft angle pivot point. Once the fastener is engaged to both the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> and the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM>, the fastener is not required to be removed to alter the loft angle of the golf club head. In some embodiments, the fastener is in the form of a shoulder bolt <NUM>. Upon the shoulder bolt engaging the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM> and the loft arm lower aperture <NUM>, the arrangement of the shoulder bolt <NUM>, hosel arm <NUM>, and loft arm <NUM> defines a rotational surface for the loft arm <NUM> to rotate around in a front striking surface-to-rear direction (i.e. rotating about the x-axis). This type of rotation enables the loft angle of the club head to be altered.

As the shoulder bolt <NUM> engages both the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> and the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM>, an outer surface of the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> rests upon the unthreaded shoulder bolt portion <NUM>. The shoulder bolt <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, has an unthreaded shoulder bolt portion <NUM> and a threaded shoulder bolt portion <NUM>. The threaded shoulder bolt portion <NUM> threads into the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM>. The contact surface between the outer surface of the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> and the shoulder bolt <NUM> provides a pivot surface for the loft arm <NUM> to rotate about the x-axis (relative to the hosel arm) and incrementally alter the loft angle of the putter-type club head <NUM>.

As described above, the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> can be in the form of a counterbore or countersunk hole. The counterbore or countersunk hole/aperture further provides an abutment surface for a bearing <NUM> to sit against. The bearing <NUM> enhances the ability to provide rotational or pivoting movement with respect to the hosel arm <NUM> and the loft arm <NUM>, while simultaneously reducing the clamping stress induced by the shoulder bolt <NUM> and frictional forces caused by the loft arm <NUM> and hosel arm <NUM> contacting one another. The bearing <NUM> further reduces the contact/frictional forces induced by the loft arm <NUM> and a head of the shoulder bolt <NUM>. Thereby, the shoulder bolt <NUM> clamps the hosel arm <NUM> and loft arm <NUM> together at a higher degree relative to a non-bearing assembly. Preferably, at each pivot surface or point of rotation, a bearing <NUM> is present for the above described advantages, although not required.

In addition to the loft arm second end <NUM> forming a loft arm lower aperture <NUM>, the loft arm <NUM> further forms a loft arm middle aperture <NUM> vertically spaced from the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> in a top rail-to-sole direction. The loft arm middle aperture <NUM> can extend either entirely through the loft arm <NUM> or a portion thereof. The loft arm middle aperture <NUM> can be substantially cylindrical and defined by a diameter. The diameter of the loft arm middle aperture <NUM> can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inches). However, in other embodiments, the diameter of the loft arm middle aperture <NUM> can be between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inch).

In many embodiments, the loft arm middle aperture <NUM> is threaded. When the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> and the loft arm middle aperture <NUM> are aligned with each other, a fastener is configured to be inserted through the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> and threadedly engage the threads of the loft arm middle aperture <NUM>. This type of arrangement further reinforces and clamps the hosel arm <NUM> and the loft arm <NUM> together. Unlike the other fastener that clamps the loft arm <NUM> and hosel arm <NUM> together at the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> and the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM>, the fastener needs to be unthreaded from the loft arm middle aperture <NUM> or loosened to alter the loft angle of the golf club head <NUM>. The hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> is larger than the loft arm middle aperture <NUM>. This allows the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> to account for various loft angle adjustment positions, while still permitting clamping of the hosel arm <NUM> and loft arm together <NUM> (See <FIG>).

In many embodiments, the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> can be configured to be larger than the major diameter of the fastener. Further, the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> can be sized to account for the most extreme loft angle adjustment positions (See <FIG>).

The loft arm <NUM> further forms a plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> positioned closer to the first end <NUM> of the loft arm than the second end <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM>. The plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> can be in the form of any shape and preferably does not need to extend entirely through the body of the loft arm <NUM>. The plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> can be any shape, including, but not limited to, conical, pill shaped, cylindrical, pyramidal, funnel-shaped, pointed, and/or tapered geometries. It is preferred that the loft arm top apertures <NUM> are conical or pill shaped. This type of geometry enables the loft arm top apertures <NUM> to quickly engage and disengage a plunger <NUM> (see <FIG>). The loft arm top apertures <NUM> further aid in precisely altering the loft angle of the club head, which will be discussed in more detail below. Each of the loft arm top apertures <NUM> are spaced/positioned from one another, such that there is a space present between a pair of loft arm top apertures <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the plurality of top arm apertures are spaced from one another in intervals of degrees.

Having the geometry of the loft arm top apertures <NUM> be pill-shaped or conical increases the surface area of the loft arm top apertures <NUM> (relative to a circular aperture). As more surface area is present, the tolerance stacking between the loft arm top apertures <NUM>, hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>, and plungers <NUM> are not required to be as tight or precise, which reduces the required machining tolerances, machining time, and cost.

Specifically, in reference to <FIG>, the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> are spaced from one another in intervals of two degrees. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> can be spaced from one another by three degrees, four degrees, five degrees, six degrees, seven degrees, eight degrees, nine degrees, ten degrees, eleven degrees, twelve degrees, thirteen degrees, fourteen degrees, fifteen degrees, sixteen degrees, seventeen degrees, eighteen degrees, ninety degrees, or twenty degrees. The degree spacing distance is in reference to an imaginary circle with a center at the loft arm lower aperture <NUM> and extends through the center of each of the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> (See <FIG>).

As illustrated in <FIG>, the two or more hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> are formed proximal to the first end <NUM> of the hosel arm <NUM>. Having two or more apertures (hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>) formed at the first end <NUM> of the hosel arm <NUM>, as well as, having each hosel arm topmost mounting aperture <NUM> configured to receive a plunger <NUM> aids in precisely adjusting the loft angle of the golf club head <NUM>. The two or more hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> are preferably threaded to receive one or more plungers <NUM> (i.e. a first plunger in a first hosel arm topmost mounting apertures and second plunger in a second hosel arm topmost mounting apertures) in each aperture. In alternative embodiments, one or more plungers <NUM> can be press fit into one or more of the hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>, instead of threadably engaged.

In many embodiments, the plungers <NUM> can be in the form of a ball plunger. The ball plunger comprises a hollow threaded body, a spring positioned inside the hollow threaded body, and a ball coupled to the spring. The ball plunger is configured to engage and disengage the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM>. This type of arrangement between the ball plunger <NUM>, the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM>, and the hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> provides feedback to the user when the loft angle has been adjusted and more precisely adjusts the loft angle to a certain predetermined position.

For example, in reference to <FIG>, the body of the ball plunger is adapted to threadably engage each of the hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG>, the hosel arm <NUM> comprises two hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>. The two hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> are threaded and each hosel arm topmost mounting aperture <NUM> is configured to receive the threaded body of the ball plunger <NUM>. When the ball plunger <NUM> is threadably engaged to the hosel arm topmost mounting aperture <NUM>, the ball of the ball plunger <NUM> is configured to contact the loft arm <NUM>, and more specifically engage with one of the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM>. At any given time, the first ball plunger <NUM> is configured to engage one of the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> and the second ball plunger <NUM> is configured to reside in the space between a pair of loft arm top apertures <NUM>. When a fitter or user (not shown) wants to alter the loft angle, the fitter needs to unfasten/unthread the fastener from the loft arm middle aperture <NUM> to reduce the clamping force between the hosel arm and loft arm. This type of arrangement between the ball plunger <NUM>, the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM>, and the hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> provides feedback to the user when the loft angle has been adjusted and more precisely adjusts the loft angle to a certain predetermined position.

Specifically, the hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> are spaced from one another in intervals of five degrees. However, in other embodiments, the plurality of hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> can be spaced from one another by one degree, two degrees, three degrees, four degrees, five degrees, six degrees, seven degrees, eight degrees, nine degrees, ten degrees, eleven degrees, twelve degrees, thirteen degrees, fourteen degrees, fifteen degrees, sixteen degrees, seventeen degrees, eighteen degrees, ninety degrees, or twenty degrees. The degree spacing distance is in reference to an imaginary circle with a center at the hosel arm lower mounting aperture <NUM> and extending through the center of each of the plurality of hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>.

Upon the loft arm <NUM> and hosel arm <NUM> being uncoupled from each other (unfastening the fastener from the hosel arm middle mounting aperture <NUM> and loft arm middle aperture <NUM>), the ball plungers <NUM> can be configured to be repositionably engaged within one of the plurality of top apertures <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM>. For way of illustration, <FIG> illustrates a golf club head <NUM> in a first loft configuration (i.e. the first ball plunger <NUM> engaged within one of the plurality of loft arm top apertures <NUM> and the second ball plunger <NUM> engaged within the space between two adjacent loft arm top apertures <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a golf club head <NUM> in a second loft configuration (relative to the first loft configuration).

When comparing <FIG>, it can be seen that to change the loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>, the hosel arm <NUM> and the loft arm <NUM> pivot with respect to one another at the hosel arm second end <NUM> and the loft arm second end <NUM>, respectively and upon rotation the ball plungers <NUM> are able to disengage and move from its current position to another position (i.e. space between two loft arm top apertures or engaged in another loft arm aperture <NUM>). This type of engagement and disengagement of the ball plungers <NUM> within the loft arm top apertures <NUM> provides feedback to the user when the loft angle has been adjusted, more precisely adjusts the loft angle to a certain predetermined position, and provides a temporary "locked" position of the hosel arm <NUM> to the loft arm <NUM>. This temporary locked position ensures the fitter (or user) that the loft angle of the putter-type club head <NUM> will not be inadvertently altered when reclamping the hosel arm <NUM> to the loft arm <NUM>.

As described above, the adjustable lie angle mechanism further comprises plungers/apertures. Similarly, to the description above, the hosel body <NUM> forms at least two apertures (i.e. second set of hosel body apertures <NUM>) towards the heel end <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>, on the other side of the L-shaped protruding portion <NUM>, or distal from the L-shaped protrusion <NUM> (see <FIG>). Each of the second set of hosel body apertures <NUM> are configured to receive a ball plunger <NUM>. One and only one ball plunger <NUM> (at any given time) is configured to be inserted into a plurality of catches <NUM> formed by the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body proximal to the heel end <NUM> of the golf club head <NUM> (as illustrated by <FIG>). The ball plungers <NUM> can be threadably engaged or press fit into the second set of hosel body apertures <NUM>.

The plurality of catches <NUM> are recesses formed in rear surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. The one or more ball plungers <NUM> can be threadably engaged to the second set of hosel body apertures <NUM>. The plurality of catches <NUM> are similar in function and structure with respect to the arrangement of the ball plungers <NUM>, loft arm top aperture <NUM>, and hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> described above. The plurality of catches are generally spaced from each other in a top rail-to-sole direction.

Upon a strike face fastener <NUM> being uncoupled from the hosel body <NUM> (unthreading the strikeface fastener <NUM> from the hosel body <NUM>), the ball plungers <NUM> can be configured to be repositionably engaged within one of the plurality of catches <NUM> of the rear surface <NUM> of the clubhead body <NUM>. For way of illustration, <FIG> illustrates a golf club head <NUM> in a first lie configuration (i.e. first ball plunger <NUM> engaged within one of the plurality of catches <NUM> formed in the rear surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM> and a second ball plunger <NUM> engaged within the space between two adjacent catches <NUM> formed in the clubhead body <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a golf club head in a second lie configuration (relative to the first lie configuration). When comparing <FIG>, it can be seen that to change the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>, the lie arm <NUM> rotates about the post <NUM> and upon rotation, the first and second ball plungers <NUM> either (<NUM>) disengage and move away from its current position to another position (i.e. space between adjacent catches <NUM> or engage another catch <NUM> formed in the rear surface <NUM> of the clubhead body <NUM>). The ball plungers <NUM> moving in and out of the catches <NUM> provide feedback to the fitter and more accurately adjusts the lie angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. Further, having a ball plunger temporarily engaging one of the plurality of catches <NUM> creates a temporary locked position. This temporary locked position ensures the fitter (or user) that the lie angle of the putter-type club head <NUM> will not be inadvertently altered, when reclamping the strike face fastener <NUM> to the hosel body <NUM>.

The front striking surface <NUM> forms a front striking surface aperture <NUM>. The front striking surface aperture is proximal to the heel end <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. The front striking surface aperture <NUM> can be any geometry, including an oval. In many embodiments, the geometry of the front striking surface aperture <NUM> can be round, circular, cylindrical, rectangular, square, polygonal, curvilinear, or combinations thereof. The front striking surface aperture <NUM> can be in the form of a counterbore or countersunk hole. The front striking surface aperture <NUM> can extend entirely through the front striking surface <NUM> or a portion thereof.

The strike face aperture <NUM> is aligned with a third set of hosel body aperture(s) <NUM> formed on the rear surface <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. The third set of hosel body aperture(s) <NUM> can be threaded and proximal to the second set of hosel body apertures <NUM>. The strike face fastener <NUM> can be configured to be inserted through both the strike face aperture <NUM> and threadably engage the third set of hosel body aperture(s) <NUM>. This type of arrangement of the strike face aperture <NUM>, the third set of hosel body aperture(s) <NUM>, and the strike face fastener <NUM> mechanically couples or clamps the hosel body <NUM> to the rear surface <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the hosel tab <NUM> can not be present, rather, a fastener can be configured to engage a double recess aperture <NUM> and become coupled to the hosel body <NUM> by means of mechanical engagement (i.e. via threads). In other embodiments, if the hosel tab <NUM> extends from the hosel body <NUM>, then the hosel needs to be inserted into the second deeper recess <NUM> at a distance spaced from the heel end <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> and then shift, slide, or translate the hosel body <NUM> towards the heel end <NUM> of the club head until the hosel tab sits flush with double recess aperture <NUM>. This creates the aforementioned puzzle-locking geometry. On the hand, if the hosel tab <NUM> is not present and rather the fastener engages both the double recess aperture <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM>, the hosel body <NUM> can be directly inserted at the extreme most heel side end of the second deeper recess <NUM>.

For further description, in embodiments where the hosel tab <NUM> is present, the hosel body <NUM> can be spaced from the extreme heel side boundary of the second deeper recess <NUM> by at least the length of the hosel tab (measured in a heel-to-toe direction) <NUM>. As directly inserting the hosel body <NUM> to the heel side boundary of the second deeper recess <NUM> would have the hosel tab <NUM> contacting a portion of the club head body <NUM>, thereby restricting insertion of the hosel body <NUM> into the second deeper recess <NUM>.

To help a fitter (not shown) more quickly and knowingly adjust the lie angle of the putter type golf club head <NUM>, the double recess aperture <NUM> can be formed in the heel end <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. The double recess aperture <NUM> can have a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the double recess aperture <NUM> can be defined as having a portion of the aperture extending entirely through a heel end <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. Thereby, forming a void. The second portion of the double recess aperture <NUM> can define a cavity (i.e. extending through a portion of the heel end <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> and not entirely through the heel end <NUM>), as shown in the illustrative embodiment of <FIG>.

In many embodiments, the hosel tab <NUM> can have a groove or slot <NUM> formed at the end of the hosel tab <NUM>. The groove or slot <NUM> can extend generally in a front striking surface -to rear direction. Additionally, in many embodiments, the cavity or second portion of the double recess aperture <NUM> extending through a portion of the heel end <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> can include a plurality of lie angle alignment markers <NUM>. In combination with the groove <NUM> disposed on the hosel tab <NUM> and the plurality of lie angle alignment markers <NUM> formed into or extending from a surface of the cavity, a visual aid is formed. The visual aid enables the fitter to quickly gage the current lie angle the putter-type golf club head and easily adjust the putter-type golf club head <NUM> to another desired lie angle configuration.

In some embodiments, a lie badge (not shown) can be attached to the cavity or the second portion of the double recess aperture not extending entirely through the heel end of the putter-type golf club head. The lie badge can form a plurality of lie angle alignment markers <NUM> that are either formed into or protrude from a surface of the lie badge. As will be discussed below, the plurality of lie angle alignment markers <NUM> represent different lie angle configurations. Each of the plurality of lie angle markers <NUM> can be different colors from one another for easily identifying the current lie angle of the putter-type golf club head. The width of the lie badge can be between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In some embodiments, the lie badge can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

The plurality of lie angle alignment markers <NUM> are configured to represent different lie angles. For example, one lie angle adjustment marker can define one lie angle configuration, another lie angle adjustment marker can define another lie angle configuration, etc. In many embodiments, the plurality of lie angle alignment markers <NUM> can be in one or more rows, one or more columns, one or more groups, or one or more sets. In other embodiments, there can be two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, eleven or more, twelve or more, thirteen or more, fourteen or more, fifteen or more, sixteen or more, seventeen or more, eighteen or more, nineteen or more, or twenty or more lie angle alignment markers <NUM>.

The spacing or distance between lie angle alignment markers <NUM> can differ from another group of alignment markers or can be equally spaced between lie angle alignment markers <NUM>. The spacing distance between lie angle alignment markers can have a non-constant spacing distance between alignment markers to create a wider span or range of lie angle positions.

With specific reference to <FIG>, a plurality of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> can be formed proximal to the first end <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM>. The plurality of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> formed at the first end <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM> can be in the form of indentations or protrusions. In many embodiments, the plurality of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> can be in one or more rows, one or more columns, one or more groups, or one or more sets. In other embodiments, there can be two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, six or more, seven or more, eight or more, nine or more, ten or more, eleven or more, twelve or more, thirteen or more, fourteen or more, fifteen or more, sixteen or more, seventeen or more, eighteen or more, nineteen or more, or twenty or more loft angle alignment markers <NUM>.

The spacing or distance between loft angle alignment markers <NUM> can differ from another group of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> or be equally spaced between loft angle alignment markers <NUM>. The spacing distance can have a non-constant spacing distance between loft angle alignment markers <NUM> to create a wider span or range of loft angle positions.

In another embodiment, a loft badge (not shown) can be attached to the first end <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM>. The loft badge can form a plurality of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> that are either formed into or protrude from a surface of the loft badge. As will be discussed below, the plurality of loft angle alignment makers represents different loft angle configurations. Each of the plurality of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> can be different colors from one another for easily identifying the current loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. The width of the loft badge can range between approximately <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In some embodiments, the loft badge can be approximately <NUM> (<NUM> inch).

In many embodiments, the first end <NUM> of the hosel arm <NUM> can have a groove, slot, or protrusion formed thereon. The groove, slot, or protrusion formed proximal to the first end <NUM> of the hosel arm <NUM> can be any shape, including a rectangle. This groove, slot, or protrusion signifies the current loft angle build of the putter type golf club head <NUM> upon coupling to the loft arm <NUM>. Further, in many embodiments, the groove, slot or protrusion can extend generally in a top rail-to-sole direction. In combination with the groove, slot, or protrusion disposed at the first end <NUM> of the hosel arm <NUM> and the plurality of loft angle alignment markers <NUM> formed into or extending from the first end <NUM> of the loft arm <NUM>, a loft angle visual aid can be formed. The visual aid enables the fitter to quickly gage the current loft angle of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> and easily adjust the putter-type golf club head to another desired loft angle. As discussed above, the cub head can further comprise an adjustable head mass mechanism.

The adjustable fitting mechanism permits the ability to incrementally adjust the head mass of the club head. In other embodiments, the golf club head can not have an adjustable head mass fitting mechanism <NUM>. The back surface <NUM> of the putter-type golf club head <NUM> defines a rear ballast <NUM> detachably engaged to the club head body <NUM> via fasteners/apertures (see <FIG>). In alternative embodiments, the adjustable head mass mechanism <NUM> can engage and disengage the club head body <NUM> through magnets, rather than fasteners.

In the illustrated embodiment of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the back surface <NUM> of the putter type golf club head <NUM> forms at least two back surface apertures <NUM>. The first back-surface aperture <NUM> is positioned proximal to the heel end <NUM> and the second back surface aperture <NUM> is positioned proximal to the toe end <NUM>. Each back-surface aperture <NUM> is threaded.

Further, in this exemplary embodiment, the rear ballasts <NUM> are detachably engaged to the club head body <NUM>. The rear ballasts <NUM> form one or more through apertures <NUM> and preferably forms the same quantity of back surface apertures <NUM> that is formed on the back surface <NUM> of the club head body <NUM>. The rear ballasts through apertures <NUM> are configured to align with the back-surface apertures <NUM> and partially viewable from a bottom (sole) view. Each rear ballast through aperture <NUM> and back surface aperture <NUM> that is aligned are configured to receive a rear ballast fastener <NUM>. The rear ballasts fastener <NUM> can be threaded to clamp or couple the rear ballast <NUM> to the club head body <NUM>. The rear ballast <NUM> can be interchangeable with another rear ballast <NUM> of a different mass upon unfastening of the rear ballast fastener <NUM>. The rear ballast fastener <NUM> needs only be unfastened by a quarter turn to uncouple the rear ballasts <NUM>. In other embodiments, the rear ballasts <NUM> entirely forms the through apertures <NUM> (not visible from a bottom (sole) or top (top rail) view. This type of aperture <NUM> arrangement requires the fastener to be completely unthreaded from the aperture, rather than a quarter turn.

Another embodiment according to this invention is described below. This embodiment is substantially similar to the above described embodiment. Only the differences between the first embodiment and the second embodiment will be discussed below. Integrally coupling the lie arm to the hosel body includes many beneficial advantages, including, but not limited to, reducing the machining time, assembly time, and skill needed to couple the lie arm and the hosel body together.

<FIG> illustrates another embodiment according to this invention. <FIG> illustrates a front view of an embodiment according to some aspects of this invention. <FIG> illustrates a rear view of an embodiment according to some aspects of this invention. <FIG> illustrates a heel-side view of an embodiment according to some aspects of this invention.

The putter-type golf club head <NUM> comprises a club head body <NUM>. The club head body <NUM> comprises a front striking surface <NUM>, a rear surface <NUM> spaced from the front striking surface <NUM>, a back surface <NUM> opposite the front striking surface <NUM>, a sole <NUM> extending between the front striking surface <NUM> and the back surface <NUM>, a top rail <NUM> opposite the sole <NUM>, and the front striking surface <NUM> disposed between the heel end <NUM> and the toe end <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a heel side view of the putter-type golf club head <NUM>. A difference between Embodiment I (Mechanically Attaching Lie Arm to Hosel Body) and Embodiment II (Integrally Coupling Lie Arm to Hosel Body) is the connection means between the lie arm <NUM>, <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM>, <NUM>. In Embodiment I, the lie arm <NUM> is mechanically attached to the hosel body <NUM>, meaning the lie arm <NUM> and the hosel body <NUM> are separate pieces. In Embodiment II, the lie arm <NUM> is integrally coupled to the hosel body <NUM>, meaning, the hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> are formed from the same piece of material. By having the lie arm <NUM> integrally connected to the hosel body <NUM>, this reduces the assembly time and skill to connect the two elements together.

As the lie arm <NUM> is integrally connected to the hosel body <NUM>, the heel-to-toe length of the adjustable lie angle mechanism <NUM> is increased and fixed. To account for this increase in length, a portion of the heel side of the body forms an opening (not closed) or void <NUM>. The opening or void <NUM> at the heel side of the body provides extra space to accommodate insertion of the integrally connected hosel body <NUM> and lie arm <NUM> into the club head body <NUM>. This opening or void <NUM> can be seen both in a heel view and rear view of the putter type golf club head.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the geometry of the loft arm top apertures <NUM> are pill shaped. Similarly, to Embodiment I, each hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM> are configured to receive a plunger <NUM>. The plungers <NUM> are configured to engage the pill shaped loft arm top apertures <NUM>. Having the geometry of the loft arm top apertures <NUM> be pill shaped increases the surface area of the loft arm top apertures <NUM> (relative to a circular geometry). As more surface area is present, the tolerance stacking between the loft arm top apertures <NUM>, hosel arm topmost mounting apertures <NUM>, and plungers <NUM> are not required to be as tight or precise, which reduces the required machining tolerances, machining time, and cost.

Claim 1:
A putter-type golf club head (<NUM>) comprising:
a club head body (<NUM>,) comprising a toe end (<NUM>); a heel end (<NUM>); a top rail (<NUM>); a sole (<NUM>); a post (<NUM>); a front striking surface (<NUM>); and a rear surface (<NUM>) spaced from the front striking surface (<NUM>); wherein the rear surface (<NUM>), the sole (<NUM>), and the top rail (<NUM>) defines a recess (<NUM>);
a hosel (<NUM>) comprising a hosel arm (<NUM>) and a loft arm (<NUM>); wherein:
the hosel arm (<NUM>) comprises a hosel arm first end (<NUM>), a hosel arm second end (<NUM>), a hosel body (<NUM>), and a hosel tab (<NUM>);
the loft arm (<NUM>) comprises a loft arm first end (<NUM>) and a loft arm second end (<NUM>);
a lie arm (<NUM>) comprising a lie arm first end (<NUM>), a lie arm second end (<NUM>), and a receiving geometry (<NUM>); wherein a portion of the receiving geometry (<NUM>) defines an indentation that is complementary to the post (<NUM>) geometry;
wherein:
the hosel arm (<NUM>) extends generally in a top rail-to-sole direction;
the loft arm (<NUM>) is configured to couple to a golf shaft;
the post (<NUM>) extends from the rear surface (<NUM>) of the club head body (<NUM>);
the hosel body (<NUM>) is integrally connected to the hosel arm second end (<NUM>);
the lie arm first end (<NUM>) is attached to the hosel body (<NUM>) and extends substantially in a heel end-to-toe end direction;
the hosel arm (<NUM>) and the loft arm (<NUM>) are pivotably engaged to one another at the hosel arm second end (<NUM>) and the loft arm second end (<NUM>), respectively and configured to incrementally change a loft angle of the putter-type golf club head (<NUM>);
the receiving geometry (<NUM>) of the lie arm (<NUM>) is adapted to engage the post (<NUM>) and upon rotation of the lie arm (<NUM>) in a top rail-to-sole direction, the lie arm (<NUM>) is configured to incrementally adjust a lie angle of the putter-type golf club head (<NUM>); and
the hosel tab (<NUM>) is attached to the hosel body (<NUM>) and partially exposed at a heel end (<NUM>) of the club head body (<NUM>).