Patent ID: 7993216

Claim:
A ball striking device comprising: a head comprising: a metal face configured for striking a ball, wherein the face is formed by a cup face member that includes a ball striking face and a return portion extending rearward from a periphery of the ball striking face; a metal band having a first end extending from a first side of the return portion, a second end extending from a second, opposed side of the return portion, and a rear portion extending between the first and second ends, the band and the return portion combining to define a first opening on a top side of the metal band and the band further defining a second opening on a bottom side of the metal band; a substantially non-metallic top piece connected to the top side of the metal band and forming at least a portion of a top side of the head, wherein the top piece is positioned to cover the first opening and is larger than the first opening, such that a portion of the top piece engages an inner surface of the band and an inner surface of the return portion around the first opening to secure the top piece in place; and a substantially non-metallic bottom piece connected to the bottom side of the metal band and forming at least a portion of a bottom side of the head, wherein the bottom piece is positioned to cover the second opening and is larger than the second opening, such that a portion of the bottom piece engages the inner surface of the band around the second opening to secure the bottom piece in place, wherein the top piece and the bottom piece are separated by the metal band.