RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 61/398,703, filed July 1, 2010, and 61/371,274, filed August 6, 2010, the entire contents of both are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to golf implements and, more particularly, to golf clubs such as putters.

BACKGROUND

[0003] The United States Golf Association (USGA) has strict regulations with respect to golf clubs. For example, the USGA regulates club configuration, club length, club lie angle, etc. With respect to club configuration and club length, the shaft of the club must be one-piece, thereby eliminating any two-piece or telescoping shaft. With respect to club lie angle, the lie angle for all clubs, except a putter, must be permanently set. Lie angle may be defined as the angle between a horizontal plane (e.g., the ground, a flat bottom surface of the club head, etc.) and the shaft of the club as the shaft descends toward the club head. A putter lie angle may be adjustable, but the lie angle must be established by more than a friction set and no gaps may be present in the bonding appendage, which effectively eliminates any controlled looseness potentially serving as a means to bend the putter to a given lie angle. Additionally, the lie angle of the putter must be at least ten degrees off of vertical in either direction, thereby prohibiting the shaft from being positioned in a twenty degree sector centered on vertical.

2156450 SUMMARY

[0004] In one example, a golf implement is provided.

[0005] In another example, an adjustable golf implement is provided.

[0006] In yet another example, a golf putter with an adjustable lie angle is provided.

[0007] In still another example, a golf putter is provided and includes a shaft, a head, and a neck coupled to and between the shaft and the head. A lie angle of the head may be adjustable.

[0008] In a further example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck including a first end and a second end, wherein the neck is coupled to the shaft at the first end, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, a cavity, a first aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, a second aperture in fluid communication with the cavity, and a fastener, wherein the second end of the neck is positioned in the cavity and the fastener is positioned in one of the first and second apertures to engage the neck, and wherein adhesive is injected into the other one of the first and second apertures and the adhesive flows into the cavity to engage the neck to adhere the neck to the head.

[0009] In yet a further example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck coupled to the shaft, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the neck is adapted to couple to the head in a plurality of positions and the neck is movable from one of the plurality of positions to another one of the plurality of positions.

[0010] In still a further example, a method of adjusting a golf implement is provided and includes coupling a shaft to a first end of a neck, coupling a second end

2156450 of the neck to a head in a first position, the head including a golf ball striking portion, uncoupling the second end of the neck from the head, moving the neck relative to the head from the first position to a second position different than the first position, and recoupling the second end of the neck to the head with the neck in the second position.

[0011] In another example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a plurality of necks, each of the plurality of necks including a first end, a second end, and a curved portion between the first and second ends, wherein the plurality of necks are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the shaft via first ends, and wherein the curved portions have different sized radii relative to one another, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the plurality of necks are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the head via second ends.

[0012] In yet another example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a plurality of necks including at least a first neck and a second neck, the first neck including a first end, a second end, and a first neck aperture defined in the first neck between the first end and the second end, and the second neck including a first end, a second end, and a second neck aperture defined in the second neck between the first end and the second end, wherein the first neck aperture is defined in the first neck at a first orientation and the second neck aperture is defined in the second neck at a second orientation different than the first orientation, and a head including a golf ball striking portion, wherein the first neck and the second neck are adapted to be coupled, one at a time, to the head via the first neck aperture or the second neck aperture.

[0013] In still another example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck including a first end, a second end, and a neck aperture defined in the neck between the first end and the second end, a head including a golf ball striking

2156450 portion, a cavity, a first head aperture defined in the head at a first orientation and in communication with the cavity, and a second head aperture defined in the head at a second orientation and in communication with the cavity, wherein the first orientation is different than the second orientation, and wherein the second end of the neck is insertable into the cavity and the neck aperture is adapted to be aligned with the first head aperture and the second head aperture one at a time, and a fastener insertable into the neck aperture and the one of the first and second apertures aligned with the neck aperture, wherein the fastener secures the neck to the head in a first position when the fastener is inserted into the neck aperture and the first head aperture and secures the neck to the head in a second position when the fastener is inserted into the neck aperture and the second head aperture, the first and second positions being different.

[0014] In a further example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck including a first end, a second end, and a plurality of neck apertures including at least a first neck aperture and a second neck aperture, the first neck aperture is defined in the neck between the first end and the second end and the second neck aperture is defined in the neck between the first end and the second end and is spaced apart from the first neck aperture, wherein the first neck aperture is defined in the neck at a first orientation and the second neck aperture is defined in the neck at a second orientation different than the first orientation, a head including a golf ball striking portion, a cavity, and a plurality of head apertures including at least a first head aperture and a second head aperture, wherein the first head aperture and the second head aperture are spaced apart from one another and are in communication with the cavity, and wherein the second end of the neck is insertable into the cavity and the first neck aperture is adapted to be aligned with the first head aperture and the second

2156450 neck aperture is adapted to be aligned with the second head aperture, and wherein only the first neck aperture and the first head aperture may be aligned or the second neck aperture and the second head aperture may be aligned at a time, and a fastener insertable into the first head aperture and the first neck aperture when aligned and insertable into the second head aperture and the second neck aperture when aligned, wherein the fastener secures the neck to the head in a first position when the fastener is inserted into the first head aperture and the first neck aperture and secures the neck to the head in a second position when the fastener is inserted into the second head aperture and the second neck aperture, the first and second positions being different.

[0015] In yet a further example, a golf implement is provided and includes a shaft, a neck including a first end, a second end, and a plurality of neck apertures including at least a first neck aperture and a second neck aperture, the first neck aperture is defined in the neck between the first end and the second end and the second neck aperture is defined in the neck between the first end and the second end, wherein the first and second neck apertures are oriented in a co-planar manner relative to one another, and wherein the first neck aperture is defined in the neck at a first orientation and the second neck aperture is defined in the neck at a second orientation different than the first orientation, a head including a golf ball striking portion, a cavity, and a head aperture in communication with the cavity, wherein the second end of the neck is insertable into the cavity and the first neck aperture and the second neck aperture are adapted to be aligned with the head aperture one at a time, and a fastener insertable into the head aperture and the first neck aperture when aligned and insertable into the head aperture and the second neck aperture when aligned, wherein the fastener secures the neck to the head in a first position when the fastener is inserted into the head

2156450 aperture and the first neck aperture and secures the neck to the head in a second position when the fastener is inserted into the head aperture and the second neck aperture, the first and second positions being different.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Fig. 1 is a top front perspective view of an exemplary adjustable golf implement, such as a putter, including a shaft, a neck, and a head;

[0017] Fig. 2 is a front view of the putter shown in Fig. 1 with a restricted lie angle sector and multiple lie angles represented;

[0018] Fig. 3 is a top front perspective view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0019] Fig. 4 is a bottom rear perspective view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0020] Fig. 5 is a top rear exploded view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0021] Fig. 6 is a top view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0022] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7— 7 in Fig. 6;

[0023] Fig. 8 is a side view of the neck of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 1 ;

[0024] Fig. 9 is an end view of a portion of the neck shown in Fig. 8;

[0025] Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10— 10 in Fig. 6 with the head of the adjustable golf implement shown without the neck inserted therein and with fasteners in a loosened or unsecured position;

2156450 [0026] Fig. 11 is cross-sectional view similar to Fig. 10 shown with the neck inserted into the head of the adjustable golf implement, adhesive applied to adhere the neck to the head, and fasteners in a fastened or secured position;

[0027] Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12— 12 in Fig. 6;

[0028] Fig. 13 is a top rear perspective view of another exemplary adjustable golf implement including a neck and a head;

[0029] Fig. 14 is a top rear exploded view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 13 with a plurality of plates exploded from the head;

[0030] Fig. 15 is a top view of the neck and the head of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 13;

[0031] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 16— 16 in Fig. 15;

[0032] Fig. 17 is a rear view of one of the plates of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 14;

[0033] Fig. 18 is a front view of one of the plates shown in Fig. 14;

[0034] Fig. 19 is a front view of another one of the plates shown in Fig. 14;

[0035] Fig. 20 is a front view of yet another one of the plates shown in Fig.

14;

[0036] Fig. 21 is a side view of a plurality of necks useable with a further exemplary adjustable golf implement;

[0037] Fig. 22 is a top front exploded view of the plurality of necks shown in Fig. 21 and a head of the further exemplary adjustable golf implement;

[0038] Fig. 23 is a right side view of still a further exemplary adjustable golf implement including a neck and a head;

2156450 [0039] Fig. 24 is a right side view of yet another exemplary adjustable golf implement including a neck and a head;

[0040] Fig. 25 is a top front exploded view of the putter shown in Fig. 24;

[0041] Fig. 26 is a top front perspective view of another exemplary adjustable golf implement, such as a putter, including a shaft, a neck, and a head;

[0042] Fig. 27 is an exploded view of a portion of the exemplary adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 26;

[0043] Fig. 28 is a side view of a plurality of necks useable with the exemplary adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 26;

[0044] Fig. 29 is an exploded view of the plurality of necks shown in Fig. 28 with a portion of the exemplary adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 26;

[0045] Fig. 30 is a side view of another exemplary head of still another exemplary adjustable golf implement;

[0046] Fig. 31 is a top front perspective view of a further exemplary adjustable golf implement, such as a putter, including a shaft, a neck, and a head;

[0047] Fig. 32 is an exploded view of the adjustable golf implement shown in Fig. 31 ; and

[0048] Fig. 33 is an exploded view of still another exemplary adjustable golf implement, such as a putter, including a shaft, a neck, and a head.

[0049] Before any independent features and embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various

2156450 ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] With reference to Fig. 1, an exemplary adjustable golf implement 20 is illustrated. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the adjustable golf implement 20 is a golf club such as, for example, a putter 20. This illustrated exemplary golf implement 20 has adjustable capabilities (described in greater detail below) that may be applicable to a variety of types of golf implements including the illustrated exemplary putter 20 and other types of golf clubs. For example, the adjustable capabilities may be used in fairway woods, irons, wedges, hybrid clubs, various types of putters other than that illustrated, or any other type of golf implement. Hereinafter, the golf implement will be referred to as a putter, however, it should be understood that the illustrations and description utilized herein in association with a putter are not intended to be limiting upon the present invention.

[0051] Referring now to Fig. 2, the putter 20 has the capability of adjusting a lie angle Ω thereof. A lie angle Ω of a putter 20 is defined as the angle between a horizontal plane H (e.g., a ground surface, a flat bottom surface of a putter head, etc.) and a shaft 22 of the putter 20 as it descends toward a putter head 28. The United States Golf Association (USGA) prohibits the lie angle Ω of a putter 20 from falling within ten degrees of either side of vertical V. Thus, the restricted lie angle comprises a twenty degree sector Φ centered on vertical V.

[0052] Referring now to Figs. 1-4, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the putter 20 includes a shaft 22, a hand grip 24, a neck 26, and a head 28. The hand

2156450 grip 24 is coupled to a top end of the shaft 22 and a bottom end of the shaft 22 is coupled to the neck 26. The shaft 22 is hollow at its bottom end and is appropriately sized to receive a reduced diameter end 30 of the neck 26. The neck 26 inserts into the hollow end of the shaft 22 until the bottom end of the shaft 22 abuts a lip 32 defined by a transition from the reduced diameter end 30 of the neck 26 to the remainder of the neck 26. To ensure a secure connection between the shaft 22 and the neck 26, an adhesive or other bonding agent may be used to adhere the bottom end of the shaft 22 to the reduced diameter end 30 of the neck 26.

[0053] Referring now to Figs. 3-8, the neck 26 has a generally L- shape comprising a coupling portion 34 oriented generally perpendicularly to the reduced diameter end 30 and a curved portion 36 between the coupling portion 34 and the reduced diameter end 30. The curved portion 36 of the neck 26 has a constant radius and said radius may have any appropriate dimension. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the radius may be 1.0 inch, 1.25 inches, 1.5 inches, or any other appropriate dimensions.

[0054] With particular reference to Figs. 8 and 9, the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 includes an annular channel 38 spaced in from a coupling end 40 of the neck 26. Between the annular channel 38 and the coupling end 40 of the neck 26, the neck 26 defines a plurality of axial grooves 42 spaced apart from each other around the periphery of the neck 26 and in communication with the annular channel 38. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the neck 26 defines seven semi-circular shaped grooves 42. Alternatively, any number and any shape of grooves 42 may be defined in the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

2156450 [0055] Referring now to Figs. 3-7 and 10, the head 28 includes a golf ball striking member 44, a rear mount 46, and a body 48 extending between the ball striking member 44 and the rear mount 46. A cavity 50 is defined through the rear mount 46 along a substantially horizontal axis, which is perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the ball striking member 44. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the cavity 50 is cylindrical in shape and has a substantially circular cross-section taken along a vertical plane. The cavity 50 is appropriately sized to facilitate insertion of the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 into the cavity 50. In some embodiments, an inner surface 52 of the cavity 50 may be knurled. In other embodiments, the inner surface 52 of the cavity 50 may be smooth. A plurality of apertures 54 are defined in the rear mount 46 and are in communication with the cavity 50. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the apertures 54 are threaded and are capable of threadably receiving set screws 56. In addition, the illustrated exemplary embodiment includes three set screw apertures 54 defined in the rear mount 46. One of the set screw apertures 54A is defined vertically through the mount 46 from a bottom surface of the head 28 to the cavity 50 and the other two set screw apertures 54B, 54C are horizontally defined through the mount 46, one of which is defined from a left side of the mount 46 to the cavity 50 and the other of which is defined from a right side of the mount 46 to the cavity 50. The illustrated set screw apertures 54 are all centrally aligned along the same vertical plane. Alternatively, any number of apertures 54 may be defined in the mount 46 and in communication with the cavity 50. Also, in the alternative, other types of apertures may be defined in the mount 46 for receiving fasteners other than set screws. Additionally, in the alternative, apertures defined in the mount 46 may have any orientation relative to each other. That is, apertures defined in the mount 46 may

2156450 not be centrally aligned along the same vertical plane. Returning to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, one set screw 56 may be threadably movable within each of the set screw apertures 54, via an appropriate tool, toward and away from the cavity 50.

[0056] With particular reference to Figs. 4, 5, and 7, the head 28 also defines a plate cavity 58 and includes a plate 60 positionable in the plate cavity 58. The plate cavity 58 is defined in a rear of the mount 46, extends only a portion of the way through the mount 46, and is in communication with the cavity 50. The plate cavity 58 is larger than the cavity 50 and may have any shape. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plate cavity 58 is substantially square in shape with rounded corners and the plate 60 is shaped complementary to the plate cavity 58. Alternatively, the plate cavity 58 and the plate 60 may have any shape with the shapes of the plate cavity 58 and plate 60 being complementary. In other embodiments, the plate cavity 58 and the plate 60 may have any shape and the shapes of the plate cavity 58 and the plate 60 may be different. Returning to the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the plate 60 includes a front surface 62, a rear surface 64, and an edge 66. The front and rear surfaces 62, 64 of the plate 60 are substantially planar and smooth.

[0057] With reference to Figs. 5-7 and 10-12, adjustment and assembly of the neck 26 and head 28 will be described. Initially, the head 28 is positioned flat with the bottom surface contacting a ground surface, and the shaft 22 is coupled to the neck 26. A user grips the hand grip 24 of the putter 20, inserts the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 into the cavity 50 until the annular channel 38 aligns with the set screw apertures 54, and stands in a comfortable and/or appropriate putting stance. The action of the user moving into said stance causes the coupling portion 34 of the neck 26 to

2156450 rotate within the cavity 50 and, upon the user arriving at said stance, the coupling portion 34 comes to rest within the cavity 50 in a desired position. As indicated above, the shaft 22 of the putter 20 must be angled at least ten degrees to either side of vertical. Accordingly, the user's putting stance must position the shaft 22 at least ten degrees to the right or left side of vertical (depends whether the user is right or left handed). With the shaft 22 and neck 26 located in the desired position, one of the set screws 56 is inserted and threaded into its set screw aperture 54 until it engages and secures the neck 26 and shaft 22 relative to the head 28. The set screw apertures 54 are aligned with the annular channel 38, which results in the tightened set screw 56 being positioned in and engaging the neck 26 in the annular channel 38. A second set screw 56 may be inserted and threaded into its set screw aperture 54 similarly to the first set screw 56 if the user desires additional securement of the neck 26 and shaft 22 to the head 28. In any event, at least one of the set screw apertures 54 should remain open. Next, a user injects adhesive 68 or another appropriate bonding agent into the one or more open set screw apertures 54. Since the set screw apertures 54 are aligned with the annular channel 38, the adhesive 68 flows into the annular channel 38, around the annular channel 38 (see Fig. 11), and into the grooves 42 (see Fig. 12) due to their communication with the annular channel 38. A user continues to inject adhesive 68 into the set screw aperture(s) 54 until adhesive 68 begins to flow from ends of the grooves 42 and into the plate cavity 58. The remaining set screw or screws 56 are inserted and threaded into their respective set screw apertures 54 while the adhesive 68 is still wet and the plate 60 is positioned in the plate cavity 58 where it is secured in place by the adhesive 68 that previously flowed into the plate cavity 58. After the adhesive 68 dries, the shaft 22 and neck 26 are permanently secured to the head 28.

2156450 With particular reference to Fig. 11, the shaft 22 is secured at lie angle Ω, which is outside the USGA restricted twenty degree sector. Thus, this illustrated and described exemplary putter 20 facilitates an initial one-time lie angle adjustment of a putter and a permanent fixed putter thereafter in accordance with USGA regulations.

[0058] With reference to Figs. 13-20, another exemplary putter 120 is illustrated. Components of the putter 120 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 similar to components of the putter 20 illustrated in Figs. 1-12 are identified with the same reference number and an " ' ". Differences between the two putters will be described herein in detail.

[0059] With continued reference to Figs. 13-20, a threaded aperture 122 is defined in the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and is capable of receiving a threaded fastener 124. The threaded aperture 122 and threaded fastener 124 may have any appropriate configuration as long as they are shaped complementary to one another to facilitate threadable connection of the fastener 124 to the neck 26'.

[0060] With particular reference to Fig. 14, the illustrated exemplary embodiment of the head 26' includes a plurality of plates 160. The plurality of plates 160 are interchangeably connectable to the head 28' and facilitate lie angle adjustability of the putter 120. The illustrated exemplary embodiment includes three plates 160, however, it should be understood that the head 28' may include any number of plates 160 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. The plate cavity 158 and plates 160 have a different shape than the plate cavity 58 and plate 60 illustrated in Figs. 1-12. More particularly, the plate cavity 158 and plates 160 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 generally have a "shield" shape comprised of a square shape on an upper portion and an inverted triangular shape on a lower portion. This

2156450 complementary "shield" shape between the plates 160 and the plate cavity 158 ensures that the plates 160 may be inserted into the plate cavity 158 in only a single orientation. Similarly to the plate cavity 58 illustrated in Figs. 1-12, the plate cavity 158 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 is larger than and is in communication with the cavity 50' defined through the rear mount 46'.

[0061] With continued reference to Fig. 14 and additional reference to Figs. 17-20, a plate aperture 170 is defined through each of the plates 160 and includes a rear aperture portion 172 and a front aperture portion 174. The rear aperture portion 172 of each plate 160 faces a rear of the head 28' and, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, has a countersunk shape complementary to the shape of the fastener head to enable the fastener head to be level with a rear surface 164 of each plate 160. The front aperture portion 174 of each plate 160 has a shape complementary to the shape of the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' such that the front aperture portion 174 of each plate 160 may receive the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' when the neck 26' is inserted into the cavity 50'. More particularly, with reference to Figs. 18-20, the front aperture portions 174 have peripheries comprising a plurality of alternating projections 176 and recesses 178 complementarily shaped to receive alternating grooves 42' and projections 180 defined around the periphery of the coupling end 40' of the neck 26'.

[0062] It should be understood that the illustrated shapes of the front aperture portions 174 of the plurality of plates 160 and the complementarily shaped coupling end 40' of the neck 26' are exemplary of a wide variety of possible shapes, and the front aperture portions 174 and the coupling end 40' may assume any shape and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

2156450 [0063] The front aperture portions 174 include similarly shaped peripheries on all the plates 160, however, the front aperture portions 174 are at different rotational positions relative to each other. That is, a first plate 160A illustrated in Fig. 18 has its front aperture portion 174 at a first angle γ relative to a vertical reference axis VX, a second plate 160B illustrated in Fig. 19 has its front aperture portion 174 at a second angle γ + λ relative to the vertical reference axis VX, and a third plate 160C illustrated in Fig. 20 has its front aperture portion 174 at a third angle γ + 2λ relative to the vertical reference axis VX. The front aperture portion 174 of the second plate 160B is rotated λ degrees relative to the front aperture portion 174 of the first plate 160 A and the third plate 160C is rotated another λ degrees relative to the front aperture portion 174 of the second plate 160B.

[0064] It should be understood that the reference line R from which the angles are measured is arbitrarily selected and other points around the front aperture portions 174 may be selected to define angles, however, what is important is that the selected reference line R is the same line on all of the front aperture portions 174 of the plates 160.

[0065] It should also be understood that the angles γ, γ + λ, and γ + 2λ, and the degree values of γ and λ may be any value and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0066] In some exemplary embodiments, the rotational differences between the front aperture portions 174 of the plurality of plates 160 may be at a fixed rotational increment. For example, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the rotational increment from one plate 160 to another plate 160 is the angle λ. This fixed increment of rotation between the first plate 160 A, the second plate 160B, the third

2156450 plate 160C, and any subsequent plates means the neck 26' may be rotated and secured to the head 28' at increments of angle λ. In some exemplary embodiments, angle λ may be 2 degrees. In other exemplary embodiments, angle λ may be four degrees.

[0067] Alternatively, the rotational increment between plates 160 may not be fixed. For example, the rotational increment from a first plate to a second plate may be angle λ and the rotational increment from the second plate to a third plate may be an angle different than angle λ.

[0068] It should be understood that the rotational increments between plates 160 may vary at any rotational value and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, angle λ between the first plate and the second plate may be four degrees and the different angle between the second plate and the third plate may be two degrees.

[0069] It should also be understood that the plurality of plates 160 may include plates 160 accommodating both right handed golfers and left handed golfers. The illustrated exemplary plates 160 shown in Figs. 18-20 are adapted to provide various lie angles Ω for right handed golfers. The putter 120 may include additional plates 160 having front aperture portions 174 configured to receive the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and provide various lie angles Ω for left handed golfers.

[0070] With continued reference to Figs. 13-20, adjustment and assembly of the putter 120 will be described. Initially, the head 28' is positioned flat with the bottom surface contacting a ground surface and the shaft (not shown) is coupled to the neck 26'. A user grips the hand grip of the putter 120, inserts the coupling portion 34' of the neck 26' into the cavity 50', and stands in a comfortable and/or appropriate putting stance. The action of the user moving into said stance causes the coupling

2156450 portion 34' of the neck 26' to rotate within the cavity 50' and, upon the user arriving at said stance, the coupling portion 34' comes to rest within the cavity 50' in a desired position. As indicated above, the shaft of the putter 120 must be angled at least ten degrees to either side of vertical. Accordingly, the user's putting stance must position the shaft at least ten degrees to one side of vertical. With the shaft and neck 26' located in the desired position, only one of the plurality of plates 160 will have a front aperture portion 174 appropriately oriented to receive the end of the neck 26'. Thus, the appropriate plate 160 is selected and inserted into the plate cavity 158, where the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' inserts into the complementarily shaped front aperture portion 174 of the selected plate 160. Engagement between the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and the front aperture portion 174 of the plate 160 inhibits the neck 26' from rotating relative to the head 28'. The fastener 124 is then inserted through the plate aperture 170 and into the aperture 122 defined in the neck 26'. Completely tightening the fastener 124, as shown in Figs. 13 and 16, rigidly secures the neck 26' to the head 28' and inhibits movement of the neck 26' and shaft relative to the head 28'.

[0071] It may be desirable, for a variety of reasons, to readjust the position of the shaft and neck 26' relative to the head 28'. The exemplary putter 120 illustrated in Figs. 13-20 enables a user to perform such readjustment. Initially, to readjust the position of the shaft and neck 26' relative to the head 28', the fastener 124 is unthreaded from the neck 26' and the plate 160 is removed from the plate cavity 158. With the plate 160 disengaged from the coupling end 40' of the neck 26', the shaft and neck 26' are free to rotate relative to the head 28'. A user may reposition the shaft relative to the head 28', which results in the neck 26' rotating within the cavity 50' defined in the mount 46'. When the shaft and neck 26' are repositioned, a second plate

2156450 160 is selected that has an appropriately oriented front aperture portion 174 to receive the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' and the second plate 160 is inserted into the plate cavity 158 to engage the coupling end 40' of the neck 26'. The fastener 124 is then completely rethreaded into the aperture 122 defined in the neck 26' to, once again, rigidly secure the shaft and neck 26' to the head 28' at a new lie angle. This sort of readjustment may be performed as many times as desired. Thus, this illustrated and described exemplary putter 120 facilitates continuous and substantially unlimited lie angle adjustment of a putter in accordance with USGA regulations.

[0072] With continued reference to Figs. 8, 9, 14, and 18-20, the putter 120 may be configured to prevent the shaft of the putter 120 from securing to the head in the restricted twenty degree lie angle sector centered on vertical. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, such a capability is achieved by the complementary shapes of the front aperture portions 174 of the plates 160 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26'. More particularly, the front aperture portions 174 have a feature 182 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' has a similarly shaped feature 184. These features 182, 184 of the front aperture portions 174 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' ensure that the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' inserts into each plate 160 in only one orientation. The putter 120 does not include plates having front aperture portions capable of receiving the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' when the shaft and neck 26' are positioned in the restricted twenty degree lie angle sector. Thus, the plates 160 prevent the shaft and neck 26' from coupling to the head 28' in the restricted twenty degree lie angle sector. The illustrated exemplary configurations of the front aperture portions 174 and the coupling end 40' of the neck 26' are only a portion of the many examples of configurations for preventing the shaft and neck 26' from being secured in

2156450 the restricted lie angle sector. The front aperture portions 174 and coupling end 40' of the neck 26' are capable of having such different configurations and being within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0073] With reference to Figs. 21 and 22, another exemplary putter 220 is illustrated. Components of the putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 similar to components of the putters 20, 120 illustrated in Figs. 1-20 are identified with the same reference number and an Differences of the putter 220 will be described herein in detail.

[0074] The illustrated exemplary putter 220 includes a plurality of necks 226 interchangeably connectable to the head 28". The necks 226 may be connected to the head in any of the manners described herein and other alternative manners. With particular reference to Fig. 21, the curved portions 236 of the necks 226 have different radii relative to one another. As illustrated, neck 226 A includes the largest radius Rl, neck 226C includes the smallest radius R3, and neck 226B includes a radius R2 between the largest and smallest radii Rl, R3. The radii Rl, R2, R3 may be any dimension and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. In some exemplary embodiments, radius Rl may be 1.5 inches, radius R2 may be 1.25 inches, and radius R3 may be 1.0 inch.

[0075] The putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 has adjustable capabilities to provide a golfer with a variety of playability options. In some instances, the putter 220 may be adjusted to accommodate or adjust a golfer's pattern of misses, thereby correcting a deficiency in the golfer's putting stroke. The putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 provides such adjustability by manipulating the radius of the neck 226. When the radius value of the neck is adjusted, playing characteristics of the

2156450 putter 220 are impacted. Specifically, as the radius value of the neck increases, leverage works to slow the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact with a golf ball. Conversely, decreasing the radius value of the neck increases the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact.

[0076] As an example, a golfer may initially connect neck 226B to the head 28". With the neck 226B connected to the head 28", the golfer may consistently pull or push putts when the putter 220 includes the neck 226B connected to the head 28". Thus, the golfer may desire to remedy the push or pull phenomenon by adjusting the putter 220. When the golfer wishes to correct a pull, the golfer may connect neck 226A to the head 28". Neck 226A has radius Rl, which is larger than the radius R2 of neck 226B. With the neck 226 A connected to the head 28", the putter 220 is in an anti-pull condition. As described above, the neck 226A slows the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact with a golf ball, thereby decreasing the propensity of pulling the golf ball. Conversely, when the golfer wishes to correct a push occurring when neck 226B is connected to the head 28", the golfer may connect neck 226C to the head 28". Neck 226C has radius R3, which is smaller than radius R2 of neck 226B. With the neck 226C connected to the head 28", the putter 220 is in an anti-push condition. As described above, the neck 226C increases the rotational rate of the putter face on the forward swing up to and through the moment of impact with a golf ball, thereby decreasing the propensity of pushing the golf ball.

[0077] With reference to Fig. 23, another exemplary putter 320 is illustrated. Components of the putter 320 illustrated in Fig. 23 similar to components

2156450 of the putters 20, 120, 220 illustrated in Figs. 1-22 are identified with the same reference number and an " "' ". Differences of the putter 320 will be described herein in detail.

[0078] The putter 320 illustrated in Fig. 23 includes another exemplary neck 326 having a different shape than the necks illustrated in Figs. 1-22. More particularly, the neck 326 does not include a curved portion, but rather includes a straight angled portion 386 extending between the reduced diameter end 30"' and the coupling portion 34"' of the neck 326. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the straight angled portion 386 of the neck 326 extends at about a forty-five degree angle relative to the horizontal top surface 388 of the body 48"'. Alternatively, the straight angled portion 386 of the neck 326 may extend at many other angles relative to the horizontal top surface 388 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0079] It should be understood that the putter 320 illustrated in Fig. 23 is capable of having all the characteristics, functions, and capabilities of the other putters described herein and illustrated in Figs. 1-22. For example, the neck 326 of the putter 320 is capable of connecting to the head 28"' in any of the manners described herein and other alternative manners. Also, for example, the putter 320 is capable of including multiple plates 160"' to provide continuous and substantially unlimited adjustment capabilities. Further, for example, the putter 320 is capable of having numerous interchangeable necks, each of which has a different sized straight angled portion 386, for providing a golfer with a variety of playability options.

[0080] It should also be understood that the putter 220 described and illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 may include a neck 326 similar to that illustrated in Fig.

2156450 23 in addition to the plurality of necks 226 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 or in place of one of the plurality of necks 226. As indicated above, the putter 220 illustrated in Figs. 21 and 22 may include any number of necks and the necks may have any configurations including curved portions, straight angled portions, or any other shaped portions.

[0081] With reference to Figs. 24 and 25, another exemplary putter 420 is illustrated. Components of the putter 420 illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25 similar to components of the putters 20, 120, 220, 320 illustrated in Figs. 1-23 are identified with the same reference number and an " "" ". Differences of the putter 420 will be described herein in detail.

[0082] The illustrated exemplary putter 420 includes a head 428 having a different configuration than the heads of the putters illustrated in Figs. 1-23 and a neck 426 coupled to the head 428. It should be understood that the putter 420 illustrated in Figs. 24 and 25 is capable of having all the characteristics, functions, and capabilities of the other putters described herein and illustrated in Figs. 1-23. For example, the head 428 of the putter 420 is capable of connecting to any of the necks described herein and other alternative necks. Also, for example, the putter 420 is capable of including multiple plates 160"" to provide continuous and substantially unlimited adjustment capabilities. Further, for example, the putter 420 is capable of having numerous interchangeable necks for providing a golfer with a variety of playability options. Such interchangeable necks may be any combination of necks including curved portions, straight angled portions, or any other configured portions.

[0083] With reference to Figs. 26-29, another exemplary putter 520 is illustrated. Components of the putter 520 illustrated in Figs. 26-29 similar to

2156450 components of the putters 20, 120, 220, 320, 420 illustrated in Figs. 1-25 are identified with the same reference number and an " ""' ". Differences of the putter 520 will be described herein in detail.

[0084] With particular reference to Figs. 26 and 27, the putter 520 includes a horizontal aperture 524 defined through rear mount 46""' and a neck aperture 528 defined through coupling portion 34""' of the neck 26""'. The coupling portion 34""' of the neck 26""' may be inserted into cavity 50""' and the neck aperture 528 may be aligned with the aperture 524 defined in the rear mount 46""'. Once aligned, a pin 532 may be inserted into the aligned apertures 524, 528 to couple the neck 26""' to the head 28""'. In some exemplary embodiments, the neck aperture 528 may not be defined completely through the neck 26""' and the pin 532 may be appropriately sized to accommodate a depth of the neck aperture 528. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the aperture 524 is defined in the rear mount 46""' along a substantially horizontal axis and the neck aperture 528 is defined through the neck at an angle such that, when aligned with the aperture 524, the neck 26""' is outside the restricted twenty degree lie angle range. The neck aperture 528 may be defined through the coupling portion 34""' of the neck 26""' at any angle as long as the neck 26""' and shaft 22""' lie outside the restricted lie angle range when the neck aperture 528 aligns with the aperture 524. Also, the aperture 524 may be defined through the rear mount 46""' at angles other than horizontal as long as the neck 26""' and shaft 22""' lie outside the restricted lie angle range when the neck aperture 528 aligns with the aperture 524.

[0085] Referring now to Figs. 28 and 29, the putter 520 may include a plurality of necks 526A, 526B, 526C substantially similar in shape with each having a respective neck aperture 528 A, 528B, 528C defined therethrough. The neck apertures

2156450 528A, 528B, 528C are defined through their respective necks 526A, 526B, 526C at different angles relative to each other. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, aperture 528A is defined through neck 526A at a relatively small angle off of horizontal, thereby resulting in neck 526A having a relatively large lie angle or, in other words, the neck 526A is positioned a relatively small angle outside the restricted lie angle range. Also, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, neck aperture 528B is defined through neck 526B at a larger angle off of horizontal than neck aperture 528A, thereby resulting in neck 526B having a smaller lie angle than neck 526A or, in other words, the neck 526B is positioned at a larger angle outside the restricted lie angle range. In addition, in the illustrated exemplary embodiment, neck aperture 528C is defined through neck 526C at a larger angle off of horizontal than neck aperture 528B (i.e., the largest angle off of horizontal of the three exemplary neck apertures), thereby resulting in neck 526C having the smallest lie angle of the three exemplary illustrated necks or, in other words, the neck 526C is positioned at the largest angle outside the restricted lie angle range.

[0086] It should be understood that the putter 520 may include any number of necks and such necks may include neck apertures defined therethrough at any angle as long as the necks and associated shaft(s) lie outside the restricted lie angle range.

[0087] By including multiple necks 526A, 526B, 526C, the putter 520 provides a user with the ability to adjust the lie angle of the putter 520. That is, the user may select a neck providing the putter 520 with a desired lie angle, insert the coupling portion 34""' of the neck into the cavity 50""', align the apertures 524, 528, and insert pin 532 into the aligned apertures 524, 528. The user has the ability to select the desired lie angle upon first use of the putter 520 and also has the ability to

2156450 subsequently change the lie angle of the putter 520 due to the interchangeability of the plurality of necks 526A, 526B, 526C.

[0088] With reference to Fig. 30, another exemplary head 28""" of another exemplary putter is illustrated. Components of the putter illustrated in Fig. 30 similar to components of the putters 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 illustrated in Figs. 1-29 are identified with the same reference number and an " """ ". Differences of the head 28""" will be described herein in detail.

[0089] The illustrated exemplary head 28""" includes a first aperture 624A and a second aperture 624B, both of which are defined in the rear mount 46""". In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the first aperture 624A is defined along a substantially horizontal axis and the second aperture 624B is defined along an axis off of horizontal. Alternatively, the first and second apertures 624A, 624B may be defined through the rear mount 46""" at different angles and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, in the alternative, any number of apertures 624 may be defined through the rear mount 46""" at any angle and still be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0090] The head 28""" may be used with a single neck having a single neck aperture defined therethrough and still provide a putter with lie angle adjustability. More particularly, the neck aperture may be aligned with either one of apertures 624A, 624B and, depending on which aperture 624A, 624B the neck aperture is aligned with, the neck will be positioned in one of two different lie angles. The user may select the one aperture 624A or 624B corresponding to the desired lie angle.

[0091] It should be understood that the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 26- 29 may be combined with the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 30 to provide even more

2156450 lie angle adjustability. That is, multiple necks, each having differently angled neck apertures, may be used with the head including multiple apertures 624 A, 624B to provide a user with more lie angle adjustability options.

[0092] It should also be understood that the necks and the heads disclosed in Figs. 26-30 may be coupled in a variety of manners other than the illustrated exemplary pin. For example, the necks and the heads may be coupled by other types of fasteners such as, for example: screws, nuts and bolts, or any other type of threaded fasteners; rivets; cotter pins; or any other type of permanent or semi-permanent fastener. Any such alternative manner for coupling the necks to the heads is within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0093] It should further be understood that the concepts disclosed in Figs. 26-30 may be combined with each other in any combination and in any manner, and may be combined with the other concepts described herein and illustrated in Figs. 1-25 in any combination and in any manner, and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0094] With reference to Figs. 31 and 32, a further exemplary putter 720 is illustrated. Components of the putter 720 illustrated in Figs. 31 and 32 similar to components of the putters 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520 illustrated in Figs. 1-29 and components of head 28""" illustrated in Fig. 30 are identified with the same reference number and an " ". Differences of the putter 720 will be described herein in detail.

[0095] Referring to Figs. 31 and 32, the putter 720 includes a plurality of horizontal apertures 724A, 724B, 724C defined through rear mount 46"""' and a plurality of neck apertures 728A, 728B, 728C defined through coupling portion 34"""' of the neck 726. The plurality of horizontal apertures 724A, 724B, 724C are

2156450 substantially aligned in a horizontal plane and are equidistantly spaced from one another. The apertures 724A, 724B, 724C may be defined completely through the mount 46"""' on both sides of the cavity 50"""' or may be defined through only one side of the mount 46"""' on one of the sides of the cavity 50"""'. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, three apertures 724A, 724B, 724C are defined through the mount 46"""'. Alternatively, any number of apertures 724 may be defined through the mount 46"""' and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0096] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, three neck apertures 728A, 728B, 728C are defined through the coupling portion 34"""' of the neck 726. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the neck apertures 728 A, 728B, 728C are equidistantly spaced apart from one another and may be spaced a similar distance to the spacing between the apertures 724A, 724B, 724C defined in the mount 46"""'. In addition, each of the neck apertures 728A, 728B, 728C is defined through the coupling portion 34"""' of the neck 726 at a different angle. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, neck aperture 728C is nearest an end of the neck 726 and may be defined through neck 726 at a first angle such as, for example, at a relatively small angle off of horizontal. Neck aperture 728B is positioned further away from the end of the neck 726 and is defined through neck 726 at a second angle such as, for example, at a larger angle off of horizontal than neck aperture 728C. Neck aperture 728A is positioned furthest away from the end of the neck of the three neck apertures 728 A, 728B, 728C and is defined through neck 726 at a third angle such as, for example, at a larger angle off of horizontal than neck aperture 728B or, otherwise referred to as, the largest angle off of horizontal of the three neck apertures 728A, 728B, 728C. It should be understood that any number of neck apertures 728 may be defined through the neck

2156450 726 and such any number of apertures 728 may be defined through the neck 726 at any angle, and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0097] The coupling portion 34"""' of the neck 726 may be inserted into cavity 50"""' and a user may select a desired lie angle of the putter 720 by rotating the neck 726 within the cavity 50"""' and aligning one of the neck apertures 728A, 728B, 728C with its respective aperture 724A, 724B, 724C defined in the mount 46"""'. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, alignment of neck apertures 728A, 728B, 728C with their respective apertures 724 A, 724B, 724C will position the neck 726 outside the restricted twenty degree lie angle range. The apertures 724 and the neck apertures 728 may be oriented at any angles as long as the neck 726 and shaft 722 lie outside the restricted lie angle range when the neck apertures 728 align with their respective apertures 724. If neck aperture 728C is aligned with aperture 724C, the neck 726 will have a relatively large lie angle or, in other words, the neck 726 will be positioned a relatively small angle outside the restricted lie angle range. If neck aperture 728B is aligned with aperture 724B, the neck 726 will have a smaller lie angle than if apertures 728C, 724C are aligned or, in other words, the neck 726 will be positioned at a larger angle outside the restricted lie angle range than the neck 726 would be if apertures 728C, 724C are aligned. If neck aperture 728A is aligned with aperture 724A, the neck 726 will have a smallest lie angle of the three exemplary illustrated possibilities provided by alignment of apertures 724, 728 or, in other words, the neck 726 will be positioned at the largest angle outside the restricted lie angle range.

[0098] Once the desired apertures 724, 728 are aligned, a fastener or pin 732 may be inserted into the aligned apertures 724, 728 to couple the neck 726 to the head 28"""'. The apertures 724, 728 are oriented such that only one set of apertures

2156450 724A and 728A, 724B and 728B, and 724C and 728C are aligned at a time. Thus, the pin 732 may be inserted into only one set of apertures at a time. The pin 732 may be a variety of different types of fasteners and may secure the neck 726 to the head 28"""' in a variety of different manners. For example, the pin 732 may have a smooth exterior surface and interior surfaces of apertures 724, 728 may be smooth to facilitate a press- fit or interference fit engagement between the pin 732 and the aligned apertures 724, 728. Also, for example, the pin 732 may have external threads and interior surfaces of apertures 724, 728 may have complimentary threads to facilitate a threadable engagement between the pin 732 and the aligned apertures 724, 728. In such a threadable embodiment, the threadable pin 732 may have any type of coupling configuration 740 to couple with any type of tool. For example, the coupling configuration may be a Torx type coupling, a Phillips type coupling, a flat-head type coupling, a polygonal or Allen-wrench type coupling, or any other coupling configuration.

[0099] In other exemplary embodiments, a threadable pin may be positioned in each of the apertures 724 and may be threadable into and out of the apertures 724 as desired. More particularly, such threadable pins may have a length shorter than pin 732 such that the pins may be flush with or slightly recessed within an exterior surface of the mount 46"""' when not in use to secure the neck 726 to the head 28"""' and may be threaded into its associated neck aperture 728 when aligned with the associated aperture 724 to secure the neck 726 to the head 28"""'.

[00100] By including multiple apertures 724 and neck apertures 728, the putter 720 provides a user with the ability to adjust the lie angle of the putter 720. That is, the user may insert the coupling portion 34"""' of the neck 726 into the cavity 50"""',

2156450 align the desired set of apertures 724, 728, and insert pin 732 into the aligned set of apertures 724, 728. The user has the ability to select the desired lie angle upon first use of the putter 720 and also has the ability to subsequently change the lie angle of the putter 720 due to the adjustability of the pin 732 and the plurality of apertures 724 and neck apertures 728.

[00101] It should be understood that the neck and the head disclosed in Figs. 31 and 32 may be coupled in a variety of manners other than the illustrated and described exemplary pins. For example, the neck and the head may be coupled by other types of fasteners such as, for example: screws, nuts and bolts, or any other type of threaded fasteners; rivets; cotter pins; or any other type of permanent or semipermanent fastener. Any such alternative manner for coupling the neck to the head is within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00102] It should also be understood that the concepts of the embodiment disclosed in Figs. 31 and 32 may be combined with the concepts of any of the embodiments disclosed in Figs. 1-30 in any combination or in any manner, and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00103] With reference to Fig. 33, still another exemplary putter 820 is illustrated. Components of the putter 820 illustrated in Fig. 33 similar to components of the putters 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 720 illustrated in Figs. 1-29, 31, and 32 and components of head 28""" illustrated in Fig. 30 are identified with the same reference number and an " """" ". Differences of the putter 820 will be described herein in detail.

[00104] The illustrated exemplary putter 820 includes an aperture 824 defined in mount 46"""" of the head 28"""" and a plurality of co-planar neck apertures 828 defined in the neck 826 at a variety of different angles relative to each other. The

2156450 neck apertures 828 may be defined at any angle relative to each other and may be angled relative to each other at equal degrees of difference or may be angled at unequal angles relative to each other. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, three neck apertures 828 A, 828B, 828C are defined in the neck 826. However, any number of apertures 828 may be defined in the neck 826 and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00105] The coupling portion 34"""" of the neck 826 may be inserted into cavity 50"""" and a user may select a desired lie angle of the putter 820 by rotating the neck 826 within the cavity 50"""" and aligning one of the neck apertures 828A, 828B, 828C with the aperture 824 defined in the mount 46"""". In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, alignment of any one of the neck apertures 828 A, 828B, 828C with the aperture 824 will position the neck 826 outside the restricted twenty degree lie angle range. The aperture 824 and the neck apertures 828 may be oriented at any angles as long as the neck 826 and shaft lie outside the restricted lie angle range when the neck apertures 828 align with the aperture 824. If neck aperture 828A is aligned with aperture 824, the neck 826 will have a relatively large lie angle or, in other words, the neck 826 will be positioned a relatively small angle outside the restricted lie angle range. If neck aperture 828B is aligned with aperture 824, the neck 826 will have a smaller lie angle than if apertures 828A, 824 are aligned or, in other words, the neck 826 will be positioned at a larger angle outside the restricted lie angle range than the neck 826 would be if apertures 828A, 824 are aligned. If neck aperture 828C is aligned with aperture 824, the neck 826 will have a smallest lie angle of the three exemplary illustrated possibilities provided by alignment of apertures 824, 828 or, in

2156450 other words, the neck 826 will be positioned at the largest angle outside the restricted lie angle range.

[00106] Once the desired apertures 824, 828 are aligned, a fastener or pin 832 may be inserted into the aligned apertures 824, 828 to couple the neck 826 to the head 28"""". The apertures 824, 828 are oriented such that only one set of apertures 824 and 828A, 824 and 828B, and 824 and 828C are aligned at a time. Thus, the pin 832 may be inserted into only one set of apertures at a time. The pin 832 may be a variety of different types of fasteners and may secure the neck 826 to the head 28"""" in a variety of different manners. For example, the pin 832 may have a smooth exterior surface and interior surfaces of apertures 824, 828 may be smooth to facilitate a press-fit or interference-fit engagement between the pin 832 and the aligned apertures 824, 828. Also, for example, the pin 832 may have external threads and interior surfaces of apertures 824, 828 may have complimentary threads to facilitate a threadable engagement between the pin 832 and the aligned apertures 824, 828. In such a threadable embodiment, the threadable pin 832 may have any type of coupling configuration 840 to couple with any type of tool. For example, the coupling configuration may be a Torx type coupling, a Phillips type coupling, a flat-head type coupling, a polygonal or Allen-wrench type coupling, or any other coupling configuration.

[00107] By including multiple neck apertures 828, the putter 820 provides a user with the ability to adjust the lie angle of the putter 820. That is, the user may insert the coupling portion 34"""" of the neck 826 into the cavity 50"""", align the desired set of apertures 824, 828, and insert pin 832 into the aligned set of apertures 824, 828. The user has the ability to select the desired lie angle upon first use of the

2156450 putter 820 and also has the ability to subsequently change the lie angle of the putter 820 due to the adjustability of the pin 832, the aperture 824, and the neck apertures 828.

[00108] It should be understood that the neck and the head disclosed in Fig. 33 may be coupled in a variety of manners other than the illustrated and described exemplary pins. For example, the neck and the head may be coupled by other types of fasteners such as, for example: screws, nuts and bolts, or any other type of threaded fasteners; rivets; cotter pins; or any other type of permanent or semi-permanent fastener. Any such alternative manner for coupling the neck to the head is within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00109] It should also be understood that the concepts of the embodiment disclosed in Fig. 33 may be combined with the concepts of any of the embodiments disclosed in Figs. 1-32 in any combination or in any manner, and be within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention.

[00110] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The descriptions were selected to explain the principles of the invention and their practical application to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Although particular constructions of the present invention have been shown and described, other alternative constructions will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are within the intended scope of the present invention.

2156450