Patents by Inventor Bruce R. Pettibone

Bruce R. Pettibone has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 8317635
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Patent number: 8298095
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-ion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone
  • Patent number: 8298100
    Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Burnett, Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Scott A. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20120071260
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone
  • Patent number: 8033927
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone
  • Publication number: 20110172023
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Publication number: 20100318211
    Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Scott Burnett, Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Scott A. Knutson
  • Patent number: 7785218
    Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Michael Scott Burnett, Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Scott A. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20100190568
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone
  • Publication number: 20100144460
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: June 10, 2010
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Patent number: 7686704
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Golf
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone
  • Patent number: 7662050
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Publication number: 20090275421
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Patent number: 7559850
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long, mid- and short irons with channel back configurations and a mass control insert. The mass of the insert is systematically varied through the set such that the mass distribution properties of the set may be systematically varied while retaining a continuous look and feel through the set. The mass of the insert is varied by altering the volume or the density of the insert through the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. In one embodiment, the mass control insert comprises a dense insert and a lightweight cover. The density of the dense insert can be easily varied to change the mass distribution properties of the club head. One application of the mass control insert is to provide customization of the club head at the point of sale or distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Patent number: 7485049
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Publication number: 20080242439
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a number of customized sets of iron-type golf clubs selected from a relatively small number of clubs. The multiple custom-fitted iron sets can be achieved by pivoting these sets off a common 6-iron. In a preferred embodiment, a portfolio of clubs contains seventeen forged iron-type golf clubs, wherein the clubs are a blended collection of oversized cavity back-type clubs, mid-sized clubs, and standard-sized muscle back-type clubs, which can be configured to create at least four custom-fitted iron sets pivoted off a common 6-iron.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone
  • Publication number: 20080235934
    Abstract: A process for the custom design and automated, custom manufacture of golf clubs. According to a first embodiment, a computer user interface, preferably a graphical user interface (GUI), guides a user's selection of preferred golf club design parameters. According to a second embodiment, input data about a golfer's style of play and golf club performance needs are captured from data collection systems, and analyzed by black box algorithms, preferably fuzzy logic algorithms, to infer golf club design parameters. After preferences for, or inferences about, golf club design parameters are developed in accordance with the two embodiments, a computer aided (CA) system is used to design and manufacture the desired golf clubs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Scott Burnett, Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Scott A. Knutson
  • Publication number: 20080207349
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with channel back configurations and short irons with cavity back configurations. The rear face configurations transition from channel backs through to pure cavity backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as groove type and depth, loft angle, cavity volume, hitting face roughness, and sole width. At least one of the clubs of the set includes a sandwich-type construction for the hitting face having a dampening element disposed between a hitting face insert and a lightweight reinforcing core. In one embodiment, at least one club head is oversized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett, Christopher R. Kays, Tomas Diaz
  • Patent number: 7396290
    Abstract: A set of iron-type golf clubs includes long irons with cavity back configurations and short irons with muscle back configurations. The rear face configurations slowly transition from pure cavity back through cavity-muscle backs to pure muscle backs for increased performance continuum for the set. Additional design parameters for the set may also be systematically varied through the set, such as face area, loft angle, offset and location of the center of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Bruce R. Pettibone, Michael Scott Burnett
  • Patent number: D579996
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Acushnet Company
    Inventors: Peter J. Gilbert, Jeffrey A. Harmet, Christopher R. Kays, Douglas C. Jorgensen, Bruce R. Pettibone, Daniel Stone, Michael Scott Burnett