Patents by Inventor Kraig Willett
Kraig Willett 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).
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Publication number: 20170021260Abstract: A golf shot tracking system including an identification tag coupled to a golf club and a tag reader including a position-determination component and a tag identification component are disclosed. The tag reader may receive identification information relating to the golf club, and may determine its position, in response to the identification tag being within a reception range of the tag identification component. The tag reader may transmit a signal representative of the golf club identification information in association with the position information to a communication device. The communication device may be a portable handheld device having a display for displaying a representation of the golf club identity in association with the determined position. The communication device may be configured to upload the golf club identity in association with the determined position to a remote server.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2016Publication date: January 26, 2017Inventors: Kraig WILLETT, Thomas Kroll
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Patent number: 8287402Abstract: A golf club head having a high COR (maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80) is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc. The body portion defines front and upper openings, and it includes a sole and a side section. The striking plate encloses the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The striking plate and/or the crown are adhesively attached.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2012Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20120142451Abstract: A golf club head having a high COR (maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80) is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc. The body portion defines front and upper openings, and it includes a sole and a side section. The striking plate encloses the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The striking plate and/or the crown are adhesively attached.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2012Publication date: June 7, 2012Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 8096896Abstract: The present invention resides in a golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2010Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Drew T. De Schiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20110092311Abstract: The present invention resides in a golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Inventors: Drew T. DeShiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7717805Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7717804Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7621823Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 24, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Bing-Ling Chao, Mark Greaney, Marc Kronenberg, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Zimmerman, Joseph Henry Hoffman
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Patent number: 7591738Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: September 22, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7578753Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 25, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7568985Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: August 4, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7530904Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7494425Abstract: The invention provides a wood-type golf club head comprising a body, a striking plate, and crown. The body has a sole, a front defining a front opening, a top portion defining an upper opening, an upper edge disposed between and separating the front opening and the upper opening, and a side portion. The side portion extends rearward of the front opening and has toe, rear and heel regions. The body is comprised of a metallic material having a density of at least about 4 g/cc. The striking plate is attached to the body, enclosing the front opening. The crown is attached to the body and encloses the upper opening. The crown is comprised of a non-metallic material. The golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80 and a volume of at least 150 cc.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7448963Abstract: One embodiment of a golf club head having movable weights includes a body with a face plate positioned at a forward portion of the golf club head, a sole positioned at a bottom portion of the golf club head, a crown positioned at a top portion of the golf club head and a skirt positioned around a periphery of the golf club head between the sole and the crown. Two or more weight ports are formed in the body and at least two weights are configured to be retained at least partially within the weight ports.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 11, 2008Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Todd P. Beach, Thomas Olsavsky, Benoit Vincent, Ian Wright, Kraig Willett, Gery Mel Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20080167140Abstract: The present invention resides in a golf club head having a high COR that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking face and a crown forming a hollow cavity of at least 150 cc in volume. The body portion defines a front opening and an upper opening, and it includes a sole and a side section that extends rearward of the front opening. The striking plate is secured to the body portion, enclosing the front opening. While partially assembled, final weighting and/or other attachment of other members to the inner surface of the club head can be preformed, as desired. The crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. A surface veil may also be provided about a junction of the crown and body. The crown has a maximum thickness no greater than about 2 mm. The density of the crown is less than the density of the body portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 9, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Applicant: TAYLOR MADE GOLF COMPANY, INC.Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20080139340Abstract: The invention provides a wood-type golf club head comprising a body, a striking plate, and crown. The body has a sole, a front defining a front opening, a top portion defining an upper opening, an upper edge disposed between and separating the front opening and the upper opening, and a side portion. The side portion extends rearward of the front opening and has toe, rear and heel regions. The body is comprised of a metallic material having a density of at least about 4 g/cc. The striking plate is attached to the body, enclosing the front opening. The crown is attached to the body and encloses the upper opening. The crown is comprised of a non-metallic material. The golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80 and a volume of at least 150 cc.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2007Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7281994Abstract: The present invention resides in a wood-type golf club head having a high coefficient of restitution (COR) that is durable and has desirable acoustic qualities. The club head includes a body portion, a striking plate, a crown, and a surface veil. The body portion defines an upper opening, and the crown is secured to the body portion, enclosing the upper opening. The surface veil is provided about a junction of the crown and body portion.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2005Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Patent number: 7261646Abstract: The invention provides a wood-type golf club head comprising a body, a striking plate, and crown. The body has a sole, a front defining a front opening, a top portion defining an upper opening, an upper edge disposed between and separating the front opening and the upper opening, and a side portion. The side portion extends rearward of the front opening and has toe, rear and heel regions. The body is comprised of a metallic material having a density of at least about 4 g/cc. The striking plate is attached to the body, enclosing the front opening. The crown is attached to the body and encloses the upper opening. The crown is comprised of a non-metallic material. The golf club head has a maximum coefficient of restitution of at least 0.80 and a volume of at least 150 cc.Type: GrantFiled: July 21, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: Taylor Made Golf Company, Inc.Inventors: Drew T. De Shiell, Kraig Willett, Michael Scott Burnett, Benoit Vincent, Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20070173347Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head having adjustable weight, allowing the golfer to fine tune the club for his or her swing. The club head includes a body having a ball-striking face, a sole, a crown, and a side extending rearwardly from the face. The body defines an interior cavity and a recess on a selected wall of the body spaced apart from the striking face. A threaded opening is disposed in the recess. The club head further includes a weight assembly having fastener and a mass element configured to be press-fit into the recess the such that a first end is adjacent the bottom of the recess. The mass element also has an aperture configured to receive the fastener flush. The fastener removably attaches the weighting assembly to the selected wall of the club head. Pressure from the fastener attachment provides a press-fit of the mass element in the tapered recess of the selected wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Kraig Willett, Joseph Hoffman
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Publication number: 20070142121Abstract: The invention provides a golf club head having adjustable weight, allowing the golfer to fine tune the club for his or her swing. The club head includes a body having a ball-striking face, a sole, a crown, and a side extending rearwardly from the face. The body defines an interior cavity and a recess on a selected wall of the body spaced apart from the striking face. A threaded opening is disposed in the recess. The club head further includes a weight assembly having fastener and a mass element configured to be press-fit into the recess the such that a first end is adjacent the bottom of the recess. The mass element also has an aperture configured to receive the fastener flush. The fastener removably attaches the weighting assembly to the selected wall of the club head. Pressure from the fastener attachment provides a press-fit of the mass element in the tapered recess of the selected wall.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 29, 2006Publication date: June 21, 2007Inventors: Kraig Willett, Joseph Hoffman