Patents by Inventor Richard C. Helmstetter

Richard C. Helmstetter 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).

  • Publication number: 20030017885
    Abstract: A golf club head with a polymer insert having indicia printed directly on its surface is disclosed herein. The polymer insert is disposed in a recess of the club head, and is preferably composed of a thermosetting material. Preferably, an UV curable ink is utilized for the indicia. The UV ink is printed on the external surface of the insert through a transfer pad printing process, and then cured with UV energy. Preferably, the golf club head is a putter, and the insert is composed of a thermosetting polyurethane. The insert is preferably white, and the indicia is preferably multi-colored.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin A. Heene, Darren F. Lawlor, Maxine J. Besaw, Clydene S.C. Nee, Herbert Reyes, Wayne H. Byrne, Pijush K. Dewanjee, Richard C. Helmstetter
  • Publication number: 20030013547
    Abstract: A high moment of inertia golf club head composed of a composite material and having a metal weight strip in a ribbon section is disclosed herein. The metal strip may be composed of copper, tungsten or a similar metal. The moment of inertia, Izz, of the golf club head about a vertical axis Z through the center of gravity ranges from 3000 g-cm2 to 5000 g-cm2, and a moment of inertia, Iyy, about a horizontal axis Y through the center of gravity of the golf club head ranges from 1900 g-cm2 to 2050 g-cm2. The golf club head is preferably composed of plies of pre-peg sheets. The volume of the composite golf club head varies from 300 cm3 to 700 cm3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Herbert Reyes, James M. Murphy, Matthew T. Cackett, Frank H. Fan
  • Publication number: 20030013543
    Abstract: A golf club head having a striking plate with variable roll radius of curvature and a variable bulge radius of curvature is disclosed herein. The striking plate preferably has a large surface area which requires correction of off-center shots. The striking plate may be used on a fairway wood-type golf club head or a driver-type golf club head. The striking plate is preferably composed of steel or titanium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Roger C. Cleveland, D. Clayton Evans, Garth W. Smith
  • Patent number: 6506125
    Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The putter-type club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Larry G. Tang, Augustin W. Rollinson, Roger Cleveland, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6506127
    Abstract: The present invention is directed at varying the thickness of a striking plate of a golf club head according to the loft angle of the golf club head. The thickness of the striking plate is greater for lower loft angles, such as seven, eight and nine degrees loft angle drivers, as compared to ten, eleven and twelve degrees loft angle drivers. The striking plate may have a variable face thickness with the thickest region near the center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, J. Andrew Galloway, Ronald C. Boyce, Homer E. Aguinaldo, Alan Hocknell
  • Publication number: 20020193175
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has an aspect ratio less than 1.7. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has concentric regions of thickness with the thickness portion in the center (102). The club head (42) has a volume in the range of 290 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams, and a striking plate portion (72) surface area in the range of 4.00 square inches to 7.50 square inches. The golf club head (42) has a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Peter L. Soracco, Richard C. Helmstetter, Alan Hocknell, Matthew T. Cackett, Herbert Reyes, James M. Murphy, J. Andrew Galloway
  • Patent number: 6491592
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft-body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of a metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has an aspect ratio less than 1.7. The striking plate portion (72) preferably has concentric regions of thickness with the thickness portion in the center (102). The club head (42) has a volume in the range of 300 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams, and a striking plate portion (72) surface area in the range of 4.00 square inches to 7.50 square inches. The golf club head (42) has a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Matthew T. Cackett, J. Andrew Galloway, Herbert Reyes, Alan Hocknell, Richard C. Helmstetter, James M. Murphy, Peter L. Soracco, Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Publication number: 20020183136
    Abstract: A golf club having a club head composed of a composite material and having an enhanced sound during impact with a golf ball. The golf club head also has a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.8 under test conditions such as the USGA test conditions specified pursuant to Rule 4-1e, Appendix II, of the Rules of Golf for 1998-1999. The golf club head body has a weight strip placed within a ribbon of the body. The sound of the composite golf club head during impact with a golf ball is approximately equivalent to that of a metal wood during impact with a golf ball. The composite golf club head of the present invention has a combined sound level greater than one hundred seventeen decibels during impact with a golf ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, James M. Murphy, Herbert Reyes, D. Clayton Evans, J. Andrew Galloway, Daniel R. Jacobson
  • Publication number: 20020169034
    Abstract: A fairway wood type golf club having a club head with a major body and a minor body is disclosed herein. The major body is composed of an amorphous metal material and has a striking plate section, a return section, a sole section, a ribbon section and a ledge portion. The minor body is preferably composed of a composite material and has a crown section and a ribbon section. The striking plate section preferably has variable face thickness. The minor body is preferably attached by a liquid adhesive to the ledge section of the major body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 14, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Alan Hocknell, Uday V. Deshmukh, Richard C. Helmstetter, Matthew T. Cackett, Herebert Reyes, James M. Murphy, D. Clayton Evans, J. Andrew Galloway, Garth W. Smith, Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 6478690
    Abstract: The present invention is a golf club (30) having a club head main body (34) with a recess (38), an polymer insert (40) in the recess (38), an isolation layer (52) and a weight body (50). The polymer insert (40) is composed of a thermosetting polyurethane material having a Shore D hardness in the range of 42 to 55, and a Bayshore rebound in the range of 51 to 60. The preferred thermosetting polyurethane material is formed from a p-phenylene diisocyanate prepolymer and a curing agent. The golf club (30) is preferably a putter, however, it may be a wood or an iron. The particular thermosetting polyurethane provides a soft striking face for feel and a good rebound for distance. The weight body (50) is preferably composed of a tungsten alloy, and the isolation layer (52) is preferably composed of a thermoplastic polyurethane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Ronald K. Hettinger, J. Neil Hall, Augustin W. Rollison, Kamal Sarkar, Joshua G. Breier, John G. Guard, Pijush K. Dewanjee
  • Patent number: 6475102
    Abstract: A golf club head has a four-faceted sole. The golf club head has a body that has a volume between 140 cubic centimeters and 350 cubic centimeters. The body of the golf club head weighs between 140 grams and 215 grams. The golf club head preferably has a bismuth weighting system. The golf club head is preferably a driver, but may also be a fairway wood. The four-faceted sole is composed of a central facet, a toe facet, a heel facet and a rear facet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Roger C. Cleveland, D. Clayton Evans, J. Andrew Galloway
  • Patent number: 6475100
    Abstract: The golf club (20) of the present invention allows for the face angle of the golf club to be set after manufacturing of the golf club head (22). The golf club (20) of the present invention is able to accomplish this by providing a golf club head (22) with an internal hosel (38) (such as a GREAT BIG BERTHA® HAWK EYE® driver), a shaft (40) and an insert (51) that is disposed within the internal hosel (38). The insert (51) allows for the face angle of the golf club (20) to be oriented after manufacturing of the golf club head (22). The golf club (20) may also include a hosel liner (50) that is disposed within the insert (51).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Andrew J. Goodjohn, Donald A. Bistline, James C. Wenck
  • Patent number: 6471604
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate portion (72) and a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The face component (60) is composed of an amorphous metal material, and the aft-body (61) is composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The club head (42) has a volume in the range of 290 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters, a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams, and a striking plate portion (72) surface area in the range of 4.00 square inches to 7.50 square inches.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Alan Hocknell, Uday V. Deshmukh, Richard C. Helmstetter, Matthew T. Cackett, Herebert Reyes, James M. Murphy, Peter L. Soracco, J. Andrew Galloway, Augustin W. Rollinson
  • Patent number: 6471600
    Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The putter-type club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Publication number: 20020151379
    Abstract: A golf club having a club head with a striking plate having a thickness in the range of 0.010 to 0.250 inch is disclosed herein. The club head may be composed of three pieces, a face, a sole and a crown. Each of the pieces may be composed of a titanium material. The striking plate of the club head may have an aspect ratio less than 1.7. The striking plate may also have concentric regions of thickness with the thickness portion in the center. The club head may be composed of a titanium material, have a volume in the range of 175 cubic centimeters to 400 cubic centimeters, a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams, and a striking plate surface area in the range of 4.00 square inches to 7.50 square inches. The golf club head may also have a coefficient of restitution greater than 0.8 under test conditions such as the USGA test conditions specified pursuant to Rule 4-1e, Appendix II, of the Rules of Golf for 1998-1999.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: J. Andrew Galloway, Richard C. Helmstetter, Alan Hocknell, Ronald C. Boyce, Homer E. Aguinaldo, Curtis S. Woolley
  • Publication number: 20020142861
    Abstract: A golf club (40) having a club head (42) with a face component (60) and an aft body (61) is disclosed herein. The face component (60) has a striking plate insert (72) within an opening (45) of a return portion (74). The aft-body (61) is composed of a crown portion (62), a sole portion (64) and optionally a ribbon section (90). The return portion (74) is preferably composed of a cast metal material, the striking plate insert (72) is preferably composed of a formed or forged metal material, and the aft-body (61) is preferably composed of a non-metal material such as a composite material or a thermoplastic material. The golf club head (42) preferably has a volume in the range of 250 cubic centimeters to 600 cubic centimeters and a weight in the range of 165 grams to 300 grams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Richard C. Helmstetter, Matthew T. Cackett, Herbert Reyes, James M. Murphy, Peter L. Soracco, J. Andrew Galloway
  • Publication number: 20020142859
    Abstract: A fairway wood type golf club having a club head with a major body and a minor body is disclosed herein. The major body is composed of a metal material and has a striking plate section, a return section, a sole section, a ribbon section and a ledge portion. The minor body is preferably composed of a composite material and has a crown section and a ribbon section. The striking plate section preferably has variable face thickness. The minor body is preferably attached by a liquid adhesive to the ledge section of the major body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: J. Andrew Galloway, Richard C. Helmstetter, Matthew T. Cackett, Alan Hocknell, D. Clayton Evans, Herbert Reyes, Garth W. Smith, James M. Murphy
  • Publication number: 20020123393
    Abstract: A putter-type club head (20) having a central aperture (32) with a rearward center of gravity is disclosed herein. The putter-type club head (20) has a body (22) that is preferably composed of stainless steel. The body (22) has a face portion (24), a crown portion (26), a sole portion (28) and an aft-mass portion (30). The face portion (24), the crown portion (26), the sole portion (28) and the aft-mass portion (30) define the central aperture (32). The crown portion (26) extends rearward from the face portion (24) over the aft-mass portion (30). The central aperture (32) separates the crown portion (26) from the sole portion (28) and the face portion (24) from the aft-mass portion (30). The crown portion (26) has an alignment means (40) thereon for aiming a golf ball during putting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 5, 2002
    Applicant: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Larry G. Tang, Roger Cleveland, Richard C. Helmstetter, Augustin W. Rollinson, Wayne H. Byrne, Luke R. Williams
  • Patent number: 6443856
    Abstract: A golf club head having a face with a plurality of shorelines that have a contour with a continuous curvature is disclosed herein. The face has a thickness that is less than 0.110 inches, and each of the scorelines have a depth that is greater than 0.012 inches. The width of each of the scorelines may be between 0.028 inches and 0.032 inches. Each of the scorelines may have a contour with a first convex section, a concave section and a second convex section. Preferably, the face is composed of a forged titanium material. However, the face and/or club head body may be composed of steel, other metals and composite materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: J. Andrew Galloway, Richard C. Helmstetter, Alan Hocknell
  • Patent number: 6440011
    Abstract: A method for producing a forged striking plate for a golf club is disclosed herein. The forging process involves multiple heating and pressing of a metal bar to obtain a final face member configuration. The heating of the metal bar is performed at temperatures below 1000° C. for less than twenty minutes. The final face member configuration has a striking plate with regions of variable thickness. The metal bar is preferably composed of a forged titanium material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Callaway Golf Company
    Inventors: Alan Hocknell, J. Andrew Galloway, Richard C. Helmstetter, Ronald C. Boyce